Bioengineers, also known as biomedical engineers, use principles from electrical, mechanical, chemical, and materials engineering to solve problems in medicine and the biological sciences. The growing field of bioengineering now ranges beyond its more traditional scope of technical design, basic and applied research, health professions, and industry, particularly the medical device industry.
Bioengineers now also pursue careers in business, investing, intellectual property law, and government, including the regulation of patents and medical devices.
The Department of Bioengineering, consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top programs and renowned as a pioneer in the field, offers a program that provides a solid foundation in science and engineering, exposure to a wide variety of bioengineering areas, and extensive research opportunities.
The BSE degree, with a major in bioengineering, is for those who want a fully accredited professional engineering degree (this degree is accredited by ABET, Inc.). The BAS degree, with a major in biomedical sciences, offers greater flexibility than the BSE program and is often chosen by students interested in dual-degree programs or advanced study in non-engineering fields. Pre-medical students, among others, may choose either the BSE or BAS degree program. Both programs are identical for the first two years, and students may easily change from one program to the other as their career plans become clearer.
Educational Objectives of the BE Program
Provide an education that offers:
- A broad flexible curriculum that allows students to investigate a wide range of subject areas across the University
- Core abilities and knowledge in areas such as mathematics, physical and life science, engineering science, and design that prepare students for a range of technical and interfacial fields
- Opportunities for students to function at a professional level, using teamwork and communication skills and taking responsibility for their own life-long education
