bmedSAB
2014-2015
bmedSAB 2014-2015 Course Guide
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
The following document represents the opinions and experiences of BME Student
Advisory Board members and other students in the biomedical engineering major. While this
guide is by no means official, we do hope that it gives you insight into the nature of the
classes you will be taking while pursuing your BME degree. Furthermore, we hope this
course guide serves as a tool as you plan and decide your course schedule for the spring and fall
semesters of 2015. The tips and comments are written by BME undergraduates who have
recently taken these courses. All course GPAs are easily accessible via SGA’s Course Critique
(http://www.sga.gatech.edu/critique/). Please see course grade averages broken down by
individual professor there. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this publication or
BME courses, you are welcome to contact your Student Advisory Board representatives. Their
contact information is given below. Alternatively, please visit our website and fill out our
comment form (http://www.gtbmedsab.org/contact-us.html).
Sincerely,
Your BME Student Advisory Board (bmedSAB)
Beth Carpenter, Chair (ecarpenter9@gatech.edu)
Alexa Siu, Vice-Chair (alexasiu@gatech.edu)
Will Mcallister, Secretary (wmcallister@gatech.edu)
Karisma Gupta, Web Chair (kgupta45@gatech.edu)
Bharat Sanders, Events Coordinator (bharat.sanders@gatech.edu)
Kelly Pesson, Treasurer (kpesson6@gatech.edu)
Caleb Appleton, Merchandise Chair (cmappleton11@gatech.edu)
Matthew Devlin (mrdevlin@gatech.edu)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BMED 1000: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING.......................................................................................... 4
BMED 1300: PROBLEMS IN BME I ............................................................................................................................ 4
BMED 2210: CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN BME ....................................................................................................... 5
BMED 2300: PROBLEMS IN BME II ........................................................................................................................... 6
BMED 2400: BIOSTATISTICS ..................................................................................................................................... 6
BMED 3100: SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY .......................................................................................................................... 7
BMED 3110: QUANTITATIVE ENGINEERING PHYSIOLOGY LAB I ........................................................................................ 8
BMED 3300: BIOTRANSPORT .................................................................................................................................... 8
BMED 3400: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS ......................................................................................................... 9
BMED 3510: BIOMEDICAL SYSTEMS AND MODELING ................................................................................................... 9
BMED 3600: PHYSIOLOGY OF CELLULAR & MOLECULAR SYSTEMS ................................................................................ 10
BMED 3610: QUANTITATIVE ENGINEERING PHYSIOLOGY LAB II ..................................................................................... 10
BMED 4602: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT I ................................................................................................................... 11
BMED 4603: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT II .................................................................................................................. 11
BMED 4400: NEUROENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS ................................................................................................... 12
BMED 4500: CELL & TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB ......................................................................................................... 12
BMED 4750: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PHYSICS ............................................................................................................ 13
BMED 4751: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMATERIALS ........................................................................................................ 13
BMED 4752: INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE........................................................................................................ 14
BMED/ME 4757: BIOFLUID MECHANICS.................................................................................................................. 14
BMED 4758: BIOSOLID MECHANICS......................................................................................................................... 15
BMED 4765: DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY ............................................................................................ 15
BMED 4781: BIOINSTRUMENTATION ....................................................................................................................... 16
BMED 4783: INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING.................................................................................... 16
BMED 4784: ENGINEERING ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 16
BMED 4803: GLOBAL HEALTH ENGINEERING ............................................................................................................. 17
BMED 4813: CLINICAL OBSERVATION AND DESIGN EXPERIENCE ................................................................................... 17
BMED 4843: BME HEALTHREACH........................................................................................................................... 18
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BMED 1000: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Prerequisites: None
Credit Hours: 1
Average GPA: S
This course is centered around a group project, where teams of 6 students will identify a
company and employee who serves in the role of a biomedical engineer. The goal is for students
to gain a better insight into what a biomedical engineer does in real life. Presentations will be
given by professors, alumni, current students, and others to tell you about the opportunities
available for biomedical engineers. These opportunities range from medical school and
research to co-ops/internships and career paths. The idea is that you will be exposed to the
many paths available to biomedical engineer graduates, as well as the vast resources you have
available here at Tech!
