For the first time, some of BMES’s technical projects are being offered as quarter-long courses through the engineering department. These courses are classified as Engineering 96 (ENGR 96), and are completely student-taught and student-led. The project managers are experienced students with the electrocardiogram curriculum, with some being former technical project managers as well as build team members. Specifically in the electrocardiogram (ECG) class, first/second year students will learn fundamental engineering skills including circuitry components, computer coding, and introductions to soldering and 3D printing. Each class is composed of lecture and lab time, with various activities for students to learn different aspects of how to build a fully-functioning ECG. The class breaks down the various parts of an ECG, from the signal processing to the Arduino interface. It culminates in a design review and a final pitch to the rest of the class, the project managers, as well as potential faculty or industry members. This style of classes seeks to emphasize teamwork, problem solving, and perseverance in an interdisciplinary context; an ECG combines aspects of bioengineering, electrical engineering, and computer science in a medical device application. The ECG ENGR 96 is an invaluable experience to gain foundational engineering skills that will be applicable across industries and experiences.
Introduction to 3D Pharming is a new class being offered aimed to teach freshman the fundamental skills of 3D printing and hydrogel formation, motivated by the new field of 3D pharming. As a lab-based class, upperclassmen will give brief lectures on the science and skills necessary to conduct their projects, and students will have the remainder of the time to practice these techniques, using resources such as the Makerspace and the chemical fume hoods in the Boelter teaching labs. The class will culminate in a drug release study, with students being able to compare their data to other students in the class. Ultimately, students should be able to leave this class feeling ready to conduct research in an academic laboratory.