Biomedical Engineering, PhD
The medical field has taken huge strides in recent years, with biomedical engineers playing a critical role in cutting-edge technology and research advancements for enhancing lives. Students pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering have a unique opportunity to be instruments of change in a field dedicated to improving patient outcomes, making biomedical engineering a compelling and fulfilling field of study.
Program overview
The Biomedical Engineering, PhD program offers high-level research opportunities to students so they can develop expertise in their field of study with core research in the following areas:
- Brain computer interface robotics for healthcare and other applications
- Artificial synapses for brain-inspired computing
- Wearable technology for healthcare and rehabilitation
- Upper limb prosthesis and exoskeletons, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control
- Biomaterials, drug delivery, and device design
Concentrations
Students pursuing their graduate degree in biomedical engineering have several concentrations to choose from including:
- Biomechanics
- Energy Science and Engineering
- Materials
- Nuclear Space Science and Engineering
- Robotics
- Theranostics
Why Study Biomedical Engineering at UT?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers several unique opportunities for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in biomedical engineering, including research collaborations with both government and industry partners. Our world-renowned faculty are experts in their field.
Nationally Recognized
Our biomedical engineering graduate program is ranked as the 49th best public graduate program in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. As a field of study with one of the highest percentage of females in engineering, biomedical engineers are some of the most diverse in their field.
Facilities and Partnerships
Our department collaborates with the UT Medical Center, Graduate School of Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, ORNL, and other engineering departments for a more robust academic experience. In addition, students have access to top-quality studios for design, manufacturing, and testing biomedical devices as well as the SynDaver (synthetic cadaver) Laboratory, the first of its kind in an engineering department.
What can you do with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering after graduation?
A PhD in biomedical engineering opens the doors to careers in a variety of health-related professions, including medical device manufacturer, biotechnology or clinical research scientist, public health researcher, and more. Top-tier biomedical engineering jobs are available for those with a PhD degree who have obtained advanced research skills, regulatory knowledge, grant writing, and other specific skills.
Featured Courses
Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a list of all courses in biomedical engineering, visit the Graduate Catalog.
BME 601 Doctoral Research Methodology
Intensive, individualized experience in reviewing literature, evaluating experimental or theoretical methods, planning a research project, and presenting research project plans orally and in writing.
BME 605 Artificial Organs
Current artificial organs include Heart, Liver, Kidney, Lung, Pancreas, Skin, Bladder, Auditory brainstem, Bionic contact lens, Cochlear implant and Retinal implant. Course will cover a different organ each week with student led discussions after an introduction of required foundational information.
BME 632 Advanced Biomechanics II
Using the symbolic manipulation algorithm, difficult systems pertaining to the human body will be modeled. A more in-depth analysis of Kane’s method of multibody dynamics will also be implemented in these models. Each student will focus on one complex model that pertains to an orthopedic complication that the orthopedic industry needs solved.
BME 677 Biofunctionalization of Nanomaterials
Various aspects and techniques for functionalization of different nanomaterials with a variety of biomolecules; biofunctionalization of fluorescent, magnetic, polymeric, metallic and gelatin nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes; nanoparticles in tumor-targeted gene therapy; DNA attachment on nanocomposites.
Related Programs
Check out a list of related programs to look into based on your interest in biomedical engineering:
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