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INTRODUCTION Biomedical Engineering is the discipline of applying the quantitative and computational methods of engineering to problems in medicine and biology. It is currently one of the most rapidly growing fields of engineering all over the world. The University, on receiving the gift of LEJ-NED Campus by the Late Mr Latif Ebrahim Jamal, decided to establish a Bio Medical engineering Department there, offering two BE degree programmes – Bio Stream and Medical Stream. The Syndicate in its 134th Meeting held on 29-9-2004 approved the concept paper presented. The Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and techniques to medicine, biology, behavior, and health. It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering, with the medical, physical, chemical, biological and computational sciences to help improve patient health care and the quality of life of individuals. It advances fundamental concepts; creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems level; and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and health improvement. . Biomechanics: This is one of the oldest and best established areas in biomedical engineering, focusing on the study of the body from a mechanical perspective, including the mechanics of movement and posture, the effect of trauma or surgery, the strength of bones, tendons, etc. An important area related to biomechanics is bio ergonomics: The study of how systems such as chairs, keyboards, steering wheels, tools, etc., can be designed to minimize physical stress on their user's bodies. Biosensors: Acquiring information about the body for study, diagnosis and monitoring requires biologically compatible sensors that can be placed in desired locations- often through implantation. The design and fabrication of such sensors using solid-state devices, enzymes and other biochemical agents are some of the extremely important and active area of biomedical engineering. Recently, there has also been great interest in using biological systems such as cultured cells, glucose sensors and genetically modified bacteria which are some of the few examples of biosensors. Bio-MEMS / Nanotechnology: Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology are the two most promising methods for creating microscopic implants or injectables which can be use for sensing and drug-delivery design. Two prominent applications for these technologies are "lab on a chip" and injectable probes. Bioinstrumentation: Some of modern technologies of diagnosis rely very heavily on instruments such as EKG and EEG machines, monitors for blood pressure, heart rate, etc., defibrillators, scanning systems (e.g., MRI, PET, etc.), dialysis machines, ventilators, endoscopes, etc. Research in this area requires centrifuges, electronic instruments and sophisticated tools for extraction and sequencing of DNA. Training engineers to design, manufacture and maintain such systems is a key focus in biomedical engineering. Medical Imaging and Scanning: Aside from the issue of developing and implementing scanning devices like X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET, scanning presents very complex challenges in image analysis and interpretation. These include registration, segmentation, feature extraction, pattern recognition and object identification of 2D and 3D images. Developing efficient algorithms and platforms for these applications is a major research area for biomedical engineers and computer scientists. Biomedical Signal Processing and Systems Analysis: Signals such as blood pressure, heart rate, EEG, respiration, postural sway, etc., are often monitored over time in clinical situations. Analysis of these time-varying signals provides very valuable diagnostic and often prognostic information. A variety of tools such as Fourier analysis, Statistical analysis, Wavelets transformation, Neural networks, etc., have been applied to automate the processing of biological signals in real-time. Recently, there has been great interest in applying tools for nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory (e.g., fractal dimensions, Hurst exponents, entropies, etc.) to interpret complex biological signals. Methods from systems theory- especially system identification are widely used to model biological systems. Signals and systems is one of the most mature sub-areas within biomedical engineering, and are very accessible to students with basic training in engineering. Implants and Prostheses: One of the most rapidly growing areas in biomedical technology is the development of implantable systems. Neural implants for disrupting seizures, Parkinsonian deficits and cochlear problems are now well-established. In the near future, retinal, and even cortical implants for vision problems will become practical. There has also been great success in developing artificial limbs that can be controlled by the nervous system and using neural signals to control external objects (such as screen cursors, robots and vehicles). Cardiac implants such as pacemakers are very widely used. As understanding of biomechanics, neuroscience and systems biology advances and nano scale devices become more feasible, there is likely to be an explosion in implants for many applications. Rehabilitation Engineering: With increased longevity and greater mobility in the population, rehabilitation after trauma, surgery and disease (especially stroke & diabetes) is a major medical problem. The standard practice of physical therapy is now being strongly augmented by prosthetics and orthotics in which a patient is provided with artificial limbs or external supports. Started after the Second World War, making and fitting a prosthesis/orthoses has now become a research