Undergraduate Courses 2024-25

Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [SPO] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or self-paced online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• BIEN 1010

  Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course is designed as an introductory course in biomedical engineering. The aim of this course is to present some of the basic science and human physiology knowledge used by biomedical engineers and illustrates the first steps in applying this knowledge to solve problems in human medicine. The second goal of this course is to link knowledge of basic science and engineering to fields of specialization and current research. This course also introduces the sub-specialties in biomedical engineering and through real-life examples to emphasize the types of problems biomedical engineers solve.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Summarize the key points of the areas in bio/medical engineering and demonstrate the applications of these areas in our daily life
  • 2.
    Explain how to apply the engineering principles in solving bioengineering problems in daily life by showing examples
  • 3.
    Explain why it is important for bioengineers to understand the human body
  • 4.
    Critique the medical technologies in the markets based on your knowledge in bioengineering
  • 5.
    Evaluate the social, ethical and economic impacts of innovations/technologies in bio/medical engineering
  • 6.
    Demonstrate you are a good team player and presenter
• BIEN 2310

  Modeling for Chemical and Biological Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Co-list with

  CENG 2310

  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 1014 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1024

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  Modeling of physical, chemical and biological processes. Balance Equations. Dimensional and scaling analysis. Analytical and numerical solutions to initial and boundary value problems. Use of computer tools for engineering calculations. This course uses examples in the Bioengineering discipline. For BIEN students only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Model simple physical, chemical and biological processes as mathematical equations.
  • 2.
    Develop and interpret differential equations in initial and boundary value problems.
  • 3.
    Solve differential equations analytical and/or numerically.
  • 4.
    Describe elementary concepts in statistics and perform simple hypothesis testing and regression analysis.
  • 5.
    Use computing tools for engineering calculations.
• BIEN 2410

  Cellular and Systems Physiology for Engineers

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LIFS 1901 OR Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology

  Exclusion(s)

  LIFS 3040

  Description

  Essential cellular and systems physiology for engineers. Hierarchical organization of a complex organism: from organelles to organ systems. Cellular physiology, neurophysiology, vision, muscle and movement, and the cardiovascular system.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe the essential concepts in cell biology and systems physiology.
  • 2.
    Describe the principles of the neural and cardiovascular systems.
  • 3.
    Appreciate the connection between cellular and systems physiology and the design and engineering of pharmaceutical products and biomedical devices.
• BIEN 2610

  Chemical Biology for Engineers

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (CHEM 1010 OR CHEM 1012) AND (LIFS 1901 OR (Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology))

  Description

  A concise introduction of biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology to engineers. Molecular and supramolecular building blocks of biological systems. Analysis and engineering of biological systems by chemical principles. Introduction to transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe at a basic level the biochemical machinery of living cells.
  • 2.
    Describe and apply analytical techniques for biomolecules, including omics.
  • 3.
    Describe techniques and application of biomolecular engineering.
  • 4.
    Describe concepts in basic pharmacology and drug discovery.
  • 5.
    Apply concepts in chemistry to evaluate innovative ideas in bioengineering.
• BIEN 2990

  Academic and Professional Development I

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  For students in the Bioengineering major. This course is designed to provide academic advising to students, to enhance their understanding of the bioengineering field, to encourage them to pursue co-curricular learning opportunities available to them, and to improve their communication skills. Students are required to attend discussion sessions with advisors and fellow students and selected workshops and seminars. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Be motivated and equipped to pursue the co-curricular learning opportunities available to bioengineering students.
  • 2.
    Be aware of possible career paths of bioengineers and how to prepare for them.
  • 3.
    Form a strong community with faculty and fellow students in the program.
  • 4.
    Communicate effectively in group settings.
• BIEN 3300

  Data Science for Molecular Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  CENG 3300

  Prerequisite(s)

  COMP 1021

  Cross-Campus Equivalent Course

  AMAT 3530, CENG 3300

  Description

  This course is an introductory course on the application of machine learning methods in molecular engineering problems. It covers fundamental data processing and machine learning methods to analyze data in chemistry and biology such as molecular similarity calculation and property prediction.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Identify problems that can be formulated as a supervised learning task.
  • 2.
    Process different types of data to be ready for model training.
  • 3.
    Understand the principles of supervised learning methods.
  • 4.
    Perform model training, validation and testing.
  • 5.
    Clearly interpret model predictions and present model results.
  • 6.
    Know the application of data science methods in molecular science related problems.
• BIEN 3310

  Data Science for Neural Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  ELEC 3810

  Prerequisite(s)

  (BIEN 2310 OR ELEC 2600 OR ELEC 2600H OR MATH 2111) AND (BIEN 3300 OR CENG 3300 OR LIFS 3150 OR MATH 2411)

  Exclusion(s)

