New BME course provides real-world design experience

In just two semesters, students in the department's new biomedical engineering design course (BME 200/BME 201) have undertaken such real-world projects as developing a forearm prosthesis, designing a microdissection device for blood vessels, and improving a wheelchair's design. Through the course, they learn how to generate design concepts, analyze products, provide specifications, conduct evaluations and clinical trials; and learn about regulations, liability and ethics.

BME students Kristin Myers and Aaron Kroner (right) showcase their projects to Professor Frank Fronczak (left, out of picture) and lecturer Mark Nicosia (center). (21K JPG)

Students Kelly Stevens and Eric Dvorak designed a device for Dr. Chris Luzzio of UW-Madison's Department of Neurology to test olfactory stimulation and its effect on the brain. Their report noted: "Neurobiologists are interested in studying the effects of different odors on the brain. In order to answer questions involving olfactory stimulation, they would like a device that will deliver several vaporized odors in alternating cycles to a patient in an MRI machine."

Professors John G. Webster and Frank J. Fronczak teach BME 200/BME 201 for sophomore BME students in an interactive-seminar and project-lab format. As part of the curriculum for the recently established Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering, it culminates with a poster session that showcases students' projects. Beginning with their sophomore year, all BME majors each semester take a one-credit course in BME design. Junior biomedical engineering students take BME 300/BME 301, a continuation of the BME design sequence, and mentor the sophomores in the team-based project series.