Department of Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineers apply the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to solve medically-relevant problems. Examples of biomedical engineering activities include medical device design, fabrication, and testing, prosthesis fabrication, ergonomics and human factors, physiological function monitoring, home health care technology development, biomedical informatics, functional imaging and tomography, biomaterial development and biocompatibility, artificial tissue and organ fabrication, cell- and biomolecule-based sensors and therapeutics, gene therapy development, and biomedical microsystems.

While these examples represent current areas of interest, biomedical engineering continues to change rapidly with advances in biology, medicine, and technology. Therefore, it is a goal of the program to ensure that students have sufficient breadth in their studies to be able to adapt and develop new opportunities and areas of application during their professional career. At the same time the program seeks to promote sufficient depth in one area of biomedical engineering that students can develop particular expertise in an area of their choosing.

Key features of our undergraduate program are:

1) a two-course freshman seminar sequence where students are introduced to biomedical engineering research by professors, and medical devices and career opportunities by practicing biomedical engineers from local medical device companies

2) 13 credits of required biology and physiology courses

3) five 4-credit core biomedical engineering courses with integrated laboratory experiences

4) a two-course senior design sequence where students are advised by practicing biomedical engineers

5) 24 credits (eight courses) of engineering/science electives in the senior year ( a "custom track") allowing students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their career interests (placement data)

These features are consistent with our Program Educational Objectives:

To provide educational experiences that enable students to

1) Learn the scientific and engineering principles underlying the 6 major elements of biomedical engineering (BME): cellular and molecular biology, physiology, biomechanics, bioelectricity/instrumentation, biomedical transport processes, and biomaterials.

2) Gain technical depth and expertise in one particular area within BME.

3) Learn experimental, statistical, and computational techniques in the context of BME.

4) Apply and integrate knowledge of several of the 6 major elements of BME to solve biomedical design problems.

5) Prepare for a career in biomedical engineering or professional health practice by developing communication and teamwork skills, and by developing an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning, professionalism, social/legal issues, and ethical responsibility.

Admission Requirements - Complete specific lower division courses and meet GPA requirement set by IT (currently 2.80).

Registration Requirements

BME Upper Division Students:
Biomedical Engineering students must take the Senior Design classes in sequence, BMEN 4001W Biomedical Engineering Design I then BMEN 4002W Biomedical Engineering Design II. A student can only take BMEN 4001W if all BMEN core courses are completed and/or in progress. Completion of all core BMEN courses prior to BMEN 4001W is highly recommended.

First Year BME Upper Division Students:
When you enter your first year in BME you will have a hold on your record by the department. To have this hold removed so you may register for classes you must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Bring a completed Undergraduate Course Schedule Planning Worksheet (available from the Department Office or can be downloaded from the department website) for approval by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Until this has been completed the hold will remain on your record and you will not be able to register classes. NO EXCEPTIONS .

Second Year BME Upper Division Students:
When you enter your second year in BME you will have a hold on your record by the department. To have this hold removed so you may register for classes you must meet with your Emphasis Area Adviser to have your Engineering and Science Elective (ESE) Planning Worksheet and a Undergraduate Course Schedule Planning Worksheet completed and approved by both your Emphasis Area Adviser and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Until this has been completed the hold will remain on your record and you will not be able to register for classes. NO EXCEPTIONS . Also, keep in mind that all class changes need prior approval by both your Emphasis Area Adviser and the Director of Undergraduate Studies, if you are taking classes that are not approved you may be taking classes that will not count toward your Engineering and Science Elective.

Degree Requirements

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