UT Austin
Graduate Catalog
1999-2001



CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1
Graduate Study

CHAPTER 2
Admission and Registration

CHAPTER 3
Degree Requirements

CHAPTER 4
Fields of Study

CHAPTER 5
Members of Graduate Studies Committees

APPENDIX
Course Abbreviations
 

Chapter 4: Fields of Study

Biomedical Engineering


The faculty has approval to offer the following courses in the academic years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001; however, not all courses are taught each semester or summer session. Students should consult the Course Schedule to determine which courses and topics will be offered during a particular semester or summer session. The Course Schedule may also reflect changes that have been made to the courses listed here since this catalog was published.

Unless otherwise stated below, each course meets for three lecture hours a week for one semester.

Biomedical Engineering: BME

384N. Acoustics.
May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Topic 3: Electromechanical Sensors/Actuators.
Same as Electrical Engineering 384N (Topic 3: Electromechanical Sensors/Actuators) and Mechanical Engineering 384N (Topic 3: Electromechanical Sensors/Actuators). Electrical, mechanical, and acoustical dynamics; principles of energy conversion, transducer laws, and representation; effects of the transducer characteristics on accuracy and efficiency of energy transformation.

385. Cell and Tissue Engineering.
Use of case studies to explore the physiology and biology of different tissues and organs of the body, including pathologies of tissue, current clinical treatments, and the role of engineers in developing new technologies to diagnose and treat these pathologies. Emphasis on the use of quantitative cellular and molecular techniques. Applications of synthetic and natural biomaterials. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Biology 302 or 303 or consent of instructor.

385J, 685J. Topics in Biomedical Engineering.
May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in engineering and consent of instructor. Only topic 17 is offered under the number 685J.

Topic 1: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering I.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 1) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 1: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering I), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 1: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering I), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 1: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering I). Introduction to physiology, the cell, body fluids, blood, peripheral nervous system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiration, central nervous system and special senses, basic anatomy.

Topic 2: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering II.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 2) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 2: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering II), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 2: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering II), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 2: Physiology: Biomedical Engineering II). Measurement techniques for the acquisition of physiological data, including experiments in the cardiovascular, renal, neuromuscular, and nervous systems. Two lecture hours and one three-hour laboratory a week for one semester.

Topic 3: Bioelectric Phenomena.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 3) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 3: Bioelectric Phenomena), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 3: Bioelectric Phenomena), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 3: Bioelectric Phenomena). Examines the physiological bases of bioelectricity and the techniques required to record bioelectric phenomena both intracellularly and extracellularly; the representation of bioelectric activity by equivalent dipoles and the volume conductor fields produced.

Topic 4: Electrophysiology of the Nervous System.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 4) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 4: Electrophysiology of the Nervous System), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 4: Electrophysiology of the Nervous System), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 4: Electrophysiology of the Nervous System). Introduction to anatomy, physiology, and function of the human nervous system. Additional prerequisite: Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 1); or Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 3) and Zoology 383K; or Zoology 383K and 383L.

Topic 5: Cardiovascular Dynamics.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 5) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 5: Cardiovascular Dynamics), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 5: Cardiovascular Dynamics), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 5: Cardiovascular Dynamics). Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and dynamics of the cardiovascular system, with emphasis on the design and application of electrical and mechanical devices for cardiac intervention.

Topic 9: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Thermal.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 9) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 9: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Thermal), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 9: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Thermal), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 9: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Thermal). The thermal response of random media in interaction with laser irradiation. Calculation of the rate of heat production caused by direct absorption of the laser light, thermal damage, and ablation.

Topic 11: Biomedical Engineering Hospital Interfaces.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 11) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 11: Biomedical Engineering Hospital Interfaces), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 11: Biomedical Engineering Hospital Interfaces), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 11: Biomedical Engineering Hospital Interfaces). Students gain firsthand knowledge of the instrumentation, procedures, and organization of a modern hospital. Class sessions are held in the different clinical services and laboratories of the hospital.

Topic 12: Biomedical Heat Transfer.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 12) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 12: Biomedical Heat Transfer), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 12: Biomedical Heat Transfer), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 12: Biomedical Heat Transfer). Heat transfer in biological tissue; determination of thermodynamic and transport properties of tissue; thermal effects of blood perfusion; cryobiology; numerical modeling methods; clinical applications. Additional prerequisite: Mechanical Engineering 339, Chemical Engineering 353, or the equivalent.

Topic 13: Molecular Recognition in Biology and Biotechnology.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 13) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 13: Molecular Recognition in Biology and Biotechnology), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 13: Molecular Recognition in Biology and Biotechnology), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 13: Molecular Recognition in Biology and Biotechnology).

Topic 15: Biosignal Analysis.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 15) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 15: Biosignal Analysis), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 15: Biosignal Analysis), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 15: Biosignal Analysis). Theory and classification of biological signals such as EEG, EKG, and EMG. Data acquisition and analysis procedures for biological signals, including computer applications.

Topic 16: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Optical.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 16) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 16: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Optical), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 16: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Optical), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 16: Laser-Tissue Interaction: Optical). The optical behavior of random media such as tissue in interaction with laser irradiation. Approximate transport equation methods to predict the absorption and scattering parameters of laser light inside tissue. Port-wine stain treatment; cancer treatment by photochemotherapy; and cardiovascular applications.

