Program Overview
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering is a field that combines engineering principles with medical sciences to develop innovative solutions for healthcare. The biomedical engineering program at Iowa State University provides students with hands-on experience in using engineering to solve challenging medical problems.
Program Overview
The curriculum of biomedical engineering includes broad training in math, chemistry, physics, biology, as well as engineering sciences such as thermodynamics, materials, fluid and solid mechanics, and circuits. The curriculum also provides training in areas such as disease therapeutics and drug delivery, implants and tissue engineering, advanced diagnostics and biosensors, prosthetics and organ mechanics, medical device manufacturing, and medical imaging and equipment electronics.
Focus Areas
Students can choose from three focus areas:
- Instrumentation emphasis—Four-year course plan
- Mechanics and manufacturing emphasis—Four-year course plan
- Medical molecules and materials emphasis—Four-year course plan
Minors
For the academic year, our biomedical engineering students preferred these minors:
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Comparison with Other Engineering Majors
Biomedical engineering focuses on biology directly relevant to medical systems, preparing students to solve problems associated with detecting or diagnosing disease, designing therapies for diseases, and designing solutions for injury rehabilitation. In contrast, biological systems engineering focuses on biology relevant to non-human systems, and other engineering majors may provide training in bio-related topics but with lower engagement with biology relevant to human medicine and health.
Curriculum
The curriculum will culminate in lab and design courses that emphasize a synthesis of topics to design, build, and test biomedical systems. The training includes:
- Broad training in math, chemistry, physics, biology
- Engineering sciences such as thermodynamics, materials, fluid and solid mechanics, and circuits
- Areas such as disease therapeutics and drug delivery, implants and tissue engineering, advanced diagnostics and biosensors, prosthetics and organ mechanics, medical device manufacturing, and medical imaging and equipment electronics
Accreditation
Our bachelor of science degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
College Facts
- 8,225 engineering students (fall 2024), the largest college on the Iowa State campus, with the support of 500+ engineering faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research, and student achievement.
- 75% of Iowa State engineering students graduate with engineering work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses should I be taking in high school to prepare for an engineering degree?
Many high school students have access to college-level courses in high school. It is recommended to take courses that will prepare you for an engineering degree.
What kind of laptop computer will I need?
Iowa State University students are required to own or obtain a laptop computer appropriate to their discipline and program of study.
Can I study abroad?
Engineering International Programs can help you find study or work abroad experiences suited to your interests and goals.
Are there ways to get practical work experience while at Iowa State?
Participation in a co-op or internship is a great way to gain real-world work experience. Students are employed by industry and government organizations in positions related to their major field of study. There are also opportunities for students to work alongside professors doing research in areas related to their major field of study.