Inquiry-based biomedical signal processing laboratory: from practice to simulation

The proposed biomedical signal processing laboratory incorporates several components that enhance its usefulness for inquiry-based learning. The laboratory orients around the physical construction and testing of a variety of simple signal processing circuit modules, introduced as lessons. The characteristics of each module can be easily determined through measurement with a BIOPAC MP35 data acquisition system. Additionally, the system laboratory software permits simple comparisons between real-world and simulated signal processing module characteristics. The modules can be combined in a step-by-step fashion to create a variety of sophisticated and functional signal processing systems. Signal processing systems established by the laboratory provide meaningful outputs from signals sourced from the student's own body. Through the application of a single, easy-to-use data acquisition system and associated laboratory software, students can build and test signal processing modules, verify their performance against mathematical simulation using graphical comparisons, combine modules, collect physiological signals sourced from their own bodies and then analyze the results. In the process of collecting data directly from their own bodies, students' curiosity is stimulated and they gain more control over their own learning by being able to test and retest to more fully understand the steps involved in scientific inquiry.