Topic 17: Computer-Based Biomedical Instrumentation.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 17) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 17: Computer-Based Biomedical Instrumentation), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 17: Computer-Based Biomedical Instrumentation), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 17: Computer-Based Biomedical Instrumentation). Biomedical Engineering 685J (Topic 17) is same as Electrical Engineering 685J (Topic 17: Computer-Based Biomedical Instrumentation). Design, testing, patient safety, electrical noise, biomedical measurement transducers, therapeutics, instrumentation electronics, and microcomputer interfaces. Several case studies are presented. Additional topics are covered in Biomedical Engineering 685J (Topic 17). Four structured laboratories and an individual project laboratory. Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 17) and 685J (Topic 17) normally meet with Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 17) and 685J (Topic 17).

Topic 18: Biomedical Image Processing.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 18) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 18: Biomedical Image Processing), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 18: Biomedical Image Processing), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 18: Biomedical Image Processing). Physical principles and signal processing techniques used in thermographic, ultrasonic, and radiographic imaging, including image reconstruction from projections such as CAT scanning, MRI, and millimeter wave determination of temperature profiles. Additional prerequisite: Electrical Engineering 371R (or 379K [Topic 12: Digital Image Processing]).

Topic 19: Neuropathophysiology/Prostheses.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 19) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 19: Neuropathophysiology/Prostheses), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 19: Neuropathophysiology/Prostheses), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 19: Neuropathophysiology/Prostheses). Detection and treatment of disorders of the nervous system: neuromuscular and cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, psychiatric and developmental disorders. Prostheses for hearing, visual, and limb impairments. Students design and test a neuroprosthesis. Additional prerequisite: Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 1); or Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 3) and Zoology 383K; or Zoology 383K and 383L.

Topic 20: Network Thermodynamics in Biophysics.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 20) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 20: Network Thermodynamics in Biophysics), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 20: Network Thermodynamics in Biophysics), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 20: Network Thermodynamics in Biophysics). Modeling and simulation methods for nonlinear biological processes, including coupling across multienergy domains; practical implementation by bond graph techniques. Additional prerequisite: Mechanical Engineering 344 or consent of instructor.

Topic 22: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 22) is same as Kinesiology 395 (Topic 33: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics) and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 22: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics). Synthesis of properties of the musculotendon and skeletal systems to construct detailed computer models that quantify human performance and muscular coordination. Additional prerequisite for kinesiology students: Mathematics 311 and Kinesiology 395 (Topic 36: Biomechanics of Human Movement).

Topic 23: Optical Spectroscopy.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 23) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 23: Optical Spectroscopy), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 23: Optical Spectroscopy), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 23: Optical Spectroscopy). Measurement and interpretation of spectra: steady-state and time-resolved absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and Raman spectroscopy in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared portions of the spectrum.

Topic 26: Therapeutic Heating Modalities.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 26) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 26: Therapeutic Heating Modalities), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 26: Therapeutic Heating Modalities), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 26: Therapeutic Heating Modalities). Engineering aspects of electromagnetic fields that have therapeutic applications: diathermy (short wave, microwave, and ultrasound), electrosurgery (thermal damage processes), stimulation of excitable tissue, and electrical safety.

Topic 27: The Biotechnology Revolution and Engineering Ethics.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 27) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 27: The Biotechnology Revolution and Engineering Ethics), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 27: The Biotechnology Revolution and Engineering Ethics), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 27: The Biotechnology Revolution and Engineering Ethics). The history and status of genetic engineering; potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry; ethical and social issues surrounding the engineering of biological organisms; ethics in engineering practice in physical and biological realms.

Topic 28: Noninvasive Optical Tomography.
Biomedical Engineering 385J (Topic 28) is same as Chemical Engineering 385J (Topic 28: Noninvasive Optical Tomography), Electrical Engineering 385J (Topic 28: Noninvasive Optical Tomography), and Mechanical Engineering 385J (Topic 28: Noninvasive Optical Tomography). Basic principles of optical tomographic imaging of biological materials for diagnostic or therapeutic applications. Optical-based tomographic imaging techniques including photothermal, photoacoustic, and coherent methodologies.

395. Advanced Topical Studies.
May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Topic 1: Dynamics I.
Same as Kinesiology 395 (Topic 7: Dynamics I). Basic principles of rigid-body kinematics. Theory is emphasized, especially Kane's method of dynamics. Additional prerequisite: Mechanical Engineering 324.

Topic 2: Dynamics II.
Same as Kinesiology 395 (Topic 35: Dynamics II). Introduction to the formulation of dynamical equations of motion; students solve complex dynamics problems using the computer. Additional prerequisite: Biomedical Engineering 395 (Topic 1).

197, 297, 397, 597, 697. Research Problems.
Problems selected by the student with approval of the faculty adviser. For each semester hour of credit earned, three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biomedical engineering.

197S. Graduate Seminar in Biomedical Engineering.
The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

698. Thesis.
The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for two semesters. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: For 698A, graduate standing in biomedical engineering and consent of the graduate adviser; for 698B, Biomedical Engineering 698A.

398R. Master's Report.
Preparation of a report to fulfill the requirement for the master's degree under the report option. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biomedical engineering and consent of the graduate adviser.

399R, 699R, 999R. Dissertation.
Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

399W, 699W, 999W. Dissertation.
Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Biomedical Engineering 399R, 699R, or 999R.




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About the Program: Biomedical Engineering

Contents |  Chapter 1 |  Chapter 2 |  Chapter 3
Chapter 4 |  Chapter 5 |  Appendix


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