Graduate Course Listing

BME 4011: Biomedical Signal Analysis

Category II (offered at least every other Year)
  • This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.

Credits 2.0

Introduction to biomedical signal processing and analysis. Fundamental techniques to analyze and process signals that originate from biological sources: ECGs, EMGs, EEGs, blood pressure signals, etc. Course integrates physiological knowledge with the information useful for physiologic investigation and medical diagnosis and processing. Biomedical signal characterization, time domain analysis techniques (transfer functions, convolution, auto- and cross-correlation), frequency domain (Fourier analysis), continuous and discrete signals, deterministic and stochastic signal analysis methods. Analog and digital filtering.

Recommended Background:
  • ECE 2311, ECE 2312, or equivalent.

BME 4201: Biomedical Imaging

Category II (offered at least every other Year)
  • This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.

Credits 2.0

This course provides an understanding of fundamental principles of various biomedical imaging modalities as well as computational image analysis. Topics include: light microscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computational image analysis, and review of computer vision theory and the relevant principles of physics. Course work uses examples from light microscopy, computed tomography, X-ray radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Recommended Background:

  • Familiarity with a high-level programming language is recommended.

BME 4503: Computational Biomechanics

Category II (offered at least every other Year)
  • This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.

Credits 2.0

This course will focus on using computational modeling approaches, particularly, finite element models, to simulate, validate, and analyze the biomechanics involved in soft and hard tissue deformation and stress/strain analysis in quasi-static or impact conditions. First, students will be introduced to the process of setting specific analytical goals and establishing the need for a specific quantitative biomechanical model. Then, basic underlying principles of forward and inverse static/dynamics simulations are covered. Finally, multi-scale and multi-step models will be introduced. During the process, material models and property assignment will also be covered. Model building, testing, optimization and validation with experimental data will be discussed. An introduction to tools and techniques used in computational biomechanics will be provided.

Recommended Background:
  • Basic knowledge of solid mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, ME 3501 or equivalent)
  • Differential and integral calculus (i.e., MA 2051 or equivalent)
  • MATLAB programming (BME 2211 Data Analysis).

Notes:

  • Students may not receive credit for both BME 450X and BME 4503.

BME 4504: Biomechanics

Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Credits 2.0

This course emphasizes the applications of mechanics to describe the material properties of living tissues. It is concerned with the description and measurements of these properties as related to their physiological functions. Emphasis on the interrelationship between biomechanics and physiology in medicine, surgery, body injury and prostheses. Topics covered include: Review of basic mechanics, stress, strain, constitutive equations and the field equations, viscoelastic behavior, and models of material behavior. The measurement and characterization of properties of tendons, skin, muscles and bone. Biomechanics as related to body injury and the design of prosthetic devices.

Recommended Background:
  • Mechanics (ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, ME 3501)
  • Mathematics (MA 2051).

BME 4606: Biofluids

Category II (offered at least every other Year)
  • This course will be offered in 2022-23, and in alternating years thereafter.

Credits 2.0

This course emphasizes the applications of fluid mechanics to biological problems. The course concentrates primarily on the human circulatory and respiratory systems. Topics covered include: blood flow in the heart, arteries, veins and microcirculation and air flow in the lungs and airways. Mass transfer across the walls of these systems is also presented.

Recommended Background:
  • Continuum Mechanics (ME 3501)
  • Fluid mechanics equivalent to ES 3004.

BME 4701: Cell and Molecular Bioengineering

Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Credits 2.0

This course examines the principles of molecular and cell biology applied to the design of engineered molecules, cells and tissues. Topics will include the basic structural, chemical and physical properties of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA), application of biomolecules to monitor and alter cellular processes in vitro and in vivo, and design considerations for engineering cell and molecular therapeutics. Case studies will be used to examine specific applications of molecular and cellular bioengineering technologies to treat disease and promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Recommended Background:
  • Cell biology (BB 2550).
  • Additional coursework in molecular biology (BB 2950) and/or genetics (BB 2920) would be beneficial.

