Undergraduate Program
Professor Seidman assists during an undergraduate laboratory
Biomedical Engineering (BME) involves the application of engineering science and technology to solve problems in biology and medicine. This broad area offers many career opportunities, ranging in scope from advanced research to engineering practice in industrial or clinical settings. The Department of Biomedical Engineering, in conjunction with strong academic programs in the basic sciences and other engineering disciplines at the University of Rochester, offers outstanding training in this rapidly growing field.
BS in Biomedical Engineering
The Bachelors of Science (BS) degree program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester is one of only about 50 that are accredited by ABET. Our curriculum emphasizes fundamental engineering and design principles taught in the context of current problems in medicine and biology. A series of nine core courses required of all BME students provides a solid foundation in engineering principles relevant to biomedical engineering practice. To ensure in-depth training in engineering, students are required to complete a sequence of four engineering courses in a focus area of biomedical engineering. These areas of concentration are Biomechanics, Biosignals & Biosystems, Cell and Tissue Engineering, and Medical Optics. Further details on the curriculum may be found in our curriculum guide. The program is capped with a biomedical engineering senior design course required for all students, in which students apply their knowledge and creativity to the design of a medical device. In keeping with the entrepreneurial and translational spirit at the University of Rochester, many of our students have been successful in an annual business plan competition to consider further development of their designs.
Rachael Twardowski
I came to the UR to study BME, concentrating my studies in cell and tissue engineering as well as biomechanics. Ultimately, I want to pursue a medical degree. In my chosen career field it is very important to have experience doing research, primarily in a biological and chemical setting.
The interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering requires expertise in both the biological and engineering sciences. The University of Rochester offers several avenues of academic study in BME, each of which can be structured to satisfy pre-medical or pre-dental requirements. The University of Rochester offers BS, MS and PhD programs in biomedical engineering. In the junior year, students may also apply for a 3/2 program that allows them to complete both the BS and MS degrees in five years. The Minor in BME (24 credits) provides opportunities for students majoring in other disciplines to obtain substantive exposure to the field of biomedical engineering.
Educational Objectives
The overall educational objective of our program is to develop effective practitioners in biomedical engineering and associated fields. We expect that our graduates will contribute to advancement of their chosen field, while remaining mindful of the ethical and social implications of their work. They will have confidence in their abilities to apply foundational knowledge in the basic sciences, mathematics, engineering analysis, and design to address a wide range of problems in medicine and biology. In keeping with the continuously evolving nature of the field of biomedical engineering, we expect that our alumni will engage in lifelong learning, and that many of them, inspired by research experiences as undergraduates, will continue their education in advanced degree programs. more info...