2.1 Pathology & Biomarkers 2.2 Stakeholder Protocol 2.3 Target Specifications 3.1 Precedent Benchmarking 4.1 Biophysical Modeling Needs Spec Template Interview Rubric ← Syllabus Week 2
Phase 1 · Disease Target & Needs Specification

Worksheet 2.1: Neuropathological Hallmarks & Biomarker Mapping

Translate clinical neuropathology into measurable biophysical contrast mechanisms. Deconstruct the biological cascade of your team's chosen disorder, delineate anatomical localization and physical scale, and evaluate viable non-invasive sensing modalities.

Draft synced locally
Engineering Design Context: A diagnostic neurotechnology device succeeds or fails based on whether its biophysical transduction mechanism couples directly to the primary pathological hallmark of the disease. In this worksheet:
1 Target Disease & Team Metadata
Identify your team and establish the clinical baseline for the disorder you are tackling this semester.
2 Primary Pathological Hallmarks Matrix
Deconstruct the pathology into discrete, quantifiable biological features. Break down what is actually happening in brain tissue.
Hallmark Name & Mechanism Pathology Category Anatomical Locus & Depth Physical / Temporal Scale Biophysical Alteration Action
3 Biophysical Contrast & Transduction Architecture
Map each biological hallmark above to a measurable physical signal. How will your engineered sensors detect this from outside the skull?
Explore Course Modules: DTI fMRI EEG MEG fNIRS
4 Phase 1 Dossier Synthesis & Self-Check
Prepare your team's preliminary findings for inclusion in the Target Disease & Clinical Needs Specification Dossier (Due Week 3).