Undergraduate Courses

The aim of the department is to train undergraduate students to become Biomedical Engineers to help solve the health needs of the people of Ghana and other parts of the world. The programme combines engineering design skills with the physical, chemical, biological and medical sciences to train students to acquire knowledge in medical device and instrumentation, regenerative engineering, medical imaging techniques and image processing, biomaterials processing, bioinformatics and other approaches for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients. This is achieved through our different course offerings and specialisations.

 

Course Code Title
BMEN 104 General Biology

Credit Hours - 2

Objectives

This course is aimed at introducing the basic principles of biology to facilitate the understanding of concepts and applications of biomedical engineering. . By the end of the course, students should demonstrate an understanding of cell structure and function, subcellular structures and basic cellular processes such as energy production, transport and communication, demonstrate a general understanding of the diversity of living organisms, their forms, distinguishing features, and how they influence and are influenced by their environment, explain basic principles of inheritance and the molecular basis of inheritance and identify the principal groups of pathogens and some of the roles biomedical engineers play in the management of pathogens and biological studies.

Content

This course provides principles of biology from the cellular to the ecosystem level including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and evolution. Topics covered include: Introduction to the science of life, characteristics and various levels of organisation of living things, molecular basis of cellular structure and functions, bioelements, biomolecules, the cell cycle, introduction to protein synthesis, basic genetics, gene action and inheritance, major groups of kingdoms and their characteristics, animal body organization and plant body organization, living organisms and disease, role of the engineer in facilitating biological studies, overview of various equipment used in laboratory and field studies.

Reading list
  • Cumming, G., Fidler, F., & Vaux, D. L., (2007). Error bars in experimental biology. The Journal of Cell Biology
  • Holley D., (2017). General Biology I: Molecules, Cells and Genes, Dog Ear Publishing LLC. ISBN-13: 978-1457552748
  • Jensen, M., & Moore, R., (2008). Reading Trade Books in a Freshman Biology Course. American Biology Teacher
  • Lyons T. & Eide, D., (2007). Transport and storage of metal ions in biology. University Science Books, 2006(0), 57–78.
  • Murphy, R. C., Sverdrup, H. U., Johnson, M. W., & Fleming, R. H., (1944). The Oceans: Their Physics, Chemistry, and General Biology.
SENG 101 Calculus I Single variable

Credit Hours - 4

Objectives

This is a foundational course that plays an important role in preparing students for advanced studies in engineering and mathematics.

Content

Students are introduced to concepts of limits and continuity of a function of a single variable as well as differentiation of trigonometric functions and their inverses, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic concepts on Leibnitz’s rule, trapezium and Simpson rules, Rolle’s Theorem, introduction to differentiation and integration of vector functions, systems of equations, inequalities, vectors and matrices.

Reading list
  • Adams R. A. and Essex C. (2018). Calculus: A Complete Course. Ninth Edition, Pearson.
  • Bostock L. and Chandler S. (1989). Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability. Stanley Thornes (Publishers) Ltd, Wellington Street, England.
  • Riley K. F., Hobson M. P. & Bence S. J. (2004). Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering. Cambridge University Press.
  • James G. (2005). Modern Engineering Mathematics. 3rd Ed., Prentice Hall. Stewart J. (2016). Calculus. Eighth Edition, Cengage Learning, USA.
SENG 102 Calculus II Multivariable

Credit Hours - 4

Objectives

This course covers differentiation and integration of functions of multiple variables and their applications in engineering. These mathematical tools and methods are used extensively in the physical sciences, engineering, economics, and computer graphics.

Content

The course involves Introduction to Multivariable Calculus, Derivatives of Multivariable Functions (partial derivatives, gradient and directional derivatives, divergence, curl, multivariable chain rule, Laplacian, Jacobian, applications, etc.), Integrating Multivariable Functions (line integrals for scalar functions, line integrals in vector fields, double integrals, triple integrals, change of variables, polar, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates, surface integrals, flux in 3D, and applications, etc.), Green's, Stokes', and the divergence theorems.

Reading list
  • James, G., Witten, D., Hastie, T., & Tibshirani, R. (2006). An Introduction to Statistical Learning. Springer Text Books (Vol. 102).
  • Michal, A. D. (2008). Matrix and Tensor Calculus.
  • Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Text.
  • Tadmor, E. B., & Miller, R. E. (2011). Modeling Materials. Books.
  • Wilbur R. LePage. (1961). Complex Variables and the Laplace Transform for Engineers. Dover Books.
SENG 103 Mechanics I Statics

Credit Hours - 3

Objectives

This course is designed to provide students with understanding of engineering mechanics of statics of particles and rigid bodies. Students will be able to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems under static conditions. The course includes the use of computational software to solve numerical problems.