THE Tip: Come to class. Attendance is mandatory and you need a PRS (a handheld
computerized clicker that allows students to send in answers and attendance electronically). No
laptops in class, so don’t try.
Recall: Why did you come to Tech and choose BME in the first place?
Spend your time... thinking about what you would like to do with BME and how you can take
advantages of the resources available. Use the team project to begin developing those valuable
group skills you will need for the rest of your engineering degree!
Take Home: The CITI training comes in handy for 1300.
This class is a chance for you to see what careers and experiences you can have with BME, so
take the lessons with you as you work your way through undergrad.
BMED 1300: PROBLEMS IN BME I
Prerequisites: BMED 1000 OR BMED 1803
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.44
The class is divided into groups (~8 students) with both a faculty member and a student as
facilitators. Your team is given three complex, interdisciplinary problems to solve throughout the
semester. Your team is instructed to research the topics, come up with innovative solutions, and
then present the proposed solutions to other groups and facilitators through presentations and
technical reports. The technical report is written with limited guidance from your facilitator and
student co-facilitator.
THE Tip: Be proactive, be organized, speak up, take responsibility, and use the whiteboards!
Recall: Literature review skills (skim, scan, summarize), teamwork, presentation skills.
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Spend your time... meeting with your team (in and out of class) and researching
independently. It helps to read articles and then summarize them; make copies of your
summaries for your teammates so the meetings can go more effectively and efficiently (as they
will have something to refer to when you speak). Tackle the problems as a team--this means
speak up, listen attentively and give feedback, take responsibility, engage and encourage your
teammates, and be prepared to work hard. Communicate with your facilitator – is the
team where it needs to be? What are some future improvements? What can you, as a
member of the team, do better? Address team problems early if you are having conflict, and get
work done in advance to avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Take Home: The most important skill you will learn in this class is how to approach and illdefined problem and arrive at a previously untouched solution. The team building,
communication, and literature review skills come in handy for future BME courses and are a
great starting point for knowing what direction you want to take with BME (research &
development, statistical analysis, programming, management, etc.). Getting to know a faculty
member in a small team-setting is invaluable!
BMED 2210: CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES IN BME
Prerequisites: BMED 1300 and CHEM 1211 and PHYS 2211
Credit Hours: 4
Average GPA: 2.62
Everything becomes a system! This class requires a specific process of comprehending a
problem, drawing a diagram (or diagrams), making relevant assumptions, setting up a system of
equations, and computing the answer (the least important step). Teaching and grading styles
differ vastly from professor to professor, so do your research when registering for this class to
make sure you match up with your learning style.
THE tip: Don't look at the answers and convince yourself you could solve it on your own. You
can't ride easily through this class. Work lots of practice problems before each exam and be
prepared to work quickly. Test and homework grading tend to heavily weight appropriate setup
of the problem, relevant diagrams, and your assumptions. (So make sure you spend time doing
this before moving to the math). Often, getting the correct answer accounts for less than 5% of
the points that you could earn.
Recall: Chemistry, linear algebra (for converting systems of equations into matrices),
interpolation, physics (energy principles)
Spend your time... working lots of problems. Don't just “accept” the given answer if you get
stuck; find someone to explain it to you. Work to learn how to assess and approach each
problem. The tests are a time crunch, so it's important for you to decide how to approach
each problem quickly. Go to office hours for both your professor and TAs. Find a couple of
friends in the class (or make some) to work on homework and practice problems together--there
is strength in numbers!
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Take Home: Engineering problem solving skills, group work skills, how to draw a proper
engineering diagram, and a general understanding of chemical engineering computations.
BMED 2300: PROBLEMS IN BME II
Prerequisite: BMED 1300
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.30
This class is almost entirely focused on a semester team project encompassing design, technical
report writing, CAD, and presentations. The weekly lecture is interesting, but mostly helpful for
the exams because it is often delivered too late in the semester for much help with the project.
