Courses Programs - Thayer School of Engineering - Dartmouth ...

undergraduate courses
74
ENGS 51 Principles of System Dynamics
Offered: 11S, 12S: 10A
This course introduces system dynamics, an approach to policy design and analysis
based upon feedback principles and computer simulation. The approach is useful for
gaining an understanding of the underlying structural causes of problem behavior in
social, economic, political, environmental, technological, and biological behaviors,
and for designing policies aimed at improving them. Lectures and exercises illustrate
applications of the approach to real, current problems such as urban decay, resource
depletion, environmental pollution, product marketing and distribution, and agricultural
planning in an expanding population. The similarity and transferability of
underlying feedback characteristics among various applications is emphasized. No
prior engineering or computer science experience is necessary.
Prerequisite: MATH 3
Instructor: Peterson Dist: TAS
ENGS 52 Introduction to Operations Research
Offered: 11W, 12W: 10A
Basic concepts of optimization are introduced as aids in systematic decision making
in engineering contexts. Deterministic optimization is developed in the form of
linear and integer programming and their extensions. Probabilistic models are
introduced in terms of Markov chains, queuing and inventory theory, and stochastic
simulation. The course emphasizes the application of these methods to the design,
planning, and operation of complex industrial and public systems.
Prerequisite: MATH 8
Instructor: Santos Dist: TAS
ENGS 56 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Offered: 11S, 12S: 2, laboratory
This course will survey applications of engineering principles to medical diagnosis/treatment
of disease, monitoring/measurement of physiological function, and
rehabilitation/replacement of body dysfunction. Case studies will be used to highlight
how engineering has advanced medical practice and understanding. Examples
will be drawn from bioinstrumentation, bioelectricity, biotransport,
biomaterials, and biomechanics. While investigations will focus primarily on the
engineering aspects of related topics, issues surrounding patient safety, public policy
and regulation, animal experimentation, etc. will be discussed as appropriate.
Prerequisites: PHYS 13 and PHYS 14; PHYS 14 may be taken concurrently
Instructor: Hoopes Dist: TLA
ENGS 57 Intermediate Biomedical Engineering
Offered: 11S: 2
The basic biomedical engineering concepts introduced in ENGS 56 will serve as the
foundation for exploring technology in a clinical environment. The specific clinical
setting to be explored will be the operating room (OR). This course will introduce a
variety of surgical procedures and technologies from an engineering perspective.
Areas of focus will include patient monitoring, biophysical tissue properties, general
surgical instrumentation, tissue cutting and binding technologies, and optical visualization
technologies. In addition, state-of-the-art procedures employing image-guided,
minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgical technologies will be discussed.
The first half of the term will include weekly seminars presented by surgeons
describing a particular surgical procedure, the technologies currently used and a surgeon’s
“wish-list”. During the second half of the term, students will undertake a
design project aimed at developing a technology that addresses a specific need within
the OR. Enrollment is limited to 18 students.
Prerequisites: ENGS 23 and ENGS 56 or equivalent
Instructor: Halter Dist: TAS