Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN BIONANOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121 AND PHYS 101

Description: This seminar course is intended for freshman and will provide an introduction to bionanotechnology. In addition to learning about cutting-edge research in bionanotechnology, students will work to formulate solutions to medical problems using the tools of nanotechnology.

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 125 AND PHYS 126) OR (PHYS 101 AND PHYS 102) AND CHEM 121 AND CHEM 122 AND MATH 101 AND MATH 102 AND CAAM 210

Description: Introduction to material, energy, charge and momentum balances in biological systems. Steady-state and transient conservation equations for mass, energy, charge and momentum will be derived and applied using basic mathematical principles, physical laws, stoichiometry, and thermodynamic properties. Required for students intending to major in bioengineering. Recommended co or prerequisite(s): MATH 211.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUES

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: To be considered for the course, you must submit a 250 word or less statement explaining your interests in the course and reasons for taking the course. Email Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum @ rkortum@rice.edu by 11/6/06. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, health systems and health economics, demography, medical ethics, humanitarian emergencies, role of media, justice, history of colonialism, scientific methods and engineering design, case studies of appropriate health technologies, role of WHO. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING AND WORLD HEALTH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course provides an overview of contemporary technological advances to improve human health. The course opens with an introduction to the epidemiology and physiology of the major human health problems throughout the world. With this introduction, we examine medical technologies to prevent infection, detect cancer and treat heart disease. We discuss legal and ethical issues associated with developing new medical technologies. The course is designed for non-engineering majors.

Long Title: ACCELERATED CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121

Description: This course is intended for engineers and physical scientists who want to have a working knowledge of modern cell and molecular biology. Key concepts will be illustrated through examples in biotechnology and biomedicine. Prior coursework in biology is not required.

Long Title: SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY LAB MODULE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 or permission of instructor

Description: Exploration of physiologic systems through measurement of biologic signals. EEG, ECG, EMG pulmonary function tests, etc. are performed and analyzed. Students will explore physiologic concepts through computer simulations, data collection and analysis, and bench top laboratory tests. Enrollment in or completion of BIOE 322 is expected. For students intending to major in Bioengineering.

Long Title: CELLULAR ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 or permission of instructor

Description: Introduction to engineering principles and modeling at the cellular level. Topics include cytomechanics, receptor/ligand binding, genetic engineering, and enzyme kinetics.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 AND MATH 211

Description: This course will teach the fundamentals of physiology at the organism, tissue, and cellular levels. Emphasis will be on engineering aspects of physiology. Cross-list: BIOS 332.

Long Title: BIOREACTION ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252

Description: The course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge in biochemistry and molecular biology needed by engineers. This course provides a survey of basic principles of biochemistry and molecular biology, emphasizing engineering applications and a broad understanding of chemical events in living systems in terms of metabolism and structure-function relationships of biologically important molecules.

Long Title: THERMODYNAMICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 AND BIOE 391 AND BIOE 383 or permission of instructor

Description: This course will be mathematically rigorous coverage of the fundamentals of thermodynamics with applications drawn from contemporary bioengineering problems. Advanced topics covered include thermodynamics of self assembly, the hydrophobic effect, polymer and membrane phase transitions, membrane transport, cell mechanics, electromechanical coupling in biological systems, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, open systems and statistical mechanics.

Long Title: LABORATORY IN TISSUE CULTURE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 211 OR CHEM 214

Description: Introduction to tissue culture techniques, including cell passage, cell viability, and cell attachment and proliferation assays. Sections 1 and 2 are taught during the first half of the semester. Sections 3 and 4 are taught during the second half of the semester. Your registration for this course will not be accepted until you obtain Dr. Saterbak's signature on an Undergraduate Special Registration Request form. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: BIOS 320.

Long Title: METABOLIC ENGINEERING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 260 AND PHYS 126 AND MATH 102

Description: Importance of nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds, impact of cost of compounds on global health; overview of biochemical pathways; Genetic engineering and molecular biology tools for ME; Nutritional molecules; Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, tamiflu-against influenza virus; anti-parasite compounds against malaria and filarial diseases; anti-diarrhea treatments).

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ENVIRONMENT

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 260 AND PHYS 126 AND MATH 102

Description: Clinical trial design, regulation of medical technologies, medical technology assessment. Detailed case studies of vaccine development, diagnostic tests, cancer screening.

