Using Hands-on Physical Computing Projects to Teach Computer Programming to Biomedical Engineering Students

Rapid advancements in the multidisciplinary field of Biomedical Engineering (BME) requires competitive engineers with skill sets in a broad range of subjects including biology, physiology, mechanics, circuits, and programming. Accordingly, such a need should be reflected in the training of BME students. Among those skills, computer programming is an essential tool that is used in a wide variety of applications. In this manuscript, we have provided our experience in incorporating project-based learning, a promising approach in active learning, in teaching computer programming to BME students. An anonymous survey following the completion of the project indicated an increased level of interest and self-confidence in students towards programming.