The traditional study of complex systems, whether for power transmission, communications, or the operation and control of industrial processes has provided engineers with a number of concepts and techniques that proved valuable in analysis and design. These principles expressed in mathematical form are applicable to a wide range of phenomena, including those in biological processes. Information theory, statistics, and computer technology have opened new areas for exploration of central nervous activity as well as patient handling and diagnosis. Theories for feedback controls, transport processes, materials science, and mechanics provide new insight into homeostatic physiological processes. Analysis of heat transfer, fluid flow, and chemical process control in living organisms requires competence in both engineering and life sciences.
Current studies help provide understanding of many physiological processes.
This understanding, in turn, leads to improvements in clinical practice, diagnosis, and patient care. Northwestern was among the first schools to recognize the value of a biomedical engineering background, and today the Department of Biomedical Engineering offers, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, one of the largest and broadest programs in the country. The primary path interested students may follow is the biomedical engineering program administered by the Biomedical Engineering Department. Alternative curricula are the biomedical options in other engineering departments. The biomedical engineering program provides biomedical training that is quantitative, emphasizes problem solving, and treats phenomena with a systems approach.