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is an introduction to several innovative methods of small scale water purification which are appropriate for implementation in the developing world. Through the different components of the class, students will acquire and hone a sustainable methodology for addressing global health problems in the developing world.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMATERIALS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 AND MECH 211 or permission of instructor

Description: The focus of this course is on the understanding of fundamental issues related to biomechanics of the human body, reactions of different types of tissue and synthetic material to load and the biomechanics of biomaterial. In examples, the effect of mechanical conditions on the human body function and the effect of tissue property on whole body behavior will be reviewed. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 690.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Introduction to cellular electrophysiology. Includes the development of whole-cell models for neurons and muscle (cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle) cells, based on ion channel currents obtained from whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments. Ion balance equations are developed, as well as, those for chemical signaling agents such as "second messengers." The construction of small neuron circuits are discussed. Volume conductor boundary-value problems frequently encountered in electrophysiology are posed, and solutions obtained based on adequate descriptions of the bioelectric current source and the volume conductor (surrounding tissue) medium. This course provides a basis for the interpretation of macroscopic bioelectric signals such as the electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Cross-list: ELEC 381.

Long Title: BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING INSTRUMENTATION

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211 AND MATH 212 AND PHYS 126 AND CHEM 122 AND BIOS 201 AND BIOE 252

Description: This is an introductory level course on fundamentals of biomedical engineering instrumentation and analysis. Topics include measurement principles; fundamental concepts in electronics including circuit analysis, data acquisition, amplifiers, filters and A/D converters; Fourier analysis; temperature, pressure, and flow measurements in biological systems. Laboratory sections will be offered 2-5pm on T, W, TH, F. Sign up for lab section is required during preregistration week in KECK 108.

Long Title: BIOPHOTONICS INSTRUMENTATION AND APPLICATIONS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Introduction to fundamentals of biophotonics instrumentation related to coherent light generation, transmission by optical components such as lenses and fibers, and modulation and detection. Interference and polarization concepts and light theories including ray and wave optics will be covered. Biomedical applications in optical sensing and diagnosis will be discussed. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 684. Recommended prerequisite(s): MATH 211, MATH 212, PHYS 126, BIOS 201.

Long Title: NUMERICAL METHODS AND STATISTICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CAAM 210 AND (MATH 211 OR MATH 212)

Description: Introduction to numerical approximation techniques and statistical methods with bioengineering applications. Topics include error propagation, Taylor's Series expansions , roots of equations, numerical differentiation and integration techniques for solving ordinary differential equations. Statistical methods for hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, probability and regression analysis are also covered. Matlab and other software will be used for solving equations.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 2 TO 3

Description: Beginning undergraduate researchers learn about library and electronic resources, database and literature searchers, reference management software training, lab safety training, how to keep a laboratory notebook, research ethics, writing a scientific paper and poster, and oral presentation skills. Independent investigation of a specifi topic or problem in modern bioengineering research under the direction of a selected faculty member. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 4

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 400

Description: Independent investigation of a specific topic or problem in modern bioengineering research under the direction of a selected faculty member. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 4

Description: Independent investigation of a specific topic or problem in modern bioengineering research under the direction of a selected faculty member. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 0

Description: This independent research course offers multi-disciplinary training in the area of cellular engineering within the Departments of Bioengineering and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Areas of research will include engineering of hard and soft tissue formation, cardiovascular tissue engineering, engineering cell surface interactions regulating movement and metabolic engineering. Students will conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Long Title: CLINICAL MEDICAL INTERNSHIP

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Students participate in clinical inpatient rounds, outpatient visits, operating room procedures and medical grand rounds. Designed to provide direct contact with the medical needs addressed by bioengineering. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: CLINICAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Students participate in clinical inpatient rounds, outpatient visits, operating room procedures and medical grand rounds. Designed to provide direct contact with the medical needs addressed by bioengineering. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: BIOSYSTEMS TRANSPORT AND REACTION PROCESSES

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211 AND MATH 212

Description: The principles of reaction kinetics and transport phenomena will be used to quantitatively describe biological systems. Cell biology, physiology, anatomy, and materials science topics will be covered as background for the study of cell membrane transport, receptor-ligand interactions, and normal organ function. Models will be introduced to describe pathological conditions, drug pharmaco-kinetics, and artificial organ designs. Cross-list: CHBE 420.

Long Title: PHARMACEUTICAL ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 391 or permission of instructor

Description: This course will examine how pharmaceutical active agents function in the body and how they are delivered to the body. Topics to be covered include the kinetics of drug absorption and tissue distribution along with the transport phenomena associated with the release bioactive agents. Focus will be placed on mathematical modeling of pharmacokinetic and diffusional processes. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 625.

