Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College · Courses
BME
38 courses with the subject BME, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BME 100Biomedical Engineering Seminar1
First-year seminar to introduce the students to the field of biomedical engineering, and related opportunities in research, and industry. BME 100S Biomedical Engineering Seminar (1) A first-year seminar designed for students interested in pursuing a career in Biomedical Engineering. Through a series of lectures, demonstrations and problem solving sessions, the multifaceted world of biomedical engineering will be explored. Students will be: 1) introduced to Penn State as an academic community, including fields of study and research with an emphasis on Biomedical Engineering 2) acquainted with the learning tools and resources available at Penn State 3) given an opportunity to develop relationships with full-time faculty and other students interested in Biomedical Engineering 4) taught about their responsibilities as part of the University community 5) engaged in discussion about Biomedical Engineering and possible career paths that are available to Biomedical Engineering graduates.
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 9-12 credits of Biomedical Engineering (BME) coursework from 3-credit courses at the 400, or 500 level Select 0-3 credits of electives from Biomedical Engineering-related courses (department list)
Analysis of physiological signals and modeling of physiological systems by electrical and mechanical analogs in the context of continuous linear systems. BME 301 Analysis of Physiological Systems (3) Analysis of physiological signals and modeling of physiological systems in terms of electrical and mechanical analogs in the context of continuous linear systems. The course will cover an introduction to analysis of physiological systems using Matlab to perform numerical analysis and representation of biological signals with the techniques of Fourier frequency domain and linear time domain analyses. These topics will be followed by applications to describe control and function of physiological systems in the context of traditional systems analysis of continuous linear systems. Topics will focus on electrical and mechanical analogs of physiological systems and control of physiological parameters such as blood pressure, oxygen delivery to tissue, and blood glucose levels. The lab/recitation session may be used to review homework problems and implementation of solutions to computer programming assignments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W) and PHYS 212 and (MATH 250 or MATH 251) and CMPSC 200
Mechanical properties of fluids and solids with applications to tissue mechanics and vascular system. BME 303 Bio-continuum Mechanics (3) The course serves as an introduction to continuum mechanics for students of biomedical engineering providing a foundation for studies in fluid and solid mechanics, material sciences, and other applications of science and engineering to the biomedical field. It will provide an introduction to concepts of solid and fluid mechanics, analysis in the context of mechanical properties of biological tissues, physiological models and measurement systems. For success in the course, students will draw from their prerequisite background in calculus, physics, statics strength of materials, vector analysis, and elementary differential equations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W) and [EMCH 210 or (EMCH 211 and EMCH 213)] and [MATH 230 or (MATH 231 and MATH 232)] and MATH 251
BME 402Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements3
Biomedical measurements, including consideration of techniques, equipment, and safety. BME 402 Biomedical Instrumentation and , Measurements (3) This course is designed to introduce students to the principles, applications, and design of instruments used in biomedical research and applications. The emphasis is on engineering design and analysis with supplemental discussion of relevant physiological principles. Topics covered include: sensors, biopotential signal origin, amplifiers, filtering, electrodes and signal processing; pressure and flow measurement in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, chemical biosensors, therapeutic devices, and medical imaging modalities. Students will learn to analyze and design instrumentation and measurement systems through a variety of techniques including in-class examples, homework problems, and active participation. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MATH 250 or MATH 251) and (BME 301 or EE 210 or EE 212 or PHYS 402)
Physical principles and clinical applications of medical imaging methods. BME 406 Medical Imaging (3) This course covers all four major diagnostic medical imaging modalities including x-ray, ultrasound, radioisotope imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. Physical principles, instrumentation, and biomedical applications of these modalities, as well as the basics of imaging signals and image processing will be discussed. Success in this course will require background in physics and electrical circuits, and some experience with Matlab. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PHYS 212 and (CMPSC 200 or CMPSC 201)
or BME 409 Biofluid Mechanics or BME 413 Mass Transport in Biological Systems Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 9 credits from Medical Device Design Option department list 9 Select 3 credits from Related Electives department list 3 Biomechanics Option (24 credits) Code Title Credits
