Undergraduate Degree Requirements

The BME undergraduate program contains a set of “core knowledge,” defined and taught by the faculty, that future biomedical engineers should possess. The core includes courses in molecular and cellular biology, linear systems, biological control systems, modeling and simulation, thermodynamic principles in biology, and engineering analysis of systems level biology and physiology. Building on these core subjects, each student then takes a cohesive sequence of advanced engineering courses appropriate to one of seven focus areas: Biomedical Data Science; Computational Medicine; Genomics & Systems Biology; Imaging & Medical Devices; Immunoengineering; Neuroengineering; and Translational Cell & Engineering. The following degree requirements apply to students entering in fall 2024. Degree requirements for previous year of entry are found in the archived e-catalog or the BME Undergraduate Canvas.

The BS degree in biomedical engineering requires 129 credits. For an in-depth look at our requirements, please refer to the BME e-catalogue and BME Undergraduate Program Canvas.

First Year Seminar (Design) (2 credits)

FYS: Design Cornerstone

Basic Sciences (18 credits)

General Physics I and II with Labs
Introductory Chemistry I and II with Labs

Mathematics (20 credits)

Calculus I, II, III
Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
At least one additional semester of statistics (300-level or higher)

Humanities and Social Sciences (18 credits)

These courses should form a coherent program, relevant to the student’s goals, with at least one course at the 300-level or higher.

Biomedical Core Knowledge (32 credits)

Building on the foundation of this core curriculum, each student is required to take a cohesive sequence of advanced engineering encompassing:

Health and Human Physiology
Cell and Molecular Biology & Lab
Biochemistry and Molecular Engineering
Statistical Physics
Biological Models and Simulations
Linear Signals and Systems
Nonlinear Dynamics of Biological Systems
Linear Systems and Controls
Systems Biology of the Cell
Biomedical Data Science
Biomedical Data Science Laboratory
Computational Medicine: Cardiology
Computational Medicine: Cardiology Laboratory
Choose two:
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
- Nucleic Acid Sequencing Laboratory
- Neuroengineering and Laboratory
- Build an Imager
- Immunoengineering Laboratory
Career Exploration in BME

Focus Area (18 credits)

Building on the foundation of this core curriculum, each student is required to take a cohesive sequence of advanced engineering encompassing one of seven biomedical engineering focus areas. A student’s choice of focus area is made before the start of the sophomore year, and is based on their experience with the biomedical engineering core courses and how they wish to apply their skill, knowledge, and passion.

Learn more about our focus areas and courses

Design (8 credits)

Among the focus area elective courses offered, at least 6 credits must come from an approved list of design options. There are many year-long, team-based courses, spanning a variety of focus areas and departments, that satisfy this requirement.

Computer Programming (3 credits)

Students will choose from programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, and Java that are offered through the engineering school.

Free Electives (10 credits)

Students may choose at least two courses from any area. Many students will place prerequisite courses under this heading or use this area appropriate to his/her interests (i.e., premedical courses, double majors, minors, music, language, research, and business).

View the BME e-catalogue