• College of Life Science and Bio Engineering

Department of Bio and Brain Engineering

Summary

The Department of Bio & Brain Engineering strives to create new knowledge in the relatively unexplored field of Bio & Brain Engineering through a combination of biological and medical engineering, and to nurture specialized scientists who can conduct interdisciplinary research. The department challenges new fields that combine life science, computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering. To foster qualified human resources that can conduct interdisciplinary research in new fields of technology, we place emphasis on understanding the characteristics and interactions of DNA and biomolecules, which serve as the basis of living organisms, analyzing bio-information comprehensively, and developing artificial biological elements with better biocompatibility and nano-scale operations. The department promotes research with technical methods and instruments such as databases based on understanding of organisms’ fundamental, information references and automatic classifications, signals and visuals, IC, nano manufacturing and controls, and nano(micro)-electromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS). We also focus on biologically oriented studies to accomplish technical goals related to intelligent information systems, organism reproduction systems, and high performance bio device. The department conducts interdisciplinary education necessary for these studies, setting Bio-Information System, Bio-Electronics System, Bio-Nano System as the three axes of our education and research.

Field and research

Bio-Information System

BioInformatics focuses on the investigation of computer technology methods for analyzing DNA/RNA sequences and gene combinations, and the development of data structures and algorithms for conducting these studies effectively using computers. Students conduct studies on computer technology methods that predict manifestations of a specific function, exhibit structures and effects of medicines, and predict patterns of genetic sequences that can manifest desired functions. The study of genetic information includes DNA, RNA, proteins, and life-supporting functions and requires a huge amount of data processing. Students also conduct research on computer technology methods that store and manage these kinds of information.

Bio-Electronics System

BioElectronics is the study of measurement and analysis methods of neural signals and involves research on the signal processing mechanisms of living organisms. We train researchers for development of intelligent systems and medical technologies. BioElectronics focuses on measurement and analysis of medical signals and vision such as fMRI. It also involves understanding of the neural information process mechanisms and development of algorithms on visual, auditory, and cognitive functions of living organisms, and implementation of human functional microelectronics devices and systems. Our field of study also includes the development of visual/auditory implant chips for visually/hearing disabled people.

Bio-Nano System(MEMS)

BioNano is the study of the mechanisms of biomaterials and functional structures and the quantitative analysis of behavioral principles. Within this field, we also develop the micro-electromechanical tools and methods for the extraction, control, and manipulation of bioinformation. We strive to instill profound knowledge of modeling and functional reproduction of micro-bio phenomena, development of high performance materials, management/manipulation of functional elements of living organisms, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Related research areas include design/analysis, materials/fabrication process, testing/ measurement, and integration/application technologies for biosensors, actuators, nano-bio devices, and nano- and micro-electromechanical systems (NEMS or MEMS).