Long Title: QUANTITATIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This new series of elective courses for undergraduate students is designed to lay the groundwork for advanced studies in translational bioengineering. Four to six human physiological systems will be studied each semester. Patient cases will be used to link basic science and mathematics to clinical practice.

Long Title: QUANTITATIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This new series of elective courses for undergraduate students is designed to lay the groundwork for advanced studies in translational bioengineering. Four to six human physiological systems will be studied each semester. Patient cases will be used to link basic science and mathematics to clinical practice.

Long Title: STATISTICS FOR BIOENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): CAAM 210

Description: Course covers application of statistics to bioengineering. Topics include descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis, testing, ANOVA, and regression.

Long Title: TISSUE ENGINEERING LAB MODULE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 342

Description: Students conduct a series of tests to synthesize PLLA, characterize PLLA and PLGA, monitor PLLA and PLGA degradation, and assess the viability, attachment, and proliferation of HDF cells on PLLA films. The experiments include many of the basic types of experiments that would be required to do a preliminary investigation of a tissue engineered product. Sections 1 and 2 will be taught during the first half of the semester and sections 3 and 4 will be taught during the second half of the semester. In addition sections 1 and 3 will need to come into lab on 2-3 Fridays and sections 2 and 4 will need to come into lab on 2-3 Saturdays. Section sign-up is required by the instructor in Keck 108 during preregistration week.

Long Title: BIOPROCESSING LAB MODULE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 342

Description: Students conduct a series of experiments to observe the growth of E. coli under different conditions, including agar platers, shake flasks, and a small-scale bioreactor. The E. coli has been transformed with a plasmid that produces beta-galactosidase. Some work "off hours" (early evening) is required. Sections 1 and 2 are taught in the first half of the semester and Sections 3 and 4 are taught in the second half of the semester. Section sign-up is required by the instructor in Keck 108 during preregistration week.

Long Title: MECHANICAL TESTING LAB MODULE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 372

Description: Students conduct a series of tests to elucidate the mechanical and material properties of chicken bones, tendons, and skin using the Instron. Section sign-up is required by the instructor in Keck 108 during the preregistration week. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: ADVANCED INSTRUMENTATION LAB MODULE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 383

Description: Students design and build a biomedical instrumentation device. Sign up is required in Keck 108 during preregistration week.

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING DESIGN I

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 AND BIOE 372 AND BIOE 383

Description: Senior Bioengineering students will design devices in biotechnology or biomedicine. This project-based course covers systematic design processes, engineering economics, FDA requirements, safety, engineering ethics, design failures, research design, intellectual property rights, environmental impact, business planning and marketing. Students will be expected to compile concise documentation and present orally progress of their teams. It is required that students take both parts of this course in the same year. BIOE 451 and 452 must be taken the same academic year.

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING DESIGN II

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 451

Description: Senior Bioengineering students will design devices in biotechnology or biomedicine. This project-based course covers systematic design processes, engineering economics, FDA requirements, safety, engineering ethics, design failures, research design, intellectual property rights, business planning and marketing. Students will be expected to compile concise documentation and present orally progress of their teams. It is required that students take both parts of this course in the same school year. BIOE 451 and 452 must be taken the same academic year.

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL FLUID MECHANICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Fundamental concepts of finite element methods in fluid mechanics, including spatial discretization and numerical integration in multidimensions, time-integration, and solution of nonlinear ordinary differential equation systems. Advanced numerical stabilization techniques designed for fluid mechanics problems. Strategies for solution of complex, real-world problems. Topics in large-scale computing, parallel processing, and visualization. Cross-list: CEVE 454, MECH 454, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 554.

Long Title: BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 252 or permission of instructor

Description: Design, operation, and analysis of processes in the biochemical industries. Topics include enzyme kinetics, cell growth kinetics, energetics, recombinant DNA technology, microbial, tissue and plant cell cultures, bioreactor design and operation, and down stream processing. Cross-list: CHBE 460.

Long Title: EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 372

Description: This course will address the biology, organization, mechanics, and turnover of extracellular matrix. There will be an emphasis on cells and cell-matrix interactions, matrix distributions in connective tissues and organs, techniques for measurement and modeling, changes with growth and aging, and tissue/matrix degradation. Cross-list: BIOS 464.

