Monitoring a bioengineering class in a professional engineering specialization: is there concatenation of learning?

Abstract

This paper presents the follow-up of a bioengineering class within a professional engineering specialization, whose objective is to analyze whether this integration makes sense academically. The class presents special applications of automation, being bioengineering and energy management. Its main objective is to present particular ways of applying automation concepts, their particular fundamentals (of each area) and the similarities of this kind of special project. Bioengineering refers to the application of the techniques and methods of engineering and exact sciences in the development of artificial organs and auxiliary devices of biological systems. The following analysis strategies were used: (i) ratio of grades obtained from the students of the class; (ii) impressions of two students of the class; and (iii) impression of two professors of the class. Based on the pass results, students' feedback and the report of the professors involved in the class, it is possible to state that the bioengineering class did not have any negative influence within the students' education. Moreover, it may have had a positive performance by: (i) reinforcing the assimilation of scientific methodology in students; (ii) presenting special automation applications that may have expanded the student's professional prospection; and (iii) stimulating the emergence of new engineering solutions within medicine.