BS in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is a broad, interdisciplinary field that applies the science and technology of engineering to problems in biology, medicine, and biotechnology. These problems include the design and analysis of physiologic measuring and diagnostic systems as well as quantitative analysis and experimentation directed toward obtaining a clearer understanding of the human body’s normal and abnormal functions.

The undergraduate program provides students with integrated and rigorous training in engineering, mathematics, and the basic sciences. It incorporates a strong interdisciplinary component that combines the quantitative aspects of engineering analysis and design with a range of biology and physiology, from the molecular and cellular levels to entire systems and organisms. The program focuses on providing students with the skills necessary to solve problems that impact a wide range of economic, environmental, ethical, legal, and social issues. Virtually all premedical requirements can be satisfied within this program of study. Our graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers in the broad range of areas in engineering, science, healthcare, and business, as well as for advanced study in engineering, science, medicine, business, law, or other health-related disciplines.

The curriculum begins with a broad foundation in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Foundational work is followed by more advanced engineering coursework and laboratory experiences. During the freshman and sophomore years, students complete preparatory courses in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra), physics, chemistry, and biology. This preparatory work is complemented by parallel training in programming for engineers, introductory courses in engineering design, and introductory courses in electric circuits and engineering mechanics. In the junior year, the foundation is used to study physiology, signals, systems, controls, biomechanics, thermodynamics, probability, statistics, and data science. The junior year also incorporates a biomedical measurements laboratory experience. The senior year includes the two-semester capstone senior design project. A variety of advanced elective courses, in the junior and senior years, complete the degree requirements and allow opportunities for specialization in instrumentation, sensory and neural systems, biomechanics, imaging and sensing, signal processing, biomolecular engineering, and systems & synthetic biology.

The BS program in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering BS program will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Degree Requirements

A total of 133 credits is required for a BS. In addition to satisfying all degree requirements as listed below, a minimum of 48 credits of coursework must be taken at Boston University in the upper-division program. The upper-division program consists of the program requirements and program electives listed below for the junior and senior years. BU Hub electives and writing courses (CAS WR 120 & WR 150–152) cannot be counted toward this requirement.

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Biomedical Engineering will ordinarily, through required coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in the Hub capacities of Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Intellectual Toolkit, and the Hub areas of Scientific Inquiry I & II. The remaining eight required Hub units will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of electives outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

Required Courses (typical sequence)

Freshman

First Semester (16 credits)

• CAS CH 101 General Chemistry (4 cr)
• CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 cr)
• CAS WR 120 Writing Seminar (4 cr)
• ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar (0 cr)
• ENG EK 121 Introduction to Programming and Data Science (2 cr)
• ENG EK 122 Programming for Engineers (2 cr)

Second Semester (17 credits)

• CAS CH 102 General Chemistry (4 cr)
• CAS MA 124 Calculus II (4 cr)
• CAS PY 211 Physics I (4 cr)
• ENG EK 103 Computational Linear Algebra (3 cr)
• ENG EK 131 Introduction to Engineering (2 cr)

Sophomore

First Semester (18 credits)

• CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus (4 cr)
• CAS PY 212 Physics II (4 cr)
• CAS WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153 Writing and Research Seminar (4 cr)
• ENG EK 210 Introduction to Engineering Design (2 cr)
• ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I (4 cr)

Second Semester (16 credits)

• CAS MA 226 Differential Equations (4 cr)
• ENG BE 209 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 cr)
• ENG EK 307 Electric Circuits (4 cr)
• Hub elective (4 cr)

Junior

First Semester (16 credits)

• CAS BI 315 Systems Physiology (4 cr)
• ENG BE 403 Biomedical Signals and Controls (4 cr)
• ENG BE 493 Biomedical Measurements & Analysis (4 cr)
• ENG EK 381 Probability, Statistics and Data Sciences for Engineering (4 cr)

Second Semester (16 credits)

• ENG EK 424 Thermodynamic and Statistical Mechanics (4 cr)
• Fields elective (4 cr)
• Biomedical Engineering Design elective (4 cr)
• Hub elective (4 cr)

Senior

First Semester (18 credits)

• ENG BE 465 Senior Project I (2 cr)
• Biomedical Engineering elective (4 cr)
• Engineering elective (4 cr)
• Professional elective (4 cr)
• Hub elective (4 cr)

Second Semester (16 credits)

• ENG BE 466 Senior Project II (4 cr)
• Biomedical Engineering elective (4 cr)
• Professional elective (4 cr)
• Hub elective (4 cr)