The project requires excellent teamwork skills, delegation, and a strong awareness of individual
team members’ strengths and weaknesses.
THE tip: Try to take the class with students you know you work well with! Start writing sections of
the report or conducting necessary research as soon as you start the project. Talk to your TA
outside of class so that she/he knows you're putting forth the effort. You will spend
approximately three weeks learning SolidWorks, but don’t stop working on your project during
this time (this is a dangerous trap to fall into). Make sure to bring a portable mouse for any CAD
modeling - it becomes useful for shortcuts that significantly decrease the time you invest in one
model!
Recall: BMED 1300 team skills, literature review, statics (COE 2001) for doing an engineering
analysis, presentations during the lecture period (incorporate whenever possible)
Spend your time... making a shared calendar with due dates because the class is fast paced!
Focus on the rubrics as well as learning and refining SolidWorks skills for class, work, and your
resume. Keep your notebook updated ALWAYS because the notebook checks are unannounced!
Take Home: Presentation skills, SolidWorks skills, a background on the design iteration process
and medical device industry.
BMED 2400: BIOSTATISTICS
Prerequisites: MATH 1501 and CS 1371
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.12
This course covers statistical concepts that range from simple mean, median, mode to more
complex topics such as a t-test, ANOVA (Analysis of Variances), ANCOVA, and Bayesian
statistics. There are about 6 homework assignments, one midterm, a final project, and a final
exam. If you already know statistics from high school, it will help with the concepts in this class.
Do your homework and work out problems from old tests/textbook. Read the course textbook,
and try to read the text before attending lecture. Do not get overwhelmed by complex
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proofs/theorems-–make sure you understand the underlying concept and application of each
topic.
THE tip: If you do not understand statistics, find someone who does! For the homework, find
similar problems on the online text and use them as templates. The resources on the course
website are extremely useful! Become proficient with MATLAB. Save your homework files for
open-note exams. Ask the teacher for a pdf copy of the book for fast access to key words during
exams. Take the time to get to know the professor, often he will give additional problems (with
solutions) to assist with any weaknesses you describe to him.
Recall: CS 1371, high school statistics
Spend your time... by attending class (attendance is recorded), taking notes, and doing
homework regularly. Find a good study partner, and DO NOT cram for your tests – start ahead of
time (they cover a lot of material). Learn from friends. Spend class time working on homework
and becoming proficient with the MATLAB statistics functions. Make a MATLAB file with all the
functions and with descriptions of the input variables; this becomes useful during exams. You
can easily cut down your time by copying and pasting pre-written code.
Take Home: This is an extremely useful class as you will extensively reuse topics learned in this
course for future courses such as BMED 3110, as well as in any kind of project involving data
analysis.
BMED 3100: SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY
Prerequisite: CHEM 1315 OR 2311
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 2.68
This class goes through the different systems (circulatory, digestive, etc.) of the body.
Towards the end of each system, you are expected to integrate your knowledge of the different
systems to explain the causes of different pathologies and discuss treatments.
THE Tip: Be a self-learner and go the extra mile to learn the material. Don't memorize
facts; understand the reasons behind any action. The material can be a lot at one time so keep
up with reading the text and ask questions if you don’t understand something. Print out
powerpoints before class and pay attention to the class lectures. Spend your lecture time writing
something the professor mentioned in class that is not mentioned on the slides.
Recall: Biology
Spend your time... understanding how your professor will test. This may mean you need to
really focus on the book and not class notes or the opposite. This class will become immensely
easier as you begin to understand how and what to study. Don’t be afraid to ask if the professor
expects you to memorize something or not - they will be honest.
Take Home: an understanding of human physiology and how complex systems work together,
very helpful for MCAT studying
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BMED 3110: QUANTITATIVE ENGINEERING PHYSIOLOGY LAB I
Prerequisites: BMED 3400 and 3100 and (BMED 2400 or CEE/ISYE/MATH 3770)
Credit Hours: 2
Average GPA: 3.01
You complete experiments using given information that's incomplete with sometimes
faulty equipment. You write stringently graded technical reports. You learn to gather and analyze
noisy biological data. This class will give you the opportunity to learn how to problem-solve, work
with a team, and write scientific reports.
