Biomedical Engineering
Chair: Jianyi Zhang, MD, PhD
Associate Chair of Education: Alan Eberhardt, PhD
| Degree Offered | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering |
| Accreditation | The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. |
| Website | https://www.uab.edu/engineering/bme/undergraduate |
| Program Director | Alan Eberhardt, PhD |
| aeberhar@uab.edu |
Biomedical engineering (BME) is the application of engineering principles and technology to the solution of problems in the life sciences and medicine. Biomedical engineers create knowledge and develop technologies that improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes with an emphasis on reducing healthcare costs. Graduates create and apply knowledge at the interface of life sciences and engineering for the benefit of society. The BME undergraduate program prepares graduates to be immediately productive and able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. In addition to the Blazer Core, the curriculum includes engineering core courses, mathematics, calculus-based physics, biology, chemistry, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, biomedical engineering core courses and electives. The curriculum culminates in a capstone design experience where student teams apply knowledge to solve real-world engineering problems. A bachelor’s degree in BME from UAB provides a foundation in biomedical implants and devices, biomaterials, biocomputing, biotransport, and biomedical instrumentation to compete in an increasingly technical medical field, and also prepares students for graduate school, medical school, or professional school.
Vision
To be an internationally recognized, research-oriented Department of Biomedical Engineering: a top choice for undergraduate and graduate education.
Mission
The Department of Biomedical Engineering provides leadership in teaching the principles of engineering and biology and in conducting research that will translate new discoveries in biological engineering science to the fields of public health and clinical medicine. These efforts will enable us to identify new solutions to critical challenges in health care and the life sciences.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program will have:
- Gained admission to graduate or professional school, or gained employment in engineering and/or health related professions and
- Pursued opportunities for professional growth, development, and service
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the BSBME degree program, our graduates will have:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- 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
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Academic Warning, Probation, and Readmission
BME students must maintain an institutional (UAB) GPA of at least 2.50. First-term BME freshmen students who have an institutional GPA below 2.50 will be placed on academic warning in BME. If their institutional GPA is not at least 2.50 after the next term enrolled, they will be placed on academic probation in BME. BME undergraduates (other than first-term freshmen) who do not have an institutional GPA of at least 2.50 will be placed on BME academic probation. If at the end of the next term in which they enroll, their institutional GPA is not at least 2.50, they will be reclassified as Undeclared Engineering. To be re-admitted to the BME program, a student must have an institutional GPA of at least 3.00 and make a formal application for readmission.
Program and Graduation Requirements
BME students must have an institutional GPA of at least 2.50 and have completed at least 64 hours of coursework applicable to their degree before they may register for 300-level and 400-level BME courses. BME students must also have an institutional GPA of 2.50 or higher and have earned a grade of C or better in all BME courses to graduate.
Please note the Residency Requirement on the Majors tab.
Please refer to the School of Engineering Overview for School policies related to admission, reasonable progress requirements, and graduation.
Non-Majors Enrolled in BME Coursework
In addition to fulfilling course prerequisites, non-BME students (including students seeking a BME minor) who wish to enroll in 300-level and 400-level BME courses must have an institutional (UAB) GPA of at least 3.00 or permission of the BME Undergraduate Program Director. Non-BME majors may not enroll in BME 423, BME 498, or BME 499.
BME Minors
Please refer to the Minors tab on the School of Engineering’s Overview page in this catalog for information specific to BME minors.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Major in Biomedical Engineering
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Blazer Core Requirements | 43 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Recitation and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Computer Aided Graphics and Design | ||
| Introduction to Engineering 1 | ||
| English Composition I | ||
| English Composition II | ||
| Calculus I and Calculus I Lab | ||
| General Physics I and General Physics Laboratory I and General Physics I Recitation | ||
| General Physics II and General Physics Laboratory II and General Physics II - Recitation | ||
Academic Foundations: Reasoning | ||
Thinking Broadly: History & Meaning | ||
Thinking Broadly: Creative Arts | ||
Thinking Broadly: Humans & Their Societies | ||
City as a Classroom 2 | ||
| Other Required Courses | 70 | |
| Biomaterials | ||
| Engineering in Biology | ||
| Biocomputing | ||
| Bioinstrumentation | ||
| Biomechanics of Solids | ||
| Biological Transport Phenomena | ||
| Integrated Physiology | ||
| Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Seminar | ||
| Living Systems Analysis and Biostatistics | ||
| Capstone Design I Product Development | ||
| Capstone Design II | ||
| Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Genetics and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology I and Introductory Biology I Laboratory | ||
| Statics | ||
| General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Recitation and General Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Electrical Systems | ||
| Computer Methods in Engineering | ||
| Engineering Explorations | ||
| Math Tools for Engineering Problem Solving 3 | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Introduction to Linear Algebra | ||
| Dynamics and Dynamics Recitation | ||
| Engineering Materials | ||
| Biomedical Engineering Electives | 9 | |
