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227-0622-00L 4 Credits MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-MATH , D-ITET

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Thermal Modeling: From Semiconductor to Medical Devices and Personalized Therapy Planning

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Mathieu Luisier, Dr. Esra Neufeld

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:55:09

Abstract

The course introduces computational techniques to model electromagnetic heating across many orders of magnitudes, from the atomic to the macroscopic scale. Both desired and undesired thermal effects will be covered, e.g. thermal cancer therapies based on tissue heating or Joule heating in semiconductor devices. A wide range of simulation approaches and numerical methods will be introduced.

Objective

During this course the students will: - learn the physics governing and computational models describing electromagnetic-induced heating; - get familiar with computational simulation techniques across a wide range of spatial scales, incl. methods to simulate in vivo heating, considering thermoregulation and perfusion, or quantum mechanical approaches considering heat at the level of atomic vibrations; - implement and apply simulation techniques within a state-of-the-art open-source simulation platform for computational life sciences, as well as a framework for computer-aided design of semiconductor devices; - learn about remaining challenges in this field

Content

The following topics will be discussed during the semester: - Introduction about electromagnetic heating (from its historical perspective to its application in biology); - Microscopic/Macroscopic thermal transport (governing equations, numerical methods, examples); - Numerical algorithms and their implementation in python and/or C++, parallelisation approaches, and high performance computing solutions; - Practical examples: thermal therapy planning with Sim4Life and technology computer aided design with OMEN; - Model verification and validation.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides are distributed every week and can be found athttps://iis-students.ee.ethz.ch/lectures/thermal-modeling/

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Thermal Modeling: From Semiconductor to Medical Devices and Personalized Therapy Planning	Wed 09:15-11:00 (ETZ J 91)	2 h weekly
exercise	Thermal Modeling: From Semiconductor to Medical Devices and Personalized Therapy Planning	Wed 11:15-12:00 (ETZ J 91)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Biomedical Engineering Master
- Major Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Fields of Specialization
  - Electromagnetics (recognition of 227-0662-00L and 227-0662-10L requires the successful completion of both course units)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)