» BME 4110 Science and Technology Approaches to Problems in Human Health
BME 4110 will provide an in-depth look at diseases that impact human health along with current scientific research and engineering that is aimed at addressing these problems. Faculty from the Weill Cornell Medical College will come to the Cornell campus to discuss the health problems they are currently unable to treat as well as they would like.
For each disease discussed, faculty from Cornell University and Weill will talk about current research aimed at better understanding disease process, developing new treatment strategies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Six to eight topics will be explored in depth over the course of the term. This course will be particularly appropriate for students considering medical school or careers in biomedical science and engineering. Possible human health topics include: cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, infectious disease, stroke, orthopedic disease and osteoarthritis, trauma and shock, diabetes, congenital disease, autoimmune disease and allergies, psychiatric disorders, environmental toxins and water quality.
The research discussed will embrace a wide range of disciplines and approaches ranging from basic science-oriented work like genetics and immunology to technology-driven approaches like nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. By providing in-depth “snapshots”of current problems in human health and the research aimed at overcoming these problems students will gain an understanding of both the incredible progress that has been made in biomedical research as well as the considerable challenges that lie ahead.
In addition to the lectures, opportunities for informal interactions with the faculty teaching the course (those from both Weill Cornell Medical College and Cornell University) will be available, including small question and answer sessions, additional seminars, as well as lunches with the faculty.
Course directors:
Chris B. Schaffer, Biomedical Engineering Department, Cornell University
Michael G. Kaplitt, Neurological Surgery Department, Weill Cornell Medical College
Three credits.
Next offered Fall semester, 2009.
Tuesday and Thursday from 1:25 to 2:40 pm.
Open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Sophomores require permission of the instructor to register.
» ENGRI 1310 (BME 1310) Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Modern biology and medicine is undergoing a revolution as quantitative principles of measurement, analysis, and design are introduced to help solve a variety of scientific and medical problems. This course will provide an introduction to the power of such a quantitative approach for biomedical research. The use of quantitative principles will be illustrated through case studies of contemporary scientific and engineering problems in molecular biology, cellular biology, mammalian physiology, and biomedical instrument design. Emphasis will be placed on the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach and the need to understand a problem from both a biological and an engineering perspective. Background material will be taught as needed for each case study, including the necessary biology, mathematics, and physical science. Learning in this course will be very collaborative, with students discussing challenging aspects of the material with each other and the instructors during the lectures and labs. Reports for the laboratory portion of the course will be completed in teams, and collaboration on the homework is encourage.
Course website is on Blackboard.
Spring semester, 2009.
Tuesday and Thursday, 10:10 to 11:25 am, Thurston Hall, 2nd floor
» ENGRG 1050 Engineering Seminar
Seminar-style course that will help you get to know your advisors, as well as give all of us an opportunity to have some fun and learn about exciting engineering work going on at Cornell. Course website.