THE tip: Decide on team members and register for the same class. This is a very timeconsuming class, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Recall: DSP (though taking this is not necessary for success in the course), statistics, some
biomechanics, CS 1371, and physiology
Spend your time... in lab. Become familiar with LabVIEW. You will regularly have to complete
experiments outside of scheduled lab times.
Take Home: LabVIEW, an ability to integrate biology and engineering concepts from multiple
classes to address a well-structured research question.
BMED 3300: BIOTRANSPORT
Prerequisites: BMED 2210 and MATH 2403
Credit Hours: 4
Average GPA: 2.85
Biotransport is the movement of mass, fluid or heat as driven by gradients in physical systems.
The focus is on biomedical applications of transport--hence the title Biotransport. Fluid
dynamics is one part of what we study here, and blood vessel flow is the perfect example
of this for them. But the mass transfer area is important in areas such as drug delivery and
nutrient delivery to tissue engineered constructs. Heat transfer is important in areas such as
cryoprotection of tissues. You must apply fluid dynamics principles to solve problems concerning
drug delivery, blood vessel transport, etc. Dr. Kemp and Dr. Ethier teach a combined section of
this class which includes a final written project.
The tip: Practice, practice, practice! Go to every flip session or PLUS session (if they are available
with your class), attend office hours, and form study groups.
Recall: Differential Equations, Calculus III, BMED 3100
Spend your time... doing all the problems you can get your hands on, including homework,
samples from lecture, and recitation. Understand all of the problems and approaches very well.
Utilized both TA and Professor office hours.
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Take Home: Understanding of fluid dynamic and mass transport problems as they relate to bodily
functions.
BMED 3400: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS
Prerequisites: MATH 2403 and COE 2001
Credit Hours: 4
Average GPA: 2.91
This course is based on statics and dynamics. The problems in the course are not too difficult and
have very common themes, so work out the homework and understand the key concepts.
THE tip: Pay attention in class and go to recitation – it is really easy to get behind and miss out
on an important concept. It's important to solve the problems while applying the engineering
process (first draw free body diagrams, sum the forces, find continuous regions over material,
"cut" intersections to analyze internal forces, etc). Often the process itself can get you more
points than reaching the correct answer. Study and do well on the weekly homework quizzes.
Recall: Integration, statics – half this class is being competent in statics and applying new
concepts to dynamic environments.
Spend your time... working on problems from the homeworks, lectures, and practice test bank.
Take Home: Being able to make simplifying assumptions to model the body as it relates to
solving biomechanics problems necessary for designing biomedical devices and implants.
BMED 3510: BIOMEDICAL SYSTEMS AND MODELING
Prerequisites: PHYS 2212 and MATH 2403 and BMED 3100
Credit Hours: 4
Average GPA: 2.93
This course is different from many courses that are offered. There is one lecture a week and two
“recitation” sessions. In lecture, you learn about the concepts, different aspects for
modelling a system, and the math behind the models--mainly differential equations. In
recitation, you spend one session working out small projects that use those concepts and math
to actually model systems. The second session is spent either working in more projects or
doing a review of the week.
THE Tip: Go to class and take notes. Ask questions. The better you understand the concept, the
easier the studio section is. Do your homework. Form a study group!
Recall: DSP and differential equations, Laplace transforms, Linear Algebra.
Spend your time... Working on the recitation section, reading the textbook.
Take Home: Different approaches to model complex systems and computational tools to perform
such modeling.
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BMED 3600: PHYSIOLOGY OF CELLULAR & MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Prerequisites: BMED 3100
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 2.97
This class teaches you basic mammalian cell anatomy and cellular level mechanisms. A
few of the topics covered in this class include transcription/translation, cell growth and
death, structure and function of cell membranes, the cytoskeleton, and the extracellular matrix.
In addition to regular exams, you are to work with a team in drafting a research proposal by the
end of the semester. You are given a topic from the beginning and must draw from concepts in
class to draft the proposal. There are regular deliverables and presentations along the semester.
