Course Description

Design and build novel health diagnostics and sensors while learning the fundamentals of rapid prototyping, applied optics, signals processing, imaging and other advanced modalities. Students work in teams with a physician and technical mentor to design and construct a cutting edge health diagnostic or device. Exceptional projects will be invited to participate in an optional workshop in India to further develop their device. They will also have the option to continue their projects in the Spring semester through a clinical trials and ventures program with the goal of reaching early trials by the end of the school year.
Example projects include spectroscopic sensing of ear infection, an automated stethoscope, non-contact blood pressure sensors, ultra wide angle endoscopy, and wound perfusion monitoring. Structured labs will build engineering and design skills, lectures will introduce considerations for medical design and new prototyping techniques. Grading is based on labs, problem sets, and the semester project, all detailed below. (Please note participation in the optional India workshop & clinical trials program mentioned above do NOT contribute to the grade).
Weekly class structure: Each class will be divided into sections. The first section will cover novel prototyping techniques relevant for healthcare, including hands-on lab exercises. Examples include signals processing to build a basic ECG, to build a pulse oximeter, and utilize a portable spectrometer. The second section will cover topics relevant to designing diagnostics, including introduction to user centered design, physician panel discussion on what they look for in new diagnostics, and guest speakers with experience in health engineering. The third section of the class will be devoted to design reviews and breakout sessions for students to get feedback on their semester projects.