BEE 5530

Computer-Aided Engineering: Applications to Biological Processes

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Introduction to simulation-based design as an alternative to prototype-based design; modeling and optimization of complex real-life processes for design and research, using industry-standard physics-based computational software. Emphasis is on problem formulation, starting from a real process and developing its computer model. Modeling application (project) can be biomedical (thermal therapy and drug delivery) or broader biological and bioenvironmental applications that involve heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid flow. Computational topics introduce the finite-element method, model validation, pre- and post-processing, and pitfalls of using computational software. Students choose their own semester-long project, which is a major part of the course (no final exam). Students in BEE/MAE 5530 will expand (beyond 4530) the developed model in areas such as physics, geometry, properties, and validation.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: BEE 3500 or MAE 3240 or CHEME 3240 or BME 2000.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• think of computer simulation as an important practical tool in design and research projects in the industry as well as academia
• know the guts of a typical computer prototyping software
• have realistic ideas about the advantages and pitfalls of such a software
• know about some thermal therapy
• be comfortable in solving less complex problems and working with a group of experts in solving problems with increasing complexity.

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