THE tip: Test material comes nearly all from lecture, so you should attend lecture. Use the
textbook to reinforce your knowledge and gain a better understanding. Don’t wait until the night
before to review the journal articles and finish your group papers (the professor will know
and your grade will suffer). Work on your writing skills; you will be expected to write
research proposals and weekly paper reviews. Hone your group working skills– a positive,
hard-working, meticulous, and cooperative attitude will take you a long way. Talk to your TA
and ask for review sessions if you feel uncertain about any class material. Keep in mind some
professors may talk about their own research, and anything they say is fair game on a test.
Recall: BMED 1300, Biology, BMED 3100
Spend your time... reviewing lecture slides for the tests and doing a literature review for
your assigned project. Communicate with your team and meet often.
Take Home: Important cell biology concepts, writing grants, reading, reviewing, critiquing
papers and capturing only what’s necessary in them.
BMED 3610: QUANTITATIVE ENGINEERING PHYSIOLOGY LAB II
Prerequisites: BMED 2300 and 3300 and 3110 and 3600
Credit Hours: 2
Average GPA: 3.22
This course is the second of the two lab classes that are required for all BMEs. Class is divided
into groups of 3-4 in a lab of about 20-30 people. The team is given several problems to solve
throughout the semester, each of which contains a scientific component and an engineering
component. This is one of the most critical courses for those wishing to enter the industry
as it gives hands on engineering experience.
THE Tip: Make sure that your group is composed of people you want to work with (A LOT) and
make sure that their schedules match yours enough to put in the lab time.
Recall: Problem solving skills... BMED 2300 provides good experience for this type of thinking.
Spend your time... in the lab, in the lab, in the lab…
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Take Home: This class teaches problem solving which can be applied to most classes, but is
especially useful from an engineering standpoint and those interested in a career in industry.
BMED 4602: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT I
Prerequisites: BMED 3610 and 2300
Credit Hours: 2
Average GPA: 3.29
This class involves picking a project idea and mentor in the first week and then spending the
semester designing the project. The course focuses on engineering design specifications, initial
prior art, design concepts and a plan of action for 4601. This course serves as the planning and
initial design stage for a complete biomedical design project. You'll work in groups of 3-4
students and have a project adviser. You will develop a project plan and, eventually, a design
for a device that fills a need in the biomedical industry. You will write several papers outlining
your objectives, needs, and plans.
THE tip: Find motivated teammates prior to the beginning of the class who have similar interests,
but different skill sets and points of view so that you can find a project you are all passionate
about.
Recall: EVERYTHING! Technical instruction is minimal; classroom-based instruction is focused on
the real-world, professional aspects of project development most students are unfamiliar with.
Spend your time... talking with your mentor about ideas and formulating realistic plans for the
next semester. Do not waste time during group meetings. Meet 2-3 hours a week with
your group and work on the next assignment. Planning and working closely with your team
to define and develop goals now will REALLY help during 4601.
Take Home: This class gives a great idea of teamwork, the design iteration process, and a
glimpse at what industry might be like for you… it also lays the necessary foundation for work in
4603.
BMED 4603: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT II
Prerequisites: BMED 4602
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.29
This course is the second half of the project began in 4602. Each team will prototype the
design, test it, and write a 510(k), among others things. At the end of the course, you will
present a functional prototype to your classmates, instructors, advisors, and maybe even
potential future employers!
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THE tip: Make a cardboard model and order what you need at the end of 4602. Prepare for
group meetings. Make a Gantt chart for the components of the design to ensure everything gets
finished.
Recall: BMED 4602, BMED 2300, BMED 3110, and any other relevant course that pertains to your
design.
Spend your time... prototyping! The more iteration you do, the better your design
becomes. Also, write everything in your lab notebook. If something bad happens (i.e. your
prototype doesn’t work or your team stops working), you have proof of what you did, and will
hopefully earn a higher grade. Talking through complications during the prototyping phase is a
must. The dry-erase walls and the senior design lab will be your favorite places in the building.
