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Biomedical Engineering
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:48
Abstract
Introduction into selected topics of biomedical engineering as well as their relationship with physics and physiology. The focus is on learning the basic vocabulary of biomedical engineering and getting familiar with concepts that govern common medical instruments and the most important organs from an engineering point of view.
Objective
Introduction into selected topics of biomedical engineering as well as their relationship with physics and physiology. The course provides an overview of the various topics of the different tracks of the biomedical engineering master course and helps orienting the students in selecting their specialized classes and project locations. It also serves as an introduction to the field for students of the ITET, MAVT, HEST and other bachelor programs. In addition, the most recent achievements and trends of the field of biomedical engineering are also outlined.
Content
History of BME and the role of biomedical engineers. Ethical issues related to BME. Biomedical sensors both wearable and also biochemical sensors. Bioelectronics: Nernst equation, Donnan equilibrium, equivalent circuits of biological membranes and bioelectronic devices. Bioinformatics: genomic and proteomic tools, databases and basic calculations. Equations describing basic reactions and enzyme kinetics. Medical optics: Optical components and systems used in hospitals. Basic concepts of tissue engineering and organ printing. Biomaterials and their medical applications. Function of the heart and the circulatory system. Transport and exchange of substances in the human body, compartment modeling. The respiratory system. Bioimaging. Orthopedic biomechanics. Lectures (2h), discussion of practical exercises (1h) and homework exercises.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Introduction to Biomedical Engineeringby Enderle, Banchard, and BronzinoANDmoodle page of the course
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- BME lecture material
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Keine
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Biomedical Engineering
**together with University of Zurich**
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Bioengineering (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Molecular Bioengineering track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Electives (376-1622-00L Practical Methods in Tissue Engineering (offered in the Autumn Semester) and 376-1624-00L Practical Methods in Biofabrication (offered in the Spring Semester) are mutually exclusive to be eligible for credits.)
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General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
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