Core Courses

Bioengineering: Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of biomedical uses of nanotechnology. Emphasis on emerging nanotechnologies and biomedical applications including nanomaterials, nanoengineering, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, nano-based imaging and diagnostic systems, nanotoxicology and immunology, and translating nanomedicine into clinical investigation.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite(s): BIEN 200, CHEM 212, and BIOL 112, or permission of instructor
• (3-0-6)

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Matt Kinsella, Ayyappasamy Sudalaiyadum Perumal

Bioengineering: Microscopy techniques with application to biology and medicine. Practical introduction to optics and microscopy from the standpoint of biomedical research. Discussion of recent literature; hands-on experience. Topics include: optics, contrast techniques, advanced microscopy, and image analysis.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
• (3-1-5)

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Adam G Hendricks

Bioengineering: Introduction to electron microscopy and 3D imaging. Dual-beam microscopy (FIB-SEM, or focused ion beam – scanning electron microscope); conventional and cryogenic preparation methods for biological materials. Complementary methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray tomography, atom probe tomography. 3D image processing and analysis, and the fundamentals of deep learning in imaging.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• 3-3-3
• Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
• Restrictions: Open to undergraduate (U3 or higher) and graduate students. Priority is given to bioengineering U3 undergraduate students.

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Natalie Reznikov

Bioengineering: Fundamentals of motor proteins in neuronal transport, force generation e.g. in muscles, cell motility and division. A survey of recent advances in using motor proteins to power nano fabricated devices. Principles of design and operation; hands-on-experience in building a simple device.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
• (3-1-5)

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Adam G Hendricks

Bioengineering: Introduction into the motivation of analytical biosensors as well as its fundamental physicochemical challenges. Techniques used to design, fabricate and operate biosensors. Specific applications.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
• 1. (3-2-4)

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Sebastian Wachsmann Hogiu, Dan V Nicolau

Bioengineering: Introduction to the role of active forces, e.g. cell and tissue contraction, in the mechanics of biological systems. Review of passive and actively driven viscoelastic systems and momentum transport underlying the material properties of biology. The course involves a literature survey and a team project application.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
• 1. (3-2-4)

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Allen J Ehrlicher

Bioengineering: Metabolic engineering role in transition from fossil resources to a bio-based society. Design-build-test-learn cycle of metabolic engineering. Design, genetic engineering and optimization of microbial biocatalysts. Metabolic network analysis, constraint-based modelling of metabolism, microbial production of valuable chemicals. General biochemical engineering practices. Recombinant DNA technology, enzyme function, kinetics and regulation. Cell chemistry, structure and function. Growth models, fermentation, strain development. Case studies.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• 3-2-4
• Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Codruta Ignea

Bioengineering: Basic principles of cell culture engineering, cell line development and cell culture products; genomics, proteomics and post-translational modifications; elements of cell physiology for medium design and bioprocessing; bioreactor design, scale-up for animal cell culture and single use equipment; challenges in downstream processing of cell-culture derived products; process intensification: fed-batch, feeding strategies and continuous manufacturing; scale-down and process modeling; Process Analytical technologies and Quality by Design (QbD) concept.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Mario Jardon, Amine A Kamen
  • Amine A Kamen, Mario Jardon

Bioengineering: Advanced methods for modelling complex biomolecular systems,with a focus on state-of-the-art, data-driven and integrative methods for modelling protein structures and networks. Modelling of protein structures: protein structure prediction, modelling protein dynamics, use of evolutionary information. Modelling of protein networks: reconstruction, analysis, evolution. Combined protein structure and network modelling.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• 3-0-6
• Prerequisites: BIEN 410 and COMP 208, or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Yu Xia, Jasmin Coulombe-Huntington

