Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bioengineering (Biological and Biomedical) Engineering Minor

Students pursuing the bioengineering learn to use the tools of engineering analysis with fundamentals of the engineering and life sciences to enliven the understanding of living organisms, medical treatments and biochemical pathways and to provide quantitative predictions and insight toward the design of medical and biological devices and processes.

Course Work:

The course work required comprises six classes as follows:

• Two courses beyond the introductory level of biology, to ensure strong
  proficiency in biology.
  • One must be BIOS 30341, Cell Biology, or its equivalent.
  • Other courses may be selected from
    • BIOS 20230, Genetics
    • BIOS 30344, Physiology
    • BIOS 30342, Developmental Biology
    • Or another advanced course approved by the program director

Students must attain prerequisites for Cell Biology either from AP credit, completion of CHEM 10122 or by taking BIOS 20201 and 20202.

• Students need to see specific use of engineering sciences in biological systems. (Non-engineers need math through at least multivariable calculus, MATH 20550.) Thus, a core introductory bioengineering course will be taught. Primary topics are expected to be:
  • use of engineering analysis to describe biological systems starting with mass and energy balances;
  • basic mechanics applied to biological systems (conservation of momentum), applications to joints and locomotion, and cell deformation (and response);
  • charge conservation and application to engineering systems (synapses, etc.); and
  • chemical aspects of biological response (e.g., from forces) with applications to biological materials.

The tentative textbook for this course is Bioengineering Fundamentals by Saterbak, McIntire and San.

• Elective sequence of three engineering courses in one of several concentration areas.
  
  • Biomechanics
    • AME 50571, Biomaterials
    • AME 60671, Orthopedic Biomechanics
    • AME 60672, Cell Mechanics
  • Biotransport/Microdevices
    • CBE 60581, Biotransport
    • AME 60675, Biofluid Mechanics
    • CBE xxxxx, Engineering Aspects of Physiology (new)
  • Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials
    • AME 77108, Tissue Engineering
    • CBE 40483, Biomolecular Engineering
    • AME 50571, Biomaterials
  • Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
    • CBE 40483, Biomolecular Engineering
    • CBE xxxxx, Engineering Aspects of Physiology (new)
    • CBE xxxxx, Engineering and Systems Biology (new)
  • General — any three approved bioengineering courses from any engineering department.