Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

Intended as an introduction to the field of biomedical engineering, this book covers the topics of biomechanics (Part I) and bioelectricity (Part II). Each chapter emphasizes a fundamental principle or law, such as Darcy's Law, Poiseuille's Law, Hooke's Law, Starling's Law, levers, and work in the area of fluid, solid, and cardiovascular biomechanics. In addition, electrical laws and analysis tools are introduced, including Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, Coulomb's Law, capacitors, and the fluid/electrical analogy. Culminating the electrical portion are chapters covering Nernst and membrane potentials and Fourier transforms. Examples are solved throughout the book and problems with answers are given at the end of each chapter. A semester-long Major Project that models the human systemic cardiovascular system, utilizing both a Matlab numerical simulation and an electrical analog circuit, ties many of the book's concepts together. Table of Contents: Ohm's Law: Current, Voltage and Resistance / Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws: Circuit Analysis / Operational Amplifiers / Coulomb's Law, Capacitors and the Fluid/Electrical Analogy / Series and Parallel Combinations / Thevenin Equivalent Circuits / Nernst Potential: Cell Membrane Equivalent Circuit / Fourier Transforms: Alternating Currents (AC)