Content

This course covers basic vector concepts of force, moment of a force, conditions of equilibrium of machine members such as beams, trusses, and frames under static loads, friction, distributed forces, determination of centroid and center of mass, area moment of inertia, and mass moment of inertia.

Reading list
  • Beer, F., Johnston, E., & Mazurek, D., (2018). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics (12th Ed.). New York:  McGraw-Hill. 
  • Hibbeler, R. C., (2015). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (14th Ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
  • Kleppner, D. & Kolenkow, R. J., (2010). An introduction to Mechanics. Cambridge University Press.
  • Meriam, J. L, Kraige, L. G., & Bolton, J. N., (2018). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (9th Ed.). Wiley (Wiley PLUS Products).
  • Nelson, E., (2010). Engineering Mechanics Statics (Schaum's Outlines) (6th Ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
SENG 104 Mechanics II Dynamics

Credit Hours - 3

Objectives

This course is aimed at enabling students to attain an understanding of the fundamental principles of the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Students will be able to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems under dynamic conditions. The course includes the use of computational software to solve numerical problems.

Content

The course covers the motions of particles and rigid bodies, and the forces that accompany or cause those motions. It will involve Newton's laws, the work and energy principle, and the impulse and momentum principle.

Reading list
  • Beer F., Johnston, E., & Mazurek, D., (2018). Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Dynamics (12th Ed.). New York:  McGraw-Hill. 
  • Ginsberg, J., (2007). Engineering Dynamics (3rd Ed.). Cambridge University Press.
  • Hibbeler, R. C., (2015). Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (14th Ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
  • Kasdin, N. J. & Paley, D. A., (2011). Engineering Dynamics: A Comprehensive Introduction. Princeton University Press Education.
  • Meriam, J. L., Kraige, L. G., & Bolton, J. N., (2015). Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics (8th Ed.). Wiley.
SENG 105 Engineering Graphics

Credit Hours - 3

Objectives

This is an introductory course in computer aided graphics and design for engineers. This course will introduce students to modeling techniques for engineering parts and assemblies, and its application to real life engineering problems using a computer aided design (CAD) software. It will familiarize students with 3-D solid modeling and conventions of 2-D graphical representation of engineering components. As part of the course, there will be a group design project that will produce a drawing package of an appealing, functional, and marketable mechanism or device.

Content

The course will cover: Introduction to Engineering Graphics; Sketch Tools (lines, arcs, circle, rectangle, fillet, chamfer,  sketch relations, smart dimension, pattern, mirror, offset entity, trim, etc.); Parts Modeling Techniques (extrusion, revolve, sweep, loft, shell, hole wizard, pattern, rib, mirror, fillet, chamfer, etc.); Detailed Part Drawing (Projection theory and types: perspective, parallel, orthogonal, axonometric, isometric, dimetric, trimetric, Multiview, line types and conventions, types of projection, sheet format: title block and border line, scale, section view, detailed view, dimensioning and tolerancing: size and geometry tolerancing (limit, unilateral, bilateral, general tolerance, etc.); Assembly Modeling (standard mating and exploded views); Detailed Assembly Drawing (balloons, BOM, exploded state, reference dimensioning). 

Reading list
  • Branoff, T., Jensen, C. H., & Helsel, J. D., (2015). Interpreting Engineering Drawings (8th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Giesecke, F. E., et al., (2016). Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics (15th Ed). Peachpit Press.
  • Howard, W. E. & Musto, J. C., (2019). Introduction to Solid Modeling Using SolidWorks. McGraw Hill.
  • Planchard, D., (2019). Engineering Graphics with SOLIDWORKS: A Step-by-Step Project Based Approach. SDC Publications.
  • Reyes, A., (2019). Beginner’s Guide to SolidWorks – Level I, SDC Publications Inc.
SENG 106 Applied Electricity

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

This course introduces students to the workings of basic electrical circuits leading to the generation of electricity. It presents the definition and modelling of circuit components. 

Content

Electricity supply types: definition and characteristics of AC and DC voltages and currents, instantaneous, average and RMS values, energy and power, and simple billing calculations of household appliances. AC power: active, reactive, and apparent power, power factor and correction methods. Introduction to electricity generation and sources. AC transmission and distribution for 1-phase, 2-phase, and 3-phase. Introduction to transformers and operations. Introduction to motors. Electrical safety.

