Bioengineering

BE/Bi 5. Introduction to Biomechanics. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Introduction to the basic concepts of applying engineering principles of solid and fluid mechanics to the study of biological systems. The course emphasizes the organismal, rather than the molecular, level of complexity. It draws on a wide array of biological phenomena from plants and animals, and is not intended as a technical introduction to medically related biomechanics. Topics may include fundamental properties of solids and fluids, viscoelasticity, drag, biological pumps, locomotion, and muscle mechanics. Instructor: Dickinson.

BE 100 abc. Bioengineering Seminar. 1 unit; first, second, third terms. Offered to graduate students in bioengineering. Seminar series and training discussions with visiting speakers. Instructor: Staff.

BE 141. Biomaterials: Science and Engineering. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: Ph 2 ab or Ph 12 abc, Ch 1 ab, Ch 3 a, or instructor’s permission. MS 115 ab recommended. Lectures and experiments demonstrating the bulk and surface properties of materials; review of the major classes of materials—metals, ceramics, polymers—with a view to their relevance to the biomedical field. Special materials and processes of relevance will also be discussed, e.g., hydrogels, fabrics, thin films, bioresorbable and bioerodible materials, cardiac jelly, etc. Proteins, cells, tissues and their interactions with materials; key concepts in reactions between host materials and implants, including inflammation, coagulation, and tumorigenesis. Testing and degradation of biomaterials, material applications in medicine and dentistry, especially orthopedic, cardiovascular, ophthalmologic, oral and maxillofacial implants, and artificial organs. Instructor: Staff.

APh/BE 161. Physical Biology of the Cell. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Applied Physics.

APh/BE 162. Physical Biology Laboratory. 9 units (0-6-3). For course description, see Applied Physics.

ChE/BE 163. Introduction to Biomolecular Engineering. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Chemical Engineering.

APh/BE 165. Advanced Bioengineering Laboratory. 9 units (0-6-3). For course description, see Applied Physics.

EE/BE 166. Optical Methods for Biomedical Imaging and Diagnosis. 9 units (3-1-5). For course description, see Electrical Engineering.

BE 167. Topics in Bioengineering. 1 unit; first term.Introduction to the current research in bioengineering and related fields, focusing specifically on projects carried out by Caltech faculty. The course is intended for first-year graduate students in the BE option, but is open to all related options. The course will provide the students with background within the lecturer’s specific discipline. Instructor: Staff.

ChE/BE 169. Biomolecular Cell Engineering. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Chemical Engineering.

CNS/Bi/BE/Ph 178. Evolution and Biocomplexity. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

EE/BE 185. MEMS Technology and Devices. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Electrical Engineering.

BE 201 abc. Physiology for Bioengineering. 12 units (3-5-4); first, second, third terms. Part a: Cell physiology of eukaryotic cells, with an emphasis on the correlation of structure and function at the molecular, organelle, and cellular levels. Survey of physiological organization as cooperative assemblies of epithelial sheets, tissues, and organs. Part b provides a foundation in physiology for bioengineering students. Systematic approach to examination of the functions of major systems, and the regulatory mechanisms controlling normal function. Detailed examination of specific systems pertinent to major areas of bioengineering research, including membranes, channels and transport, the muscular system, the nervous system, the sensory system and its integration, and the cardiac system. Part c continues the approach of part b with a detailed examination of the circulatory, renal, respiratory, digestive, and hormonal/neurohormonal systems. Instructors: Guo, Gharib, Petrasek, staff.

BE 240. Special Topics in Bioengineering. Units and term to be arranged. Topics relevant to the general educational goals of the bioengineering option. Graded pass/fail.

Ae/BE 242. Biological Flows: Propulsion. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Aeronautics.

BE/Ae 243. Biological Flows: Transport and Circulatory Systems. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisites: Ae/APh/CE/ME 101 abc or equivalent or ChE 103 a. Internal flows: steady and pulsatile blood flow in compliant vessels, internal flows in organisms. Fluid dynamics of the human circulatory system: heart, veins, and arteries (microcirculation). Mass and momentum transport across membranes and endothelial layers. Fluid mechanics of the respiratory system. Renal circulation and circulatory system. Biological pumps. Instructor: Gharib.

BE/CNS 248. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 9 units (3-1-5); first term. Prerequisites: Undergraduate-level physics, biology, and/or engineering courses recommended; basic quantum mechanics, statistics, and signal processing are helpful. Physics, engineering, and computational aspects of MRI. Theory, engineering, and practice of MRI for biological and medical applications are covered in detail. Provides technical background necessary for a full understanding of the concepts underpinning the specific uses of MRI for functional brain imaging. Complements CNS/SS 251. Not offered 2007–08.

BE 250. Research in Bioengineering. Units and term to be arranged. By arrangement with members of the staff, properly qualified graduate students are directed in bioengineering research.