The Department of Biomedical Engineering has teamed with UAB's Undergraduate Neuroscience Program to create the Neuroengineering Minor. Neuroengineering is a field that uses engineering techniques to understand, repair, replace, enhance, or otherwise exploit the properties of neural systems. As this area continues to experience rapid growth, there will be an increased demand for graduates who are trained to contribute to the advancement of neuroengineering. For general information regarding the neuroengineering minor for engineering students, contact
Program Requirements
Applicants for the Neuroengineering Minor must meet the UAB criteria for admission. The minor is open to all interested students who have a 3.0 GPA or better. It is also be available to students who initiate the major course of study in BME or Neuroscience but decide not to complete those requirements.
To attain a minor in Neuroengineering from UAB, you required to complete the following courses (9 hours BME and 9 hours Neuroscience):
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EGR 150: Computer Methods in Engineering (3 Hours)
An introduction to engineering computation using MATLAB language and Excel. Basic programming skills using built-in functions is emphasized. Generation and manipulation of vectors and matrices, operations on vectors/matrices, plotting, iterations calculations. If/else and other logical constructs, and data input/output are covered. Engineering applications are used throughout the course.
Prerequisites: MA 106 [Min Grade: C] or MA 107 [Min Grade: C] or MA 125 [Min Grade: C] (Can be taken Concurrently)
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BME 312: Biocomputing (3 Hours)
Introduction to computational techniques used in biomedical engineering.
Prerequisites: (BME 150 [Min Grade: C] or EGR 150 [Min Grade: C]) and (EGR 265 [Min Grade: C] or MA 227 [Min Grade: C] and MA 252 [Min Grade: C]) and MA 260 [Min Grade: C] (Can be taken Concurrently)
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NBL 355: Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience (3 Hours)
Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics and function of the mammalian nervous system. This course will emphasize the development, anatomy, cellular and molecular biology and biochemistry of neurons and glial cells, and introduce electrical, biophysical and chemical signaling within and across neurons.
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NBL 356: From Systems to Cognitive Neuroscience (3 Hours)
Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics and function of the mammalian nervous system. This course will emphasize mechanisms of synaptic transmission, sensory systems, neuropharmacology, and synaptic plasticity; and introduce the molecular basis of diseases and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Prerequisites: NBL 355 [Min Grade: C]
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BME 450: Computational Neuroscience (3 Hours)
This course examines the computational principles used by the nervous system. Topics include: biophysics of axon and synapse, sensory coding (with an emphasis on vision and audition), planning and decision-making, and synthesis of motor responses. There will be an emphasis on systems approach throughout. Homework includes simulations.
Prerequisites: BME 312 [Min Grade: C]
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One of the following two electives in Neuroscience:
NBL 425: Methods in Neuroimaging (3 hours)
Cognitive neuroscience research has provided valuable insights into the workings of the human brain. The techniques used in cognitive neuroscience span from postmortem brain studies to neuroimaging studies. The ability to perform neuroimaging studies on awake human individuals engaged in cognitive, social, sensory, and motor tasks has produced a conceptual revolution in the study of human cognition. This course will comprehensively examine the methods and techniques in neuroimaging with the primary goal of building basic knowledge in the concepts and techniques of neuroimaging. The course will explore techniques, such as single and multi-cell recordings, deep brain stimulation, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging. This course will be an apt venue for graduate students interested in neuroscience research to build a platform for continuing studies.
NBL 454: The Body Electric: Electronics for Biologists (3 hours)
Some of the most important aspects of biological systems involve electrical phenomena. From the operation of the nervous system, to the control of cardiac or gut motility, the response of bone to stress, and even the most basic membrane physiology of every cell, the body is electric. Additionally, electronic instrumentation and analysis techniques are a major part of biological research. And yet, the typical biology student has very little background in these topics. Formal engineering courses have too many pre-requisites, and require more mathematical sophistication than is truly needed for most biologists. This course is designed to try and fill this gap.
UAB Course Catalog
All courses listed for the minor are listed in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog. A full description of the minor will be added to the catalog in upcoming months.