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Course Descriptions

Biomedical engineers use science, engineering, and mathematics to understand and solve medical problems. The biomedical engineering program at Rose‑Hulman produces engineers with the medical and biological expertise needed to solve health care problems during careers in technical and health-related industries, as well as in government or industrial laboratories.

Biomedical Engineering - Course Descriptions

BE 100 Problem Solving in the Biological Sciences & Engineering 3R-3L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 1st year standing or permission of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course introduces students to computational tools for solving problems in biology and biomedical engineering. The primary thrust of the course is structured programming in MatLab. In addition, we will explore data description, the proper presentation of data, effective use of spreadsheet tools in data analysis, and structured programming.
BE 118 Design Thinking and Communication 1R-3L-2C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Engineers must be able to communicate their design ideas to others. This course focuses on the improvement of communication skills, including written and oral presentation, sketching, and solid modeling. Student groups work on projects with the goal of recognizing and developing behaviors associated with consensus decision-making and cooperative teamwork. Students also learn the steps of the engineering design process and fundamental machining techniques.
BE 121 DC Circuits 1R-3L-2C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course introduces the fundamentals of DC circuit design and analysis. DC circuit analysis tools such as Kirchhoff’s laws, mesh and nodal analysis, superposition, and source transformations are introduced. In conjunction with BE128, students will complete projects that utilize microcontrollers and resistive sensors to interact with their environments.
BE 122 Systems Accounting and Modeling I 3R-0L-3C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: MA 111
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

BE122 introduces the systems accounting and modeling approach to solving problems. Conservation of mass, linear and angular momentum, and energy will be introduced and reinforced with examples. Same as ENGD205.
BE 128 Design Thinking and Realization 2R-3L-3C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: BE 121

This course explores elements of the engineering design process as a means of enhancing students’ abilities to define problems, develop and evaluate creative alternatives, and effectively present technical information.
BE 131 AC Circuits 1R-3L-2C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 121 or ENGD 110
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course introduces the fundamentals of AC circuit design and analysis. Topics include RLC circuits, equivalent impedance, phasor domain analysis (nodal analysis, mesh current, source superposition, source transformation), and Thevenin and Norton theorems. The concept of linear systems and the use of electronic components (op-amps, capacitors, inductors) for biosignal processing applications will also be introduced. Students may not receive credit towards graduation for both BE131 and ES213.
BE 132 Systems Accounting and Modeling II 3R-0L-3C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 122 or EM 121 or ENGD 205
Corequisites: BE 131

A common framework for engineering analysis is extended using the concepts of a system, accounting and conservation of extensive properties, constitutive relations, constraints, and modeling assumptions. Stress, strain, and deformation under axial loading are defined. Equilibrium is defined. Conservation equations for mass, charge, momentum and energy are developed. Applications are developed from multiple engineering disciplines. Students may not receive credit towards graduation for both BE132 and ES201. Same as ENGD215.
BE 138 Design Thinking and Human-Centered Products 2R-3L-3C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: BE 131

This project-based design course focuses on ensuring that products meet the needs of their users. The course incorporates observational methods, brainstorming, prototyping, user testing, business models, and the social, marketing, and engineering constraints that impinge upon products.
BE 199 Professional Experience 1R-0L-1C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

