Program Description Biomedical engineering is built upon the premise that the tools and methods of engineering can be used to improve human health and enhance our understanding of the biological world. Biomedical engineering education integrates mathematics, science, engineering methodology, and engineering design to train individuals who are uniquely prepared for the collaborative challenges of this field. The end result of this type of training is knowledge, devices, materials, techniques and treatments to enhance human health. The foundation for these applications is the steady stream of discovery emerging from our nation's academic and industrial research programs.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering (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 via two semesters of quantitative mammalian physiology and one semester of cell and molecular biology, alongside foundational knowlege in computational systems. Engineering fundamentals are taught in the context of biomedical engineering examples in systems analysis, biomechanics, and biotransport. In the 3rd year BME majors complete a two-semester IDEAS Lab, integrating concepts and skills from prior BME and other engineering course work. The BME major culminates in the 4th year with a capstone design project where students select, formulate, and solve a biomedically relevant design problem whose deliverables include a device, therapeutic, and/or system. Throughout all four years, electives offer additional breadth and depth.
The department encourages students to participate in research and inquiry-based learning above and beyond what is required by the curriculum. In the past students have pursued paid, volunteer, and "for-credit" positions in research labs, on design projects, and in industry or research internships. Research strengths in the department include systems biology and biomedical data science, tissue engnineering 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 and 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 and pharmaceutical industries, and a broad range of research enterprises. As the discipline grows, BME graduates are finding 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.