Notes:

  • Students who earned credit for BME 37XX may not receive credit for BME 4701.

BME 4814: Biomaterials

Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Credits 2.0

A course discusses various aspects pertaining to the selection, processing, testing (in vitro and in vivo) and performance of biomedical materials. The biocompatibility and surgical applicability of metallic, polymeric and ceramic implants and prosthetic devices are discussed. The physico-chemical interactions between the implant material and the physiological environment will be described. The use of biomaterials in maxillifacial, orthopedic, dental, ophthalmic and neuromuscular applications is presented.

Recommended Background:
  • BB 3130 or equivalent introduction to Human Anatomy
  • ES 2001 or equivalent Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering.

BME 4828: Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions

Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Credits 2.0

This course examines the principles of materials science and cell biology underlying the design of medical devices, artificial organs and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Molecular and cellular interactions with biomaterials are analyzed in terms of cellular processes such as matrix synthesis, degradation and contraction. Principles of wound healing and tissue remodeling are used to study biological responses to implanted materials and devices. Case studies will be analyzed to compare tissue responses to intact, bioresorbable and bioerodible biomaterials. Additionally, this course will examine criteria for restoring physiological function of tissue and organs and investigate strategies to design implants and prostheses based on control of biomaterial-tissue interactions.

Recommended Background:
  • BB 2550 or equivalent
  • ES 2001 or equivalent
  • PH 1110 or PH 1111.

BME 4831: Drug Delivery

Category I (offered at least 1x per Year)
Credits 2.0

The course examines fundamental composition, structure, property and performance relationships in classical and novel drug delivery systems as part of disease treatment strategies (i.e. cancer, organ damage). Physiological barriers to drug delivery and methods to overcome these barriers are analyze. The course will familiarize students with biomaterial-based drug delivery systems that have recently been developed. Topics include routes of drug administration, diffusion, Fick’s law, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, drug modifications, materials for drug delivery (implantable, transdermal, injectable), antibody therapeutics, cells as drugs and drug delivery vehicles, and novel drug formulations and delivery systems.

Recommended Background:
  • Fundamental knowledge of:
    • Biomaterials (e.g. BME 2001 or equivalent)
    • Multivariable calculus (e.g. MA 1024 or equivalent)
    • Biological system function or cell function (e.g., BB 1035 or BB 2550 or equivalent)

BME 520: Biomechanics and Robotics

Credits 3.0

This course introduces Biomechanics and Robotics as a unified subject addressing living and man-made “organisms”. It draws deep connections between the natural and the synthetic, showing how the same principles apply to both, starting from sensing, through control, to actuation. Those principles are illustrated in several domains, including locomotion, prosthetics, and medicine. The following topics are addressed: Biological and Artificial sensors, actuators and control, Orthotics Biomechanics and Robotics, Prosthetic Biomechanics and Robotics: Artificial Organs and Limbs, Rehabilitation Robotics and Biomechanics: Therapy, Assistance and Clinical Evaluation, Human-Robot Interaction and Robot Aided Living for Healthier Tomorrow, Sports, Exercise and Games: Biomechanics and Robotics, Robot-aided Surgery, Biologically Inspired Robotics and Micro- (bio) robotics, New Technologies and Methodologies in Medical Robotics and Biomechanics, Neural Control of Movement and Robotics Applications, Applied Musculoskeletal Models and Human Movement Analysis. This course meshes physics, biology, medicine and engineering and introduce students to subject that holds a promise to be one of the most influential innovative research directions defining the 21st century.

