Biomedical Engineering course catalog
All 66 recorded UW–Madison courses in this department, including courses not offered this term. Open a course for prerequisites, historical grades and instructors.
BIOCHEM/BME/BMI/CBE/COMPSCI/GENETICS 915: Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine
1 credits
Participants and outside speakers will discuss current research in computation and informatics in biology and medicine. This seminar is required of all CIBM program trainees.
BME 1: Cooperative Education Program
1 credits
Apply classroom theory and practical knowledge of engineering-related operations and functions in a professional setting. Full-time workplace experience.
BME 200: Biomedical Engineering Design
2 credits
Collaborate with students inB M E 300on a client-centered biomedical engineering design project to learn concept generation, product analysis, specifications, evaluation, regulation, and ethics.
BME 201: Biomedical Engineering Design and Fundamentals
Credits unavailable
Fundamentals of biomedical engineering and principles of design including the design process, standards, documentation, inclusion in design and research methods. Hands-on skills including electronics, programming, computer-aided design, machining, safety training, microscopy, cell and tissue engineering principles and fabrication of physical prototypes.
BME 300: Biomedical Engineering Design and Leadership
3 credits
Work on a client-centered biomedical engineering design project to learn leadership styles, concept generation, product analysis, specifications, evaluation, regulation, and ethics. Provide leadership and mentorship to students inB M E 200.
BME 301: Biomedical Engineering Design and Communication
Credits unavailable
Technical communication for biomedical engineering practice applied to real-world, client-based projects including research methods, documentation, preparing and critiquing reports, ethical problem solving, diversity and inclusion, presenting, and professional development.
BME 310: Bioinstrumentation
3 credits
Bioinstrumentation covering clinical and research measurements. Laboratory experiments complement the lectures.
BME 315: Biomechanics
3 credits
An introduction to the mechanical behavior of biological tissues and systems. Specific topics include: structure and function of biological tissues, mechanical properties of biological tissues, and analysis of specific tissues (i.e. bone, muscle, and soft connective tissues).
BME 325: Applied Statistics for Biomedical Engineers
Credits unavailable
Learn and apply the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data and present the results in appropriate graphical formats. Emphasis will be on applications commonly encountered in biomedical engineering including t-tests, linear regression, analysis of variance, diagnostic tests, ROC curves, and methods for graphing and presenting data. Examples and practice problems will be drawn from biomedical research. Learn how to analyze data and interpret statistical analysis presented in research papers, and will get practical hands-on experience implementing these tools during class in a computer lab setting.
BME 330: Engineering Principles of Molecules, Cells, and Tissues
4 credits
Introduction to the fundamental principles of kinetics and transport that are relevant for the analysis of biological systems. Topics covered include concepts of reaction rate, stoichiometry, equilibrium, momentum/mass transport, and the interaction between transport and kinetics in biological systems.
BME 389: Honors in Research
1–3 credits
Undergraduate honors research projects supervised by faculty members.
BME 399: Independent Study
1–3 credits
Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.
BME 400: Capstone Design Course in Biomedical Engineering
3 credits
Applies classroom study and prior design course experiences for senior teams to solve a directed client-based biomedical engineering design project.
BME 402: Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II
Credits unavailable
Work in a team to evaluate, refine, document and present the client-centered biomedical engineering design started inB M E 400.
BME 430: Biological Interactions with Materials
Credits unavailable
Addresses the biological systems governing biomaterial applications, a select range of materials currently being utilized for various biomedical applications, analytical techniques pertinent to biomaterial evaluation, and select major medical applications in which biomaterials play an important role.
BME 489: Honors in Research
1–3 credits
Biomedical engineering undergraduate honors research projects supervised by faculty members.
BME 510: Introduction to Tissue Engineering
3 credits
Overview of tissue engineering, including discussion of cell sources, cell-material interactions, tailoring biomaterials, methods of culture and characterization of engineering tissues, ethical issues, concluding with case studies of specific types of tissue engineering. Optional laboratory exercises offered throughout semester.
BME 511: Tissue Engineering Laboratory
1 credits
Tissue engineering refers to the generation of biological substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. Laboratory techniques are multi-disciplinary, from basic biological sciences, engineering, and biotechnology. Engineering approaches and analysis will be applied to these techniques.
BME 517: Biology in Engineering Seminar
1 credits
Current topics at the interface of biology and engineering with special emphasis on the ways in which engineers have contributed to knowledge and advances in biology.
