In addition to teaching core courses in CBE and MOL, Professor Nelson has developed the following elective courses:

Fundamentals of Bioegineering (CBE 262 / EGR 263)
Cloned cats. Genetically modified organisms. Pacemakers. Insulin pumps. Bioengineering is by nature an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding and improving the human condition. This course provides a hands-on applications-based introduction to the field for both engineering and non-engineering students.

(This course was developed with support from the 250th Anniversary Fund and from the Council on Science and Technology.)

Previously offered: Fall 2016 (4.3 rating); Fall 2017 (4.6 rating*); Fall 2018 (4.1 rating); Fall 2021 (5.0 rating*)

Quantitative Physiology (CBE 439)
This course covers the quantitative tools used to understand the human body. We examine cells, tissues, and organs using principles from engineering kinetics and transport processes. Topics include: cell physiology; organ system physiology (including the cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems); and pathophysiology.

Previously offered: Spring 2009 (4.5 rating*); Fall 2011 (3.8 rating); Spring 2015 (4.3 rating); Spring 2020 (4.5 rating*)

Physical Basis of Human Disease (CBE 440 / GHP 450 / MOL 440)
This course covers major diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, infectious diseases), the physical changes that inflict morbidity and mortality, the design constraints for treatment, and emerging technologies that take into account these physical hurdles. We examine the mass transport and biophysical limitations of the human body and recent advances from the fields of drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology.

Previously offered: Fall 2010 (4.7 rating*); Spring 2014 (4.1 rating); Spring 2017 (4.2 rating); Spring 2019 (4.7 rating*); Spring 2022 (4.7 rating*); Spring 2023 (4.7 rating*)

*Commendation for Outstanding Teaching