- Docente: Gianni Gnudi
- Credits: 6
- SSD: ING-INF/06
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Cesena
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Biomedical Engineering (cod. 0946)
Learning outcomes
The course aims to offer an introductory view to the fundamental aspects of biomedical engineering and to provide students with the basic knowledge for studying quantitatively the main systems of the human organism and their interaction with measuring and therapeutic artificial apparatus.
By the end of the course the students should be able to:
-utilize (simple) compartmental models to analyse the kinetics of substances within the organism
- design an input-output experiment for identifying the parameters of a compartmental model
- analyse the properties of physiological signals in the time and frequency domain
- utilize simple models of the cardio-circulatory system to analyse its behaviour, also in connection with systems for extra-corporeal circulation
- utilize simple models of the respiratory system to analyse its behaviour, also in connection with systems for mechanical ventilation
Course contents
1. Introduction to biomedical engineering
Definition and objectives, professional careers and corresponding international terminology. Comparison of biological and artificial systems from the engineering point of view.
2. Compartmental mathematical models
Definition of compartment. Description of substance kinetics by means of exchange between compartments. Elements of input-output experiment design: parameter identification and identifiability concept.
3. Bioengineering of the cardio-circulatory system
Elements of hemodynamics: revision of basic fluid dynamics, pulsatile flow in blood vessels and corresponding electrical analogy, vascular impedance, phenomenological analysis of blood flow in collapsible vessels, windkessel-type models. The cardiovascular system as a closed circuit: Guyton's model. Methods for measuring parameters which characterize blood circulation. Introduction to the systems for extra-corporeal circulation.
4. Bioengineering of the respiratory system
Elementary models of the respiratory mechanics. Systems for mechanical ventilation.
Readings/Bibliography
- Lecture notes from the teacher published on IOL.
Only for in depth study:
- J. A. BLOM - Monitoring of Respiration and Circulation. CRC Press, 2003
Teaching methods
In line with the learning objectives, the course is divided into two main parts. The first part is dedicated to compartmental mathematical models and the problems of identifying their parameters. The second part is dedicated to elementary models for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
For all topics examples and exercises are presented in the class-room, also with the use of MATLAB. They are the direct application of concepts and methods treated in the lessons to problem solving and are an integral part of the course.
Assessment methods
The final examination is oral and consists of three questions. The answer to the first question is usually requested in written form.
The final score, expressed as an integer number between 0 and 30, depends on the preparation exhibited by the student in the subjects that were treated in the course, with particular reference to mastery of concepts and methods, ability of applying concepts and methods to problem solving, and clarity of exposition.
Teaching tools
Blackboard,PC, videoprojector.
Office hours
See the website of Gianni Gnudi