Long Title: FROM SEQUENCE TO STRUCTURE: AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 4

Description: This course is a modern introduction to problems in computational biology spanning sequence to structure. The course has three modules: the first introduces statistical techniques in sequence analysis; the second covers statistical machine learning techniques for understanding experimental data generated in computational biology; and the third introduces problems in the structure of complex biomolecules. Cross-list: COMP 470, STAT 470.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONAL MRI

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 322

Description: A comprehensive introduction to all aspects of functional magnetic resonance imaging, a cutting-edge methodology that allows direct observation of the neural processing underlying human perception and cognition. Lectures will cover methods and applications of fMRI. The lab portion will involve designing experimental paradigms and collecting and analyzing fMRI data. Class will be held at University of Texas Medical School Branch.

Long Title: EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN BIOENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 372 or permission of instructor

Description: Introduction to experimental techniques used in bioengineering to assess biomaterials and tissues. This course will primarily concentrate on basic concepts of measurement methods, experimental design, signal analysis, and the development of experimental protocols. In laboratory modules focusing on mechanical testing of non-Newtonian materials, parameter extraction out of signal data sets, and electronic circuits. The theoretical concepts covered in class will be implemented hands-on.

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: An introduction to anatomy and physiology of the brain. Development of models of neurons and natural neural networks. Cross-list: ELEC 481.

Long Title: PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 4

Description: Nervous system control of biological systems can be represented utilizing techniques common to the field of linear, nonlinear or adaptive control theory. This course begins with a review of the basic aspects of control theory, followed by detailed discussion of the structure of several biological systems including the visual, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Specific examples of neural control are developed for each system utilizing modeling and simulation techniques. Parameter sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation techniques are likewise brought to bear on some of these models to achieve good least-squares fits to experimental data. Cross-list: ELEC 482.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDICAL IMAGING I

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: The course will introduce basic medical imaging modalities, such as x-ray, CT, and MRI, used to identify the anatomy of human organs, as well as other modalities, such as PET, SPECT, fMRI, and MEG, specifically developed to localize brain function. The course includes visits to clinical sites. Cross-list: COMP 485, ELEC 485, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 685.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDICAL IMAGING II

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course is directed towards graduate and senior undergraduate students interested in acquiring an in depth knowledge of Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The course will focus on PET physical principles, image formation, and processing. The course will also cover the various correction techniques used to quantify PET images as well as lay the foundations for understanding tracer kinetic modeling. A field trip to MD Anderson's PET facility will be organized to provide the students with hands on experience of PET imaging and data analysis. The use of PET imaging in various medical applications will also be covered. Cross-list: COMP 486, ELEC 486.

Long Title: SENSORY NEUROENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 322 AND BIOE 332 or permission of instructor

Description: This course will explore how bioengineering techniques and principles are applied to sensory systems, with a focus on the auditory, vestibular, and retinal systems. The interaction between the electrical, mechanical and optical aspects of these systems, and ways to modulate these interactions, will be explored. Design and current technologies used as auditory and visual prosthetics will be covered. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 592.

Long Title: GRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 1 TO 15

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 1 TO 15

Description: Only first semester graduate students are eligible to take this course.

Long Title: OPTICAL IMAGING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course includes a theoretical portion which will introduce the fundamentals of optical imaging of neural activity, present the devices that are employed, and review applications and discuss their results. In addition, in a practical part, students will design, set up, and perform simple in vitro experiments to gain practical experience with this exciting and powerful technology. Course meets in S744, Vivian Smith Res. Bldg., Baylor College of Medicine

Long Title: SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR DESIGN

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 301 OR BIOS 201 OR BIOS 551 OR CHEM 311 or permission of instructor

Description: The course introduces systems biology concepts and their bearing on molecular design. The course portends to present a balanced and integrative outlook at the various molecular components that determine biological function, sub-cellular organization and dysfunction. The focus is placed on the molecular aspects and design principles governing protein interactivity, supra-molecular organization and interactome modularity. Practical applications will be delineated, in particular those pertaining to the development of systems-based design principles to avert side effects in drug therapy.

Long Title: BIOSYSTEMS TRANSPORT PHENOMENA

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: The principles of transport phenomena will be used to quantitatively describe biological systems.

