Mechanical & Industrial Engrg 658 - Connections/Med, Bio, Engin

Students will learn fundamental principles of molecular biology and fluid dynamics as they relate to human physiology and disease, with a focus on the cardiovascular, lymphatic and pulmonary systems. The relationship between the forces applied by the blood to blood vessels and heart, lymph to lymphatic vessels and air to the pulmonary airways are explored via formal lectures and journal article discussions. The course will also cover various experimental systems used to quantify cell response to forces. Students will be introduced to concepts of scientific writing. Graduate students conduct in-depth research in one of the topics covered during the semester and lead one of the 75 minutes lectures. Undergraduate students write an abbreviated grant proposal, while graduate students write a full NIH R-21 style grant proposal.