Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Requirements for the Major in Biomedical Engineering (BME)

The first year prepares BME students with basic mathematics and the natural sciences (physics and chemistry), basic computer programming skills, and the Introduction to Biomedical Engineering course (BME 100). The second year introduces upper level mathematics, engineering statics and dynamics, electrical circuit analysis, genetic engineering and the BME Fundamentals of Research laboratory course. In the third year, BME students begin taking their technical elective courses (unique to each specialization track) and complete the BME core courses of bioelectricity and biofluids. In the final year, BME students complete their technical electives and take the capstone course of Senior Design. Through the four years, BME students are required to meet each semester with their faculty advisor to both ensure that course pre-requisites are met, and to obtain expert advise regarding technical elective courses that would best suit each student.

Completion of the major requires approximately 130 credits. The list of required courses can be found here (BMErequired courses.pdf); a more detailed description of this list is below.

Click here to view:

a sample course sequence for the Major in Biomedical Engineering is found here (sample course sequence)
the four Specialization Tracks are identical except for the Technical Elective courses (Specialization Tracks)
a complete list of BME courses is found here (All BME courses)

Mathematics (all courses must be passed with a C or better) Natural Sciences (all courses must be passed with a C or better) Computer and Programming Courses          or CSE 130 Practical C/C++ Sci/Eng
         or ESE 124 Computer Techniques for Electronic Design Required Engineering Courses Required Biomedical Engineering Courses (all courses must be passed with a C or better) Biomedical Engineering Specialization and Technical Electives

Biomedical Engineering students must complete an area of specialization in one of the four Tracks (BMETracks). The area of specialization must be declared in writing by the end of the sophomore year and is selected in consultation with their faculty advisor to ensure a cohesive curriculum with depth at the upper level. Each student should must at least 30 credits of technical electives in the selected area of specialization, including at least 6 credits from design technical elective courses (in addition to the year-long Senior Design in BME. Overall, engineering courses must account for at least 51 of the total number of credits.

Upper-Division Writing Requirement

All degree candidates must demonstrate skill in written English at a level acceptable for engineering majors. All BME students need to register for the writing course BME 300 concurrently with any BME 300 level course of their choice. The quality of writing in technical reports submitted for the BME 300 level course is evaluated, and students whose writing does not meet the required standard are referred for remedial help. Satisfactory writing warrants an S grade for BME 300, thereby satisfying the requirement.

Combined BE-MS Program

Requirements for the Major in Biomedical Engineering (BME)

This is a prestigious five year, BE/MS program which is offered to the top 10% of the junior class. The combined degree is designed for students who are seeking a challenge and a more diverse range of studies. The degree will provide students with advanced courses and research experience that will suitably prepare them for either Doctorate studies and degree, or a variety of advanced professional positions.

Students must apply for this program through the BME Granduate Program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 is required for admission to this program. Admission to the Graduate School is required. Students are required to attend Graduate Orientation the first semester of their Graduate Career. They will be subject to Graduate School Regulations and Policies. This will include:

Students can take between 6 and 15 graduate credits towards their Master's degree.

Click here to find a typical BE-MS course sequence (BEMSsequence)

Minor Program for Arts and Sciences Biology or Biochemistry Majors (21-23 Credits)

Requirements for the Minor in Biomedical Engineering (BNG)

The Bioengineering minor is the same as the Biology Biomedical Engineering Specialization track. It is designed for College of Arts and Sciences students who wish to obtain a more thorough understanding of how physical forces in the natural world influence biological systems. Coursework introduces these concepts and shows how an engineering approach can be useful in dealing with questions in biology and medicine. The program serves as an excellent background for students who wish to prepare for graduate study in bioengineering or a related field, or for a career in which an understanding of engineering concepts would provide an advantage.

Required Courses:

All courses for the minor must be passed with a letter grade of C or higher.

Completion of the minor requires 21-23 credits as outlined below.

Required Courses for each Track
BME 100 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
C-programming for Engineers (ESG 111, ESE 124, or CSE 130)
Specialization Tracks (choose one)
Biomaterials/Biomechanics
MEC 260 Engineering Statics
BME 303 Biomechanics
Calculus III (AMS 261, MAT 203 or MAT 205)
Either BME 304-H Genetic Engineering or BME 381 Nanofabrication in Biomedical Applications
Bioelectricity
ESE 271 Electrical Circuit Analysis I
BME 301 Bioelectricity
Linear Algebra (AMS 210 or MAT 211)
BME 313 Bioinstrumentation
Molecular/Cellular
BME 304-H Genetic Engineering
BME 381 Nanofabrication in Biomedical Applications
ESG 332 Materials Science I: Structure and Properties of Materials
Either BME 353 (ESM 353) Biomaterials: Manufacture, Properties, and Applications or BME 404 Essentials of Tissue Engineering or BME 430 Engineering Approaches to Drug and Gene Delivery
Upper Division Courses
One advanced biology lecture course
One advanced biology laboratory course