Program Overview
Marshall University's Biomedical Engineering B.S.B.M.E. program combines engineering principles with biology and health sciences, emphasizing hands-on learning in biomechanics, biomaterials, and medical device design. Graduates are equipped to solve problems in medicine, design medical devices, conduct research, and pursue advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or related fields. The program features collaborations with leading institutions, advanced facilities, and a strong focus on sustainability.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The Biomedical Engineering B.S.B.M.E. program at Marshall University combines traditional engineering approaches with emerging fields in biology and health sciences. The program emphasizes service, systems-based knowledge, and sustainability, with a strong focus on hands-on learning in biophysics, biomechanics, biomaterials, imaging, animal surgery, and cancer.
Program Objectives:
The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to:
- Apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology, physiology, and medicine.
- Design and develop medical devices and implants.
- Analyze biological systems and tissues.
- Conduct research in biomedical engineering.
- Pursue advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or related fields.
Program Description:
The B.S.B.M.E. program offers a broad, technical foundation in biomedical engineering, with emphasis on:
- Cell and tissue mechanics: Studying the mechanical properties of cells and tissues.
- Tissue engineering and biomaterials: Designing and developing new biomaterials for tissue regeneration and repair.
- Cardiovascular science and technology: Understanding the cardiovascular system and developing new technologies for its treatment.
- Neuroscience in animal neurosurgery: Studying the nervous system and performing surgeries on animals to develop new treatments for neurological disorders.
- Musculoskeletal bioengineering for orthopedic applications: Designing and developing new orthopedic implants and devices.
- Drug delivery via in vivo, or live organism, models of diseases: Studying how drugs are delivered in the body and developing new drug delivery systems.
- 3D printing: Using 3D printing to create new medical devices and implants.
- Prosthesis design and fabrication: Designing and developing new prosthetic limbs and other devices.
Outline:
Program Content:
The B.S.B.M.E. program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Engineering fundamentals: mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering principles.
- Biology and physiology: human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
- Biomedical engineering: biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, bioimaging, and medical device design.
- Systems-based knowledge: understanding how different systems in the body interact.
- Sustainability: designing医疗器材和植入物,考虑环境影响.
Program Structure:
The B.S.B.M.E. program is a four-year program that typically includes:
- Freshman year:基础课程,如数学、物理、化学,以及工程原理导论。
- Sophomore year: 生物和生理学、生物医学工程核心课程,如生物力学和生物材料。
- Junior year: 高级生物医学工程课程,如生物仪器和生物成像。
- Senior year: 选修课、高级设计项目,以及实习机会。
Course Schedule:
The specific course schedule for the B.S.B.M.E. program can be found in the university catalog.
Individual Modules with descriptions:
Biomechanics:
This module covers the mechanical properties of cells, tissues, and organs. Students will learn how to analyze forces and stresses in the body and design medical devices that can withstand these forces.
Biomaterials:
This module covers the design and development of new biomaterials for tissue regeneration and repair. Students will learn about the properties of different materials and how they interact with the body.
Bioinstrumentation:
This module covers the design and development of medical devices and instruments. Students will learn about the principles of electronic design and how to design devices that can measure and record physiological data.
Bioimaging:
This module covers the use of imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. Students will learn about the different types of imaging techniques and how they can be used to visualize different parts of the body.
Medical Device Design:
This module covers the design and development of medical devices and implants. Students will learn about the different stages of the design process and how to design devices that are safe and effective.
Systems-based Knowledge:
This module covers how different systems in the body interact. Students will learn about the integrated nature of the human body and how to design medical devices and treatments that take into account these interactions.
Sustainability:
This module covers the environmental impact of medical devices and implants. Students will learn about sustainable design principles and how to design devices that minimize their environmental footprint.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The B.S.B.M.E. program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Exams: Written, oral, and practical exams are used to assess students' understanding of course material.
- Assignments: Homework assignments, projects, and presentations are used to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
- Portfolios: Students create portfolios of their work to demonstrate their progress over time.
- Professional development: Students are encouraged to participate in professional development activities, such as attending conferences and workshops.
Assessment Criteria:
The B.S.B.M.E. program uses a variety of criteria to assess student performance, including:
- Knowledge: Students are expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts of biomedical engineering.
- Skills: Students are expected to be able to apply their knowledge to solve problems and design innovative solutions.
- Communication: Students are expected to be able to communicate their ideas effectively in writing and orally.
- Professionalism: Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their academic and professional lives.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The B.S.B.M.E. program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and provide an overview of course material.
- Discussions: Class discussions are used to engage students in active learning and to help them develop critical thinking skills.
- Laboratory experiments: Laboratory experiments are used to provide students with hands-on experience with biomedical engineering concepts and techniques.
- Problem-based learning: Problem-based learning is used to help students develop problem-solving skills and to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
- Case studies: Case studies are used to help students develop the ability to analyze complex medical cases and to make sound clinical decisions.
- Clinical rotations: Clinical rotations provide students with the opportunity to work with patients in a clinical setting.
- Research projects: Research projects allow students to gain experience in conducting biomedical engineering research.
Faculty:
The B.S.B.M.E. program has a faculty with expertise in a variety of biomedical engineering fields, including:
- Biomechanics: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Biomaterials: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Bioinstrumentation: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Bioimaging: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Medical Device Design: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Systems-based Knowledge: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
- Sustainability: Dr. [Name], Dr. [Name]
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the B.S.B.M.E. program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Biomedical design engineering: Designing and developing medical devices and implants.
- Research and development: Conducting research to develop new technologies and treatments for medical conditions.
- Hospital and medical technology: Working in hospitals and other healthcare settings to maintain and operate medical equipment.
- Veterinary medicine: Assisting veterinarians with the care of animals.
- Pharmaceutical medicine: Working for pharmaceutical companies to develop and test new drugs.
- Patent and trademark law: Protecting intellectual property related to medical devices and technologies.
- University faculty: Teaching and conducting research in biomedical engineering.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting their own businesses in the biomedical engineering field.
Career Opportunities:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, biomedical engineers earned a median income of $91,410 in 2019. Jobs in this field are growing faster than average and are predicted to increase 5% between 2019-29.
Career Outcomes:
The B.S.B.M.E. program prepares graduates for successful careers in the biomedical engineering field. Graduates of the program have been employed by a variety of organizations, including:
- Major medical device companies: Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Boston Scientific
- Pharmaceutical companies: Pfizer, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Research institutions: National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
- Hospitals and healthcare systems: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Government agencies: Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Other:
Marshall's Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES):
The Marshall University chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) provides students with opportunities to network with other students and professionals in the field, attend conferences, and participate in research projects.
Collaboration with Leading Institutions:
The B.S.B.M.E. program has collaborations with leading institutions in the United States, allowing students to study disease models of human disorders in engineering settings. The program also works closely with the region's Cabell Huntington Hospital and faculty in the Mechanical Engineering program for applications of 3D printing technology to patients with orthopedic disease and cancer.
Advanced Facilities:
The B.S.B.M.E. program is housed in the advanced facilities of the Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex. The complex includes a variety of state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, including:
- Biomechanics Laboratory: for analyzing forces and stresses in the body.
- Biomaterials Laboratory: for developing new biomaterials for tissue regeneration and repair.
- Bioinstrumentation Laboratory: for designing medical devices and instruments.
- Bioimaging Laboratory: for developing new imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Medical Device Design Laboratory: for designing and developing medical devices and implants.
- Systems-based Knowledge Laboratory: for studying the integrated nature of the human body.
- Sustainability Laboratory: for developing sustainable medical devices and implants.