Biomedical Engineering, BS
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 BS in biomedical engineering have a unique opportunity to be instruments of change in a field dedicated to improving patient outcomes and societal impact, making biomedical engineering a compelling and fulfilling field of study.
Program overview
Our team of worldclass faculty provide students with expertise across a broad spectrum of health-related areas, including health imaging, stroke recovery and rehabilitation, medicine delivery systems, treatment of tumors, Alzheimer’s and dementia patient care, and limb movement and use, among others.
The biomedical engineering program merges medical knowledge and engineering principles with a focus on core research areas in:
- Brain computer interface robotics for healthcare and other applications
- Artificial synapses for brain-inspired computing
- Wearable technology for health care and rehabilitation
- Upper limb prosthesis and exoskeletons, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control
- Biomaterials, drug delivery, and device design
In addition to biomedical engineering courses, our department also hosts aerospace and mechanical engineering programs, allowing students from each of the three distinct disciplines to network and conduct interdisciplinary projects and research together.
Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering prepares students for careers in a variety of health care related professions including working for medical device manufacturers and regulatory governmental agencies. Our BS in biomedical engineering program provides students with education that gives them a foundation to advance human health. The program also allows students to meet medical school admission requirements with an appropriate selection of technical electives.
Hands-on Experience
Access to training through our Advanced Prototyping Laboratory, equipped with computational engineering software and hardware like 3D printers, gives students the opportunity to receive hands-on, experiential learning. Students can work in our Syndaver (synthetic cadaver) Laboratory, the first of its kind in an engineering department. The Syndaver has complete anatomy and is used to train students in many different scenarios.
Medical Partnerships
Our department forges strong relationships with medical partners like the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, regional biomedical companies, and practicing physicians, so students and faculty can engage in cutting-edge research alongside accomplished professionals.
Salary Outlook
According to payscale.com, early career pay for biomedical engineers have a median salary of $80,300.
What can you do with a BS in Biomedical Engineering after graduation?
Combined with undergraduate research opportunities, our graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of health care-related professions, including medical device manufacturing and government regulation. Many graduates also choose to continue on to medical school, an option available via electives within the curriculum.
A biomedical engineer’s line of work can lead them to work in positions like:
- Medical device design and development
- Research and development
- Hospital equipment technician
- Healthcare IT and bioinformatics
- Consulting
UT Alumni
Our biomedical alumni are employed in top positions all over the world in academia, industry, and at national labs, and many have gone on to become entrepreneurs in their field.
Featured Courses
The biomedical engineering curriculum integrates selected engineering sciences and design methods with life science coursework. The course content of the biomedical engineering curriculum complements the departmental strengths in mechanical engineering and includes a comprehensive coverage of engineering materials and biomechanics applications. Elective courses are available to allow students to specialize their curriculum to areas of particular current interest in the marketplace such as cellular and tissue engineering applications. Visit the course catalog for more details on academic policies and requirements.
BIOL 160 Cellular and Molecular Biology
Intended for science majors, an introduction to the major biological concepts emphasizing the cellular and molecular aspects of life. Organized along themes of evolution, structure and function, information flow, exchange and storage, pathways of energy and matter, and systems.
BME 205 Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers
Introduction to the fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology essential for the study of biomedical engineering. This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of biology and how medical devices interact with biological systems to diagnose and treat human disease.
BME 341 Fluid Mechanics for Biomedical Engineers
Introduction to fluid flow concepts, mass transport, and heat transfer in biological systems.
BME 460 Biomedical Engineering Design II
Design of complete biomedical device. Documentation includes complete specification, design calculations, preparation of working drawings, and cost analysis. Requires written and oral reports.
Complementary minors
Interested in pursuing a minor to expand your engineering expertise? See below for programs that would pair well with biomedical engineering:
Admissions and Aid
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