Long Title: GENE THERAPY COURSE

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212 AND BIOS 201

Description: This course will review the principles and strategies underlying gene therapy approaches in animal models and human beings. The current methods for gene delivery to cells ex vivo and in vivo will be discussed along with current cutting-edge approaches for improving the specificity and persistence of gene expression. The course will also cover current disease applications of gene therapy and the strategies taken to produce therapeutic results. Regulatory issues concerning biomaterials will also be addressed. Location: Baylor College of Medicine.

Long Title: BIOMATERIALS ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Emphasis will be placed on issues regarding design and synthesis of materials to achieve specific properties and biocompatibility. An overview of significant biomaterials application will be given, including topics such as opthalmic biomaterials, orthopedic applications, cardiovascular biomaterials, and drug delivery systems. Regulatory issues concerning biomaterials will also be addressed. Recommended prerequisite(s): CHEM 211 and BIOS 201.

Long Title: DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Introduction to methods and concepts of statistical analysis, analysis of variance, full an fractional designs at two and three levels, orthogonal arrays, response surface methodology.

Long Title: SUPRAMOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS AND BIOENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Multi-component complexes of biological macromolecules form the basis of many cellular processes including signaling, metabolism, and biomolecular transport. This course will examine the impact of supramolecular architecture on these processes by discussing the self-assembly, dynamic properties and physiological function of non-covalently coupled macromolecules and interacting proteins. The course will cover fundamental models of protein-protein interactions, cooperativity, instrumentation, and potential technological applications.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO BIOENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Seminar/tutorial introducing current research in bioengineering and biotechnology to acquaint students with activities of various labs at Rice and the Texas Medical Center. Cross-list: CHBE 551. Recommended prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL FLUID MECHANICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CEVE 371

Description: Graduate version of BIOE 454. Additional work required. Cross-list: CEVE 554, MECH 554, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 454.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 322

Description: This course will teach the fundamentals of physiology at the organism, tissue, and cellular levels. Emphasis will be on engineering aspects of physiology.

Long Title: FOUNDATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Graduate level introduction to a wide range of research methods in biosciences and bioengineering. Individual faculty members from the Biosciences and Bioengineering will each present practices and techniques for their areas of expertise. A web-based methods database will be constructed, with student involvement, from the library of lectures. Cross-list: BIOS 576.

Long Title: FOUNDATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Graduate level introduction to a wide range of research methods in biosciences and bioengineering. Individual faculty members from the biosciences and bioengineering will each present practices and techniques for their areas of expertise. A web-based methods database will be constructed, with student involvement, from the library of lectures. Cross-list: BIOS 577.

Long Title: BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICUM

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is part of the NIH Biotechnology Training Program and is limited to program participants. Students will receive exposure and training in cutting edge concepts and technologies.

Long Title: CARDIOVASCULAR DYNAMICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): ELEC 481 AND ELEC 482 AND ELEC 507

Description: Mathematical modeling of the cariovascular and respiratory systems, and thier neural control. Integration of these system models into a human cardiopulmonary model capable of stimulating measured data from functional tests. Cross-list: ELEC 581. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TRANSLATIONAL BIOENGINEERING SEMINAR

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: A seminar series focused on translational research opportunities to be held each semester. Each seminar will be jointly presented by a clinical faculty member, a basic science faculty member, and bioengineering faculty member to integrate focused discussion of clinical cancer needs, advances in cancer biology, and new diagonostic and therapeutic technologies which build on these advances to meet clinical needs. Seminars held at MDACC.

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING/BIOPHYSICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This is a course designed for students in computationally-oriented biomedical and bioengineering majors to introduce the principles and methods used for the simulations and modeling of macromolecules of biological interest. Protein conformation and dynamics are emphasized. Empirical energy function and molecular dynamics calculations are described. Specific biological problems are discussed to illustrate the methodology. Classic examples such as the cooperative mechanism of hemoglobin and more frontier topics such as the motional properties of molecular motors and ion channels as well as results derived from the current literature are covered. Cross-list: BIOS 589. Recommended prerequisite(s): MATH 212, BIOS 301, BIOE 332.

Long Title: SENSORY NEUROENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course will explore how bioengineering techniques and principles are applied to sensory systems, with a focus on the auditory, vestibular, and retinal systems. The interaction between the electrical, mechanical and optical aspects of these systems, and ways to modulate these interactions, will be explored. Design and current technologies used as auditory and visual prosthetics will be covered. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 492.

Long Title: TRAINING IN THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will consider ethical issues involving human and animal subjects, record keeping, publications, potential conflict of interest, and behavior toward colleagues, research fellows, students, and employees. Cross-list: BIOS 594.

