BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, BS

Biomedical engineering (BME) is the application of engineering tools for solving problems in biology and
medicine. BMEs apply their multidisciplinary expertise to problems such as designing new medical
instruments and devices, understanding and repairing the human body, and applying resourceful and
cross-disciplinary approaches to age-old problems in the fields of medicine, biology, and beyond. A
biomedical engineer can expect to work in a wide variety of multidisciplinary teams with professionals
such as physicians, biologists, researchers, nurses, therapists, mathematicians, administrators, and many
others while working in industry, as entrepreneurs, in the medical profession, and in academia.

To prepare students for such careers, the 128-credit, four-year BME undergraduate degree emphasizes
engineering design; access to cooperatives/internships at local or national medical device manufacturers,
hospitals, or laboratories; continuous advising; flexibility in engineering specialization areas;
participation in program evaluation and improvement; study-abroad opportunities; and an option to
complete a one-year MS degree following the undergraduate program.

The backbone of the BME program is its unique, seven-semester design curriculum. Students take an
advising/design project course in their first year and every semester their fourth year (with options to
work in industry and/or focus on pre-health requirements). A faculty member advises small teams of
students, serving as advisor/consultant/mentor, to guide them through real-world design projects solicited
from clients throughout the university, medical profession, industry, and the community. These clients
serve as resources for students in their projects, conduct discussions, and expose the students to various
aspects of the BME field. Over the course of each semester, teams design, fabricate, and ultimately
present a product that meets the needs of the client. This novel approach gives students an exceptionally
balanced education by incorporating clinical and biomedical industry experience, thus expanding their

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 network. Overall, the design experiences highlight the very multidisciplinary nature of BME.

Within the program, BME students choose a course of study that emphasizes one of the following four
specializations within the field:

1. Bioinstrumentation and medical devices is the application of electronics, measurement principles,

and techniques to develop devices used in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Examples include
the electrocardiogram, brain–computer interface, implantable electrodes, sensors, tumor ablation,
and other medical devices. Neuroengineering, a subfield, involves using engineering technology to
study the function of neural systems and the development of implantable technology for
neuroprosthetic and rehabilitation applications.
2. Biomedical imaging and optics involves the design and enhancement of systems for noninvasive
anatomical, cellular, and molecular imaging. In addition to common imaging techniques such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission
tomography (PET), biomedical imaging includes topics such as biophotonics, optics, and
multimode imaging, and is now expanding to serve functional and therapeutic purposes as well.
Advanced capabilities result when fundamentals of engineering, physics, and computer science are
applied in conjunction with the expertise of clinical collaborators.
3. Biomechanics applies engineering mechanics for understanding biological processes and for
solving medical problems at systemic, organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. This includes the
mechanics of connective tissues (ligament tendon, cartilage, and bone) as well as orthopedic
devices (fracture fixation hardware and joint prostheses), vascular remodeling, muscle mechanics
with injury and healing, human motor control, neuromuscular adaptation (with age, injury, and
disease), microfluidics for cellular applications, cellular motility and adhesion, and rehabilitation
engineering.
4. Biomaterials, cellular and tissue engineering involves the characterization and use of structural
materials, derived from synthetic or natural sources, to design medical products that safely interact
with tissues for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes such as artificial blood vessels, heart valves,
orthopedic joints, and drug delivery vehicles. Tissue engineers understand structure–function
relationships in normal and pathological tissues to engineer living tissues and/or biological
substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve function. At the cellular and molecular level this includes
the study or manipulation of biological processes such as the cell’s differentiation, proliferation,
growth, migration, apoptosis, and can involve genetic and stem cell engineering.

Although the various disciplines within BME can be separately defined, solving a biomedical program
requires an overall understanding of the field. For example, the design of an artificial hip requires an

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 understanding of the forces and biomechanics of human movement as well as the mechanical and
material properties of the prosthetic device. The material choice and topography play a critical role in
cellular and tissue integration, which ultimately leads to long-term stability of the implant. In addition,
biomedical imaging techniques are required to characterize the morphology of the diseased hip and the
success of the procedure. Finally, instrumentation devices are utilized during the hip replacement
surgery.

Students choose the biomedical engineering field to be of service to people; for the excitement of
working with living systems; and to apply advanced technology to the complex problems of medical care.
Students in the BME program can expect to develop skills in innovative thinking, critical analysis of ethics,
project management, and technical writing, all in an environment that cultivates creativity, teamwork, and
curiosity. With many possible focuses within the major, BME students have the opportunity to explore
and cultivate their interests in specific topics while applying the concepts of engineering to medical
applications, hands-on projects, and cutting-edge research.

Students successfully completing the BS degree in BME with an overall GPA of 3.0 or a GPA of 3.25 for
the last 60 credits of the BS program are eligible to apply for the one-year MS degree.

How to Get in
+ Admission to the College as a First-Year Student

+ Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering

+
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering

+
Second Bachelor's Degree

On This Page

University General Education Requirements

Summary of Requirements
University Degree Requirements

University General Education Requirements

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 All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set
of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the
essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive
life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a
continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the
requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see
the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.

