Program Overview

Biomedical Engineering, Master of Science

Overview

Graduate study in biomedical engineering prepares students to use contemporary methods at an advanced level during a professional career in engineering design, development, and research. Each student's course of study is based on individual background, career objectives, and sound academic practice. An individual program for each student may be developed from courses offered by the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering and other departments, especially mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physiology, mathematics, and biological sciences.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the graduate curriculum in biomedical engineering, students will be able to:

• demonstrate broad knowledge of the field of biomedical engineering and deep knowledge in their specific area of study;
• communicate complex technical ideas concisely and effectively to both general and specialized audiences through verbal, visual, and written formats;
• formulate research questions, pose testable hypotheses, employ methods that enhance the reproducibility of research, and apply critical thinking skills to produce solutions to complex engineering problems that intersect with biology and human health; and
• operate with professionalism and under standards of ethical conduct.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science program in biomedical engineering requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit, with or without a thesis. Students must maintain a UI cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 in all work for the degree. The MS may be a terminal degree or a step toward the PhD.

Graduate Core Courses

All MS students (thesis or nonthesis) must successfully complete the Graduate Core Courses as part of their graduate curriculum during their first year of study. Additionally, students are required to complete 18 s.h. of graduate-level coursework in the College of Engineering over the course of their studies.

• Course List
  • ENGR:7270 | Engineering Ethics | 1
  • HHP:3550 | Human Physiology With Laboratory | 5
  • ME:5113 | Mathematical Methods in Engineering (or equivalent graduate mathematics course; approval of academic advisor required before registering) | 3

Thesis Students

Students who choose the thesis program may count no more than 6 s.h. of thesis research and writing credit toward the degree. All thesis students must successfully complete the final examination administered by their committee, which consists of a written thesis and an oral presentation and defense to the examining committee.

Nonthesis Students

Students who choose the nonthesis program must earn at least 6 s.h. of credit in courses numbered 5000 or above. There is no oral or written exam required for the nonthesis master's degree.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree in engineering or in the mathematical or physical sciences with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 are eligible to be considered for admission to the Master of Science program.

Career Advancement

Biomedical engineers with MS degrees can pursue career opportunities in the health care industry in the fields of biomedical devices, diagnostic equipment, and software. Graduates have started careers in research, design, development, sales, and entrepreneurship, and they advance to administrative and leadership positions in their organizations.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor.

• Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
  • Academic Career
    • Any Semester | Hours
      • 30 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval.
    • First Year
      • Fall
        • BME:5010 | Seminar in Biomedical Engineering | 0
        • ENGR:7270 | Engineering Ethics | 1
        • HHP:3500 | Human Physiology | 3
        • ME:5113 | Mathematical Methods in Engineering | 3
        • Other required course | 3
      • Spring
        • BME:5010 | Seminar in Biomedical Engineering | 0
        • Other required course | 3
        • Other required course | 3
        • Other required course | 3
    • Second Year
      • Fall
        • BME:5010 | Seminar in Biomedical Engineering | 0
        • Other required course | 3
        • Other required course | 3
        • Other required course | 3
      • Spring
        • BME:5010 | Seminar in Biomedical Engineering | 0
        • Other required course | 3
        • Final Exam |
  • Total Hours | 31