Offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Contact: 109 Weill Hall, (607) 255-2573, www.bme.cornell.edu
Our mechanistic understanding of biology has increased rapidly over the past 20 years, and many expect biology to drive engineering and technology in the next 50 years in much the same way that physics drove them in the 20th century. As biology has become more mechanistic, the opportunities to apply engineering approaches have increased enormously. Simultaneously, humanitarian needs and economic opportunities for the application of engineering to improve health care have increased significantly. Engineers who understand biology and can apply their knowledge and skills to improve human health are increasingly in demand. A professional degree in biomedical engineering will prepare students to fill this increasing critical need.
The breadth and depth of knowledge needed in biomedical engineering makes a four-year B.S. degree program impractical. By combining the M.Eng. (Biomedical Engineering) with a strong B.S. program, a student can obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective professional biomedical engineer.
Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of an essential area of biomedical engineering as well as a broad perspective of the biomedical engineering discipline that complements their undergraduate education in engineering or science. Graduates will be equipped to design biomedical devices and develop therapeutic strategies within the bounds of health care economics, the needs of patients and physicians, the regulatory environment for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and stringent ethical standards.
Students will acquire depth by extending undergraduate concentrations, by selecting one of three areas for concentrated study, and by completing a design project in their area of concentration. The areas are biomedical mechanics and materials; bioinstrumentation/diagnostics; and drug delivery and cellular/tissue engineering. Design projects will be carried out in teams to take advantage of the diversity of student backgrounds and, when possible, projects will be done in collaboration with industrial or clinical partners.
Students from a wide variety of backgrounds in engineering and science are encouraged to apply. They are expected to have completed two semesters of calculus-based physics, at least three semesters of math, starting with calculus, and introductory computer science.
A knowledge of molecular- and cellular-base biomedical engineering and engineering analysis of physiological systems at the level of BME 3010 , BME 3020 , BME 4010 , and BME 4020 is highly recommended. This knowledge can be demonstrated through appropriate undergraduate course work (at least C in each class). Students lacking the appropriate background may need to complete additional courses (beyond the normal 30 credits) to demonstrate appropriate knowledge in these two subject areas.