Re Structuring An Instrumentation Laboratory Class For Biomedical Engineers

In order to re-structure a traditional instrumentation laboratory to include biological-based problems and methodologies, the Instrumentation and Measurement Laboratory class was developed at the Illinois Institute of Technology. This laboratory class was designed as a standalone course to introduce students to various measurement techniques applicable to the three concentrations of study at Illinois Institute of Technology. The skills and knowledge needed to design and test the hypotheses and perform data collection and analysis of biologically-based engineering problems are introduced. Technical communication skills (oral presentation and technical paper writing) are an integral part of the class. The emphasis of the course program is to deliver an understanding of the “process” of investigating a problem using the scientific method to biomedical engineers, and not focusing on the “correct” answer. The laboratory class provides hands-on experience in proper laboratory use, experimental design, methodologies, and as well as building communication skills that are needed for careers in the various biomedical engineering fields.