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Course Descriptions

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: Bellevue, with lab sessions in Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

General Course Information

• Laboratory classes meet on five Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the UW Health Sciences Center. Laboratory dates are announced at the start of each quarter.
• Students earn UW academic credit.
• Although some flexibility is possible, courses in certificate programs are designed to be taken in sequence. Medical engineering does not include electives.
• Instructors and courses are subject to change. Those listed are the most recent. All instructors are approved by the UW Bioengineering Department.
• Each academic year of coursework is available as an individual certificate program. Up to twelve credits from courses in certificate programs taken before admission to the MME degree program can be applied retroactively, after admission, to satisfy the requirements of the degree. Students should apply for GNM status after successfully completing the first certificate if they intend to take a second certificate before applying to the degree (see Applying for GNM Status).

Prerequisites for Laboratories

Lecture and laboratory courses in the Certificate Program in Basic Medical Sciences must be taken together.

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn Courses

Cell Biology Seminar (BIOEN 530)

Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6:30-9:50 p.m., Sept. 25-Dec. 4, 2008 (no class Nov. 27), Bellevue. 4 credits. $1,644.
Instructor: Mark Minie.

Introduces fundamental molecular processes that occur in living organisms. The seminars emphasize the structure and organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, DNA replication, gene expression and regulation, protein biochemistry, signal transduction, and the extracellular matrix. Experimental techniques used to study the topics under discussion are emphasized. Case studies illustrate the important concepts and show how breakdown in the proper functioning of these systems may lead to human disease.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Cell Biology Laboratory (BIOEN 531)

Schedule: (5 sessions) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., between Sept. 27 and Dec. 6, 2008, Seattle. Cell Bio labs are held in the Bioengineering Building on UW campus, W.H. Foege Hall. 2 credits. $1,247 (includes lab fee).
Instructor: Mark Minie.

The laboratory section of this course introduces basic microbiological and molecular biological techniques. These skills are applied to the isolation and identification of non-pathogenic bacteria, gene cloning and transfection, the polymerase chain reaction, and bacteriophage genetics. Basic mammalian cell and tissue culture techniques are also introduced. Principles of lab safety and proper record keeping are explained and emphasized.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Winter Courses

Physiology Seminar (P BIO 520)

Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6:30-9:50 p.m., Jan. 5 - March 20, 2009, Bellevue. 4 credits. $1,644.
Instructor: Tom Linder.

Lectures focus on the physiology of organ systems and associated medical disorders. The nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems receive the most attention. Special emphasis is placed on fundamentals important for further independent study. This course familiarizes the medical engineering student with state-of-the-art methods of physiological measurement, providing a basis for designing advanced diagnostic techniques and therapeutic devices.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Physiology Laboratory (P BIO 508)

Schedule: (5 sessions) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., between Jan. 10 and March 7, 2009, Seattle. Labs are held in the Health Sciences Building on campus in Seattle. 2 credits. $1,247 (includes lab fee).
Instructor: Tom Linder.

Various physiological and medical data are collected and discussed in participatory experiments, demonstrations and laboratory tours. Medical engineering students perform physiological measurements in this laboratory, including echocardiography, neurological monitoring, and metabolic assessments.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Spring Courses

Special Problems in Anatomy (B STR 540)

Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6:30-9:50 p.m., April 2-June 4, 2009, Bellevue. 4 credits. $1,644.

Introductory course in human anatomy, embryology and clinical anatomy. Covers anatomical regions:

• Chest, focusing on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
• Abdomen, focusing on the digestive system and renal systems
• Pelvis, focusing on the genitourinary and reproductive systems
• Head and neck, focusing on the brain, and neuroanatomy, as vascular anatomy of the neck
• Musculo-skeletal system, focusing on the muscle compartments, joint design and mechanics of limbs

The purpose of this course is to train the medical engineering student in the methods of anatomic study, so the student can explore the specific anatomic details required for the development of medical devices.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Surgical Anatomy Laboratory (CONJ 585)

Schedule: (5 sessions) Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., April 4-May 30, 2009, Seattle. 2 credits. $1,247 (includes lab fee).

Laboratory sessions include extensive guided dissections by all students, and reports of findings. This laboratory provides the opportunity to explore first-hand the mechanical properties of human tissues, methods of surgical access, and functional configurations of organs and tissues, topics essential for the development of medical technologies but impossible to teach via computer simulations of anatomy.

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course