Long Title: METHODS OF MOLECULAR SIMULATION

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CENG 611 OR BIOE 589 OR BIOS 589 OR CHEM 520 OR PHYS 526 or permission of instructor

Description: Modern simulation techniques for classical atomistic systems. Review of statistical mechanical systems. Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Extensions of the basic methods to various ensembles. Applications to simulations of large molecules such as proteins. Advanced techniques for simulation of complex systems, including constraint satisfaction, cluster moves, biased sampling, and random energy models. Cross-list: PHYS 610.

Long Title: TISSUE ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Study of cell-cell interactions and the role of the extracellular matrix in the structure and function of normal and pathological tissues. Includes strategies to regenerate metabolic organs and repair structural tissues, as well as cell-based therapies to deliver proteins and other therapeutic drugs, with emphasis on issues related to cell and tissue transplantation such as substrate properties, angiogenesis, growth stimulation, cell differentiation, and immunoprotection. Cross-list: CHBE 620.

Long Title: PHARMACEUTICAL ENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course will examine how pharmaceutical active agents function in the body and how they are delivered to the body. Topics to be covered include the kinetics of drug absorption and tissue distribution along with the transport phenomena associated with the release bioactive agents. Focus will be placed on mathematical modeling of pharmacokinetic and diffusional processes along with the critical evaluation of peer reviewed journal articles on biopharmaceuticals. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 425.

Long Title: LIFE SCIENCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE ROLES OF FOUNDERS AND VENTURE CAPTIAL ON HIGH TECH STARTUP

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1.5

Description: The major trends and innovations driving the creation of new products in large established companies and venture-capital- backed startup companies are discussed. This pragmatic, experienced-based course describes the venture capital process, formation, and capitalization of high-tech companies, sources of technologies, role of tech transfer at universities and medical schools, startup operational issues, role of VCs and board members, execution time frames, liquidity process, IPOs and mergers, and payout prospects for founders and inventors. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 654 or permission of instructor

Description: Advanced topics in computational mechanics with emphasis on finite element methods and fluid mechanics. Stabilized formulations. Fluid-particle and fluid-structure interactions and free-surface and two-fluid flows. Interface tracking and interface-capturing techniques, space-time formulations, and mesh update methods. Enhanced discretization and solution techniques. Itertive solution methods, matrix-free computations, and advanced preconditioning techniques. Cross-list: CEVE 654, MECH 654.

Long Title: ONCOLOGY FOR BIOENGINEERS: MOLECULES TO ORGANS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This new course will provide an overview cancer terminology, and concepts in epidemiology, anatomy pathology, and pathophysiology of cancers of the major organ systems. The novel feature of this course is that it will describe anatomic structure and cancer pathology across a range of physical scales, ranging from the molecular to the cellular to the organ to integrated organ systems. In addition, the course has a patient-oriented focus; students have the opportunity to visit with patients and interview them about their signs and symptoms, their diagnosis and treatment and their experiences in the health care system. These interviews guide focused student course projects to learn more about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Recommended Prerequisite(s): Admission to Med Into Grad Program.

Long Title: ADVANCED BIOPHOTONICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This advanced topics course focuses on novel technologies for optical spectroscopy, micrscopy, and in vivo imaging with an emphasis on applications in clinical medicine. Previous course work in optics is required. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 384.

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDICAL IMAGING ***** The course will introduce basic medical imaging modalities, such as x-ray, CT, and MRI, used to identify the anatomy of human organs, as well as other modalties, such as PET, SPECT, fMRI, and MEG, specifically developed to localize brain function. The course includes visits to clinical sites. ***** Also offered as ELEC 685 and COMP 685. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 485. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE: INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS AND BIOENGINEERING

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: The focus of this course is on the understanding of fundamental issues related to biomechanics of the human body, reactions of different types of tissue and synthetic material to load and the biomechanics of biomaterial. In examples, the effect of mechanical conditions on the human body function and the effect of tissue property on whole body behavior will be reviewed. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 372.

Long Title: ADVANCED MODELING OF TISSUE MICROMECHANICS

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3 TO 6

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 595

Description: Continuation of MECH 595/BIOE 595 with emphasis on advanced modeling the micromechanics of biological tissues. Independent study and seminar/discussion course. Data from experiments will be used to refine the predictions of mathematical models. Designed for juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Laboratory work performed at Baylor College of Medicine and Computer work at Rice University.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Audit

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 0