2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 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.

Degree Requirements


All bioengineering students are strongly advised to see their major advisor before course registration each semester. Students considering bioengineering who have not declared a major are also encouraged to obtain up-to-date information and advice from any of the faculty members involved in the program.

Students must complete each BENG, BIOL, ECE and ENGR course presented as part of the required 120 credits for the degree with a grade of C or better.

There are two concentrations offered in the Bioengineering major: Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMSS) and Biocomputation (BIOC). The BMSS concentration emphasizes the systems and methods for acquisition and integration of biomedical signals. The BIOC concentration allows students to acquire knowledge and expertise in computer science applied to biomedical problems.  Students must choose one of these two concentrations to complete the degree.

When combined with the requirements for a concentration, the courses required for the BS in Bioengineering are as follows:

Technical Foundation Credits: 6


This sequence of two technical courses allows students to elect foundation courses in computers and/or computational systems.  Examples of approved sequences are:

Computer Science Credits: 4


Engineering Credits: 2


Chemistry Credits: 4


English Credits: 6


Communication Credits: 3


History Credits: 3


Additional General Education Credits: 9


Fine Arts Credits: 3


Global Understanding Credits: 3


Literature Credits: 3


▲Concentration in Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMSS)


This concentration requires successful completion of the following courses for 19 credit hours.

▲ Concentration in Biocomputation (BIOC)


This concentration requires successful completion of the following courses for 19 credit hours.

Mathematics Credits: 3


Technical Electives Credits: 6


Students can choose 2 courses from the following approved technical electives.

OR  Students can choose one of the courses listed above and one of these life science courses:

 

Total: 120 Credits


Sample Schedules


Sample Schedule for Concentration in Biocomputation (BIOC)


Third Semester Credits: 17


Eighth Semester Credits: 12


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.

Sample Schedule for Concentration in Biomedical Signals and Systems (BMSS)


Second Semester Credits: 14


Third Semester Credits: 17


Fifth Semester Credits: 16


Eighth Semester Credits: 12


Notes


* 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 . Such students are encouraged to see the university’s prehealth advisor to determine any additional courses that they should consider.
 

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.