Bioengineering: Introduction to downstream processing (DSP) – principles, characteristics, purpose. Bioprocesses, biomolecules, drug substances, drug products, monoclonal antibodies and Fc fusion proteins, viral vectors, and vaccines. Unit operations - standard practices. Steps and techniques in downstream processing. Harvest and Filtration, Primary capture, Buffer exchange and up-concentration, Purification, Bioconjugation, Formulation. Optimization of downstream processing. Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to support Quality by Design (QbD) in DSP. Regulatory guidelines. Innovative Techniques for Downstream Bioprocessing.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisites: BIEN 590 or permission of the instructor

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Ayyappasamy Sudalaiyadum Perumal

Bioengineering: Introduction to Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD) in the area of manufacturing biologics. Critical Process Parameters (CPP) and Design Space. Analytical Technologies for Biologics and Biologic Medicines and determination of Critical Quality Attributes of products. Case studies. At-line, On-line and Off-line monitoring tools, data acquisition and advanced process control strategies as applied to current industrial biomanufacturing. PAT data processing and modeling to design advanced biomanufacturing processes.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisites: BIEN 590 or permission of the instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Rupa Haldavnekar, Amine A Kamen

Biomedical Engineering: Methodologies in systems or distributed multidimensional processes. System themes include parametric vs. non-parametric system representations; linear/non-linear; noise, transients and time variation; mapping from continuous to discrete models; and relevant identification approaches in continuous and discrete time formulations.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisites: Undergraduate basic statistics and: either BMDE 519, or Signals and Systems (e.g., ECSE 303 & ECSE 304) or equivalent

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Ahmad Haidar, Robert E Kearney

Biomedical Engineering: The principles and practice of making biological measurements in the laboratory, including theory of linear systems, data sampling, computer interfaces and electronic circuit design.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisite: Experience with differential equations, in particular Laplace Transforms and complex numbers (e.g. MATH 263 or MATH 381 or equivalent) or permission of instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Ross Wagner

Biomedical Engineering: General principles of quantitative modelling; types of models; principles of the finite-element method, primarily as applied to mechanical systems; introduction to the use of finite-element software; model generation from imaging data; modelling various material types, mainly biological; model validation.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisite: Differential equations (MATH 271 or equivalent) or permission of instructor

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Robert Funnell

Biomedical Engineering: An introduction to the theoretical framework, experimental techniques and analysis procedures available for the quantitative analysis of physiological systems and signals. Lectures plus laboratory work using the Biomedical Engineering computer system. Topics include: amplitude and frequency structure of signals, filtering, sampling, correlation functions, time and frequency-domain descriptions of systems.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisites: Satisfactory standing in U3 Honours Physiology; or U3 Major in Physics-Physiology; or U3 Major Physiology-Mathematics; or permission of instructor

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Robert E Kearney

Biomedical Engineering: Theoretical and practical course in machine learning applied to the expanding richness of biomedical data, including multidimensional biomedical measurements centring on high-resolution body imaging and whole-genome common variant genetics.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Prerequisite: MATH 203, MATH 223, MATH 323, and one course in computer programming (or equivalent background with permission of instructor).
• Additional background in Calculus and Probability is recommended, e.g. MATH 222 and MATH 204, but not required.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Danilo Bzdok

Biomedical Engineering: Computational methods (particularly machine learning methods) for various single-cell data analysis, modelling, and visualization tasks that could drive novel biomedical discoveries, focusing on “real-world” biomedical applications.

Offered by: Medicine

• Prerequisites: MATH 203, MATH 223, MATH 323, one course in computer programming and additional background in Calculus and Probability is required (e.g., MATH 222, MATH 204), or permission of the instructor.
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking EXMD 521.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Jun Ding

Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineering: Multimodal data fusion of electrophysiology and functional neuroimaging data, including: detailed description of source localization methods for Electro- and MagnetoEncephaloGraphy data, analysis of brain hemodynamic activity through simultaneous recordings with electrophysiology, analysis and reconstruction of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy data, modeling of the neurovascular coupling,validation methodology.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Prerequisites: ECSE 305, MATH 223 or equivalent

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Christophe Grova

Biomedical Engineering: Advanced magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy techniques to investigate the structure, connectivity, chemistry and physiology of the brain, including data acquisition and reconstruction techniques, scanner hardware, and contrast mechanisms. Focus on neuroscience applications.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Prerequisites: PHYS 241, ECSE 304 or ECSE 306; PHYS 242 or ECSE 251

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Christine Tardif, David Rudko

Medical Physics: This course is concerned with the principles of medical imaging as applied to conventional diagnostic radiography, X-ray computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The course emphasizes a linear system approach to the formation, processing, and display of medical images.