General Education Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits

Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a
laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
Communication Part A Part B *

Ethnic Studies *
Quantitative Reasoning Part A Part B *

* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the
Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B
requirements.

Summary of Requirements

Mathematics 19

Science 32

General Education 21

Engineering Courses:

Introduction to Engineering 3

Engineering Mechanics Core Courses 6

Biomedical Engineering Core Courses 23

Biomedical Engineering Area Technical Elective Requirements AND

Advanced Biomedical Technical Elective 18

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 Engineering Technical Elective 2

Total Credits At least 128

+
Mathematics

+
Science

+ General Education

+ Engineering Courses

+
Biomedical Engineering Area Technical Elective Requirements

+
Honors in Undergraduate Research Program

Total Degree Credits: at least 128

University Degree Requirements

Total Degree To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120
degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students
should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit
requirements.

Residency Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison.
"In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification.
“In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats
and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs.

Quality of Work Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the
school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose
academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic
probation.

Learning Outcomes
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of
engineering, science, and mathematics

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 2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with
consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental,
and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make
informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic,
environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a
collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use
engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Four-Year Plan
Sample Four-Year Plan

First Year

FALL CREDITS SPRING CREDITS

INTEREGR 1703 3 INTEREGR 1703 3

or Liberal Studies ElectiveMed or Liberal Studies ElectiveMed

MATH 221 5 MATH 222 4

Communications A 3 E M A 201, PHYSICS 201, or 3

PHYSICS 2072

CHEM 109 (or CHEM 103 and CHEM 104)1 5 CHEM 343 3

COMP SCI 200, 220, or 3004 3

16 16

Second Year

FALL CREDITS SPRING CREDITS

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 B M E 2005 2 B M E 201 3

MATH 234 4 MATH 320 or 319 3

PHYSICS 202 or 208 5 E M A 303 3

Science Elective6, Med 3 Liberal Studies Elective 3

B M E 325, STAT 324, or STAT 4314 3 Free-General Elective Credits6, Med 2

B M E 3107 3

17 17

Third Year

FALL CREDITS SPRING CREDITS

B M E 3005 3 Select one of the following 5

options:9, Med

Select one of the following options: 5 B M E 301 (3 cr) & Free-

General Elective (2 cr)

ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/

& ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102 BOTANY 152

ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151Med BIOCORE 383

& BIOCORE 384

BIOCORE 381 Liberal Studies Elective 3

& BIOCORE 382 (the first lab - 382 - is
recommended not required)8, Med

Liberal Studies Elective 3 Free-Engineering Technical Elective 2

B M E 3157 3 B M E/PHM SCI 4307 3

Area-Required Engineering Technical Elective 3 Area-Engineering Technical Elective 3

17 16

Fourth Year

FALL CREDITS SPRING CREDITS

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 B M E 400 3 B M E 4025 3

Select one of the following options: 5 Advanced Biology/Life Science 3

Elective

ANAT&PHY 335 Liberal Studies ElectiveMed 3

BIOCORE 485 Advanced Biomedical Engineering 3

& BIOCORE 486 Technical Elective

Area-Engineering Technical Elective 3 Area-Engineering Technical Elective 3

Area-Engineering Technical Elective 3

14 15

Total Credits 128

+
Footnotes

Advising and Careers

Advising
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors
support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way
through graduation.

Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course
sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.

When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor.
There are many outstanding resources at UW–Madison, and academic advisors are trained to help
students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but
they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered
to pursue their goals and communicate their needs.

Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.

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 Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as
co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding
full-time professional employment.

ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing
interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer
negotiations.

Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more
information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu.

People
Faculty
Paul Campagnola (Chair)
Randolph Ashton
Randy Bartels
David Beebe
Walter Block
Christopher Brace
Joshua Brockman
Kevin Eliceiri
Shaoqin 'Sarah' Gong
Aviad Hai
Pamela Kreeger
Wan-ju Li
Kip Ludwig
Megan McClean
Beth Meyerand
William Murphy
Krishanu Saha
Melissa Skala
Darryl Thelen
Pallavi Tiwari

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 Justin Williams
Colleen Witzenburg
Filiz Yesilkoy

Instructional Staff and Teaching Faculty

Amit Nimunkar
John Puccinelli
Tracy Jane Puccinelli
Darilis Suarez-Gonzalez
Christa Wille

See also Biomedical Engineering Faculty Directory.

Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the
commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly
Named Engineering Programs.

Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired
during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this
diversity of paths. Whatever path graduates choose, be it a job, postgraduate education, or volunteer
service, be it in engineering or another field, we have for our graduates the following objectives, that they
will:

1. exhibit strong skills in problem solving, leadership, teamwork and communication;

2. use these skills to contribute to their communities;
3. make thoughtful, well-informed career choices;
4. demonstrate a continuing commitment to and interest in their own and others’ education

Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made
publicly available at the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the
program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)

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 Contact Information
BME Undergraduate Flyer
Biomedical Engineering
608-263-4660
2130 Engineering Centers Building
1550 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706-1609
BME Department
College of Engineering Academic Advising
coeadvising@engr.wisc.edu
608-262-2473
Room 170, 1410 Engineering Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Student Services Advising
Expand Headers

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