Recommended Background:
  • Foundation of:
    • Physics
    • Linear algebra and differential equations
    • Basic programming skills e.g. using MATLAB, undergraduate level biomechanics, robotics

BME 523: Biomedical Instrumentation

Credits 3.0
Origins and characteristics of bioelectric signals, recording electrodes, biopotential amplifiers, basic sensors, chemical, pressure, sound, and flow transducers, noninvasive monitoring techniques and electrical safety.
Prerequisites:
  • Circuits and electronics
  • Control engineering or equivalent

BME 530: Biomedical Materials

Credits 2.0

This course is intended to serve as a general introduction to various aspects pertaining to the application of synthetic and natural materials in medicine and healthcare. This course will provide the student with a general understanding of the properties of a wide range of materials used in clinical practice. The physical and mechanical property requirements for the long term efficacy of biomaterials in the augmentation, repair, replacement or regeneration of tissues will be described. The physico-chemical interactions between the biomaterial and the physiological environment will be highlighted. The course will provide a general understanding of the application of a combination of synthetic and biological moieties to elicit a specific physiological response. Examples of the use of biomaterials in drug delivery, theranostic, orthopedic, dental, cardiovascular, ocular, wound closure and the more recent lab-on-chip applications will be outlined. This course will highlight the basic terminology used in this field and provide the background to enable the student to review the latest research in scientific journals. This course will demonstrate the interdisciplinary issues involved in biomaterials design, synthesis, evaluation and analysis, so that students may seek a job in the medical device industry or pursue research in this rapidly expanding field.

Notes:

  • Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have received credit for the Special Topics (ME 593/MTE 594) version of the same course, or for ME/BME 4814 Biomedical Materials.

BME 531: Biomaterials in the Design of Medical Devices

Credits 3.0
Biomaterials are an integral part of medical devices, implants, controlled drug delivery systems, and tissue engineered constructs. Extensive research efforts have been expended on understanding how biologic systems interact with biomaterials. Meanwhile, controversy has revolved around biomaterials and their availability as a result of the backlash to the huge liability resulting from controversies related to material and processing shortcomings of medical devices. This course specifically addresses the unique role of biomaterials in medical device design and the use of emerging biomaterials technology in medical devices. The need to understand design requirements of medical devices based on safety and efficacy will be addressed. Unexpected device failure can occur if testing fails to account for synergistic interactions from chronic loading, aqueous environments, and biologic interactions. Testing methodologies are readily available to assess accelerated effects of loading in physiologic-like environments. This combined with subchronic effects of animal implants is a potential tool in assessing durability. It is difficult to predict the chronic effects of the total biologic environment. The ultimate determination of safety comes not only from following the details of regulations, but with an understanding of potential failure modes and designs that lowers the risk of these failures. This course will evaluate biomaterials and their properties as related to the design and reliability of medical devices.

BME 532: Medical Device Regulation

Credits 3.0
This course provides an overview of regulations that guide the medical devices industry. Primary focus is on the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and its associated regulations. The course covers the FD&C Act, including definitions, prohibited acts, penalties and general authority. The course also covers regulations, including establishment registration, premarket approval (PMA) and current good manufacturing practices. Requirements of other federal agencies (NRC, FCC, EPA) will also be discussed.

BME 533: Medical Device Innovation and Development

Credits 2.0

The goal of this course is to introduce medical device innovation strategies, design and development processes, and provide students with an understanding of how medical device innovations are brought from concept to clinical adoption. Students will have opportunities to practice medical device innovation through a team-based course project. Specific learning outcomes include describing and applying medical device design and development concepts such as value proposition, iterative design, concurrent design and manufacturing, intellectual property, and FDA regulation; demonstrating an understanding of emerging themes that are shaping medical device innovation; demonstrating familiarity with innovation and entrepreneurship skills, including customer discovery, market analysis, development planning, and communicating innovation; and gaining capability and confidence as innovators, problem solvers, and communicators, particularly in the medical device industry but transferable to any career path.

BME 535: Medical Device Design Controls

Credits 3.0
An introduction to the fundamentals of medical device design controls from concept generation to manufacturing. Students work in teams to navigate through the medical device design and development lifecycle on various device types, fulfilling design control requirements while learning what is required to bring a concept to life in industry.
Notes:
  • Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 595: Special Topics.
  • Does not fulfil technical depth requirement.

