Course Syllabus
Biomedical Engineering in Scandinavia |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2021- DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Core Course - 3 credits |
| Core Course Study Tours: |
Sweden, Denmark-Norway |
| Major Disciplines: |
Engineering, Biomedicine/Biotechnology, Biology |
| Prerequisites: |
Two mathematics courses, four courses in basic science (biology, chemistry, physics), and one engineering course (or equivalent), at university level. |
| Faculty Members: |
TBA |
| Program Director: |
Natalia Landázuri Sáenz, PhD - Interim Program Director |
| Time & Place: |
TBA |
Course Description
Engineer tools for biomedical discovery. This course explores the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies instrumental in advancing the biomedical sciences. Featuring current developments in Stockholm and throughout Scandinavia, the course incorporates field studies with real-life examples from academia and industry, to explain, analyze, and evaluate engineering principles behind technology design.
The course is structured as a series of modules. At least one technology/application is covered per module (subject to change depending on academic visits in Sweden and Denmark/Norway).
Module 1: Medical devices and sensors
Examples of technologies : glucose sensors, pacemakers
Module 2: Biomechanics
Examples of technologies: analysis of movement and gait, prosthetics
Module 3: Artificial organs
Examples of technologies: biomaterials for scaffolds, tissue engineering
Module 4: Bioimaging
Examples of technologies: non-invasive imaging technologies for screening, diagnosis, imaging to support minimally-invasive surgery, molecular and structural imaging technologies
Module 5: Biomolecular engineering
Examples of technologies: drug delivery systems, vaccines, cell engineering, protein engineering, genetic engineering, immunoengineering
Module 6: Bioinformatics
Examples of technologies: high throughput sequencing, analysis of big data within life sciences
Module 7: Proposing a novel technology
Through a collaborative project involving local researchers and industry partners, students utilize engineering principles to propose novel technologies within the field.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe various current developments in the field of biomedical engineering, with an emphasis on local innovations in Scandinavia/Nordic region
- Explain the rationale behind the engineering design of certain medical technologies
- Identify needs within the medical field that can benefit from the development of novel technological solutions
- Critically analyze and evaluate the current design and utility of various medical technologies
- Utilize engineering design principles to propose technological solutions within biomedicine
Faculty
TBA
Readings
Field Studies
You will participate in two course-integrated field studies, to learn about Swedish innovations within biomedical engineering. Field studies may include:
- Visit to the Nobel museum. Nobel prizes in various categories, including Physiology and Medicine, Physics and Chemistry are awarded each year in Stockholm.
- Visit to Tekniska Museet, with a focus on 100 innovations exhibit and Swedish innovators.
- Visit to SciLifeLab - Science for Life Laboratory, a national research infrastructure funded by the Swedish government that provides access to the cutting-edge instrumentation for bioscience research.
Guest Lectures
Experts within academia and industry in Sweden are invited to present their current work within biomedical engineering.
Approach to Teaching
Classes contain a mixture of lecture-based teaching, discussions, critical analysis of readings and research, group exercises, and group projects. You are expected to engage actively in classroom discussions, oral presentations, and group work. In addition, you will participate in local field studies and extended course-integrated study tours in southern Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. These visits give us the opportunity to learn first-hand from academic and industry leaders; to visit labs, utilize technologies, and speak with researchers about their cutting-edge work; and to better understand specific approaches to biomedical engineering research and development in particular places.
Core Course Week and Study Tours
Core course week and study tours are integral parts of the core course. The classroom is “on the road” and theory presented in the classroom is applied in the field. Students will travel with classmates and DIS faculty/staff on two study tours: a short study tour during the core course week within Sweden and a long study tour to relevant Scandinavian destinations in neighboring Denmark and Norway. Students are expected to
- participate in all activities
- engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives
- be respectful to the destination/location, the speakers, DIS staff, and fellow classmates
- represent self, home university and DIS in a positive light
While on a program study tour, DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.
Travel policies: You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you have to deviate from the group travel plans, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office.
Expectations of the Students
- Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignments in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times, laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class meetings.
- Readings must be done prior to the class session. A considerable part of the course depends on class discussion and you are expected to have completed careful reading in advance.
- You need to be present and participating to receive full credit. Your final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of active participation. The participation grade will be reduced by 10 points (over 100) for each unexcused absence. Remember to be in class on time!
- You are expected to participate actively in class and during group work, and ask relevant questions in regards to the material covered.
- Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of other opinions, listening to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
Evaluation
Participation:
- Class attendance
- Level of preparation (reading/viewing material in advance) and ability to answer questions asked in class
- Involvement in class and group discussions
- Level of individual research and contribution to fruitful discussions
Tests:
- In class, closed-book tests are used to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of material covered in class.
Assignments
- Study Tour Assignment:
- Generate questions to be asked during academic visits of the Study Tour
- Preparation and presentation of group work based on academic visits
- Graded surveys in preparation for class
- Quizzes
Case Studies:
- Written report and oral presentation of case study analysis
Final Project:
- Written report of design proposal where you utilize engineering principles to help address a medical need
- Presentation of proposal for an open public during the final academic showcase held at the end of the term
Grading
| Participation | 10% |
| 2 tests (20% each) | 40% |
| Assignments | 10% |
| Case studies | 20% |
| Final Project | 20% |
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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