Biomedical Engineering

Overview

Biomedical engineering (BMES) focuses on advances that improve human health, safety, and healthcare at all levels while decreasing financial and social costs to society. This unique engineering program produces interdisciplinary trained engineers who can solve problems associated with complex biological systems by applying the principles of biology, chemistry, medicine, physics, and engineering. Using engineering principles combined with medical and biological sciences, biomedical engineers assess the behavior and response of biological systems in a variety of conditions and develop novel equipment, devices, materials, and procedures for applications that range from the mitigation of injuries and fatalities in various loading environments to the advancement of medical diagnostics and treatments. Graduates are prepared for employment in a variety of fields including but not limited to medical devices, tissue engineering, cancer research, automotive and military safety, product and sports safety, and consulting. Biomedical engineering also helps prepare individuals for admission to advanced degree programs such as medical school and biomedical engineering graduate programs.

Curriculum

The Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BS BME). Coursework provides a solid foundation in engineering theory and fundamentals with hands-on research and design. Review the University Catalog to see the required coursework.

The degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for engineering.

Interest Areas and Related Degrees/Minors

The undergraduate BMES program provides courses and experiences related to the following areas within biomedical engineering: biomechanics; biomedical devices; biomedical imaging, bioinstrumentation; cell and tissue engineering; biomaterials; cardiovascular engineering, neuroengineering. A short description of each area and related degrees and minors are provided below to enhance your major exploration experience.

Biomechanics
Study and analysis of fluid, solid, and/or dynamic mechanics principles to movement or structure of living organisms.
Related Engineering Degrees: Mechanical Engineering

Biomedical Devices
Design and analysis of devices that interact with the human body or other animals for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.
Related Engineering Degrees: Chemical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Material Science and Engineering
Related Degrees: Chemistry | Neuroscience | Sustainable Biomaterials
Related Minors: Chemistry

Biomedical Imaging
Acquisition, processing, and analysis of images to study the structure and/or function of cells, tissues, or organ systems.
Related Engineering Degrees: Electrical Engineering
Related Degrees: Nanoscience | Neuroscience | Physics
Related Minors: Nanoscience | Physics

Bioinstrumentation
Development and application of instruments and signal processing techniques to detect and record physiological signals.
Related Engineering Degrees: Biological Systems Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Biochemistry | Nanoscience | Neuroscience
Related Minors: Chemistry

Biomaterials
Development and engineering of natural or synthetic substances that interact or interface with biological systems.
Related Engineering Degrees: Biological Systems Engineering |Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Biochemistry | Neuroscience | Sustainable Biomaterials
Related Minors: Biological Sciences | Chemistry

Cardiovascular Engineering
Study of the mechanisms, detection, and treatment-related to cardiovascular health and disease.
Related Engineering Degrees: Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering
Related Degrees: Biological Sciences | Chemistry | Nanoscience
Related Minors: Biology | Chemistry | Nanoscience

Cell and Tissue Engineering
Application of biology and engineering to create or manipulate cellular products or biological tissues; is also closely aligned with regenerative medicine which focuses on using the body's natural mechanisms to repair damaged tissues.
Related Engineering Degrees: Biological Systems Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Materials Science and Engineering
Related Degrees: Chemistry | Nanoscience
Related Minors: Chemistry | Nanoscience

Neuroengineering
Application of engineering techniques to understand, repair, replace, or enhance properties of neural systems.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering
Related Degrees: Biological Sciences | Neuroscience 
Related Minors: Biology | Computer Science

Getting Involved

Professional Society – Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter (BMES)
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more.