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Biomedical Engineering is a broad field that encompasses many areas related to improving human health such as implant devices, tissue engineering/regeneration, electrophysiological signaling, and biosensors and imaging technologies for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The program integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering with biology and medicine.

The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning and professional growth. The course of study begins with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering sciences. Departmental courses during these years build on these foundations to integrate topics in basic sciences and engineering into knowledge in biomedical engineering. The upper division years include a block of twenty-four hours (noted as BIOM, Engineering and Technical electives in the typical sequence below) to allow students, with advisor’s assistance, the means to tailor study in a focused portion of the discipline and its supporting fields as desired. The elective hours must be upper division courses. Concepts and efforts in engineering design occur throughout the curriculum and culminate in a senior design project.

The Biomedical Engineering Program at the University of Memphis aims to produce graduates who demonstrate the following within the first few years after graduation.

• secure employment in biomedical or related health industries or institutions,
• pursue professional studies,
• pursue opportunities for professional growth, development, and service

Graduates of Biomedical Engineering will have demonstrated*

1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
7. an ability to communicate effectively
8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

*(revised April 2015)

The diversity encountered in the profession requires the successful biomedical engineer to have technical and non-technical skills, especially for communication and team efforts. Courses in the humanities and social sciences enhance non-technical skills, and explore the engineer’s relationship with, and responsibility to, society. Studies in the sciences and other engineering disciplines provide a broad background for applying multidisciplinary knowledge to find solutions for biomedical problems. Materials in engineering ethics and professionalism are essential because our graduates and the field expect to enrich life and provide solutions with known benefits and defined risks.

This curriculum equips typical Biomedical Engineering graduates of the University of Memphis with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives required for success in a variety of professional roles. These include the ability to conduct project design work, to work collaboratively on projects, to interact and communicate successfully across disciplines and with the public, and to pursue professional careers ranging from research and development, testing and quality control, regulatory, sales and marketing, and advanced studies in engineering, business, medicine, law, or other fields if so desired.

GRADUATION: To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, the student must satisfy University and College requirements, obtain a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all work completed, and obtain a minimum grade of “C-” in all engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry courses used to satisfy degree requirements. Waiver of departmental graduation requirements for exceptional circumstances will be granted only upon approval of both the department chair and the Dean of the College of Engineering (or designee).

Honors in Biomedical Engineering
The Biomedical Engineering Honors Program is for highly motivated and high-achieving students that provides special opportunities to advance the career and professional development of the student. The progam aims to develop student talents, interests, and abilities within a curriculu, as well as encouraging independence and creativity.

Students are eligible for the honors program in biomedical engineering if they have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 with at least junior standing, and have received approval from the departmental honors committee. The honors program in biomedical engineering requires a minimum of 10 hours of upper-division biomedical engineering honors courses, including both BIOM 4800  BME Honors seminar, and completion of an honors thesis (BIOM 4999 ). Students who complete the honors program and the requirements for the B.S. in Biomedical Engineering will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Biomedical Engineering.” Honors designation will also appear on the student’s diploma and academic transcript.

Programs

• Biomedical Engineering, (B.S.B.E.)

Return to: Herff College of Engineering