BEE 4530 - Computer-Aided Engineering: Applications to Biological Processes

(crosslisted) MAE 4530

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BEE 3500, MAE 3240, CHEME 3240 or equivalent. Satisfies BE capstone design requirement. Satisfies College of Engineering technical communications requirement. Co-meets with BEE 5530/MAE 5530.

A. Datta.

Introduction to simulation-based design as an alternative to prototype-based design; modeling and optimization of complex real-life processes for design and research, using industry-standard physics-based computational software. Emphasis is on problem formulation, starting from a real process and developing its computer model. Modeling application (project) can be biomedical (thermal therapy and drug delivery) or broader biological and bioenvironmental applications that involve heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid flow. Computational topics introduce the finite-element method, model validation, pre- and post-processing, and pitfalls of using computational software. Students choose their own semester-long project, which is a major part of the course (no final exam).

Outcome 1: Students will improve their ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics (ABET 1).

Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate improved ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as relevant global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors (ABET 2).

Outcome 3: Students will display an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences (ABET 3).

Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements which consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts (ABET 4).

Outcome 5: Students will demonstrate an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives (ABET 5).

Outcome 6: Students will demonstrate the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies (ABET 7).

Outcome 7: Students will improve their capacity to integrate modern biology with engineering principles (ABET-BE).