 Do you have an interest in both engineering and the life sciences, especially medicine?
If so, then you should consider a career in biomedical engineering. Do you know what it is? Are you aware of how you can tailor your engineering degree at SDSU for a career in biomedical engineering? Did you know that SDSU offers the Minor in Biomedical Engineering degree? SDSU has been preparing students for careers in biomedical engineering for more than 30 years. Read on and you learn how you can prepare yourself to work in one of the most satisfying fields of engineering…
Definition of biomedical engineering: The application of the concepts and methods of engineering and the physical sciences to medicine and biology.
The biomedical engineering field covers a very broad range of topics from formalized mathematical theory through experimental science and technological development to practical clinical applications. It is a broad multidisciplinary field that offers rewarding careers related to computer science, electrical engineering, engineering physics, mathematics and statistics, mechanical engineering, software engineering and agricultural & biosystems engineering.
Recent SDSU electrical engineering graduates, Matt Urban and Carrie Hruska took extra courses to prepare for a career in biomedical engineering. Both are now currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. How are they doing? Here's a recent quote from Carrie: "Matt and I go to school with students from big private schools from all over the world and in my opinion we were two of the best prepared students at Mayo."
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Some examples of biomedical engineering careers:
Many of our engineering graduates have taken steps to prepare themselves for a career in biomedical engineering while at SDSU and are now employed in a broad range of careers including:
- medical device research & development
- medical instrumentation design
- biomedical communications and digital signal processing
- medical and/or biomedical research
Many of our graduates have completed their BS degree in engineering and proceeded on to medical school, completing the M.D. degree that opens a door to careers in medical or biomedical research. SDSU has the region's largest number of pre-professional program offerings, and typically enrolls approximately 100 pre-med students. Click here for more information on our Pre-Medicine and other pre-professional programs.
Question: How can an undergraduate student best prepare for a career in biomedical engineering?
Answer: Earn a BS in the traditional engineering discipline of his/her interest, plus complete a Minor in Biomedical Engineering.
Since biomedical engineering is an application of traditional engineering to the life sciences, and not a distinct discipline of its own, it is important for a student with an interest in biomedical engineering to complete a degree in the traditional engineering discipline of his/her interest. Most biomedical engineers have backgrounds/degrees in (1) electrical or computer engineering, (2) mechanical engineering, (3) engineering physics, or (4) materials science engineering. While it is possible to obtain an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at some institutions, a student receives a stronger engineering background by completing a traditional engineering degree (such as in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.) that is enhanced with extra life science and biomedical engineering studies. SDSU offers this option with its Minor in Biomedical Engineering program. Those students who want to be the best prepared for a career in biomedical engineering, either as an engineer or scientist, should complete both the traditional engineering degree and the minor in biomedical engineering.
Requirements for the Minor in Biomedical Engineering
Students desiring the minor in biomedical engineering complete an 18-credit curriculum in addition to their engineering degree, which adds both coursework and practical experience in the field. The minor is intended for engineering majors only and includes courses and experience in three categories: (1) engineering core, (2) life science core, and (3) biomedical engineering core. Before graduation, the student must complete a two-semester capstone design project related to biomedical engineering. Students are also encouraged to seek practical experience by completing an internship in biomedical engineering. The College can provide assistance to students who desire an internship with a biomedical company or research institute.
Student Outcomes:
Students will:
- demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering and the life sciences by completing a major capstone design project in the field of biomedical engineering;
- demonstrate an ability to independently conduct literature research on a current biomedical engineering topic and its application/impact on society and his/her engineering major; and
- demonstrate an ability to communicate biomedical engineering related technical information in high quality written and oral presentation forms.
Requirements for Biomedical Engineering Minor: 18 credits
BIOL 221-221L, Human Anatomy and Lab........................................ 4
BIOL 325-325L, Physiology and Lab................................................. 4
EE* 464, Senior Design I.................................................................... 2
EE* 465, Senior Design II................................................................... 2
EE* 491 Independent Study................................................................ 3
Elective*............................................................................................. 3
*or equivalent course from ABE, ME or PHYS. The capstone design project must focus on biomedical engineering and be approved by the Coordinator
One course selected from:
EE 454-554, Biomedical Instrumentation & Electrical Safety................ 3
EE 450-550, Biomedical Signal Processing.......................................... 3
NOTE: All students completing the Minor in Biomedical Engineering must contact the Coordinator, Dean Brown. Following your declaration of the minor you will receive a check sheet and instructions. You are also encouraged to have regular (at least every semester) correspondence with Dean Brown.
Click here to see a listing of some recent examples of biomedical engineering student projects.
Click here to see job search links to biomedical engineering companies in our region and the U.S.
NOTE: If you are an SDSU student and are interested in receiving updates about guest speakers and activities related to Biomedical Engineering, please email Dr. Brown (see below).
For more information on careers and educational opportunities in biomedical engineering, contact the Coordinator:
Dr. Lewis F. Brown, Dean of Engineering
(605) 688-4161
Lewis.Brown@sdstate.edu
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