24006 - Bioengineering L

Academic Year 2007/2008

  • 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. 0203)

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 model. The cardiovascular system as a closed circuit: Guyton's model. Methods for measuring parameters which characterize blood circulation. 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.
    • 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.

Theoretical exercises, laboratory practicals and examples of problem solutions are the direct illustration / application of the concepts presented in the lessons and are an integral part of the course.

Assessment methods

For learning assessment, two partial written tests are held at the end of the first and second part of the course. They are not compulsory and the student has the option to count or not the score obtained in these tests towards the final examination, which is oral.

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, overhead projector, PC, videoprojector, computer lab.

Links to further information

http://www.ing2.unibo.it/Ingegneria+Cesena/Didattica/default.htm

Office hours

See the website of Gianni Gnudi