[BMEN E3320] Fluid Biomechanics

The Class: This fluid biomechanics class was probably as interesting as it could get given the subject manner. Lectures are presented with a qualitative analysis of what each organ/system does, followed by a mechanics based model that tried to mathematically simulate the body. The class gets long since it's 2 hours and 45 minutes long, but it's important to go to since the lectures are clear and the examples useful. The homeworks are usually difficult (although they can vary) but worth a hefty percentage of your grade (5 x 10% each). The midterms (3 x 10%) were on the easier side of fair (slightly) and drew extensively from the homework and example problems. The final was a longer and slightly easier version of the midterms, again on the easier side of fair (20%). Overall the class is pretty useful, as interesting as it can be, the workload is very fair, and the grading isn't too bad.

The Professor: Professor Costa was very friendly and approachable. It was very refreshing to have a professor who seemed to view teaching as enjoyable, instead of an irritating distraction from his/her research. Prof. Costa's lectures were well prepared, orderly, and clear. He is very fair to the students and always willing to help. In fact some of his best tips/explanations come during office hours. Unfortunately, Prof. Costa may not be returning this fall, which is certainly Columbia's loss. Although this is a research oriented university, Columbia could definitely use more instructors of Prof. Costa's caliber.

I don't think I've learned more in any class. Part of this is because of the volume of material that Fluid Biomechanics carries and part of it is because Costa really knows his stuff. There were sections (like Water and Solute Transport) that he was shaky on but included for the benefit of Cell & Tissue people, who could use that stuff. And although Professor Costa uses the outdated method of writing all his notes on the board for us to copy down, it proves to be beneficial, as the notes are something you'd want to keep for reference later on. All exams are open notes and open book and reflect what you saw in the homework.

Although Costa probably isn't teaching at Columbia next year, I believe he deserved a good review. I feel very fortunate to have taken his class while I had the opportunity to.

I heard some unsettling things about Costa's Biomech class, but I actually ended up enjoying the course more than many of the other BME requirements. I had to choose between a Transport oriented class and Biomech, and from what I heard from the Chem Es, the decision took no time at all. The beauty of Costa's class is that he rewards hard work from the students. His homework assignments are by no means easy; I distinctly remember working in Mudd or a computer lounge till 4 AM in the morning. Our class did exceptionally well on the midterms and homeworks, and so Costa decided to give us a really easy final. Almost everything on it we have done before. Fluid Biomech is not easy, but Costa does his best to explain every concept.