Spring 2009 Special Topics Courses

ENG BE 500 A1: Natural Computation and Biological Systems (Kasif)

This course is designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students and is aimed to acquire logical and rational frameworks to bioengineering design and modeling, the ability to abstract biological processes and their properties, reason about natural computation in a computational setting and learn to translate these insights into a program that will simulate complex behavior that mimics biological systems. The course will also involve a team project, class presentations by students and develop leadership, independent thought, engineering design and planning skills. The course will use one or more biological system as a platform for discussion as well as computational artifacts inspired by natural computation. It is particularly of interest to students interested in molecular engineering, tissue engineering, neuroscience, genomic engineering, system biology, biocomputing and computer-aided surgery.

4 Credits.

NOTE: This course satisfies the biomedical engineering or the professional elective requirement.

ENG BE 500 A2: Biological and Environmental Acoustics (Mountain)

Application of acoustics to biological and environmental research. Introduction to physical acoustics with examples from actual terrestrials and marine environments. The use of sound by animals for communication and echolocation. Applications of acoustics to conservation biology.

4 credits.

Prerequisites: ENG BE 200, CAS MA 124, CAS PY 212 or permission of instructor.

NOTE: This course satisfies the biomedical elective or the professional elective requirement.

ENG EC/MS 500 A1: Electronic Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials (Moustakas)

This course in intended to develop an in depth knowledge of solid state concepts that are important for students in the areas of material science and  electrical engineering. Specifically, this course  focuses on the study of different apsects of solid state physics necessary to study technologically relevant crytalline and amorphous systems.  Particular emphasis is placed on the study of the crystal structure, crystal diffraction and the related techniques used as diagnostic tools; the electronic, thermal, optical and magnetic properties of material systems important for electronics and photonics device applications.

4 credits

NOTE: This course is required for MSE students who did not complete EC/MS 574 in Fall 2008.

ENG ME 500 A1: Energy Use, Conservation and Supply Alternatives: Boston University Case Study (Gevelber)

Following the CEES analysis that developed BU's first energy audit and related environmental impact, this course will continue the analysis of energy use at BU with a goal of identifying and evaluating specific conservation and energy alternatives that reduce energy use and environmental impact. This course will address the technical issues, implementation requirements including economics and organizational issues, and will also assess the expected environmental impact.

4 credits.

Prerequisites: CAS PY 105 or CAS CH 101 or CAS ES 105 or equivalent, CAS MA 121 or equivalent, graduate or junior/senior standing and permission of instructor.