Take Home: A great background on product design and development and some great contacts
with other group members and advisors.
BMED 4400: NEUROENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS
Prerequisites: BMED 3110 and 4752
Credit Hours: 2 hours lecture, 6 in lab
Average GPA: 3.19
This is a unique lab+lecture course that allows you to enhance your problem-based learning (PBL)
skills by designing your own cutting-edge experiments with advanced ideas and equipment
identical to those used in the Laboratory for Neuroengineering and elsewhere at Georgia Tech.
Emphasis will be on teamwork, thinking, and self-directed inquiry. You will learn all about where
brain tissue and technology meet. The course is designed to give you skills useful in the real
world.
THE tip: Start on your project early and plan on putting a good deal of time/effort into
it. Don't underestimate the data analysis required for your project; it is just as important as the
experiment. Ask for help early and often.
Recall: Intro Neuro topics and basic circuits
Spend your time... in class, taking awesome and detailed notes. Don't be fooled into
thinking the powerpoint is enough to study from. If you review your notes and readings, the
test doesn't have to be stressful. Keep up with your notebook, seriously. Get the kinks worked
out of your experiment early. And don't forget the quizzes!
Take Home: Great experience taking a problem from conception to conclusion. Also a
good introduction to the amazing technologies used in neuroscience.
BMED 4500: CELL & TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB
Prerequisites: BMED 3610
Credit Hours: 2
Average GPA: 3.69
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The principles of cell and tissue engineering will be presented in a hands-on laboratory
experience. Cell engineering topics include receptor/ligand interactions, cell
cycle/metabolism, cell adhesion, cellular mechanics, cell signal transduction, and cell
transfection. Tissue engineering topics include applications, biomaterials/scaffolds and cells for
reparative medicine, bioreactors and bioprocessing, functional assessment, and in vivo issues.
It's a 6 hour lab component, and you can finish everything in lab if you come prepared.
BMED 4750: DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PHYSICS
Prerequisites: BMED 3110
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 2.86
Physics and image formation methods for conventional X-ray, digital X-ray CT, nuclear
medicine, and magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging.
THE tip: Attend every class and study the lectures and assignments. Ask lots of questions of the
professor and other students about the class material you don't understand.
Recall: Everything in this class was based on general knowledge regarding physics and
image formation methods for conventional imaging systems.
Spend your time... studying lecture notes and assignments and asking questions.
Take Home: If you're interested in the field of medical imaging, this class will help you
gain basic knowledge about the various imaging systems. It's also good for pre-med students to
learn.
BMED 4751: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMATERIALS
Prerequisites: MSE 2001
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 2.71
Introduction to different classes of biomaterials (polymers, metals, ceramics) and physiological
responses to biomaterial implantation. Topics include material properties, host response, and
biomaterial characterization techniques. This class focuses on memorizing facts and graphs
about different materials used in the body for engineering and healthcare purposes, and how
the body physiologically responds to these materials. Dr. Milam hand-writes her notes on the
board and erases them after a while, making prompt class attendance very important.
Exam format is free response (short answer), very similar to the format seen in MSE 2001.
THE tip: Memorization, memorization, memorization. Attend class every day, take notes
extensively and diligently, ask questions at review sessions prior to exams. Make flashcards of
key processes and vocabulary, and pay close attention to spelling!
Recall: MSE 2001, BMED 3100
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Spend your time… reviewing your class notes and running through flashcards.
Take Home: This class is critical for anyone planning to work in the medical device
industry. Understanding the clinical impact of the materials you select is extremely important.
BMED 4752: INTRODUCTION TO NEUROSCIENCE
Prerequisites: BMED 3600 or BIOL 3340
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.15
Dr. Potter tells you up-front that “introduction” does not mean “easy”. A lot of material
is encompassed, including motor and visual systems, memory, and even sex and dreams.
Dr. Potter assumes that you are very motivated as this is an elective you chose to take. He
assigns projects and presents copious amounts of materials in accordance with this assumption.
Dr. La Placa (the other instructor) presents the material in a lecture-format, however outside
reading from the textbook is extremely emphasized. She often assigns short projects on relevant
topics, including opinion papers and book reviews.