interest for many organizations and scientists. Gait Analysis is another important area in which problems such as repetitive motion injuries, slips and arthritis are predicted through continuous monitoring and prevented by providing patients with subsequent measures. Biomaterials: When engineered devices or tissues are incorporated in the body, they must meet stringent requirements to allow their integration into the system. The materials used must be compatible with living tissue in many different ways, and must not interfere with the body's normal functioning. This applies to common implants such as replacement joints and stents as well as to more exotic systems such as scaffoldings for engineered tissue. Thus, the study of biologically suitable materials has become a vast and growing field in its own right. Tissue Engineering: As understanding of cellular and molecular processes in living tissue has grown, it is becoming feasible to create artificial tissues through biomaterials. This is called tissue engineering. Typically, tissue engineering involves growing cells on an artificially created scaffolding or matrix. This approach has been used to create artificial skin and cartilage. In the future, advances in stem cell research may allow the engineering of many other tissues, and even organs, leading to a revolution in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, cirrhosis, lung cancer, heart failure, macular degeneration, and others that can be treated through transplantation. Bioinformatics (Genomics, Biostatistics, Intelligent Diagnostics, etc.): Broadly, the area of bioinformatics covers all applications of information technology and computer science to biological and medical problems. This includes statistical analysis of epidemiological data, pattern matching, sequence analysis, genomic modeling and the construction, maintenance, mining and use of biomedical databases. This reflects the fact that methods from information and computer science apply more extensively to genetic and molecular analysis than to any other area of biomedicine --- mainly because genetics and molecular processes are inherently about the representation and processing of information within biological organisms. Bioinformatics is arguably one of the most dynamic and significant areas within the biomedical sciences. Telemedicine: With rapid improvements in communications and medical technology, many developed countries are now improvising techniques to provide competent medical services (like surgery, diagnostics and community health services). Referred to as Telemedicine, this technology allows patients anywhere to avail specialized medical expertise available only in limited locations such as major hospitals and research centers. Even in Pakistan, basic level of Telemedicine is now emerging in many institutions and holds great promise for scattered rural populations. Computational and Systems Biology: The human body can be understood at many levels, from the molecular level upwards. However it is extremely difficult to organize the enormous amount of experimental data available at all levels into a coherent picture. Systems-level thinking has proved to be of enormous value in this regard. Since all these systems are very complex and even the most valuable, nonlinear mathematical analysis cannot be applied in all situations. This leads to the use of computational/numerical techniques. With computers becoming cheaper and faster, computational biology has become one of the most active areas of biology and biomedicine, and is being used to address all kinds of difficult problems from the nature of cognition to the prediction of heart failure. Advances in nonlinear dynamics, information theory and discrete mathematics have contributed enormously in this respect, and provide a fruitful nexus between engineering and biology. Molecular and Cellular Engineering: One of the newest and most exciting possibilities in biomedicine is that of manipulating living systems at the cellular and molecular level. Many clinical disorders result from genetic variations or faults in the metabolic reactions responsible for cellular function. It is increasingly possible to think about fixing these problems by altering the molecules involved, even changing the genetic code within cells. Another application for such manipulation is in creating organisms (typically bacteria) that can act as biosensors or produce valuable chemicals. There is even speculation about designing bacteria that can spontaneously assemble organic circuit components, and there is now a well-developed science of DNA computing that seeks to use the natural molecular processes within cells to perform computations --- much like analog computers of old and all living cells. .
. Neural Prostheses: Electronic neural networks can be used to build implants for retinal and visual processing, cochlear implants for auditory perception, and artificial limbs that can be controlled directly by the brain. . Telemedicine: Medical experts in remote locations can examine patients by accessing their records on the internet, communicating through teleconferencing, and even perform physical procedures through virtual reality. . Customized Therapies/Transplant Tissues: Drugs and transplant tissues (livers, lungs, pancreatic cells etc.) can be customized for each patient using their own DNA to prevent rejection and enhance efficacy. . Wearable Sensors/Support Systems: Wirelessly networked sensors and actuators can be embedded in the clothing of disabled patients to continuously monitor posture and prevent falls. · Intention-Based Control for the Disabled: Wheelchairs and other assisting systems for profoundly disabled individuals can be controlled directly by signals from the brain.