BME 520: STEM Cell Bioengineering
Credits unavailable
Covers engineering approaches that are used to understand and manipulate stem cells. Concepts covered include: introduction to stem cell biology, quantitative modeling of stem cell signaling, methods to engineer the stem cell microenvironment, and the role of stem cells in tissue development and regeneration.
BME 545: Engineering Extracellular Matrices
Credits unavailable
Overview of the structure, function and biophysical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, followed by discussion of how control or manipulation of ECM protein expression and distribution impacts on cell and tissue function, concluding with impacts of engineering ECM for regenerative medicine.
BME 550: Introduction to Biological and Medical Microsystems
3 credits
Introduction to the field of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems), as it applies to biology and medicine. Topics will cover methodology of traditional MEMS devices, how they can be incorporated with biological systems, and methods for micro-structuring biological materials.
BME 556: Systems Biology: Mammalian Signaling Networks
Credits unavailable
Introduction to the experimental and mathematical modeling techniques used in systems biology through lectures and critical analyses of relevant publications with a primary focus on gene/protein networks and mammalian systems.
BME 601: Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering
1–3 credits
Various special topics in biomedical engineering.
BME 602: Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering
Credits unavailable
Special topics in biomedical engineering for graduate students or both graduate and undergraduate students together.
BME 603: Special Topics in Bioinstrumentation and Medical Devices
1–3 credits
Various special topics in bioinstrumentation and medical devices.
BME 604: Special Topics in Biomedical Imaging and Optics
Credits unavailable
Various special topics in biomedical imaging and optics.
BME 606: Special Topics in Biomaterials, Cellular and Tissue Engineering
1–3 credits
Various special topics in biomaterials, cellular and tissue engineering.
BME 640: Medical Devices Ecosystem: the Path to Product
Credits unavailable
Development of medical devices for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Gap analysis, market analysis, reimbursement/distribution, regulatory approval, and manufacturing/supply chain development. Refinement and presentation of design ideas and corporate strategy within a team setting. Case studies of device design/manufacture including supply chain, intellectual property, pre-clinical testing, U.S. and European regulatory pathways and clinical trial design.
BME 651: Biophotonics Laboratory
Credits unavailable
Learn and apply the fundamentals of optical imaging, microscopy and instrumentation via practical hands-on training with a specific emphasis on the life-sciences applications. Topics include constructing imaging systems using fundamental optical tools and instruments, illumination and aberrations, microscopy techniques, resolution and contrast measurement, optical spectroscopy, nanophotonics, bioimaging and biosensing.
BME 701: Seminar in Biomedical Engineering
1 credits
Presentation of advancements in biomedical engineering research by leaders in the field, accompanied by critical analysis of related literature.
BME 702: Graduate Cooperative Education Program
1–2 credits
Work experience that combines classroom theory with practical knowledge of operations to provide students with a background on which to develop and enhance a professional career. The work experience is tailored for MS students from within the U.S. as well as eligible international students.
BME 703: Responsible Conduct of Research for Biomedical Engineers
2 credits
Develop an understanding of the elements involved in being a responsible member of the Biomedical Engineering research community. Topics include mentor/mentee relationships, identifying research problems, research integrity, ethics, regulations, and improving the scientific climate.
BME 740: Biomanufacturing Entrepreneurship
3 credits
Industry-relevant concepts of biotechnology innovation and translation, directly connecting lessons and classwork to real-world experience and career opportunities and promoting meaningful and sustained engagement between students and industry representatives. Diverse range of translational biotechnology principles, such as product development in biotechnology, regulating biotechnology products, and quality and compliance in biomanufactured products.
BME 751: Biomedical Optics and Biophotonics
Credits unavailable
The study and use of light in the life sciences. Interactions of light with cells and tissue can be used for imaging, measurement, diagnosis, and therapy. Applications include optical imaging, endoscopy, microscopy, resolution enhancement, adaptive optics, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), quantitative phase microscopy, spectroscopy (fluorescence, elastic scattering), diffuse optical tomography, and computational modeling of light transport in tissue. Fundamental skills, concepts, and theory used for these applications include geometric optics, lens design, Fourier transforms, polarization, interference, coherence, and scattering theory. Particular emphasis will be placed on current literature and cutting edge instruments and methods.
BME 770: Nanotechnology in Neuroscience
Credits unavailable
Principles of micro- and nano-technology applied to neuroscience, including technological approaches applied to both in vitro and in vivo neurobiological experimentation and neurology. Fundamentals of recording and processing neural signals using nanoscale synthesis processes and technologies including nanostructured electrodes and their electrical, mechanical, and biochemical properties, active and passive 2D and 3D multielectrode arrays (MEAs), nanoscale transistors for subcellular recordings, nanoparticles, and nano-synthesized agents for recording and stimulating neural activity. Relevant theory of cell electrode coupling, electrophysiology, and neurochemical signaling. Knowledge of microfabrication technologies and biology [such as inB M E 550] recommended.