Offered by: Medical Physics Unit

• Restriction: Open only to students registered in Medical Physics or Biological & Biomedical Engineering programs; permission of instructor for other students.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Ives Levesque

Bioengineering: Storage and processing of information in biological systems, both natural and artificially-created, ranging from biomolecules, cells, and populations of cells. Information storage in DNA and DNA computation; molecular surfaces of proteins; computation with motile biological agents in networks; and biological and biologically-inspired algorithms.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• (3-2-4)

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Dan V Nicolau

Bioengineering: The fundamental of diagnosis devices from design concepts to implementation in real-life application, a brief review of the gold standard diagnostic methods and their limitations, the building blocks of an ideal diagnostic device with a focus on point-of-care applications, biomolecular recognition elements including different one-step and multi-step assays based on nucleic acids and proteins, and the fundamental of sample delivery systems and fluid flow based on microfluidics, the integration of bioassays and microfluidics in lab-on-chip devices for automated sample preparation and detection, real-life application of lab-on-chip devices in medical diagnosis and the commercialized approaches.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisite: BIEN 360, BIEN 314, or permission of the instructor
• Restrictions: Restrictions: Open to undergraduate (U3 or higher) and graduate students.

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Sara Mahshid

Bioengineering: Engineering principles in biology, BioBricks and standardization of biological components, parts registries, advanced molecular biology tools for DNA assembly, genome editing, high-throughput genetic manipulation methods, construction of biological pathways, strategies for transcriptional control, examples of engineered systems.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Restriction: Permission of instructor
• 1. (3-2-4)

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Codruta Ignea

Bioengineering: Building on recent developments and expansion in the mammalian cell culture for production of complex biologics such as viral vaccines and viral vectors, the following topics will be covered: Principles of immunology and industrial virology; Cell physiology for vaccine production; Cell lines for vaccine production; Upstream process development and process intensification strategies; Purification and downstream processing of viral vaccines; Analytical and potency assays; Formulations and delivery of vaccines; Basics of clinical trials and regulatory principles; Immunization policies. Case studies on bioprocessing/manufacturing licensed vaccines.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Mario Jardon, Amine A Kamen

Bioengineering: Basic knowledge in the design and biomanufacturing of viral vectors for gene and cell therapy interventions. Practical examples and case studies highlighting challenges and solutions associated with use of viral vectors such as Adeno-Associated Vectors (AAV), lentivirus vectors and Adenovirus vectors for gene delivery. Fundamental principles of gene and cell therapies through in-vivo and ex-vivo interventions. Design of AAV, Lentivirus and Adenovirus vectors: example of targeted diseases, including CAR-T cell therapy. Technologies and modes of vector manufacturing for clinical use.

Offered by: Bioengineering

• Prerequisites: BIEN 590 or permission of the instructor
• Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken or are taking BIEN 680

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Amine A Kamen

Biomedical Engineering: An overview of how techniques from engineering and the physical sciences are applied to the study of selected physiological systems and biological signals. Using specific biological examples, systems will be studied using: signal or finite-element analysis, system and identification, modelling and simulation, computer control of experiments and data acquisition.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Danilo Bzdok

Biomedical Engineering: Biological and synthetic biomaterials, medical devices, and the issues related to their bioperformance. The physicochemical characteristics of biomaterials in relation to their biocompatibility and sterilization.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Restriction: Graduate and final-year undergraduate students from physical, biological and medical science, and engineering

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Maryam Tabrizian

Biomedical Engineering: Application of the principles of engineering, physical, and biological sciences to modify and create cells and tissues for therapeutic applications will be discussed, as well as the industrial perspective and related ethical issues.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• 1.5 hours lecture/1.5 hours seminar per week
• Restriction: graduate and final year undergraduate students from physical, biological, and medical science, and engineering.

