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Session 2209

The Development of an Undergraduate Curriculum in Biomedical Engineering Mary C. Verstraete, Daniel B. Sheffer, Bruce C. Taylor The Department of Biomedical Engineering The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-0302

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an undergraduate curriculum in Biomedical Engineering that will prepare students to enter industry, graduate school or medical school. The program focuses first on engineering fundamentals, followed by more specific applications within the field of Biomedical Engineering, either in the Biomechanics track or in the Instrumentation, Signals and Imaging track. Students are highly recommended to participate in the co-operative education program at The University of Akron to gain practical experience in the area they choose to study. Students planning on attending medical or graduate school are encouraged to participate in hospital or research internships instead of the co-op program to allow them to gain valuable experience which will assist in their admission to the school of their choice.

I. Introduction

Biomedical Engineering is a union between the scientific principles developed through engineering practices and the less exact nature of the human body and the devices used to interact with it. Biomedical Engineers must be prepared to deal with the challenges of the human body and its functions through use of their understanding of biology, chemistry, engineering and physics. Biomedical Engineers must also be able to interact with physicians and other medical personnel, as well as with engineers from other disciplines. The goal of the Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Akron is to prepare its graduates to succeed in this challenging field, whether in industry, hospitals, graduate school or other professional schools.

II. The Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Biomedical Engineering was designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and therefore, the Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Akron focuses first on core engineering course work, followed by advanced applications specific to the field of Biomedical Engineering. To assure a fundamental understanding in engineering, the program is divided into two tracks: (1) Biomechanics and (2) Instrumentation, Signals and Imaging. The Biomechanics track (See Table 1) is designed for those students who would pursue a Mechanical Engineering background with specialization in the areas of cardiovascular, orthopaedic, rehabilitation engineering, biomaterials and system simulations. The Instrumentation, Signals and Imaging track (See Table 2)is designed for those students who wish to pursue an Electrical Engineering background with specialization in biomedical instrumentation, signal and image processing, imaging devices and

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Verstraete, M. C., & Sheffer, D. B., & Taylor, B. C. (2000, June), The Development Of An Undergraduate Curriculum In Biomedical Engineering Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8305