  BIEN 4310, ELEC 4830

  Description

  This is an introductory course on data science and its applications in neural engineering. The course introduces the fundamentals of data science, principles of neuroscience, and the technologies and implementations of neural engineering. The topics include probability, random variables, statistical detection and estimation, random process, structure and function of the nervous system, encoding and decoding, population coding, neural network, plasticity and learning, neural interfaces and rehabilitation.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Understand the basic concepts of probability, random processes, expectation and averages.
  • 2.
    Obtain a holistic view of neural engineering.
  • 3.
    Recognize the neuroanatomy and understand the basic functions.
  • 4.
    Comprehend fundamentals of basic coding theory and computation methods.
  • 5.
    Analyze neural data and implement on neural-controlled device/robot.
  • 6.
    Enhance the knowledge in neural engineering, signal processing and practical programming.
• BIEN 3320

  Data Science for Biology and Medicine

  3 Credit(s)
  Co-list with

  LIFS 4320

  Prerequisite(s)

  {COMP 1021 OR [(COMP 1022P OR COMP 1022Q (prior to 2020-21) OR COMP 2011) AND COMP 1029P]} AND (LIFS 1901 OR level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology)

  Description

  This is an introductory course for the application of data science in biology and medicine. The course will introduce the fundamental principles on data science, the technologies and implementations of data mining, as well as the modeling of several practical questions in biomedicine. The topics include introduction to biomedical data, data visualization, regression methods and classification methods.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Obtain a basic understanding of data science as a discipline.
  • 2.
    Understand high-throughput biomedical data of various types.
  • 3.
    Visualize, analyze and interpret biomedical data with sound statistical principles.
  • 4.
    Apply computational methods and software tools in data science in the context of biomedicine.
  • 5.
    Develop mathematical models for scientific questions.
• BIEN 3410

  Introduction to Bioinstrumentation and Bioimaging

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 2410

  Exclusion(s)

  ELEC 4810

  Description

  This course introduces various biomedical devices to senior undergraduate students, including (electrical, chemical, optical, and acoustic) devices that can measure EEG, EMG, EOG, oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, blood components, and soft/hard tissue. Students will be able to understand, design, and evaluate devices that can acquire biological information from the human body.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe the working principles of widely used bioimaging technologies.
  • 2.
    Design and evaluate bioimaging devices that can acquire biological information from the human body.
  • 3.
    Describe how bioimaging technologies address biological and clinical needs in practice.
  • 4.
    Research and evaluate information about bioimaging technologies and their applications.
• BIEN 3910

  Bioengineering Laboratory

  4 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 2410 AND BIEN 2610

  Corequisite(s)

  BIEN 3410

  Description

  This course provides hands-on experience with molecular biotechnology, biomolecular engineering, biosensors, biomedical devices, and bioanalytical techniques. Laboratory experiments including cell culture, genetic engineering techniques, bioanalytical methods, biosensors and biomedical devices, with additional emphasis on data analysis. For students of the CBE department only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe the principles behind the experimental modules and how they are applied in the experiments (tentatively molecular biotechnology, biomaterials, biosensors, sequencing and bioimaging).
  • 2.
    Design and conduct experiments relevant to the bioengineering discipline.
  • 3.
    Process, analyze and interpret experimental data in a statistically sound manner.
  • 4.
    Develop soft skills including teamwork, open-ended problem solving, report writing and presentation.
• BIEN 4000

  Special Topics in Bioengineering

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Selected topics of current interest not covered by existing courses. May be graded by letter, P/F, or DI/PA/F for different offerings.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Equip with broad and useful knowledge to various topics which are not covered by existing courses.
  • 2.
    (Each offering under the umbrella will have specific learning outcomes.)
• BIEN 4110

  Regulatory Affairs in the Healthcare Industry

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  BIEN 4000C

  Description

  This course aims to introduce basic concepts of regulatory science, while familiarizing students with product development, manufacturing, medical and engineering operations, and quality control / quality assurance processes in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. Students will also be introduced to the associated regulatory requirements, with an emphasis on Hong Kong, Great Bay Area, China and beyond, in topics such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), pharmaceutical product registration, pharmacovigilance, and clinical trials.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Form a conceptual framework of regulatory science and engineering that underpins regulatory affairs of medical products worldwide.
  • 2.
    Outline the current practices of medical and engineering operations in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.
  • 3.
    Describe the importance and processes of quality assurance / quality control in the manufacture of both pharmaceutical products.
  • 4.
    Outline how Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) are implemented.
  • 5.
    Outline the roles of medical affairs, medical science liaison, and pharmacovigilance in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • 6.
    Describe the principles and practice of clinical trials and the importance of clinical trials in drug development.
• BIEN 4310

  Statistical Signal Analysis and Applications in Neural Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  ELEC 4830