The professional experiences course captures the practical work experiences related to the student’s academic discipline. Students are required to submit a formal document of their reflections, which communicates how their employment opportunity reinforced and enhanced their academic studies. The course will be graded as “S” satisfactory, or “U” unsatisfactory based on the written report of the professional experience.
BE 211 Circuits, Sensors, and Measurements 2R-3L-3C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 131, and MA 112
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course introduces the concepts of biomedical signal measurement and conditioning. Topics include amplifiers, filters and A/D converters, digital logic, biomedical sensors and uncertainty analysis. Matlab is used in the context of biosignal acquisition and visualization.
BE 218 Design Methodologies 2R-3L-3C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 138
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Introduction to the philosophy and goals of various design and research processes. Hands-on projects will serve as vehicles for design thinking, visualization, and methodology.
BE 222 Mechanics of Materials 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 132 or EM 121 or ENGD 215
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Description: Strength and elastic deflection of engineering materials due to loads applied in torsion, in bending, and in shear. Shear diagrams, bending moment diagrams, and area moments of inertia. Combined stresses and principal stresses. Applications to design of beams and shafts.
BE 228 Design Leadership & Teamwork 1R-3L-2C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 218
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This project-based course will help students develop skills in decision-making, leadership, and management of complex design projects.
BE 232 Biomechanics 3R-0L-3C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 211, and either BE 222 or EM 204
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course introduces students to the various interdisciplinary fields in biomechanics - such as orthopaedic biomechanics, biofluid mechanics, soft tissue mechanics, and the biomechanics of human movement. Specific topics include: statics/dynamics of the human body, kinematics during activity; the analysis of forces and stresses/strains in biological structures under loading; constitutive models for biological materials (e.g. bone, cartilage, tendon/ligament); and the relationship between structure and function in tissues and organs. Non-majors interested in taking this course should see the instructor.
BE 233 Biomaterials 3R-0L-3C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Structure-property relationships for metallic, polymeric, and ceramic biomaterials. Study of the interactions of these materials with the body and factors affecting the selection and design of materials for medical implants and devices.
BE 238 Regulatory Affairs & Product Design 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Students will build a fundamental understanding of how the FDA regulates medical devices in the United States, with an emphasis on pathways to market. Project is in conjunction with BE232 and BE233. Includes the submission and review process of a student’s AIMS for BE majors (peer, career services, faculty, advisory board approval).
BE 314 Musculoskeletal Systems Physiology with Applications 4R-0L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and BE 232, and BE 233
Corequisites: BE 315

An analysis of muscle, bone, and soft tissue physiology/mechanics from a quantitative, system-based approach with an emphasis on clinical applications.
BE 315 Biomedical Engineering Lab I 1R-3L-2C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 232, and BE 233
Corequisites: BE 314

This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts in biomechanics and biomaterials with an emphasis on musculoskeletal applications. Hands-on laboratory projects will be assigned which will require the student to use standard testing equipment and basic instrumentation to execute effective test methods. Written communication of experimental results is emphasized. Non-majors interested in taking this course should see the instructor.
BE 318 Medical Device Research & Design 2R-3L-3C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 238
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

In this course students collaborate with clinicians, industry partners, and/or community partners to identify unmet clinical or research needs. Based on voice of the customer feedback, stakeholder analysis, market analysis, and evaluation of the regulatory and technical landscape, teams will refine observed needs and present them to reviewers. Projects identified to have a significant impact, a committed team, and a viable market can be continued in BE328.
BE 321 Biosignal Processing 3R-3L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 211 and
Corequisites: BE 324

This course introduces the fundamentals of biomedical signal processing strategies. Topics include data acquisition, A/D and D/A conversion, FIR and IIR digital filter design, time-frequency analysis, and I/O interfaces. Multichannel data processing and high dimensional data analysis techniques are also introduced. Laboratories provide practical experience on the analysis of electrophysiological data, with special emphasis on neurological signals.
BE 324 Neural and Endocrine Systems Physiology with Applications 3R-3L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and BE 211, and BE 314
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

An analysis of neural and endocrine physiology from a quantitative, systems-based approach.
BE 328 Capstone Design I: Designing Products for the Real World 3R-3L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 118, and BE 128, and BE 211, and BE 228, and BE 232, and BE 233, and BE 318
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course begins the capstone design sequence in biomedical engineering. Student teams develop design solutions from a set of client-specified needs, establish specifications, plan the project, schedule and efficiently use resources, examine the ethics and safety in engineering design, and work within explicit (or implicit) constraints, such as social, economic, manufacturing, etc. The course culminates with the presentation of the preliminary proposal for the capstone design project in biomedical engineering.
BE 334 Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Renal Systems Physiology with Applications 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and BE 314, and BE 315
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

