A Biomedical Engineer works at the interface between physical and biological systems. A distinguishing feature of biomedical engineers is that they design instruments and devices that interact with or make measurements on living systems. These systems can be as small as a protein, gene, or cell, as complex as an organ such as the heart and lungs or as integrated as the heart lungs and muscles during exercise. The ultimate goal is to help improve medical diagnosis and treatment and to improve the quality of life for people who are incapacitated.
The biomedical engineering field is truly multidisciplinary. Biomedical engineers must understand not only basic engineering principles but also the biology and physiology of cells, organs and systems that work together to create a functioning human being. In addition, the biomedical engineer must have some in-depth experience in applying engineering concepts to living systems. Biomedical Engineers are engaged in designing and manufacturing prostheses (replacement hips, knees, tendons, arms, legs, etc.), total artificial hearts as well as left ventricular assist devices, pacemakers and defibrillators, Imaging devices such as CAT scans, MRI, f-MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine imaging (PET, SPECT), replacement organs (artificial pancreas, ears, retina, etc.), in-patient monitoring devices (blood pressure, sleep apnea, EKG, etc.), in addition to more standard medical devices such as portable EKG and pulmonary function machines for use in physicians’ offices. Biomedical Engineers also engage in cutting edge research on living systems and contribute important new knowledge to the field.
The Biomedical Engineering program at Stevens is based on a solid foundation in basic science, math, biology and engineering fundamentals. Within Biomedical Engineering, there is depth in these two areas:
Requirements
Biomechanics and Biomaterials
Bioinstrumentation
| ENGR 212 | Design of Dynamical Systems | 4 |
| ENGR 245 | Circuits and Systems | 3 |
| BME 322 | Engineering Design VI | 2 |
| BME 460 | Biomedical Digital Signal Processing Laboratory | 2 |
| BME 504 | Medical Instrumentation and Imaging | 3 |
In addition, courses in Transport in Biosystems, Engineering Physiology, Biosystems Simulation and Control, and Bioethics are included to provide the multidisciplinary background for a modern biomedical engineer. The transport, physiology, biomaterials, imaging and simulation courses contain laboratories to provide extensive hands-on experience. Since tomorrow’s biomedical devices will have to be smarter, smaller and, in many cases wireless, a course in bioinstrumentation design is included in the design sequence (Design VI). The program is design oriented and culminates in a group capstone senior design project that spans the 7th and 8th semesters. The group carries out a comprehensive design of a biomedical device which includes an economic analysis, engineering computations and drawings, a plan for manufacture and the delivery of a working prototype of the device or a major component of the device. The emphasis in the design sequence is on teamwork, presentation skills and an entrepreneurial approach to design and manufacture. The program also provides for the flexibility of applying to medical school. The courses required to take the MCAT exam are normally completed by the end of the junior year.
Biomedical Engineering Program Mission and Objectives
The Stevens biomedical engineering program produces graduates who possess a broad foundation in engineering and liberal arts, combined with a depth of disciplinary knowledge at the interface of engineering and biology. This knowledge is mandatory for success in a biomedical engineering career. Biomedical engineering is also an enabling step for a career in medicine, dentistry, business or law.
The objectives of the biomedical engineering program are to prepare students such that within several years after graduation:
- Graduates will identify biomedical engineering challenges and lead solution concepts, are able to nurture new technologies from concept to commercialization by applying their knowledge of fundamental engineering principles, work experience and state-of-the-art tools and techniques.
- Graduates will be among the leaders of the fields in the development of biomedical devices, implants, tissues and systems to meet the needs of society.
- Graduates will establish themselves as leaders in their chosen career path by applying their skills in problem solving, teamwork, ethics, management, communication and their awareness of professional and social issues.
By the time of graduation, biomedical engineering students 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.
8. an ability to apply fundamental knowledge in biomedical engineering to nurture new technologies from concept to commercialization.
Biomedical Engineering offers alternative Red and Gray sequences (Gray sequence is not shown in the catalog, please see advisor) in which courses may be taken.
Biomedical Engineering Curriculum - Red Plan
Term I
| CAL 103 | Writing and Communications Colloquium | 3 |
| CH 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 117 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| ENGR 111 | Introduction to Engineering Design & Systems Thinking | 4 |
| ENGR 116 | Intro to Programming & Algorithmic Thinking | 3 |
| MA 121 | Differential Calculus | 2 |
| MA 122 | Integral Calculus | 2 |
Term II
| CAL 105 | CAL Colloquium: Knowledge, Nature, Culture | 3 |
| CH 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 118 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| ENGR 122 | Field Sustainable Systems with Sensors | 2 |
| MA 125 | Vectors and Matrices | 2 |
| MA 126 | Multivariable Calculus I | 2 |
| MGT 103 | Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking | 2 |
| PEP 111 | Mechanics | 3 |
Term III
| BME 306 | Introduction to Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| ENGR 211 | Statics and Introduction to Engineering Mechanics | 4 |
| ENGR 245 | Circuits and Systems | 3 |
| MA 221 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| PEP 112 | Electricity and Magnetism | 3 |
Term IV
| BIO 281 | Biology and Biotechnology | 3 |
| ENGR 212 | Design of Dynamical Systems | 4 |
| ENGR 234 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ENGR 241 | Probability and Statistics with Data Science Applications | 4 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
Term V
Term VI
Term VII
| BME 423 | Engineering Design VII | 3 |
| BME 482 | Engineering Physiology | 4 |
| IDE 401 | Senior Innovation-II:Value Proposition | 1 |
| G.E. | General Elective | 3 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
Term VIII
| BME 424 | Engineering Design VIII | 3 |
| BME 445 | Biosystems Simulation and Control | 4 |
| BME 504 | Medical Instrumentation and Imaging | 3 |
| IDE 402 | Senior Innovation III: Venture Planning and Pitch | 1 |
| G.E. | General Elective | 3 |
| HUM | Humanities | 3 |
Note:
Humanities: Humanities requirements can be found in the College of Arts and Letters, Humanities Requirements. The four humanities beyond CAL 103 and 105 must cover at least two disciplines in CAL, with at least one course at the 100 or 200 level and at least one course at the 300 or 400 level.
General electives are courses chosen by the student. General electives can be applied toward a minor, research or approved international studies.
Four PE course are required for graduation.
IDE 400 and IDE 401: BME students should take IDE 400 concurrently with IDE 401, in Term VII.
*Students in Prehealth should follow the Gray sequence (Please see your advisor).