2017–2018 Bulletin Addendum BS in Biomedical Engineering

This Addendum entry reflects changes to an existing degree program.

Effective date: September 3, 2018

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 Biomedical Engineering undergraduate degree 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 and introductory courses in electric circuits and engineering mechanics. In the junior year, the foundation is used to study electronics, physiology, signals, systems, controls, biomechanics, thermodynamics, probability, statistics, and data science. The junior year also incorporates two biomedical measurement laboratory experiences. The senior year includes the two-semester capstone senior design project. A variety of advanced electives allow opportunities for specialization in instrumentation, sensory and neural systems, biomechanics, signal processing, biomolecular engineering and systems & synthetic biology.

Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering BS degree 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 134 credits is required for graduation. In addition to satisfying all BS 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 as listed below for the junior and senior years. Social science, humanities, and writing courses (CAS WR 120 & WR 150-152) cannot be counted toward this requirement.

Required Courses

Freshman

First Semester (16 credits)

  • CAS CH 101 General Chemistry (4 cr)
  • CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 cr)
  • CAS WR 100 or WR 120 Writing Seminar (4 cr)
  • ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar (0 cr)
  • ENG EK 125 Introduction to Programming for Engineers (4 cr)
    (ENG EK 127 Introduction to Computation for students who matriculated prior to Fall 2017)     

Second Semester (16 credits)

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

Sophomore                                                                                              

First Semester (18 credits)

  • CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus (4 cr)
  • CAS PY 212 Physics II (4 cr)
  • ENG EK 210 Introduction to Engineering Design (2 cr)
  • ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I (4 cr)
  • CAS WR 150 or WR 151 or WR 152 Writing and Research Seminar (4 cr)

Second Semester (18 credits) (16 credits for students who matriculated in Fall 2017)

  • ENG BE 209 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 cr)
  • BE 200 Introduction to Probability (2 cr) (except students who matriculated in Fall 2017)
  • CAS MA 226 Differential Equations (4 cr)
  • ENG EK 307 Electric Circuits (4 cr)
  • Social science/humanities requirement (4 cr)

Junior

First Semester (18 credits)

  • CAS BI 315 Systems Physiology (4 cr)
  • ENG EK 381 Probability, Statistics and Data Sciences for Engineering (4 cr) [Biomedical Engineering elective (4 cr) for students who matriculated in/prior to Fall 2016]
  • ENG BE 403 Biomedical Signals and Controls (4 cr) [ENG BE 401 Signals and Systems in Biomedical Engineering (4 cr) for students who matriculated in/prior to Fall 2015]
  • ENG BE 491 Biomedical Measurements I (2 cr)
  • Humanities requirement (4 cr)

Second Semester (18 credits)

  • Biomedical Engineering Elective (4 cr) [ENG BE 402 Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering (4 cr) for students who matriculated in/prior to Fall 2015]
  • ENG BE 492 Biomedical Measurements II (2 cr)
  • ENG EK 424 Thermodynamic and Statistical Mechanics (4 cr)
  • Fields elective (4 cr)
  • Social Science requirement (4 cr)

Senior

First Semester (14 credits) [16 credits for students who matriculated in Fall 2017]

  • ENG BE 465 Senior Project I (2 cr)
  • Biomedical Engineering Design elective (4cr)
  • Engineering elective (4 cr)
  • General Education elective (4 cr)
  • Elective (2 cr) for students who matriculated in Fall 2017 

Second Semester (16 credits)

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