Who Needs Biomedical Engineers? . Hospitals.
Vision The Biomedical Engineering Department at NED will be the leading national center for high-quality education and innovative research at the interface of engineering and medicine. Mission The mission of the Biomedical Engineering Department at NED is: . To train biomedical engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers as productive professionals, both in Pakistan and at the international level. . To stimulate innovative, world-class research by engineers, medical professionals and biologists, leading to improvements in the quality of life and health-care for all. . To provide hospitals, research institutions and industry with well-trained, competent and effective professionals in all areas involving the application of technology to the medical and biological sciences. . To establish productive long-term relationships with other educational and research institutions in order to foster a culture of interdisciplinary learning, interaction, collaboration, and research
The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers Bachelor of Engineering degrees in two programs: 1) Medical Stream and 2) Bio Stream Both programs for the B.E degree provide students with a strong basis in the fundamentals of biomedical engineering, but differ in their applications focus. Since the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering requires students to obtain a solid ground in biological and medical sciences as well as in mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc., the degrees require five years for completion. Programs for postgraduate study in biomedical engineering will be instituted at a later date. The program began in January 2006, at present 32 seats are allocated for each discipline. The Department of Biomedical Engineering has the same administrative structure as other departments of NED. Given the diversity of disciplines in biomedical engineering, the department is in close ties with other departments of NED and with other educational and research institutions such as medical colleges/universities and scientific institutes as well. Some of the classes/courses are being taught by visiting faculty from these institutions, and in addition to that students of biomedical engineering department will also be able to take the appropriate benefits from the facilities of these institutions. Collaboration on research/senior projects are encouraged across departments and institutions, so that the students graduated by the Department of Biomedical Engineering have strong practical experience in addition to their academic training. The Medical Stream Program The Medical Stream program trains students primarily for clinical applications pertaining directly to the diagnosis of diseases, treatment, rehabilitation and general medical care. This includes the design, manufacture, maintenance and use of instruments, prostheses, implants, etc., the design, implementation and use of diagnostic software, development and characterization of biomaterials for implanted devices, rehabilitation engineering and other clinically oriented areas. The Medical Stream program is motivated by the need to provide highly-trained, productive engineers for hospitals, research institutions and the biomedical industry. These engineers will not only be able to understand, maintain and use existing technology, but will also have the creative skills to develop innovative methods for addressing complex clinical problems in practical settings. Graduates of the Medical Engineering program will also be well-placed to pursue careers in corporate research and to seek postgraduate training anywhere in the world. The BioStream Program The Bio Stream program will focus on the application of quantitative methods to the understanding of the human body at all levels. This will include the computational and mathematical modeling of biological systems, development of algorithms for analyzing biological signals, systems and processes, biomechanics, bioinformatics (including genomics, proteomics and biostatistics), applications of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology (e.g., biosensors), development of signal processing and control algorithms for artificial limbs and other implants, molecular engineering (e.g., drug design), etc. Graduates of the Bioengineering program will be fully equipped for postgraduate training and fundamental research in biomedical engineering at the highest international standards.
Institute for Biomedical Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship A critical component of the effort to establish biomedical engineering as a thriving field in Pakistan must be the promotion of high quality research in the field. The best way to do this in the context of the planned Biomedical Engineering program would be to concurrently establish an institute within NED for the incubation and facilitation of biomedical research. The proposed institute would have the following goals: . To provide NED faculty and affiliated researchers an opportunity to explore the applications potential of their research ideas. . To bring together individuals from academia, industry and the medical profession in a systematic way in order to create fruitful research collaborations. . To serve as a pivotal seed/leadership institution for the establishment of an expanding biomedical industry in Pakistan. The proposed institute would provide a formal nexus for academic researchers and the consumers and promoters of such research to come together in a way that leverages the strengths on both sides. Such institutes have come to be fundamental components of successful engineering programs throughout the world, and especially in the United States.
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Bio-Medical Engineering Department
NED University of Engineering &
Technology, Karachi, Pakistan.
http://www.neduet.edu.pk/Bio-Medical/