BME 780: Methods in Quantitative Biology
1 credits
Focuses on understanding the key methods and principles of quantitative biology through a close reading of the primary literature. Topics covered will include deterministic and stochastic methods for modeling cellular systems, techniques in systems and synthetic biology, image processing tools and image analysis for biology, data-driven network models, genomic approaches, single-molecule approaches, and key computational biology tools. This course is intended for graduate students from a variety of backgrounds who are interested in pursuing quantitative biology during their graduate studies.
BME 790: Master's Research and Thesis
1–9 credits
Under faculty supervision.
BME 799: Advanced Independent Study
1–5 credits
Under faculty supervision.
BME 890: Pre-dissertation Research
1–9 credits
Under faculty supervision.
BME 990: Research and Thesis
1–9 credits
Under faculty supervision.
BME 999: Advanced Independent Study
1–9 credits
Under faculty supervision.
BME/CBE 560: Biochemical Engineering
3 credits
Properties of biological molecules; enzyme kinetics, enzyme reactors, and enzyme engineering; metabolic engineering; microbial growth kinetics; bioreactor design; bioseparations.
BME/CBE 783: Design of Biological Molecules
Credits unavailable
Introduction to the methodologies for engineering the structure and function of biological molecules, especially proteins. Develop an understanding for the integration of computation and experiment to address biological molecular engineering problems. Knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology [such asBIOCHEM 501orZOOLOGY 570] required.
BME/CHEM/MEDPHYS 750: Biological Optical Microscopy
Credits unavailable
Covers several aspects of state-of-the-art biological and biophysical imaging with an emphasis on instrumentation, beginning with an overview of geometrical optics and optical and fluorescence microscopy. The bulk of the course will focus on advanced imaging techniques including nonlinear optical processes (multi-photon excitation, second harmonic generation, and stimulated Raman processes) and emerging super-resolution methods. Special emphasis will be given to current imaging literature and experimental design. Knowledge of physics-based optics [such asPHYSICS 202] strongly recommended.
BME/ECE 462: Medical Instrumentation
3 credits
Design and application of electrodes, biopotential amplifiers, biosensors, therapeutic devices. Medical imaging. Electrical safety. Measurement of ventilation, blood pressure and flow.
BME/ECE 463: Computers in Medicine
Credits unavailable
Study of microprocessor-based medical instrumentation. Emphasis on real-time analysis of electrocardiograms. Labs and programming project involve design of biomedical digital signal processing algorithms. Knowledge of computer programming language like C, C++ or Java, strongly encouraged.
BME/ECE/MEDPHYS 778: Machine Learning in Ultrasound Imaging
3 credits
Concepts and machine learning techniques for ultrasound beamforming for image formation and reconstruction to image analysis and interpretation will be presented. Key machine learning and deep learning concepts applied to beamforming, compressed sampling, speckle reduction, segmentation, photoacoustics, and elasticity imaging will be evaluated utilizing current peer-reviewed publications.
BME/HONCOL/MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 501: Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
3 credits
Interactions and energy deposition by ionizing radiation in matter; concepts, quantities and units in radiological physics; principles and methods of radiation dosimetry.
BME/ISYE 564: Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics
Credits unavailable
Introduces engineers how to design manufacturing and industrial operations in which people play a significant role, so that human capabilities are maximized, physical stress is minimized, and workload is optimized. Examples and topics emphasize industrial applications.
BME/ISYE 662: Design and Human Disability and Aging
Credits unavailable
Design of products for persons with physical, sensory or cognitive impairments is covered as well as the design of standard mass market products. Interdisciplinary teams explore specific disabilities, then design a standard mass market product in competition with each other.
BME/ME 414: Orthopaedic Biomechanics - Design of Orthopaedic Implants
3 credits
Apply the design process for orthopaedic implants (total joint replacements). Topics include: library skills; joint anatomy; tissue properties; surgical approach; joint loading; implants materials; preclinical testing and analysis.
BME/ME 415: Biomechanics of Human Movement
Credits unavailable
An overview of experimental and modeling techniques used to study human movement. Specific topics will include locomotion, motion capture systems, force plates, muscle mechanics, musculoskeletal modeling, three dimensional kinematics, inverse dynamics, forward dynamic simulation and imaging based biomechanics. Homework and laboratory activities emphasize applications of movement biomechanics in orthopedics and rehabilitation.
