| The Department of Engineering Physics emphasizes new engineering disciplines that have emerged in recent years. In these high technology areas the link between engineering applications and basic science is particularly important. The Biomedical Engineering option in the Department of Engineering Physics emphasizes the fundamental medical physics that relates to new technologies, as well as its application to practical problems in human health. The Department of Engineering Physics specializes in biophotonics and biosensors. Biophotonics refers to a combination of biology and photonics, which is the science and technology of the generation, manipulation, and detection of photons, which are particles of light. Biophotonics is a fast emerging field in which light is used for the study of biological molecules, cells and tissues for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Light is a non-destructive probe of biological tissue, making it very useful for disease detection and diagnosis. Engineering Physics is also involved in the development and application of micro- and nano-sensors for the detection of DNA, proteins, viruses, and other biological materials. |