An analysis of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal physiology from a quantitative, systems-based approach with an emphasis on biomedical applications.
BE 335 Biomedical Engineering Lab II 1R-3L-2C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 315
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course emphasizes experimental design and execution in biomechanics, biomaterials, and fluid mechanics with an emphasis on cardiovascular applications. Laboratory experiences will require the student to use standard testing equipment and basic instrumentation to execute effective test methods. Written communication as well as experimental design and execution is emphasized. Non-majors interested in taking this course should see the instructor.
BE 338 Capstone Design II: Product Design & Prototyping 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 328
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course is a continuation of BE328. The student teams develop prototype solutions through implementation of the design plan from the previous course. This includes development of a test plan, modifications to the design project as needed, risk assessment, and evaluation of design performance relative to initial specifications. This course culminates in the submission of a functional prototype and updated design history files.
BE 350 Biocontrol Systems 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 211
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course provides an introduction to feedback control systems. These systems will be characterized with respect to their time response, stability, and steady-state error. Design compensation will be used to improve the performance of a system. When possible, examples of biological control systems will be considered.
BE 418 Capstone Design III: Product Verification and Validation 3R-3L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 338
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course is a continuation of BE338. The student teams iterate on the initial functional prototype based on client feedback, complete testing of the prototype solutions, and transfer the project results to their client. The course culminates with the submission of a critical design document.
BE 428 Capstone Design IV: Integrated Product Design & Practice 1R-3L-2C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 418
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course is a continuation of BE418. Student teams finalize design prototypes, reflect on future product development opportunities, and complete documentation requirements to established standards and specifications. Students participate in a mentorship program with students enrolled in BE328 and begin development of a professional design portfolio.
BE 435 Biomedical Optics 3.5R-1.5L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: PH 113, and MA 221 or Senior/Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Optical techniques for biomedical applications and health care; laser fundamentals, laser interaction with biological cells, organelles and nanostructures; laser diagnostics and therapy, laser surgery; microscopes; optics-based clinical applications; imaging and spectroscopy, biophotonics laboratories. For graduate credit, students must do additional project work on a topic selected by the instructor. Cross-listed with OE 435.
BE 438 Engineering Portfolio Development 1R-3L-2C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BE 428
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Students complete a portfolio showcasing their engineering design work to further a specific professional goal. Examples of professional goals include developing a career plan, pursuing patent opportunities, or establishing a business plan for a start-up. Students participate in a mentorship program with students enrolled in BE338.
BE 482 Biostatistics 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: MA 223 or MA 382 and consent of instructor (cross listed with MA 482)
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals for two means, two proportions, and two variances. Introduction to analysis of variance to include one factor and two factors (with interaction) designs. Presentation of simple linear and multiple linear regression modeling; development of analysis of contingency table to include logistic regression. Presentation of Log odds ratio as well as several non-parametric techniques of hypothesis testing and construction of non-parametric confidence intervals and correlation coefficients. Review of fundamental prerequisite statistics will be included as necessary.
BE 491 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering XR-0L-XC
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Arranged prerequisite consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Covers upper-level, undergraduate material of mutual interest to student and instructor which cannot be acquired in any other listed undergraduate BE course.
BE 492 Directed Study in Biomedical Engineering XR-XL-XC
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Arranged prerequisite consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Covers biomedical engineering material of mutual interest to the student and instructor which cannot be experienced in any other listed BE course. A student may take between 1-4 credits in any given term.
BE 499 Thesis Research 0R-6L-2C F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Culmination of biomedical engineering thesis research in which a student writes and submits the senior thesis, following departmentally established guidelines, and gives an oral research presentation to at least three departmental faculty members, including the student's adviser. BE499 may not be used as a biomedical engineering area elective.
BE 515 Mechanobiology 4R-0L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 232 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course will discuss the role physical forces play on biological processes and how mechanical stimuli can be utilized to improve tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation strategies.