The fundamental relations in fluid mechanics and their application to biofluids including steady/unsteady flows, diseased states, devices and Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3747 biorheology. BME 409 Biofluid Mechanics (3) This course is a first course in fluid mechanics, with application to biomedical problems. This course incorporates understanding of fluid properties of biological materials and applies the fundamental laws (mass, momentum, and energy) that govern fluid mechanics to solve biofluid applications such as those in the cardiovascular system, including diseased states. The course will enable students to use approximation methods and constraints in fluid mechanics to help model and solve biofluid examples. Biorheology and cardiovascular prosthetics in the context of fluid mechanics will be discussed. The students will be able to understand and apply problem solving techniques to steady and unsteady biological flows and be exposed to wave propagation theory and oscillatory flow. Students will be exposed to biofluid devices and flow measurement techniques used to assess these devices. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MATH 230 and MATH 251 and (BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W)
Study of fluid mechanics at small length scales including fabrication of microfluidic devices and microfluidic components, lab-on-chip concept and applications. BME 410 Biomedical Applications of Microfluids (3) Microfluidics is the study of flow phenomena at small length scales with characteristic channel dimensions typically less than the diameter of human hair. Small length scale effects become important as surface forces such as viscous drag and surface tension govern flow behavior rather than body forces (inertia) as seen in macroscale fluid mechanics. Miniaturization of fluid handling systems also allows the development of micro Total Analysis Systems (microTAS) or so called "lab on a chip" which combines biological sample preparation, separation and analysis in a single device. Topics explored in this class include: silicon based microfabrication and non-conventional micro/ nano fabrication techniques; flow phenomena at small length scales, including laminar flow and flow resistance, inertial flow, diffusion, capillary effect, electrokinetic flow like electroosmosis, electrophoresis, , and dielectrophoresis (DEP); microfluidic components including valves, pumps, mixers, sensors, actuators; lab-on-chip system concept and applications; hands-on lab to make and test microfluidic device; finite element simulation lab to gain better understanding of microfluidic devices. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CHEM 112 and PHYS 211 Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: BME 303 or ME 320 or CHE 330 or AERSP 308 or PHYS 213
An integrated study of the fundamentals of mass transport processes with emphasis on the analysis of physiological systems. BME 413 Mass Transport in Biological Systems (3) This course provides an introduction to mass transport phenomena in biological systems. The course builds upon thermodynamic concepts of phase and chemical equilibrium to analyze ion transport and cell membrane potentials including Nernst potentials, Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium and osmotic pressure. In particular, the course provides fundamental understanding of the diffusion of gases, electrolytes and non-electrolytes in biological applications. Furthermore, the principles of oxygen transport in tissues are specifically described and analyzed using the Krogh Cylinder Modes and hemoglobin-oxygen binding relationships. The transport of substances across biological
Analysis of function and consideration of design concerns for biomedical implants, including prosthetic joints, electrical stimulators, and cardiovascular pumps. BME 419 Artificial Organs and Prosthetic Devices (3) This course provides an overview of artificial organs and medical devices (ranging from blood pumps, hemodialysis, BioMEMS, tissue engineered technology, orthopaedic devices, cardiovascular implants, pacemakers, etc.) and how engineers use a design methodology, need to understand the clinical need, and what FDA regulations must be considered to develop these technology. Guest speakers and experts provide lectures on the various technology and students are exposed to industry and academic device development. The basics of biomaterials and biocompatibility are discussed within the context of the technology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W or BIOL 472) and (CMPSC 200 or CMPSC 201 or CMPSC 121)
Chemical kinetics and reaction equilibria with applications to the analysis of physiological function and the design of synthetic organs. BME 423 Reaction Kinetics of Biological Systems (3) Chemical reactions are the underlying mechanism for numerous biological processes such as energy metabolism, biosynthesis pathways, mass transport, and detoxification. This course will introduce the basic concepts in chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics. The course will then apply these chemical kinetics and analytical approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms of selected biological and physiological processes, which will include metabolic engineering, catalysis, bioreactors, and drug discoveries. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W) and CHEM 112 and (MATH 250 or MATH 251) and (BME 313 or CHE 210 or ME 300) Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: BME 413 or CHE 410 or BE 302
