2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
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2014-2015 University Catalog

Bioengineering, BS

Banner Code: VS-BS-BIOE

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Bioengineering 

Bioengineering, also referred to as biomedical engineering, is the application of engineering tools and approaches to solve problems in biology and medicine. It is a broad and growing field that draws upon rapid advances in technology and computation, as well as on unprecedented growth in basic biological understanding.

This program concentrates on making measurements and analyzing complex data. It is challenging since it will provide a solid foundation in engineering or computer science, and also give in-depth exposure to the life sciences. The impact of engineering and computer science on biomedicine is wide, ranging from improved medical diagnosis through advanced imaging technologies, to enhanced biological understanding gained by computational models of protein function. With the growing demand for better health care while also containing its costs, the need for bioengineers is expected to be high.

The multidisciplinary training in this field will make graduates competitive for a position in government or the biomedical industry. It also enables students to continue their education in graduate school or medical school.

The educational objectives of the Bioengineering undergraduate program are the following: 

  • Alumni electing to work after graduation (for example, in industry or government) will contribute to the development or application of new products or processes that are of benefit to society.
  • Alumni electing to continue their formal education will have completed their studies, or will have made demonstrable progress toward an advanced degree in their chosen profession.
  • Alumni will communicate and perform effectively as members or leaders of multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Alumni will continue to enhance their skills and knowledge in a quest for further professional development.

The bachelor’s program in Bioengineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Degree Requirements

All bioengineering students are strongly advised to see their major advisor each semester before course registration. Undeclared students considering bioengineering are encouraged to obtain up-to-date information and advice from bioengineering faculty.

Students must complete each BENG, BIOL, ECE and ENGR course presented as part of the required credits for the degree with a grade of C or better.

There are currently two concentrations: Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMSS) and Bioengineering Healthcare Informatics (BHI). The BMSS concentration emphasizes the systems and methods for acquisition and analysis of biomedical signals whereas the BHI concentration focuses on the management, analysis and visualization of data related to biomedical and healthcare applications.

The 120-123 credits required for the BS in Bioengineering are listed below.

Bioengineering Credits: 26

Biology Credits: 7-8

Computer Science Credits: 4

Mathematics and Statistics Credits: 20

Physics Credits: 8

Engineering Credits: 2

Chemistry Credits: 4

Communication and Economics Credits: 6

▲Concentration in Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMSS) (25 credits)

This concentration requires successful completion of the following courses:

Bioengineering Credits: 6

Computer Science Credits: 3

Electrical and Computer Engineering Credits: 3

Physics Credits: 4

Technical Electives Credits: 9

 Choose 9 credits from the following technical electives:

▲Concentration in Bioengineering Healthcare Informatics (BHI) (27 credits)

This concentration requires successful completion of the following courses:

Bioengineering Credits: 6

Computer Science Credits: 3

Health Administration & Policy Credits: 6

Information Technology Credits: 3

Technical Elective Credits: 9

Students may choose to substitute one of the 3 technical electives with one of the following:

Additional Mason Core Credits: 18

Students must complete all Mason Core  requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.  BENG 492  and BENG 493  are approved to meet the Synthesis requirement.

  • Written Communication Credits:  6
  • Literature Credits:  3
  • Fine Arts Credits:  3
  • Western Civilization/World History Credits:  3
  • Global Understanding Credits:  3

Note:

Students interested in medical school may substitute CHEM 211 - General Chemistry  and CHEM 212 - General Chemistry  for PHYS 262 - University Physics III , PHYS 263 University Physics III Laboratory , and CHEM 251 - General Chemistry for Engineers .  These students are encouraged to meet with the university’s pre-health advisor to determine any additional courses that they should consider.

Total: 120-123 Credits

Advising

All Bioengineering students are assigned to a faculty member who serves as their academic advisor. Students are required to see their advisor prior to course registration each semester. GMU students interested in Bioengineering who have not declared a major, or are considering transferring, should contact the Bioengineering Program Office.

Termination from the Major

No math, science or Volgenau School of Engineering course, required for the major, may be attempted more than three times. Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major.  Undeclared students who do not successfully complete a course required for a Volgenau School major within three attempts will also be terminated.  For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under AP.5 Undergraduate Policies .

Students who have been terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without permission of the department offering the course.  This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the Volgenau School except IT 103 and STAT 250.