BE 516 Introduction to MEMS: Fabrication & Applications 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: JR or SR standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Properties of silicon wafers, wafer-level processes, surface and bulk micromachining, thin-film deposition, dry and wet etching, photolithography, process integration, simple actuators. Introduction to microfluidic systems. MEMS application: capacitive accelerometer, cantilever and pressure sensor. Students enrolled in BE516 must do project work on a topic selected by the instructor. Cross-listed with CHE 505, ECE 516, EP 510, and ME 516.
BE 520 Introduction to Brain Machine Interfaces 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 321 or ECE 380
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course is an introduction to the basics of motor cortical functions related to voluntary and imagery movements, evoked response potentials, invasive vs. noninvasive electrode design considerations, quantitative EEG analysis techniques used in clinical settings, and the applications of brain-machine interfaces/brain-computer interfaces in the restoration of mobility, communication and motor function.
BE 535 Biomedical Optics 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: PH 113, MA 221 and SR standing or GR standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Optical techniques for biomedical applications and health care; imaging modalities; laser fundamentals, laser interaction with biological cells, organelles and nanostructures; laser diagnostics and therapy, laser surgery; microscopes; optics-based clinical applications; imaging and spectroscopy; biophotonics. Students must do additional project work on a topic selected by the instructor. Students may not receive credit for both OE 435 and OE 535. Cross-listed with OE 535.
BE 541 Medical Imaging Systems 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 321* or ECE 300 or OE 392** *Graduate standing; or with a grade of B or better; or consent of instructor; **with a grade of B or better or Graduate standing.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Engineering principles of major imaging techniques/modalities for biomedical applications and health care including diagnostic x-ray, computed tomography, nuclear techniques, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Topics include general characteristics of medical images; physical principles, signal processing to generate an image, and instrumentation of imaging modalities. Clinical applications of these technologies are also discussed. Cross-listed with ECE584 and OE584.
BE 543 Neuroprosthetics 3R-3L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 324, and BE 211
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course takes a detailed look at the state of the art in Neuroprosthetics design and applications. Topics include electrode design, sensory prosthetics, functional electrical stimulation, deep brain stimulation and other contemporary research topics.
BE 545 Orthopaedic Biomechanics 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: EM 203 or EM 204, and BE 222, and BE 232 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course covers current topics in orthopaedic biomechanics including the application of solid mechanics principles to musculoskeletal activities, orthopaedic implants, and fracture fixation devices. Topics include joint loading; composition and mechanical behavior of orthopaedic tissues; design/analysis of artificial joints and fracture fixation prostheses; osteoporosis and osteoarthritis; and finite element modeling.
BE 550 Research Methods in Biomechanics 3R-3L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 232 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Focuses on the wide range of research methods used in the field of biomechanics. Current literature will be reviewed to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various research methodologies. Topics will vary based on student interests and background, but may include topics such as motion/force analysis, soft tissue and bone mechanics, joint biomechanics, analysis of joint replacements, and fracture fixation. Laboratory activities will reinforce the lecture topics and students will have the opportunity to investigate a biomechanics research topic in their area of interest.
BE 560 Tissue-Biomaterial Interactions 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BE 233 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Addresses interactions between living cells/tissues and implant biomaterials, stressing the importance of molecular- and cellular-level phenomena in initiating and propagating clinically relevant tissue- and systemic- level results.
BE 570 Introduction to Tissue Engineering 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and BE 233 or CHE 315 or ME 328 and Junior, Senior, or Graduate standing or permission of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This course provides a broad overview of the latest developments in the field of tissue engineering. Normal structure and function of tissues and organs such as bone, cartilage, nerve, skin, and liver are discussed. Methods of engineering these tissues, or encouraging healing or regeneration that would not otherwise occur, is the focus of the course. The course takes the format of a graduate seminar, with students taking an active role in presenting material to the class and leading discussions.
BE 590 Thesis Research Credits as assigned F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Credits as assigned: however, not more than 12 credits will be applied toward the requirements of an M.S. degree.
BE 597 Selected Topics Credits as assigned F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: Yes
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Selected Topics for Graduate Students Credits as assigned. Maximum 4 credits per term.
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