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Development of Modules and Labs for “Biomedical Engineering Across the Curriculum”

Paul R. Leiffer, Roger V. Gonzalez LeTourneau University

Abstract

With the present need for medical devices that combine mechanical systems and materials with sophisticated electronic components, there is a concurrent need for engineers who have a combination of both strong traditional and specialized engineering skills. There is also a growing need for all engineers to have some familiarity with the human/biological aspects of engineering. To produce such engineers, an educational program must provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary engineering background combined with a broad-based education in biomedical engineering (BME). Our goal, therefore, was to develop the courses and laboratories needed to establish a new concentration in Biomedical Engineering built upon the broad core of a General Engineering (BSE) degree. In addition, every student enrolled in one of our concentrations should gain exposure to BME principles and have experience in a BME laboratory.

Freshman and sophomore students are currently enrolled in the BME program. In addition to specialized BME courses, educational materials are being developed for inclusion in existing electrical and mechanical courses with the goal of familiarizing students with these principles, introducing “biomedical engineering across the curriculum.” Modules of biomedically - related tutorials and problems have been prepared and are being implemented in our general engineering courses in electric circuits, statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics. Additional BME modules are being developed for five other core-engineering courses and several upper-level courses. These modules will be made publicly available to other programs through our web site. In addition, a BME laboratory experiment using the Biopac ™ System for physiological measurements has been added to the Instrumentation and Measurements Laboratory course taken by every engineering student regardless of concentration.

Introduction

Today’s medical devices, particularly those utilized in the areas of prosthetics and artificial organs, are a combination of mechanical systems and materials with sophisticated electronic components. To continue to enhance these devices there is a need for engineers who have a combination of strong interdisciplinary traditional and specialized biomedical engineering skills. Towards this end, in the Spring of 2001 LeTourneau University began to develop the courses and laboratories necessary to establish a new concentration in biomedical engineering built upon our broad core curriculum. This concentration is designed to prepare future engineers for professional biomedical positions in industry and for graduate study in BME, the biomedical sciences, and/or medical school. Freshman and sophomore students are currently enrolled in the program.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society of Engineering Education

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Gonzalez, R., & Leiffer, P. (2002, June), Development Of Modules And Labs For "Biomedical Engineering Across The Curriculum" Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11151