| Clinical Innovation I | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Engineering I 4 | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Engineering II 4 | ||
| Current Topics in Stem Cell Engineering | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Medical Image Processing | ||
| Machine Learning for Biomedical Engineering Applications | ||
| Computational Neuroscience | ||
| Cardiac Electrophysiology | ||
| Continuum Mechanics of Solids | ||
| Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Engineering III 4 | ||
| Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Individual Study in Biomedical Engineering 5 | ||
| Honors Research I 5, 6 | ||
| Engineering/Math/Science Electives 7 | 6 | |
Select six credit hours from the following or from the list of Biomedical Engineering electives above | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms and Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Hydraulics | ||
| Transportation Engineering | ||
| Structural Analysis | ||
| Engineering Economics | ||
| Advanced Mechanics | ||
| Solid and Hazardous Wastes Management | ||
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Recitation | ||
| Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Recitation | ||
| Quantitative Analysis | ||
| Fundamentals of Biochemistry | ||
| Patterns, Functions and Algebraic Reasoning | ||
| Scientific Programming | ||
| Mathematical Modeling | ||
| Fourier Analysis | ||
| Probability | ||
| Introduction to Mechatronic Systems Engineering | ||
| Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery | ||
| Machine Design | ||
| Introduction to Finite Element Method | ||
| Physical Materials I and Physical Materials I Laboratory | ||
| Thermodynamics of Materials | ||
| Materials Processing | ||
| Polymeric Materials and Polymeric Materials Laboratory | ||
| Synapses, Neurons and Brains | ||
| Mechanisms of Sensation, Movement & Cognition | ||
| Introduction to Biophysics I | ||
| Nanoscale Science and Applications | ||
| Introduction to Rehabilitation Science | ||
| Total Hours | 128 | |
- 1
EGR 200 preferred; other FYE courses accepted
- 2
-
CE 280 preferred; other CAC courses accepted
- 3
May substitute MA 227 and MA 252 for EGR 265 and one BME/Engineering/Math/Science Elective
- 4
A maximum of 3 hours of combined credit from BME 289, BME 389, and/or BME 489 may be applied to the degree
- 5
With approval of the BME Undergraduate Program Director; a maximum of 3 hours of BME 491 or BME 494 may be used for elective credit
- 6
Student must be enrolled in BME Honors Program
- 7
Other elective courses may be selected with the approval of the BME Undergraduate Program Director
Residency Requirement
In addition to UAB's residency requirement, to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from UAB, the BME department requires that students complete the following courses at UAB:
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BME 423 | Living Systems Analysis and Biostatistics | 3 |
| BME 498 | Capstone Design I Product Development | 3 |
| BME 499 | Capstone Design II | 3 |
| Additional 400-level BME Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Concentration in Biomechanics
Students seeking the degree of BSBME may add a concentration in Biomechanics by appropriate selection of their Mathematics/Science/Engineering Electives (3 credit hours), Engineering Elective (3 credit hours), and BME Electives (6 credit hours).
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BME 471 | Continuum Mechanics of Solids | 3 |
| ME 464 | Introduction to Finite Element Method | 3 |
| RHB 490 | Quantitative Biomechanics of Injury and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Concentration in Biomaterials/Tissue Engineering
Students seeking the degree of BSBME may add a concentration in Biomaterials/Tissue Engineering by appropriate selections of their Mathematics/Science/Engineering Elective (3 credit hours), Engineering Elective (3 credit hours), and BME Electives (6 credit hours).
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 9 | |
| Select three of the following: | ||
| Implant-Tissue Interactions | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Physical Materials I | ||
| Elective Courses | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Principles of DNA Technology | ||
| Physical Materials II | ||
| Mechanical Behavior of Materials | ||
| Materials Processing | ||
| Nanobiomaterials | ||
| Composite Materials | ||
| Polymeric Materials | ||
| Metals and Alloys | ||
| Ceramic Materials | ||
| Nanoscale Science and Applications | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME)
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CH 115 & 115R & CH 116^ | 4 | BY 123 & 123L | 4 |
| EGR 2001 | 3 | CH 117 & 117R & CH 118 | 4 |
| EH 101% | 3 | EGR 103# | 3 |
| MA 125 & 125L* | 4 | EGR 194 | 1 |
| MA 126 | 4 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BY 210 & 210L | 4 | BME 210 | 3 |
| EGR 2652 | 4 | CE 210 | 3 |
| MA 260 | 3 | EE 312 | 3 |
| PH 221 & 221L & 221R^ | 4 | EGR 150 | 3 |
| MSE 280 | 3 | PH 222 & 222L & 222R^ | 4 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BME 310 | 3 | BME 333 | 3 |
| BME 312 | 3 | BME 350 | 3 |
| BME 313 | 3 | BME 423 | 3 |
| BME 370 | 3 | Biomedical Engineering Elective | 3 |
| ME 215 | 3 | EH 102% | 3 |
| Blazer Core: Creative Arts5 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 18 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| BME 4013 | 1 | BME 499 | 3 |
| BME 498 | 3 | Biomedical Engineering Elective | 3 |
| BME Elective | 3 | Blazer Core: History & Meaning5 | 3 |
| MA / SCI / EGR / BME Elective2,4 | 3 | Blazer Core: City as a Classroom$ | 3 |
| MA / SCI / EGR / BME Elective4 | 3 | Blazer Core: Reasoning5 | 3 |
| Blazer Core: Humans & Their Societies5 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total credit hours: 128 | |||
- 1
EGR 200 preferred; other FYE courses accepted
- 2
May substitute MA 227 and MA 252 for EGR 265 and one BME/Engineering/Math/Science Elective
- 3
Seminar may be taken during any semester
- 4
Students using this curriculum as a pre-health professional program (pre-med, pre-dental, or pre-optometry) may use CH 235 or CH 237 or CH 460 for this elective
- 5
Please refer to the Blazer Core as specified for engineering majors
- ^
Satisfies Blazer Core: Scientific Inquiry
- %
Satisfies Blazer Core: Writing
- #
Satisfies Blazer Core: Communicating in the Modern World
- *
Satisfies Blazer Core: Quantitative Literacy
- $
CE 280 preferred; other CAC courses accepted