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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 BS degree in biomedical engineering requires 129 credits. For an in-depth look at our requirements, please refer to the Undergraduate Advising Handbook.
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 (34 credits)

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

  • Biomedical Engineering and Design
  • Structural Biology of Cells
  • Structural Biology of Cells Laboratory
  • 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 Principles and Applications
  • Career Exploration in BME
Focus Area (21 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

Learn how our focus areas overlap.

Design (6 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 (9 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). 

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