THE tip: You can find tons of neuro-related video lectures online to write one-page reports. Each
counts for one extra credit point. Go to review sessions--especially for Dr. Le Placa’s class, there
is a large amount of material covered and TAs can help you digest key topics.
Recall: BMED 3600, BMED 3100
Spend your time... working on the various long-term projects, such as your wikipedia
article and amazon book review (Potter), or reviewing key points in the textbook (La Placa).
Take Home: background and understanding of neuroscience and the brain
BMED/ME 4757: BIOFLUID MECHANICS
Prerequisites: BMED 3300
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.30
Introduction to the study of blood flow in the cardiovascular system. Emphasis on modeling and
the potential of flow studies for clinical research application. Become well versed in heart
physiology and flow and attempts to current technology to improve weak or diseased
hearts/vessels. Class format was loose and Dr. Yoganathan often delegates lectures to the TAs,
so be prepared to handle last minute changes in organizations and assignments.
THE tip: Attend recitation and lecture. Read the text and similar texts. Learn heart
anatomy and blood flow early on… it will help you picture everything from the start.
Recall: Fluids, calculus, and physiology
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Spend your time… Review lecture notes, heart anatomy, and reading the text. Start early on the
final project
Take Home: Knowledge on the cardiovascular system… great for pre-meds and those
interested in medical device industry.
BMED 4758: BIOSOLID MECHANICS
Prerequisites: BMED 3400
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.04
The mechanics of living tissue, e.g., arteries, skin, heart muscle, ligament, tendon,
cartilage, and bone. Constitutive equations and some simple mechanical models. Mechanics of
cells.
THE tip: Take good, legible, and organized notes in class. Do the homework assignments
carefully. When studying for the exam, try redoing the homework problems and in-class
examples.
Recall: BMED 3400 and matrix algebra
Spend your time... doing problems and in-class examples
Take Home: What viscoelasticity is and how to approach analyzing the mechanical properties of
soft tissues (both experimentally and analytically).
BMED 4765: DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY
Prerequisites: CHEM 3511 or 4511
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.13
Introduction to the pharmaceutical development process, including design of new drugs,
synthesis and manufacturing issues, and methods for delivery into the body. There are 5-6
homeworks, a few exams, and a final presentation on a drug design/development/delivery
system assigned to you.
THE tip: Success is highly dependent on the final exam which is solely based on the
presentation section by the student projects at the end of the semester. The homeworks and
exams are not too tricky and are written so that if you pay enough attention in class you should
ace them.
Recall: Biochemistry
Spend your time: Reviewing lecture notes & working on the final presentations
Take Home: You learn a lot about the pharmaceutical industry and the professors, there is a
spring break trip to Puerto Rico to visit Pharma plants… a huge asset for job searches
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because of the networking. HIGHLY recommend interacting with the professors and attending
the Puerto Rico trip.
BMED 4781: BIOINSTRUMENTATION
Prerequisites: ECE 3710 or 3040
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.37
A survey of the types of instruments used to measure and record biological signals from the
brain, heart, skeletal muscles, and eye. Instruments range from simple impedance electrodes to
EEGs and MRIs. In Dr. Benkeser's class, there are 3-4 low-key group projects.
THE tip: Practice measuring biological systems in the projects.
Recall: electrophysiology, biology, BMED 3110, ECE 3710 and ECE 3741
Spend your time... working on group projects or studying for the quizzes.
Take Home: Fundamentals of instrumentation necessary to intersect machinery and the
human body. Hands-on knowledge of basic measuring of biological signals.
BMED 4783: INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING
Prerequisites: ECE 2025 and (MATH 3770 or ISYE 3770 or CEE 3770 or BMED 2400)
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.03
A study of mathematical methods used in medical image acquisition and processing.
Concepts, algorithms, and methods associated with acquisition, processing, and display of
two- and three dimensional medical images are studied. Learn tips and tricks for manipulating
images with a focus on MRI and CAT scan data. With Dr. Skrinjar the format was theoretical
homework every week with an associated MATLAB assignment.
