The integration of biological subsystems into a coherent, functional organism is presented, in a course designed for students with either an engineering or life science background.
Topics covered include major aspects of mammalian physiology, with an emphasis on mechanisms.
The structure and function of each system is treated, as well as the interrelations and integration of their hormonal and neural control mechanisms. Discussed are the physical and chemical principles of measurement, effects of interfaces between biological systems and sensors, and the factors that limit accuracy. Major electronic circuits, digital and analog, for instrumentation and signal conditioning are introduced and systems for physiological monitoring are surveyed. Laboratory experiments involve construction and characterization of simple transducers and signal-conditioning equipment for measuring such biomedical variables as temperature, force, displacement, pressure, flow, and biopotentials. The laboratory is equivalent to one of the four course credits.