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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:
a two-course freshman seminar sequence where students are introduced to both biomedical engineering research by professors, and medical devices and career opportunities by practicing biomedical engineers from local medical device companies
10 credits of required biology and physiology courses
five 4-credit core biomedical engineering courses with integrated laboratory experiences
a two-course senior design sequence where students are advised by practicing biomedical engineers
27 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
These features are consistent with our Program Educational Objectives; namely, to provide educational experiences that enable students to:
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.
Gain technical depth and expertise in one particular area within BME.
Learn experimental, statistical, and computational techniques in the context of BME.
Apply and integrate knowledge of several of the 6 major elements of BME to solve biomedical design problems.
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.
Click here to see what our undergraduates have gone on to do after completing their degrees!