THE tip: Pay heavy attention & take great notes. Tests come from problems he works during class.
Recall: CS 1371 and DSP
Spend your time... reviewing problems from class.
Take Home: general computer programming skills, refresh & solidify DSP, & a great prep for
3510.
BMED 4784: ENGINEERING ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
Prerequisites: ECE 3040 or BMED 3510
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.40
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Basic concepts of electrophysiology from an engineering perspective. Students learn the
function of relevant organs and systems and the instrumentation tools which monitor
electrophysiological function.
THE tip: Take good notes, and do the homework. Test material is based on what is taught in
lecture.
Recall: ECE 2025, ECE 3740, and ECE 3741
Spend your time... working homework problems.
Take Home: a good foundation in cardiology and a tie in biological and electrical aspects.
BMED 4803: GLOBAL HEALTH ENGINEERING
Prerequisites: None
Credit hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.66
This class provides an introduction to basic problems in global health. You cover the key points
of common diseases in developing countries such as guinea worm, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and
tuberculosis; you also identify key interventions in common problems of the developing world
like maternal and childhood mortality and lack of access to safe drinking water. You explore the
role of an engineer in solving these problems with a team project on a topic of your choice that
spans the semester. The project is written and presented as a scientific grant proposal, and
incorporates feedback from other students acting as grant reviewers.
THE tip: Take the class with friends or BME students you know well--the group project
component of this class accounts for 50% of your grade and you will be spending a lot of time
together. Get a thick skin for the many and often brutally honest project reviews from other
students.
Recall: Statistics, BMED 1300 (and other group classes), BMED 3100, BMED 3600
Spend your time…working with your group perfecting your project over and over and over again
based on the huge amount of feedback you receive from your classmates’ reviews and critiques.
It is important to understand the root issue you are addressing and providing a feasible
intervention; great ideas are often glossed over because they are too complicated or radical.
Take Home: a new understanding of engineering solutions to global health issues, how the grant
process works, key problems and diseases affecting the developing world
BMED 4813: CLINICAL OBSERVATION AND DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Prerequisites: At least 100 credit hours before registration
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 3.67
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This course is for students interested in clinical design and medicine. It offers an opportunity for
BME students to observe and shadow doctors at Emory Midtown, Grady, or Children’s Hospital
of Atlanta.
THE tip: Do not miss your shifts.
Recall: BMED 1300 and BMED 2300
Spend your time... keeping a comprehensive and extensive notebook of all the observations you
experience while shadowing. Show up to class and pay attention to the teacher. The teacher is a
doctor who has a lot of great experiences to share.
Take Home: This is not a shadowing class! Only take this class if you are interested in learning
and evaluating the treatment of patients in a clinical setting. This class is only to explore
potential redesigns and improvements.
BMED 4843: BME HEALTHREACH
Prerequisites: BMED 1300
Credit Hours: 3
Average GPA: 4.00
In this course, students create educational activities to teach pediatric patients about math and
science concepts through the lens of their disease. This class is a 2+semester commitment;
during the first semester as a “junior” member, students create and refine activities while also
shadowing the “senior” members. During the second semester as a “senior” member, students
have weekly shifts at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston or Hughes-Spalding) where they
do the activities with the patients. You will use your 1300 PBL skills while working in groups to
create the activities as well as when you are presenting your activities. You will use your 2300
skills when creating basic prototypes of your activities each week.
THE tip: When designing activities, think about it from the patient’s perspective - are your
activities fun for various ages/educational levels of children? When going to the hospital, be sure
to be respectful and considerate of the patients, their parents, and all hospital employees.
Recall: BMED 1300 and BMED 2300
Spend your time... Brainstorming creative ways to teach new topics, while linking them to the
disease components. It’s always better to have a quality activity that took more time to make,
rather than a boring activity that was easy to create.
Take Home: Learn how to summarize BME knowledge into easy-to-understand terms that
children can understand. Learn how to teach basic math and science topics in an interesting and
novel way while making it identifiable for pediatric patients.
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