Program Overview

Biomedical Engineering Program

The Biomedical Engineering program at Northwestern University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, providing students with a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of biomedical engineering.

Undergraduate Study

• Biomedical Engineering Major (BS Degree): The undergraduate program in Biomedical Engineering is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of engineering and biology, as well as hands-on experience in the design, development, and testing of medical devices and systems.
• ABET Objectives & Outcomes: The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and its objectives and outcomes are designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for careers in biomedical engineering.
• Advising: Students in the undergraduate program receive academic advising from experienced faculty members, who help them plan their course of study and achieve their academic and professional goals.
• Combined BS/MS Program: The combined BS/MS program allows students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in Biomedical Engineering in five years, providing a fast-track to advanced education and career opportunities.
• Career Resources: The program provides students with access to career resources, including job fairs, internships, and networking events, to help them launch their careers in biomedical engineering.
• Curriculum: The undergraduate curriculum includes courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as engineering courses in mechanics, thermodynamics, and electronics.
• Research Opportunities: Students in the undergraduate program have opportunities to engage in research projects, working with faculty members on cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering.
  • Summer Research Grants in BME: The program offers summer research grants to undergraduate students, providing them with funding to pursue research projects in biomedical engineering.
• Special Programs: The program offers special programs, including study abroad opportunities and internships, to provide students with a well-rounded education and hands-on experience in biomedical engineering.
• Student Awards: The program recognizes outstanding student achievement through awards and scholarships, providing students with recognition and financial support for their academic and professional pursuits.
• Student Organizations and Professional Societies: Students in the undergraduate program can participate in student organizations and professional societies, including the Biomedical Engineering Society, to network with peers and professionals in the field.

Graduate Study

• Biomedical Engineering (MS): The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering is a two-year program that provides students with advanced education and training in biomedical engineering, preparing them for careers in industry, academia, or government.
  • Curriculum & Requirements: The MS program includes coursework in biomedical engineering, as well as a research thesis or project, providing students with hands-on experience in research and development.
  • Admissions: Admission to the MS program requires a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field, as well as a strong academic record and letters of recommendation.
• Biomedical Engineering (PhD): The PhD in Biomedical Engineering is a four-year program that provides students with advanced education and training in biomedical engineering, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or government.
  • Curriculum & Requirements: The PhD program includes coursework in biomedical engineering, as well as original research and a dissertation, providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in biomedical engineering.
  • Admissions: Admission to the PhD program requires a master's degree in biomedical engineering or a related field, as well as a strong academic record and letters of recommendation.
  • PhD Timeline: The PhD program includes a series of milestones, including coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research, providing students with a clear path to completion.
• Special Programs: The graduate program offers special programs, including interdisciplinary research opportunities and professional development workshops, to provide students with a well-rounded education and hands-on experience in biomedical engineering.

Courses

• BME 325: Introduction to Medical Imaging: This course provides an introduction to the principles and applications of medical imaging, including X-ray, ultrasound, radionuclide, and MRI.
  • Prerequisites: PHYS 135-3 and knowledge of Fourier concepts.
  • Description: The course covers the physical principles, instrumentation methods, and imaging algorithms of medical imaging, as well as medical interpretation of images and clinical, research, and ethical issues.
  • Who Takes It?: This course is typically taken by seniors and first-year graduate students in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
  • Mini-Syllabus: The course includes topics such as introduction to basic concepts of medical imaging, generation and detection of x-rays, computed tomography, ultrasound, radionuclide methods, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR/MRI).
  • Required Class Materials: The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Third Edition, J.T. Bushberg, J.A. Seibert, E.M. Leidholdt, J.M. Boone, Publisher: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, 2012.

Research

• Research Areas: The Biomedical Engineering program at Northwestern University includes research areas such as biomechanics, biomaterials and regenerative engineering, cell and molecular engineering, imaging and biophotonics, medical devices and instrumentation, and neural engineering.
• Affiliate Centers & Institutes: The program is affiliated with several research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Faculty Start-ups: Faculty members in the Biomedical Engineering program have started several companies, providing students with opportunities to work with entrepreneurs and innovators in the field.

People

• Faculty: The Biomedical Engineering program at Northwestern University includes a diverse faculty with expertise in biomedical engineering and related fields.
  • Core Faculty: The core faculty includes professors with primary appointments in the Biomedical Engineering department.
  • Administrative Faculty: The administrative faculty includes professors with administrative responsibilities in the department.
  • Courtesy Faculty: The courtesy faculty includes professors with courtesy appointments in the Biomedical Engineering department.
  • Adjunct Faculty: The adjunct faculty includes professors with adjunct appointments in the Biomedical Engineering department.
• Staff: The program includes a staff of professionals who provide administrative support and services to students and faculty.
• Advisory Board: The program has an advisory board that includes industry leaders and professionals who provide guidance and support to the department.