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Satya Prakash

Biomedical Engineering: Introduction to technologies for formulation and delivery of biotherapeutics. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of formulation, delivery systems, manufacturing, analytical techniques, and biomedical applications. Translational aspects are considered for formulated biotherapeutic products.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Prerequisites CHEE 380 (or equivalent), CHEM 212 (or equivalent), and BIOL 201 (or equivalent), or permission of the instructor.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Guojun Chen

Biomedical Engineering: The micro and nanotechnologies that drive and support the miniaturization and parallelization of techniques for life sciences research, including different inventions, designs and engineering approaches that lead to new tools and methods for the life sciences - while transforming them - and help advance our knowledge of life.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
• This course is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students having a biological/medical background or an engineering, physical sciences background. Engineering students enrolled in the Minor in Biomedical Engineering, or Honours in Electrical Engineering and Honours in Mechanical Engineering, should be particularly interested.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • David Juncker

Biomedical Engineering: Introduction to astrobiology, defined as the scientific study of the origin, evolution, distribution and destiny of life in the universe. Includes interdisciplinary lectures in prebiotic chemistry, extremophilic microorganisms, analog sites, habitability, astrodynamics, experimental facilities and instrumentation for space experiments and missions, and recent results from orbital and lander missions.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• (3-0-6)
• Prerequisites: CHEM 211 or 212, MATH 222, and PHYS 230

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year

Biomedical Engineering: This is an interdisciplinary, project-based course, centred around a design project in which small teams of students work closely with a person with a disability in the Montreal area to design a device, piece of equipment, app, or other solution that reduces their experience of disability.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Students must also register for BMDE 525D2
• No credit will be given for this course unless both BMDE 525D1 and BMDE 525D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
• Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken BMDE 625D1/D2. Not open to students in Physical and Occupational Therapy.

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Stefanie Blain-Moraes

Biomedical Engineering: See BMDE 525D1 for description.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Prerequisite: BMDE 525D1
• No credit will be given for this course unless both BMDE 525D1 and BMDE 525D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Stefanie Blain-Moraes

Biomedical Engineering: Introduction to healthcare entrepreneurship, including the unique model and challenges of healthcare technology startups. Emphasis is placed on seeking venture capital investment in a healthcare startup business, including medical technologies (MedTech), pharmaceuticals/biotechnology, research tools, healthcare IT, and digital health, particularly as they differ from one another.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Ela Borenstein

Biomedical Engineering: Review of advanced techniques in medical imaging including: fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, MR angiography and quantitative flow measurement, spiral and dynamic x-ray computed tomography, 2D/3D positron emission tomography (PET), basic PET physiology, tracer kinetics, surgical planning and guidance, functional and anatomical brain mapping, 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, and medical image processing.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Terms
  • Winter 2024
• Instructors
  • Louis Collins

Biomedical Engineering: Science and technology related to implants used for various orthopaedic reconstructive procedures, with emphasis on artificial hip and knee joint prostheses.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Restriction: Permission of the instructor.

• Terms
  • This course is not scheduled for the 2023 academic year
• Instructors
  • There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023 academic year

Biomedical Engineering: Regulatory strategies and quality management systems are critical for medical device development. This course provides an overview of regulatory requirements, and familiarize students with the important ISO and IEC standards pertaining to medical device development. This course will provide biomedical engineers with an understanding of the regulatory and quality requirements to translate a medical device idea into a commercial product, and will draw upon the expertise of invited speakers currently working in the medical devices industry.

Offered by: Biomedical Engineering

• Terms
  • Fall 2023
• Instructors
  • Danny Kroo