BME 550: Tissue Engineering

Credits 3.0

This biomaterials course focuses on the selection, processing, testing and performance of materials used in biomedical applications with special emphasis upon tissue engineering. Topics include material selection and processing, mechanisms and kinetics of material degradation, cell-material interactions and interfaces; effect of construct architecture on tissue growth; and transport through engineered tissues. Examples of engineering tissues for replacing cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, skin and liver will be presented.

Prerequisites:
  • A first course in biomaterials equivalent to BME/ME 4814
  • A basic understanding of cell biology and physiology.

Notes:

  • Admission of undergraduate students requires the permission of the instructor

BME 552: Tissue Mechanics

Credits 3.0

This biomechanics course focuses on advanced techniques for the characterization of the structure and function of hard and soft tissues and their relationship to physiological processes. Applications include tissue injury, wound healing, the effect of pathological conditions upon tissue properties, and design of medical devices and prostheses.

Prerequisites:
  • An understanding of basic continuum mechanics

BME 553: Biomechanics of Orthopaedic Devices

Credits 3.0
This course will survey different types of orthopaedic implants and devices, primarily focusing on joint arthroplasty and fracture fixation methods. Topics such as: device design and function, mechanics, materials, validation and testing, failure, use cases, and regulatory requirements will be discussed. Class projects and discussions will cover contemporary topics related to the design, manufacture, and post-implantation measurement and performance evaluation of orthopaedic devices.
Notes:
  • Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 595: Special Topics.

BME 555: BioMEMS and Tissue Microengineering

Credits 3.0
This course covers microscale biological and physical phenomena and state-of-the-art techniques to measure and manipulate these processes. Topics include scaling laws, microfabrication, machining three-dimensional microstructures, patterning biomolecules, and designing and building microfluidic devices. We will cover various biomedical problems that can be addressed with microfabrication technology and their associated engineering challenges, with special emphasis on applications related to quantitative biology, tissue microengineering, controlling the cellular microenvironment, and clinical/diagnostic lab-on-a-chip devices.

BME 560: Physiology for Engineers

Credits 3.0
An introduction to fundamental principles in cell biology and physiology designed to provide the necessary background for advanced work in biomedical engineering. Quantitative methods of engineering and the physical sciences are stressed. Topics include cell biology, DNA technology and the physiology of major organ systems.
Notes:
  • This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the biomedical engineering program.
  • It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement.

BME 562: Laboratory Animal Surgery

Credits 3.0
A study of anesthesia, surgical techniques and postoperative care in small laboratory animals. Anatomy and physiology of species used included as needed. Class limited to 15 students. Approximately 15 surgical exercises are performed by each student.
Prerequisites:
  • Graduate standing.
  • Admission of undergraduate students requires the permission of the department head and the instructor.
Notes:
  • This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the biomedical engineering program.
  • It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement.

BME 564: Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers

Credits 3.0
An advanced course in cell and molecular biology for engineering graduate students, with an emphasis on molecular approaches to measuring and manipulating cell responses for biomedical engineering applications. Course topics will include in depth exploration of the molecular basis of cellular function, including protein biochemistry, signal transduction, cell-extracellular matrix interactions and regulation of gene expression. Tools and techniques used in modern cell and molecular biology will be discussed in the context of current research literature.
Notes:
  • This course can be used to satisfy a life science requirement in the graduate biomedical engineering program.
  • It cannot be used to satisfy a biomedical engineering course requirement (undergraduate or graduate).

BME 580: Biomedical Robotics

Credits 2.0

This course will provide an overview of a multitude of biomedical applications of robotics. Applications covered include: image-guided surgery, percutaneous therapy, localization, robot-assisted surgery, simulation and augmented reality, laboratory and operating room automation, robotic rehabilitation, and socially assistive robots. Specific subject matter includes: medical imaging, coordinate systems and representations in 3D space, robot kinematics and control, validation, haptics, teleoperation, registration, calibration, image processing, tracking, and human-robot interaction.Topics will be discussed in lecture format followed by interactive discussion of related literature. The course will culminate in a team project covering one or more of the primary course focus areas.

Prerequisites:
  • Linear algebra
  • ME/RBE 301 or equivalent.

