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Emphasis Area Advisor: Bob Tranquillo
BTP involves three fundamental processes: momentum transfer, mass transfer, and heat transfer. They share similar biophysical and mathematical descriptions and so are commonly taught within a single course, as we do in BMEn 3101 and its sequel, BMEn 5311.
Momentum transfer is what underlies flow fluid in the subject known as fluid mechanics. Applications of fluid mechanics in BME range from predicting blood flow in vessels, to flow of samples in "lab-on-chip" microfluidic systems, to flow of cell culture medium through tissue-engineered cartilage in bioreactors.
Mass and heat transfer refer to the ability to deliver molecules and energy, respectively, from a source to a target. Applications of mass and heat transfer range from predicting blood oxygenation rates in capillaries from oxygen in lung alveoli and in hollow fibers from pure oxygen gas in "heart-lung machines," to movement of mRNA generated in the cell nucleus to cytoplasmic ribosomes.
While appropriate and accurate experimentation is also key on this subject, BTP is highly mathematical and computational in nature, since the basis of making such predictions is formulating and solving the equations that govern momentum, mass, and energy balances. This is reflected in the number of mathematical and computational ESE courses listed for this Emphasis Area.
As suggested in the above applications, BTP is relevant in almost every physiological and cellular process and almost all medical devices. Thus, this Emphasis Area is relevant for students interested in pursuing both employment and advanced studies upon graduation.
Please remember that all courses listed are merely suggestions. You may take any cohesive set of classes that meet the Engineering and Science Elective requirements and are approved by the Emphasis Area Advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.