Engineering of physiology in which we explore how Mother Nature has been successfully designing living control systems for a billion or so years. Such control systems incorporate biosensors, information processors and bioactuators, which are interconnected so as to achieve high sensitivity and ultra-stable performance. We will explore the design "secrets" of a variety of physiological control systems from an engineering viewpoint and also consider the applicability of these natural designs to man-made systems. We will also consider how states of "health" versus "disease" can be explained from the standpoint of physiological control system function (or dysfunction). Examples of physiological control systems to be explored include: control of muscle tone, posture, and locomotion; heart rate and blood pressure regulation, body temperature regulation bone growth and sculpting to meet loading demand.

Engineering from physiology in which we consider how robotic and “artificially intelligent” control systems can be developed from the perspective of capturing and emulating biologically successful models. This aspect of the course will be drawn largely from contemporary articles (websites etc.) and will involve the presentation of student reports. Same as ASEN 5426.

• Enhance your knowledge of physiology.
• Learn principles of biocontrol systems applicability.
• Prepare a prospectus and write a report in the form of an R/D proposal.

Required