Notes:

  • Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have taken the Special Topics (ME 593U) version of the same course.

BME 581: Medical Imaging Systems

Credits 3.0
Overview of the physics of medical image analysis. Topics covered include X-Ray tubes, fluoroscopic screens, image intensifiers; nuclear medicine; ultrasound; computer tomography; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Image quality of each modality is described mathematically, using linear systems theory (Fourier transforms, convolutions).
Prerequisites:
  • Signal analysis course BME/ECE 4011 or equivalent

BME 583: Biomedical Microscopy and Quantitative Imaging

Credits 3.0
This course introduces fundamental principles of biomedical imaging focused on quantitative microscopy. Topics include physical basis of light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, live cell imaging and computer vision algorithms. Advanced topics include 3D imaging (confocal, light sheet, 2-photon), super-resolution, sample preparation, and equipment considerations. Selected topics in medical imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) may be included, with hands-on instruction on commercial and student-built systems.
Notes:
  • Students who received credit for BME 581 in Spring 2016 may not also receive credit for BME 583.

BME 591: Graduate Seminar

Credits 0.0
Topics in biomedical engineering are presented both by authorities in the field and graduate students in the program. Provides a forum for the communication of current research and an opportunity for graduate students to prepare and deliver oral presentations. Students may meet the attendance requirement for this course in several ways, including attendance at weekly biomedical engineering seminars on the WPI campus, attendance at similar seminar courses at other universities or biotech firms, attendance at appropriate conferences, meetings or symposia, or in any other way deemed appropriate by the course instructor.

BME 592: Healthcare Systems and Clinical Practice

Credits 1.0
This course fulfills the Clinical Competency requirement in Biomedical Engineering. The course will follow a seminar format, with healthcare professionals, faculty, and medical device industry experts serving as invited lecturers and case study presenters. The course is designed to introduce BME graduate students to clinical environments and practice, healthcare delivery systems, and communication with clinical stakeholders.

BME 593: Scientific Communication

Credits 3.0
Clear oral, written, and graphical communication of scientific methods and data is an essential skill for success, both in research and in industry. This course will cover aspects of scientific communication including: scientific manuscript preparation and the peer review process, technical report organization, graphical presentation of quantitative data, and oral presentation of scientific information. Organization and clarity will be emphasized in communicating scientific methods, results, and interpretation. Students will complete regular writing and presentation assignments and participate in peer critique sessions. Students will complete an original research article, review article, or technical report as a final project.
Notes:
  • Students may not receive credit if they previously completed this course as BME 393: Special Topics.
  • Does not fulfill technical depth requirement.

BME 594: Biomedical Engineering Journal Club

Credits 1.0
This course will cover different topics in biomedical engineering research, both basic and translational. Enrolled students read and discuss the literature in relevant topics, which may include biomaterials, drug delivery, tissue engineering, cardiovascular engineering, mechanobiology, quantitative imaging, instrumentation, computational biomechanics, injury and rehabilitative biomechanics, or any focused topic related to biomedical engineering. The objectives of the course are for students to learn about current topics within a focused area of biomedical engineering, to improve their ability to critically review literature, and develop their technical presentation skills. Multiple sections of biomedical engineering journal club focused on different research topics may be offered each semester.
Prerequisites:
  • Masters or Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering (or a related discipline).

Notes:

  • Biomedical engineering graduate students may take up to 3 credits of BME 594 to satisfy Biomedical Engineering or Elective course credit to meet graduate program distribution requirements.
  • This course cannot be used to satisfy Biomedical Engineering or Engineering elective credit to meet undergraduate program distribution requirements.

BME 597: BME Professional Project

Credits 6.0

This course fulfills the requirement for a Project-based Master’s of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. The Professional Project is carried out in combination with an industry experience, clinical preceptorship, or design project, with oversight and input from a WPI core faculty member. Goals and objectives for the project must be documented and approved by the core faculty member, in consultation with the sponsor. To complete the project, a capstone deliverable, representative of the experience, is required. Examples of deliverables include a device prototype, public presentation, online portfolio, or another format appropriate for the specific project.

