Introduction to Bioengineering

Bioengineering in this book is taken to be the application of the concepts and methods of the physical sciences and mathematics in an engineering approach to problems in the life sciences. The aim of such studies is to understand the physical process and engineering aspects of a system's performance both under normal and abnormal conditions, and to design and use diagnostic or artificial devices meant to measure, improve, safeguard, or replace life functions. The material in this book is based on the course given at the University of California at Berkeley. The text contains contributions from instructors in mechanical, electrical, chemical, and nuclear engineering as well as from orthopedics and human biodynamics. The topics mirror the fundamental engineering science taught in the various engineering areas, usually at the intermediate university level, but as applied to problems in the biological world. The basic principles of engineering science are presented so that students will be able to grasp the essence of a particular topic quickly, whatever their background. Many worked examples and problems (together with selected solutions) are included throughout the text.