BME 429Biomedical Mechanics and Techniques Laboratory2
Experimental laboratory that includes hands-on measurement, computational simulations, and statistical analysis of biofluids, biosolids and biomaterial phenomena. BME 429 Biomedical Mechanics and Techniques Laboratory (2) This course focuses on three five-week modules whereby students will conduct experiments on biomaterial interfaces, biofluid mechanics, and biosolid mechanics. These experiments will be complimented with computational simulations to enable discussion between the experimental and computational results and appropriate advanced statistics. Students will apply theoretical knowledge from previous core bioengineering/biomedical engineering courses. Examples of some experiments include blood separation, quantifying the flow through a stenosis, and measuring the material properties of bone. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: BME 201 and BME 303 and BME 401
Engineering and biological principles as applied to pharmaceutical transport and designing drug carriers. BME 433 Drug Delivery (3) The success of drug delivery depends on not only the understanding of chemical synthesis, polymer sciences, and cell biology, but also the fundamental understanding of drug transport that is affected by both drug's properties and physiological barriers, which are very critical but often overlooked in the design of drug delivery systems. Therefore, this course covers two main issues: 1) physiological barriers and drug transport; 2) design and characterization of drug delivery systems. The first section of this course introduces transport mechanisms of drug delivery at the levels of cell, tissue and wholebody from the engineering viewpoint. The second section describes the rational design of various drug delivery systems and emphasizes nanomedicines. Case studies of cancer therapy/tissue engineering are described to compare, contrast and analyze current drug delivery systems. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CHEM 112 and (BME 201 or BIOL 230W or BMB 251) and (BME 413 or BE 302 or CHE 410)
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of biomedical data science. We will focus on applications of data analysis to problems in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Applied biomedical data science requires strong computer programming skills and strong data analysis skills. Students will learn basic programming skills in an open source language, intermediate programming skills required to handle diverse medical, genomic, and clinical datasets (i.e. regular expressions, reproducible programming, file handling). We will cover the underlying principles and the practice of both supervised and unsupervised techniques in statistical learning by applying them to biomedical datasets. The emphasis will be on the practice of data analysis, and students will be required to undertake large scale analyses of real biomedical data.
BME 440Biomedical Engineering Professional Seminar1
Seminar giving students exposure to professionals who apply engineering and related fields to biology and medicine. BME 440 Biomedical Engineering Professional Seminar (1) A seminar for students accepted into the major introducing students to professionals in the field of biomedical engineering and disciplines that are critical to the , field (e.g. ethics, regulatory affairs, entrepreneurship). This course is designed to prepare students for the subsequent capstone design course and allow them to consider areas where innovation and design in biomedical engineering are needed. Discussion with presenters will allow students to explore the promises and limitations of the clinical applications of biomedical engineering and to explore possible career paths. Guest speakers may include representatives and alumni from the medical device industry, biomedical entrepreneurs, medical clinicians,
Describe properties of materials and composites and their in vivo interactions. BME 443 (MATSE 403) Biomedical Materials (3) Metals, polymers, and ceramics, and their composites, which are capable of emulating the functions of hard and soft tissues, are the subjects of this course.The subject matter shall be confined to implanted materials; external appliances, such as casts, braces, etc are not considered The topical content of this course will be grouped into four areas. A general introduction to selected aspects of physiology will be presented. This will provide the background necessary to appreciate the factors which govern the selection of biomedical materials. Specific emphases will be placed on polymerization of biopolymers (polypeptides and polysaccharides) and the general relationships between conformation and biological function, the biochemistry of blood and blood surface interactions, the formation of teeth and bone and the relationships between microstructure, composition and function, the immune responses to implanted materials, the resorption of bone (osteoporosis) and the development of caries. The perspective placed on these topics will be that of materials science. 