B.S. - Curriculum

For bioengineering prerequisites, please refer to the undergraduate catalog.

BIOE 201 - Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (3 credits)

Provides engineering, biological, and physical science students with an overview of the replacement of human body parts and the problems related to artificial devices.

BIOE 302 - Biomaterials (3 credits)

Study of metallic, ceramic, and polymer materials used for surgical and dental implants; materials selection, implant design, physical and mechanical testing; and corrosion and wear in the body. In addition, physical and mechanical properties of tissue as related to microstructure are studied.

BIOE 320 - Biomechanics (3 credits)

Study of relation between biological and mechanical functions of musculoskeletal tissues such as bone, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, etc.; mechanics of human joints; analysis of implants and implant failure.

BIOE 370 - Bioinstrumentation and Bioimaging (3 credits)

Introduction of fundamental topics in bioinstrumentation and bioimaging focused on the acquisition and monitoring of vital signals. Basic principles for the selection and appropriate use of instruments for solving bioengineering and medical problems such as miscoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasounds, among others, are addressed.

BIOE 400 - Senior Seminar (1 credit)

Addresses problems to be encountered by bioengineering graduates in professional practice. Invited lecturers and faculty provide lectures and demonstrations. Pertinent information on job interview skills, career placement and guidance, professional registration, professional ethics in bioengineering, entrepreneurship and patents, and business management are provided. To be taken pass/fail only.

BIOE 401 - Biomedical Design (3 credits)

Covers basic steps in designing medical devices intended for short- or long-term implantation. Materials selection, fabrication processes, performance standards, cost analysis, and design optimization are covered. Design project is required. For engineering majors only.

BIOE 402 - Biocompatibility (3 credits)

Guides students through the theory and practice of determining compatibility of biomaterials and medical devices as required by the FDA. Hands-on experiments emphasize host-implant interactions such as toxicity towards tissues using specific techniques including cell culture, implantation of biomaterials in experimental animals and histopathology.

Preq: BIO E 302 and BIOSC 461 or consent of instructor

BIOE 420 - Sports Engineering (3 credits)

Study of engineering principles involved in sports: body systems in human motion, analysis of gait, basic performance patterns in athletic movements, performance improvements, design of sports equipment.

BIOE 440 - Biotechnology for Bioengineers (3 credits)

Explores the principles necessary to use microorganisms, tissue culture, and enzymes in bioengineering applications, including molecular techniques, fermentation, process scale-up, purification processes, and FDA regulations. Emphasizes production of biopharmaceuticals derived from recombinant systems, including uses in medical systems.

BIOE 448 - Tissue Engineering (3 credits)

Explores the application of engineering principles toward the development of biologically based substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function. Topics include biodegradable scaffolds, wound healing and tissue repair, cell-matrix interactions, immunology and biocompatibility, stem cells.

BIOE 450 - Special Topics in Bioengineering (1-4 credits)

Comprehensive study of a topic of current interest in the field of biomedical engineering under the direct supervision and guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits, but only if different topics are covered.

BIOE 476 - Biosurface Engineering (3 credits)

Study of how surface design influences the interactions of biomolecules with biomaterials, and how this in turn influences implant biocompatibility. Laboratory addresses both the theory and application of various analytical instruments commonly used in bioengineering to characterize biomaterials surfaces and investigate biomolecule-surface interactions.

BIOE (CME) 480 - Research Principles and Concepts (1 credit)

Introduces seniors and graduate students to principles and practices of scientific research. Topics include developing scientific concepts, developing projects, pursuing research, collaborating in multidisciplinary teams, patenting and publishing technical and scientific information, and reviewing professional and ethical standards of performance. To be taken Pass/Fail only.

BIOE 490 - Internship (1-3 credits)

Observation and assignment in a medical school, dental school, hospital, regulatory agency, or industrial department. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Preq: Senior standing in Bioengineering, consent of department chair.