  Prerequisite(s)

  (BIEN 3320 OR MATH 2111) AND (ELEC 2600 OR ISOM 2500 OR LIFS 3150 OR MATH 2411)

  Description

  This is an introductory course on statistical signal processing and its applications in neural engineering. The course introduces the fundamentals of statistical signal processing, principles of neuroscience, and the technologies and implementations of neural engineering. The topics include probability, random variables, vectors and process, expectation, cellular mechanisms and neuroanatomy of the brain, neural coding theory, neural network models, plasticity and learning, neural interfaces and rehabilitation.
• BIEN 4910

  Independent Study

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Independent studies or projects under the directed guidance of a faculty member on a bioengineering topic. Enrollment in the course requires prior approval of the course instructor, and credits assigned depend on the workload. Students may repeat the course if different topics are taken. The course may be grade by letter or P/F subject to different offerings. May be graded PP.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Learn the professional and technical knowledge in the bioengineering research area.
  • 2.
    Equip students with written and presentation skills in engineering disciplines.
• BIEN 4920

  Bioengineering Capstone Design

  6 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 3910

  Exclusion(s)

  BIEN 4930, BIEN 4940

  Description

  A final-year project course offers practice of bioengineering design through a group design project chosen to integrate materials covered in the curriculum. Credit load may be spread over a year. May be graded PP. For students in the Bioengineering major only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Integrate and synthesize the knowledge they learned in various courses in the curriculum.
  • 2.
    Design and conduct wet-lab or dry-lab experiments to optimize and evaluate designs.
  • 3.
    Design processes or products in the realm of bioengineering creatively to meet societal needs.
  • 4.
    Function effectively in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • 5.
    Articulate the problem being solved and the solution provided by the design effectively both in writing and orally.
  • 6.
    Evaluate the impact of bioengineering design on contemporary society from various pertinent perspectives.
  • 7.
    Research and evaluate information related to bioengineering, and use it effectively in their own design.
  • 8.
    Manage a project effectively by proper work allocation and personal management, and setting and meeting appropriate goals and deadlines.
• BIEN 4930

  Bioengineering Thesis Research

  6 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 3910 AND (CENG 4980 OR UROP 2100)

  Exclusion(s)

  BIEN 4920, BIEN 4940

  Description

  A final-year project course offers an opportunity to conduct individual bioengineering research under the direct supervision of a faculty member, which leads to a Bachelor's thesis. Credit load may be spread over a year. May be graded PP. For students in the Bioengineering major with approval from the department only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Manage a research project effectively by personal management and setting and meeting appropriate goals and deadlines.
  • 2.
    Obtain and evaluate information related to bioengineering, and use it effectively in their own research.
  • 3.
    Evaluate the impact of bioengineering research on contemporary society from various pertinent perspectives.
  • 4.
    Articulate research questions and outcomes effectively both in writing and orally.
  • 5.
    Function effectively in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • 6.
    Conduct scholarly research in the realm of bioengineering.
  • 7.
    Design and conduct wet-lab or dry-lab experiments.
  • 8.
    Integrate and synthesize the knowledge they learned in various courses in the curriculum.
• BIEN 4940

  Bioengineering Industrial Project

  6 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 3910

  Exclusion(s)

  BIEN 4920, BIEN 4930

  Description

  This course is intended to provide final-year bioengineering students with practical hands-on training in the form of a full-time or part-time internship or co-op program in a bioengineering company. Credit load may be spread over a year. May be graded PP. For students in the Bioengineering major with approval from the department only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Integrate and synthesize the knowledge they learned in various courses in the curriculum.
  • 2.
    Design and conduct wet-lab or dry-lab experiments to optimize and evaluate designs.
  • 3.
    Design processes or products in the realm of bioengineering creatively to meet societal needs.
  • 4.
    Function effectively in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • 5.
    Articulate the problem being solved and the solution provided by the design effectively both in writing and orally.
  • 6.
    Evaluate the impact of bioengineering design on contemporary society from various pertinent perspectives.
  • 7.
    Research and evaluate information related to bioengineering, and use it effectively in their own design.
  • 8.
    Manage a project effectively by proper work allocation and personal management, and setting and meeting appropriate goals and deadlines.
• BIEN 4990

  Academic and Professional Development II

  1 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  BIEN 2990

  Description

  For final-year Bioengineering students. This course is designed to prepare students for the workplace, to instill in them a sense of professional responsibility, and to enhance their career management skills. Students are required to attend selected workshops and seminars by practicing bioengineers. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Understand the career opportunities available to bioengineering graduates.
  • 2.
    Approach the job search process with preparedness and confidence.
  • 3.
    Function effectively in the workplace as a professional.
  • 4.
    Appreciate the standard of ethics and professional responsibility expected of bioengineers.