Notes:

  • Students should register for a total of 6 credits of this course, in combination with 0 credits of BME 5900 (Master’s Graduate Internship Experience), BME 5910 (Master’s Design Project), or BME 5920 (Master’s Clinical Preceptorship).

BME 598: Directed Research

Credits 3.0
Students may register for Directed Research to fulfill graduate research rotation (e.g. Master’s students seeking a thesis lab) or independent, mentored graduate research and projects. BME graduate students may apply up to 3 credits of BME 598 as BME course credit and an additional 3 credits of BME 598 credit to fulfill elective, laboratory rotation, or independent project credit. BME 598 credit used for laboratory rotations may be converted to BME 599 or BME 699 credit for qualified graduate students who remain in the rotation laboratory for their thesis or dissertation research.
Prerequisites:
  • Master’s or Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering.

BME 599: Master’s Thesis

Credits 6.0

Graduate students enrolled in the thesis-based (Master of Science, M.S.) program must complete 6 credits total and successfully defend and submit a Master’s thesis by the posted deadlines.

Prerequisites:
  • Master’s thesis student in biomedical engineering.

BME 5900: Internship or Co-op

Credits 0.0

Students may apply for an industry- based co-op or internship, and earn academic credit while using elements of the co-op or internship as the basis for satisfying the project requirement.

BME 5910: Master’s Design Project

Credits 0.0
A Masters Design Project experience is designed to enhance the professional development of the graduate student who wishes to focus on design. Masters Design Projects may be pursued within any laboratory or other organization within or external to WPI. The project deliverable must be the design or prototype of a device.
Notes:
  • This course is subject to approval by the departmental designee and sponsor.

BME 5920: Master’s Clinical Preceptorship

Credits 0.0
A Master’s Clinical Preceptorship experience is designed to enhance the professional development of the graduate student who wishes to focus on clinical applications of BME. Clinical Preceptorships may be pursued at any organization providing clinical care, such as hospitals, physician offices, dentists, and veterinary clinics.
Notes:
  • This course is subject to approval by the departmental designee and external organization.

BME 699: Ph.D. Dissertation

Credits 3.0
All Ph.D. students must complete 30 credits of dissertation research to fulfill Ph.D. degree requirements.
Prerequisites:
  • Student has passed the Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Qualifying Examination.

BME 6999: Ph.D. Qualifying Examination

Credits 0.0

This examination is a defense of an original research proposal, made before a qualifying examination committee (QEC) representative of the areas of specialization. The examination is used to evaluate the ability of the student to pose meaningful engineering and scientific questions, to propose experimental methods for answering those questions, and to interpret the validity and significance of probably outcomes of these experiments. It is also used to test a student’s comprehension and understanding of their formal coursework in life sciences, biomedical engineering and mathematics.

  • Possible outcomes of the qualifying examination are:
    • Unconditional Pass- The candidate satisfied a majority of the QEC according to all criteria.
    • Conditional Pass with specific course work to address a specific deficiency- The candidate satisfied a majority of the QEC with the exception of a particular weakness in one of the areas of specialization. The QEC is confident that the weakness can be corrected by the candidate taking a particular course specific to the area of weakness. Upon completion of the designated course with a “B” grade or higher, the student advances to PhD candidacy.
    • Fail with an opportunity to retake within 6 months— The QEC determined that the candidate had several weaknesses. However, the majority of the QEC determined that the student has the potential to be a successful PhD candidate and could address the weaknesses. In this case, the student will have an opportunity to repeat the exam, which must be accomplished with 6 months of the original exam. The second exam only has two possible outcomes; unconditional pass, or fail without opportunity to retake the exam.

Students are required to take the Ph.D. qualifying examination no later than the fifth semester after formal admittance to the Ph.D. program. Admission to Ph.D. candidacy is officially conferred upon students who have completed their course credit requirements, exclusive of dissertation research credit, and passed the Ph.D. qualifying examination.