'The selection of ceramics for hard tissue prosthesis will be discussed. Orthopaedic and dental applications for ceramics will be discussed. Specific ceramic materials to be treated include dental porcelain, alumina- and zirconia-based ceramics, and bioglasses and pyrolytic carbons. Various classes of inorganic cements, gypsum, zinc phosphates, zinc carboxylates, silicates, and glassionomer cements will also be considered as ceramics. Hydroxyapatite, Hap-based composites and Hap-metal interactions will be discussed in particular Relationships among physical properties, mechanical properties, and chemical interactions with biological fluids will be described. Dental and orthopedic applications of metals will be described. The fracture toughness of metals, their electrochemical responses in vivo, and the nature of the interfacial interactions with hard tissues will be treated Dental amalgams and the noble metals for dental applications will be considered. Metals and alloys, such as Ti, Co-Cr, and vitallium, used in prosthetic applications, will be described and their properties and limitations discussed The phenomenon of stress shielding and the immune responses associated with the accumulation of metallic and polymeric particular debris in the vicinity of an implant will be discusse in particular Polymeric materials are important in a broad range of biomedical applications. Among these are soft tissue prostheses, hemostatic agents, dental restoratives, bone replacement materials, and surgical adhesives. In some applications it is desirable that a polymeric material biodegrade while in others property retention is desirable. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MATSE 201 or CHEM 112) and (MATH 230 or MATH 231) Cross-listed with: MATSE 403
BME 444Surfaces and the Biological Response to Materials3
Focus is on special properties of surface as an important causative and mediating agent in the biological response to materials. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CHEM 112 or MATSE 112 Cross-listed with: MATSE 404 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3749
BME 445Tissue Engineering: Concepts, Calculations and Applications3
Introduction to interdisciplinary tissue engineering concepts, associated biochemical and biomechanical engineering calculations, and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and other tissue application examples.
Foundations in polymer chemistry and physics, polymer design, characterization, and processing with a focus on biomedical applications. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: CHEM 112 and CHEM 113 and (CHEM 202 or CHEM 210) and EMCH 210 or (EMCH 211 and EMCH 213)
This course provides an overview of the FDA regulatory process for drug, biologics, and device development. Through course work and class based discussion, students will have an opportunity to develop the foundations necessary to build a strong understanding of regulatory affairs. Topics include the historical perspective the development of U.S. drug laws, law d vs. regulation, FDA and industry functions, drug, biologics and device approvals, Good Laboratory/Manufacturing/Clinical Practice and global regulatory frameworks. The class utilizes collaborative group work and case study based learning exercises. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (ENGL 202C or BE 391) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104)
This course will give an overview of milestones in stem cell research and will expose students to current topics at the frontier of this field. It will introduce students to the different types of stem cells as well as factors and signals that are implicated in regulating stem cell fate. The course will highlight techniques for engineering of stem cells and their micro-environment. The course will also discuss gene editing and the application of gene editing in stem cell research. Furthermore, it will evaluate the use of stem cells for tissue engineering and therapies. Emphasis will be placed on discussions of current research areas and papers in this rapidly evolving field. The class is designed for upper undergraduates and graduate students with a strong interest in stem cell biology, and the desire to actively contribute to discussions in the class. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: BIOL 230W or BIOL 240W or BME 201 or BMB 251 or BIOL 240M or BIOL 230M or BMB 251H Cross-listed with: BIOL 455
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
1-12 Credits/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Biomedical Engineering Technology (BE_T) BE_T 101: Introduction to Medical Equipment Maintenance Introduction to the field of clinical engineering and the management of medical equipment and systems. BE_T 101 Introduction to Medical Equipment Maintenance (1) BE_T 101 is an introductory course in medical equipment management. It is an entry level course intended to give students the big picture oft he field of biomedical and clinical engineering. The course covers the background and history of the field, exploring how medical equipment technology has changed as well as the management of the service of the equipment. The focus of this class will be from the perspective of the biomedical equipment technician, what skills are necessary, education requirements, training opportunities, certification, job duties and descriptions, and career paths. The types of employers, their organization structures, required regulations, recommended standards and information