Return to: School of Engineering and Applied Science: Degree Programs
Program Objective:
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Graduates draw upon their biomedical engineering foundations to perform experimental measurement, quantitative analysis, and engineering design.
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Graduates use tools and methods at the current state-of-the-art in biomedical engineering.
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Graduates apply problem solving abilities and multidisciplinary perspectives to understand and advance scientific discoveries and technological innovations.
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Graduates act to improve global and human health.
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Graduates exhibit intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership and continuous personal growth.
Program Description
Biomedical engineers apply engineering, design, and computational principles to medical and biological problems. They work to improve human health through the design, testing, and implementation of technologies involved in the detection and treatment of diseases. Biomedical engineers are involved in the development of innovations such as new-generation imaging methods, advanced prosthetics, improved pharmaceuticals, artificial and bio-artificial tissues and organs, and computational modeling of diseases, to name just a few.
The undergraduate program in the Biomedical Engineering Department (BME) trains students to integrate engineering, design, and computation with biology and physiology in order to solve biomedical problems. Students graduate with the skills to innovate in these areas in a collaborative, user-driven way, and to communicate their work to a wide variety of audiences.
BME has offered degrees at the master’s and doctoral level since 1967. BME introduced a bachelor’s of science degree in biomedical engineering in 2003. The major begins with an early, sound underpinning in the life sciences, computational methods in BME, biomechanics, and design, where fundamentals are taught using BME applications. In the third year, these fundamentals are integrated into biotransport and systems analysis courses, as well as a two-semester hands-on laboratory course called IDEAS Lab. The BME major culminates in the fourth year with a capstone design project where students work independently in teams to solve real-world biomedical problems in partnership with academic, clinical, and industry partners. Throughout all four years, electives offer additional breadth and depth.
The BME department also offers students a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including undergraduate research, design projects, and internships. Research strengths in the department include systems biology and biomedical data science, tissue engineering and biomaterials, biomedical imaging, gene and drug delivery, and biomechanics and mechanobiology. Interdepartmental research collaboration links the department with School of Engineering and Applied Science departments, as well as the clinical and basic science departments in the School of Medicine and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Biomedical engineers contribute to society from positions in universities, hospitals, government, the medical device, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries, data science and computational industries, consulting, and a broad range of research enterprises. BME graduates find that their broad education provides an excellent platform from which to launch rewarding careers; begin graduate studies; or pursue advanced degrees in medicine, law, and business.
