Program Overview

Biomedical Engineering

Overview

Biomedical engineers develop medical technologies in areas such as biomaterials, biosensors, wearable devices, and imaging systems to improve people's lives. The Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Science is geared to students looking to combine strong engineering skills and knowledge of biological sciences. Individualized degree plans are organized around three main areas of study: biomaterials to support or replace damaged tissue, biomechanics for supporting anatomical movement, and biosensors and microtechnologies to improve disease detection and management. Most Biomedical Engineering majors do high-profile research with faculty and complete sponsored senior design projects, which help launch their careers or entry into medical or graduate school. The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is an approved pathway for students pursuing various pre-health professions.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
• Applying principles of engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry, calculus-based physics, mathematics (through Differential Equations) and statistics
• Analyzing, modeling, designing, and realizing bio/biomedical engineering devices, systems, components, or processes
• Making measurements on and interpreting data from living systems
• Ability to design system, component, or process to meet needs within realistic constraints
• Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions
• Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
• Knowledge of contemporary issues

Program Details

Sample Courses

• BME 330: Biomedical Instrumentation
• BME 331: Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
• BME 447: Sensors and Controls

Career Fields

• Medicine or research
• Rehabilitation
• Equipment testing
• Medical devices
• Imaging and sensors

Level of Math

• Substantial Knowledge This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.

Level of Second Language

• None Second language is not required.

Pre-major Required?

• No

Additional Admissions Requirements

• This major has additional admission criteria. Please see the College of Engineering website for more information.

This Major's College

• College of Engineering

Degree

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Sample Plans

2025, Biomedical Engineering

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • Math 122A/B or Math 125 Calculus I with Application
  • CHEM 151 General Chemistry I or CHEM 161/163
  • ENGL 101 or 107 or 109H First-Year Composition
  • ENGR 102A/B Introduction to Engineering or ENGR 102
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
• 2nd Semester
  • Math 129 Calculus II
  • CHEM 152 General Chemistry II or CHEM 162/164
  • PHYS 141 Introductory Mechanics or 161H
  • ENGL 102 or 108 First-Year Composition
  • BME 295C Challenges in Biomedical Engineering
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • BME 214 Introduction to Biomechanics
  • Math 223 Vector Calculus
  • MCB 181R Intro Biology 1/MCB 181L Biotechnology Lab
  • ECE 175 Computer Prog for Engr App or BME 225
• 4th Semester
  • BME 210 Intermediate BME Design
  • Math 254 Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations or MATH 355
  • PHYS 241 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism or 261H
  • PSIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • BME 447 Sensors and Controls
  • PSIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II or ECOL 182R/L Intro Biology II and Lab
  • BME 376 Biomedical Statistics (Fall only) or DATA 363 Introduction to Statistical Methods
  • BME 331 Intro to Fluid Mechanics or MATH 481 Mathematical Modeling Fluid Flow...
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 6th Semester
  • BME 330 Biomedical Instrumentation
  • AME 301 Engineering Analysis or MATH 322 Mathematical Analysis for Engineers
  • BME 480 Translational Biomedical Engineering
  • BME 310 Medical Device Design
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • ENGR 498A Cross-Disciplinary Design
  • BME 497G Clinical Rotation (Fall only)
  • BME Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval)
  • Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval)
  • Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 8th Semester
  • ENGR 498B Cross-Disciplinary Design
  • BME Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval)
  • Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval)
  • Technical Elective (See major advisor for course approval, units may vary)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)