BME/ME 505: Biofluidics
Credits unavailable
Introduction to the physics of biological fluid flow with an emphasis on the cardiovascular system including blood rheology, pulsatile flow, wave travel, and topics relevant to blood flow measurement and biomedical device design.
BME/ME 516: Finite Elements for Biological and Other Soft Materials
Credits unavailable
Finite element modeling of soft materials, with an emphasis on biological tissues. Basics of the finite element method, verification and validation methods, and selection of constitutive models. Emphasis on finite element modeling for materials that are generally nonlinear, and that generally undergo large deformation.
BME/ME 605: Special Topics in Biomechanics
Credits unavailable
Various special topics in biomechanics.
BME/ME 615: Tissue Mechanics
3 credits
Focus on solid mechanics of prominent musculoskeletal and cardiovascular tissues. Their normal and pathological behaviors (stiffness, strength, relaxation, creep, adaptive remodeling, etc.) in response to physiologic loading will be examined and quantified.
BME/ME 715: Advanced Tissue Mechanics
3 credits
Central topics in solid mechanics applied to soft tissues, including analysis of strain in the setting of large deformations, computation of stress in multiple experimental loading configurations, constitutive modeling of biomaterials using hyperelastic strain-energy functions, modeling tissue growth and remodeling, and the main theories for soft tissue failure will be covered. Application of finite elasticity theory in practical laboratory situations, and key papers and concepts in soft tissue mechanics.
BME/MEDPHYS 535: Introduction to Energy-tissue Interactions
Credits unavailable
Explore physical interactions between thermal, electromagnetic and acoustic energies and biological tissues with emphasis on therapeutic medical applications.
BME/MEDPHYS 566: Physics of Radiotherapy
Credits unavailable
Ionizing radiation use in radiation therapy to cause controlled biological effects in cancer patients. Physics of the interaction of the various radiation modalities with body-equivalent materials, and physical aspects of clinical applications.
BME/MEDPHYS 568: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mri)
Credits unavailable
Core course covering the physics associated with magnetic resonance imaging emphasizing techniques employed in medical diagnostic imaging. Major MRI topics include: physics of MR, pulse sequences, hardware, imaging techniques, artifacts, and clinical applications. At the completion of this course, students should have an understanding of the technical and scientific details of modern magnetic resonance imaging and its use in diagnosing disease. Graduate students who have not takenMATH 222andPHYSICS 202at UW-Madison must have the equivalent coursework in order to be successful in this course.
BME/MEDPHYS 573: Mathematical Methods in Medical Physics
3 credits
Mathematical fundamentals required for medical physics and biomedical applications, including signal analysis and mathematical optimization.
BME/MEDPHYS 578: Non-ionizing Diagnostic Imaging
Credits unavailable
Covers the physics associated with magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound emphasizing techniques employed in medical diagnostic imaging. Major MRI topics include: physics of MR, pulse sequences, hardware, imaging techniques, artifacts, and spectroscopic localization. Ultrasound based topics covered include: propagation of ultrasonic waves in biological tissues, principles of ultrasonic measuring and imaging instrumentation, design and use of currently available tools for performance evaluation of diagnostic instrumentation, and biological effects of ultrasound. Gain an understanding of the technical and scientific details of modern non-ionizing medical magnetic resonance and ultrasound devices and their use in diagnosing disease.
BME/MEDPHYS 580: The Physics of Medical Imaging with Ionizing Radiation
Credits unavailable
Concepts and principles on the physics of medical imaging systems that form images using high energy photons are presented. Such systems are divided into two categories: (1) those based on the transmission of x-rays through the human body, including radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT), and (2) those based on the emission of gamma rays or annihilation radiation following radioactive decay of an internal radiolabeled molecule, including the gamma camera, single photon emission tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) and PET hybrid imaging systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physics, system design, and imaging technique determine image performance metrics such as contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution. Clinical applications and radiation safety concepts are detailed for the different types of imaging systems.
BME/MEDPHYS 710: Advances in Medical Magnetic Resonance
3 credits
Addresses the theory and applications of magnetic resonance (MR) in medicine, by providing the necessary theoretical background to understand advanced MR techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
BME/MEDPHYS/PHMCOL-M/PHYSICS/RADIOL 619: Microscopy of Life
3 credits
Survey of state of the art microscopic, cellular and molecular imaging techniques, beginning with subcellular microscopy and finishing with whole animal imaging.