Curriculum
The curriculum for BME programs varies significantly from institution to institution and often within a single program. In general, a basic engineering curriculum, including mathematics through differential equations, statistics, and a basic understanding of biology and other basic sciences are hallmarks of a BME program.
Many BME programs have a series of tracks that focus on a particular area of study within BME. Often, the tracks also coincide with a particular engineering or science field. Examples of tracks include:
- Biomechanics: Focus includes medical devices, modeling of biological systems and mechanics of organisms. This track interfaces with mechanical engineering and often physiology.
- Bioinstrumentation/Bioelectrical Systems: Focus includes medical devices, modeling of biological systems, in particular circuit analogies to the nervous system, bioelectric phenomena and signal processing. This track interfaces with electrical engineering.
- Cell, Tissue and Biomolecular Engineering: This track is often quite diverse, with focus ranging from artificial tissues, modeling of biological systems, drug delivery, genetic engineering, biochemical engineering and protein production. This track can interface with chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, molecular biology, physiology, genetics, materials science and other fields.
- Medical Optics: Focus on medical diagnostics and medical optical technology. This track interfaces with optics, physics and electrical engineering.
Many other tracks may exist within specific programs as well as combinations of multiple tracks.
Another common feature of many BME programs is a capstone design project where students become involved in researching and developing technology in the field. At some schools, this culminates in the creation of medical devices and prototypes. Capstone design projects also often include exposure to issues like funding, regulatory issues and other topics that are related to careers in the field.
Read more about this topic: Bachelor Of Science In Biomedical Engineering
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