Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineers are problem-solvers who combine engineering with biology and other sciences to create innovative solutions for healthcare. Biomedical engineers design medical equipment, from artificial organs to diagnostic machines, and ensure they function properly through installation, maintenance, and support. They collaborate across disciplines with manufacturers, doctors, and scientists. Their work can involve research to explore how engineering can improve biology, and data analysis using models and simulations. These well-rounded engineers excel at communication and working with others.
BS or BA?
At USC, you can choose between a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biomedical Engineering. We can help you choose the degree that’s right for you.
Career Paths:
- BS: Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in the biomedical engineering industry, research and development labs, medical device companies, or pursue graduate studies in the field. The BS can meet the educational requirements for pursuing licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
- BA: Career paths are broader, potentially involving roles that combine some engineering knowledge with other areas like science policy, science communication, project management, or technical sales.
- Both can set you up for admission to medical, law, and other professional schools.
Skills Developed:
- BS: Strong foundation in math, science, engineering principles, problem-solving, design thinking, and data analysis.
- BA: Fundamental engineering and science knowledge alongside a broader range of skills, including critical thinking, entrepreneurship, communication and writing.
Choosing Between Them:
- Career Goals: If you aim for a traditional engineering role in the biomedical industry or research, a BS is the standard path.
- Interests: If you're interested in engineering but also value a broader education that aligns with your career aspirations, consider the BA.
Curricula
The BS and BA programs both provide a solid foundation in biomedical engineering and the science behind it. The BS curriculum includes more engineering analysis and design with a stronger mathematical basis. The BA includes the opportunity to take more non-technical coursework, potentially combining engineering with other fields. Both programs include liberal arts and Carolina Core coursework to provide you with a well-balanced education, and both include the option to focus electives in a medical, biomechanics, or bimolecular track. Expand below for more details on the BS and BA curricula.
The biomedical engineering Bachelor of Science curriculum will provide you with a thorough grounding in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. You will learn to apply these concepts in biomedical engineering fundamental and advanced courses such as:
- Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- Fundamentals of Biomedical Systems
- Cellular and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications
- Introduction to Biomaterials
- Biochemistry with Engineering Applications
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers
- Introduction to Biomechanics
- Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems
- Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering
- Biomonitoring and Electrophysiology
- Biotransport
- Biomedical Instrumentation
- Kinetics in Biomolecular Systems
- Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Systems
- Control Systems in Biomedical Engineering
BS and BA students alike can tailor the curriculum with biomedical engineering electives such as:
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery
- Immunoengineering
- Injury Biomechanics
- Medical Microbiology for Biomedical Engineers
- Biometric Measurements in Healthcare and Wearables
- Biosensing
- And many more
BS biomedical engineering students solve real-world problems in hands-on laboratory and capstone design courses. The capstone design experience is a two-semester course sequence for seniors that pairs a student team with an industry partner on a project to design an engineering solution to a biomedical problem. Examples of recent biomedical engineering capstone design projects comprise:
- A Functional Prosthetic Arm for Children with Transhumeral Amputations
- Electric Field Cancer Therapy
- C-Section O-Retractor
- Pharmaceutical Formulation Tank Cleaning System
- An Iontophoretic Transdermal Drug Delivery Device
- Flexible Surgical Lighting
- In-surgery Bone Density Sensor
- PPG Neonatal Blood Pressure Sensor
- Virtual Model of a Pharmaceutical Cleanroom
- Premature Infant Monitoring System
- Predictive Modeling Software for Stroke Patient Outcome
- PTFE Membrane Biological Nanopore
- Fabrication for Protein Sequencing
- Arterial Bleeding Simulator as a Training Model for Hemorrhage Control
- Strain Responsive Polymer Co-Networks for Localized Drug Delivery
Visit Undergraduate Curricula and Courses for additional details.
The biomedical engineering Bachelor of Arts curriculum will provide you with a solid foundation in engineering and the supporting sciences, such as biology, chemistry, computing, and physics. While the BA mathematics and science requirements are somewhat lighter than the BS, you will still learn the fundamentals of biomedical engineering through core courses such as:
- Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- Cell and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers
- Materials in Medicine
- Biomedical Analysis
- Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering
- Biochemistry with Engineering Applications
- Biomedical Instrumentation
The BA program provides a unique opportunity to develop expertise outside of but relevant to biomedical engineering. Over 20% of basic program requirements can be met with courses from diverse areas, including:
- Biology, Genetics and Neuroscience
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics
- Computer Science and Statistics
- Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Education
- Public Health and Exercise Science
- Psychology and Sociology
BA and BS students alike can tailor the curriculum with biomedical engineering electives such as:
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery
- Immunoengineering
- Injury Biomechanics
- Medical Microbiology for Biomedical Engineers
- Biometric Measurements in Healthcare and Wearables
- Biosensing
- And many more
Visit Undergraduate Curricula and Courses for additional details.
Extracurriculars
Biomedical Engineering students participate in a variety of clubs including our student chapters of:
- Hands on Prosthetic Engineering (HOPE)
- Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
- Alpha Eta Mu Beta, Biomedical Engineering Honor Society
Undergraduate research opportunities in the areas of biomechanics, tissue engineering, drug delivery, biomonitoring, and biomaterials are available on a volunteer, course credit, or paid position basis. With other undergraduates, biomedical engineering students take full advantage of living-learning communities, mentorship opportunities, study abroad, intramurals, internships, just hanging out with friends, and more.