about the work place will be presented. Business ethics of working with medical equipment, patients, clinical care givers and other health care providers will be discussed. Topics covered include: * Background and history of medical equipment management * Changes in medical equipment technology * Certification for biomedical equipment technicians * BET job duties, descriptions and requirements * BET continuing education needs * Ethical decisions in medical equipment management * Functions & Organization of clinical engineering departments * Employer types * Department organization charts * Reporting structures * Services provided by clinical engineering departments * Regulatory and standards requirements * Documentation systems BE_T 197: Special Topics 1-9 Credits/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. BE_T 201: Medical Equipment & Systems I Introduction to the field of biomedical engineering technology, electrical wiring devices, theories of measurement, cardiovascular systems and ECG monitor operation. BE T 201 Medical Equipment & Systems I (5) This course introduces the student to electrical safety standards andrelated wiring devices, methods and systems. Grounding and leakage current is studied so the student understands the causes of leakage current, safety limits, measurement and safe control of medical devices.Electrical wiring devices, over current protective devices, power quality devices and simplified hospital electrical distribution systems are discussed in relation to the electrical power delivery and quality required for medical devices. The electro-physiological theories of measurement, sensors, electrodes and measurement errors are discussed to provide an understanding of how signals are detected on the human body. A variety of transducers will be studied that are used with medical devices, such as: pressure, temperature, audio, relays, solenoids, lighting, video displays, motors, printers and batteries. The blood, heart, and cardiovascular system is studied in detail, as well as the electro-physiological signals of the heart. The normal and many abnormalelectrocardiograph signals are studied pursuant to a thorough understanding of the function and operation of the heart. The
BME 504Numerical Methods for Chemists and Engineers3
CHEM 504 is a 3-credit course designed to give graduate students an overview of basic numerical techniques. After completion of the course, the students will be able to perform simple computational tasks. The emphasis will be given to numerical solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations relevant to the chemical and biomedical research, such as reaction kinetics and transport phenomena. This 500-level course will contribute to the student¿s ability to expand the frontiers of knowledge, to perform independent research, work as a team, and make conference-style presentations. Recommended Preparations: Working knowledge of calculus and familiarity with Matlab. Cross-listed with: CHEM 504
This three-credit course will cover the key theories and experimental methods of contemporary biophysics and biophysical chemistry. The course discusses the structures and dynamics of biomolecules (such as proteins, DNAs, and RNAs), the statistical mechanical models to describe the behaviors of biopolymers and the biophysical methods to analyze the structures of biopolymers in solution, the biophysical theories for protein folding/unfolding and the experimental methods to measure the kinetics of protein folding/unfolding and the protein structural dynamics, the principles of biomolecule structure determination by X- ray crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopes, as well as the theories to describe ligand binding to biological macromolecules (such as receptors, protein complexes, aptamers, etc.) and the experimental methods to measure ligand binding. For all the topics covered by this course, emphasis will be laid on both theoretical models and experimental methods will be discussed. Classic and modern biophysical and biochemical techniques ranging from spectroscopy and FRET to optical microscopy, including super-resolution and micromanipulation techniques, will be covered. Applications of these biophysical techniques will also be discussed. Cross-listed with: CHEM 540
/Maximum of 3 Continuing seminars which consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers. Cross-listed with: BIOE 590
BME 591Bioengineering Ethics and Professional Development1
/Maximum of 999 Problem solving methods in ethical decision making, best practices in research communication, and strategies for professional development. This course will cover the main philosophical underpinnings of bioengineering ethics. It will then assist in developing methods for Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 961 ethical decision making in the main areas of bioengineering professional practice. These areas include data collection, management and presentation, animal and human experimentation, peer review and authorship, and social implications of bioengineering research. The course will then assist in the professional development of students by instruction in tools for effective acquisition of discipline-specific conceptual knowledge, research skill development, communication, management, leadership. Cross-listed with: BIOE 591
/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or term. Biomedical Sciences - MD (BMS)
