Measurement and processing of biomedical signals

Higher education teachers: Jarm Tomaž, Maček-Lebar Alenka

Subject description

Prerequisits:

• Inscription in postgraduate doctoral study program

Content (Syllabus outline):

Advanced overview of selected signals of biological origin encountered in research or in medical clinical environment. Physiological origin and typical properties of these signals. Physical background and application of methods for acquisition and measurement of these signals. Electrodes and probes for acquisition of non-electrical quantities. Signal processing methods in time and frequency domain for extraction of clinically or experimentally relevant information about the biological system. Concrete examples of application. The signals of these origins are to be discussed: electrophysiological signals (electrocardiography, electromyography of skeletal and smooth muscles, electroencephalography, nerve conduction); blood flow (ultrasound, laser Doppler); oxygenation (near infrared spectroscopy and methods for oximetry); measurement of biological cell properties (microscopy and spectroscopy).

Objectives and competences:

To gain knowledge and understanding of the methods for acquisition and processing of different physiological signals from the practical point of view of extracting relevant information (for clinical or reserch use) about properties and function of a biological system. By working on a project students can apply this knowledge to solving a concrete problem on a selected topic.

Intended learning outcomes:

• To learn about different biomedical signals, including their sources (cell, tissue, organ), physiological mechanisms of appearance, properties and relevance for clinical or research work. To understand physical principles of methods for measurement of biomedical signals.
• To learn about methodology of signal processing to obtain required information, using typical examples from the biomedical field. To gain skills for solving a concrete problem from this field.

Learning and teaching methods:

• Lectures in case of sufficient number of students, otherwise independent study with regular individual consultations.
• Every student is presented with a concrete applicative project on a selected topic from biomedical signal measurement and processing and is expected to find a solution to the problem based on literature search and practical work.

Study materials

1. L. Soernmo, P. Laguna: Bioelectrical signal processing in cardiac and neurological applications. Academic Press, 2005.
2. R.M. Rangayyan: Biomedical signal analysis: a case-study approach. Wiley-IEEE Press, 2002.
3. Electromyography
4. J.D. Bronzino (ed.): The Biomedical Engineering Handbook, (3rd ed.), Vol. 2: Medical Devices and Systems. CRC Press, 2006.
5. R. Merletti, P. Parker: Electromyography. IEEE Press/Wiley, 2004.
6. T. Tagawa, T. Tamura, P. Ake Oberg: Biomedical Sensors and Instruments (2nd ed.). CRC Press, 2011.
7. T. G. Leighton: The Acoustic Bubble. Elsevier, 1994.