Postgraduate Courses

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 5001

  Responsible Conduct of Biomedical and Biotechnology Research

  [3-0-0:3]
  Co-list with

  LIFS 5001

  Exclusion(s)

  LIFS 5001

  Background

  Some knowledge of general biology concepts, equivalent to introductory biology at the undergraduate level

  Description

  This course will present some of the most common ethical issues encountered in biomedical research and biotechnology. Students will engage in active discussion to provide deeper understanding of each issue. The objective of this course is to raise awareness of the ethical issues around biomedical/bioengineering research, and encourage critical and responsible consideration of research conduct. Topics covered will fall into three categories: 1) Research integrity, 2) Applied ethics in biological research and biotechnology, and 3) Contemporary ethical issues arisen from emerging biotechnologies. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

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

  • 1.
    Describe potential important ethical issues that biomedical researchers may face in their careers.
  • 2.
    When presented with a case or specific scenario, be able to identify the explicit or potential ethical issues, arguments, and perspectives arising from the case or scenario.
  • 3.
    Critically analyze and evaluate ethical issues revolving around contemporary biomedical/life science research in a contextual manner, and form and justify their own position on these ethical issues.
  • 4.
    Recall and describe key principles, policies, and regulations relevant to the ethical and responsible conduct of research (e.g. Nuremberg Code).
  • 5.
    Identify administrative or other resources on campus that researchers can access to seek assistance with ethical issues they may be facing.
  • 6.
    Communicate and present ideas to others in a clear and critical manner about complex issues, both in presentation and written format.
  • 7.
    Engage in open and thoughtful discussions with peers on complex ethical issues.
• BIEN 5010

  Molecular Biology for Bioengineering

  [3-0-0:3]
  Description

  The course introduces the basics of cell biology, molecular biology techniques, and discusses the principles of macromolecular interactions in those contexts. We will also discuss various applications of these techniques and how combined with engineering concepts, they have contributed to innovations and breakthrough tools in the world of basic research and medicine. Topics to cover include: overview of basic molecular biology and macromolecular interactions; basic biophysical structures, imaging and characterization techniques; molecular engineering; biodevices; and genomics. Active student discussion is required and students will also do a final project team presentation on a current bioengineering topic.
• BIEN 5040

  Introduction to Neural Engineering

  [3-0-0:3]
  Description

  This course will provide a survey of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering research areas to provide our research postgraduate students a broad appreciation of interdisciplinary research in context. The course aims to help student recognize and understand how knowledge from science and engineering interface in this interdisciplinary application. Concepts such as neural interfacing and neural prosthesis will be introduced so that students can understand the impact of the latest technologies. The course will enhance the vision of the students and encourage them to work in future inter-disciplinary research fields.
• BIEN 5050

  Global Health Ethics

  [2-1-0:3]
  Previous Course Code(s)

  BIEN 6930A

  Description

  Through real-time videoconferencing with participants from different countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, and Philippines, this ONLINE course aims at helping students learn the definitions of global health ethics and bioethics, the different protocol and systems in place to ensure adherence to ethical principles, and how different stakeholders and cultures may interpret ethics differently. Through case studies on ethical challenges from real-world situations, students will analyze and discuss the complexities of global health practice and research ethics in a global context. This course is co-offered with the University of Southern California. Besides the joint LIVE sessions, face-to-face sessions and group projects are also arranged for the introduction of background knowledge, case studies, group project discussion, and technical support.
• BIEN 5060

  Fundamentals and Applications of Sensing Technologies in Healthcare

  [3-0-0:3]
  Previous Course Code(s)

  BIEN 6930C

  Exclusion(s)

  BEHI 5004

  Background

  Students are expected to have prior knowledge on general chemistry, biology, and thermodynamics

  Description

  The course will introduce the basic concepts in detection of biosignals. Students will learn about the biosensing components, transduction mechanisms, novel materials in sensing, and analytical techniques to capture diverse health information. The course will also touch upon the physical and chemical sensors used for healthcare applications. We will also discuss about the emerging flexible, wearable technology toward personalized healthcare. Students will have opportunities to design and propose biosensors and bioelectronics at the end of the course.
• BIEN 5070

  Synthetic Biology

  [3-0-0:3]
  Previous Course Code(s)

  BIEN 6930D

  Exclusion(s)

  BEHI 5006

  Description

  Synthetic biology, which echoes the assertion “What I cannot create, I do not understand” made by Richard Feynman, has been hailed as a revolution for modern science and technology. Unfledged as it is, the field, arising from the synergistic combination of chemistry, biology, engineering, data science, and information/control theory, has already shown great promise in addressing energy and health-related global challenges. This course aims to expose students with diverse backgrounds to this highly interdisciplinary field and furnish them with necessary guidance and ideas for taking on synthetic biology projects.
• BIEN 5820

  Microfluidics and Biosensors

  [3-0-0:3]
  Co-list with

  ELEC 5820

  Exclusion(s)

  ELEC 5820

  Description

  Introduction to Microfluidics and Biosensors; Overview of microfabrication materials & techniques; microfluidic principles; miniaturized biosensors; micro total analysis system (µTAS) & lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for clinical and research applications.
• BIEN 6800

  Bioengineering Seminar

  [0-1-0:0]
  Description

  Seminar topics presented by students, faculty and guest speakers. Students are expected to attend regularly and demonstrate proficiency in their seminar presentation in accordance with the program requirements. Graded P or F.
• BIEN 6910-6940

  Special Topics in Bioengineering

  [1-4 credit(s)]
  Description

  Selected topics in bioengineering of current interest in emerging areas and not covered by existing courses. May be repeated for credit if different topics are covered. May be graded by letter or P/F for different offerings.
• BIEN 6990

  MPhil Thesis Research
  Description

  Master's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
• BIEN 7990

  Doctoral Thesis Research
  Description

  Original and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.