Reading list
  • Bird, J. (2003). Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology, 2nd edition. Newnes 
  • Hughes, E., McKenzie-Smith I., Hiley J. Brown K. (2005). Electrical and Electronic Technology. 9th Edition. Prentice-Hall.
  • Wadhwa, C.W. (2007). Basic Electrical Engineering. 4th Edition. New Age International Publishers.
  • Yorke, J. P. (2018). Applied Electricity: A Textbook of Electrical Engineering for Second Year Students. Creative Media Partners 
  • Yorke, R. (2013). Electric Circuit Theory: Applied Electricity and Electronics. Elsevier Science.
SENG 107 Introduction to Engineering

Credit Hours - 4

Objectives

This course includes lectures, seminars, and activities to introduce engineering students to various engineering practices, historical developments in various field of engineering, and current industrial practices delivered by researchers on campus and practicing engineers.

Content

The course will introduce students to emerging technologies and trends, engineering ethics, engineering communication tools, and metrology. Also, students will be introduced to and be able to apply the principles of the engineering design process to a case study or project. Moreover, students shall be provided with group advisement regarding specific fields of engineering.

Reading list
  • Fogler, H. S., LeBlanc, S. E. & Rizzo, B., (2014). Strategies for Creative Problem-solving (3rd Ed.). Ann Arbor-Michigan: Prentice Hall.
  • Kosky, P., Balmer, R. T., Keat, W. D., & Wise, G., (2015). Exploring Engineering: An Introduction to Engineering and Design. (4th Ed.). Academic Press.
  • McCarthy, N., (2012). Engineering: A Beginner's Guide. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.
  • Moaveni, S., (2019). Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering (6th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Moaveni, S., (2015). Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering. (5th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
SENG 108 Basic Electronics

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

The objective of this course is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to analyze and understand basic analog and digital electronic components and circuits. 

Content

History of electronics from vacuum tubes to Large Scale (LS) through to Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) systems. Semiconductivity. Diodes and Diode circuits: Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), the physical structure of the BJT, circuit analysis. Field-Effect Transistors and Circuits: MOSFET characteristics and model, biasing techniques, analog MOSFET amplifier. Digital electronics and logic gates analysis.

Reading list
  • Eggleston, D. L. (2011). Basic Electronics for Scientists and Engineers. Cambridge University Press
  • Hambley, R. A. (2017). Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications, 7th Edition, Pearson Higher Education
  • Hughes, E. (2012).  Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 11th Edition. Pearson Higher Education.
  • Scherz, P. & Monk, S. (2016). Practical Electronics for Inventors, 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Sedra, S. A. Smith, K. C. (2014). Microelectronics Circuits, 7th Edition. Oxford University Press. New York.

 

SENG 109 General Chemistry

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

This course develops basic understanding of chemistry which is useful for engineering application.

Content

The course covers discussion on atoms to molecules, introduction to the chemistry of organic compounds and biochemistry, chemical kinetics and equilibrium, thermochemistry, redox reactions, and acids and bases. Students will be able to explain simple chemical models which has application in engineering related fields, gain insight into the physical origins of chemical behavior, guide in the design of materials with specific chemical properties, predict a materials response under some chemical conditions, and describe some biochemical processes that occurs in human body.

Reading list
  • Brown T. E., et al., (2017). Chemistry: The Central Science (Mastering Chemistry) (14th Ed.). Pearson.
  • Gray, T. & Mann, N., (2018). Molecules: The Elements and the Architecture of Everything. Black Dog & Leventhal.
  • Holland, J., (2020). Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, from Soul to Psychedelics.  Harper Wave.
  • Seager, S. L. & Slabaugh, M. R., (2013). Organic and Biochemistry for Today (8th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Timberlake, K. C., (2017). Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (13th Ed.). Pearson.
SENG 111 General Physics

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

The main purpose of the course is to give students a foundation on how physical phenomena from nature (real life) are modelled (into mathematics) for engineering applications. 

Content

The course introduces students to theories of vibrations and waves, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. The course provides students with a foundation on how to model real-life scenario for engineering designs. For vibrations and waves, the focus is on generation and propagation. For electricity and magnetism, the course concentrates on the relationship between electric fields and magnetic flux and discusses some of its applications including; cranes for lifting huge loads in industries and magnetic levitation for fast-moving trains in transportation. Finally, for modern physics, much attention is paid to quantum theories because of the breakthrough in electronics.

Reading list
  • Radi, H. A., & Rasmussen, J. O. (2012). Principles of physics: for scientists and engineers. 
  • Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Rojas, H. P., &Tureanu, A. (2014). Basic concepts in physics: from the cosmos to quarks. Springer
  • Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of physics. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for scientists and engineers with modern physics. Cengage Learning.
SENG 112 Engineering Computational Tools

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

This course introduces students to MS Excel and MATLAB in solving engineering problems. It presents in-depth knowledge of the above computational tools for use in engineering. 

Content

Computing Systems: Hardware/software components & organization, types of software, types of computer languages and concepts for executing a program. Engineering problem-solving methodology. Introduction to software tools for solving engineering problems, spreadsheets for engineers – MS Excel for Windows. Technical use of MS Excel: Characteristics of spreadsheets, Arithmetic operations, Common engineering functions and operations, logic operations, plotting, and simple engineering applications. Introduction to MATLAB for engineering problem-solving.

Reading list
  • Chopra, S. C. (2017). Applied Numerical Methods with MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists, 4th Ed., McGraw Hill.
  • Esfandiari, R. S. (2017). Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists using MATLAB 2nd Ed. CRC Press.
  • Etter, D. M.  (1997). Engineering Problem Solving with MATLAB. 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall.
  • Gottfried, B. S. (2003). Spreadsheet Tools for Engineers using MS Excel. McGraw-Hill.
  • Khoury, R. & Wilhem, D. (2016). Numerical Methods and Modelling for Engineers. Harder.
UGRC 110 Academic Writing I

Credit Hours - 3

Objectives

The broad objective of the course is to prepare fresh students to understand the expectations of lecturers with regard to university-level reading and writing assignments, and equip them with the skills and strategies to meet the expectations.

Content

Students will be taken initially through fundamental issues in grammar and composition in order to consolidate their language skills in these areas. Subsequently, reading and writing skills relevant to university work will be introduced. These will include the structure of the essay, unity, completeness and coherence in essay writing; summarizing as a skill basic to exposition, writing from sources, referencing skills and avoiding plagiarism. The course will be taught in small groups and class activities are characterised by group work, oral presentations and extensive practical assignments.

Reading list
  • Adika, G.S.K. (2011). Deviant usage and confusing words. Accra: Black Mask.
  • Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Crème, P. & Lea, M.R. (2010). Writing at the university. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill.
  • Elbow, P. & Belanoff, P. (2000). A community of writers: A workshop course in writing. (3rd Ed.) Boston: McGraw Hill.
  • Faigley, L. (2010). Writing: A guide for college and beyond. (2nd Ed.). New York: Longman.
  • Langan, J. (2007). Exploring writing: Sentences and paragraphs. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
  • Langan, J. (2008). Ten steps to improving college reading skills. (5th Ed.). West Berlin (NJ): Townsend Press.
  • Langan, J. & Winstanley, S. (2000). English skills with readings. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
  • Langan, J. & Winstanley, S. (2003). College writing skills with readings. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
  • Nukui, C. & Peace, M. (2015). Referencing and avoiding plagiarism. University of Reading: Garnet Publishing.
  • Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. (2007). Introduction to academic writing. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education.
  • Opoku-Agyeman, J.N. (1998). A handbook for writing skills. Accra: Ghana Universities Press.
  • Smalley, R. (1995). Refining composition skills. New York: Heinle & Heinle.
  • Spatt, B. (1991). Writing from sources. (3rd Ed.) New York: St. Martin’s Press.
  • Wyrick, J. (2011). Steps to writing well. Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.
UGRC 150 Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning

Credit Hours - 3

Objective

This course introduces students to the methods and requirements for establishing logical and empirical truths. Students would learn conceptual clarity, effective speaking and sound reasoning for career and life goals.

Content

An essential element in the training of social studies and humanities students is providing a corrective and diagnostic skill set that enables students to discriminate logically between: rhetorical ploys that give motives vs. arguments providing good logical reasons for believing an assertion. Students need to recognise the contrast between inductive and deductive reasoning and the different types of support yielded by each, to evaluate the quality of evidence confirming an empirical hypothesis about human conduct, to maintain individual professional and scholarly discretion in the face of peer pressure and mob mentality. Those enrolled in this course will be provided the vocabulary and techniques to employ critical thought and practice within the academic arena and beyond.

Reading list
  • UGRC150 Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning Course Reader