Biomedical Engineering
College of Engineering and Computing
Advisement Booklet
Bachelor of Science in
Biomedical Engineering
Fall 2013
Why Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical Engineering is booming! Outgrowths of the human genome project will lead to newer and
better diagnostic therapies as well as gene therapy. Specific engineering studies of nervous and
cardiopulmonary systems are revolutionizing neural and tissue engineering, and medical imaging at
cellular and organ-level scales is providing virtually noninvasive diagnostic tools. Additionally, as
these technologies develop, they change our world. They change medicine, law, science, and
industry. The industrial revolution changed forever the way the world worked; the recent networked
information revolution promises to change the way the world communicates. The biotechnological
revolution promises to change the way the world lives. Unimaginable results in the field of biomedical
engineering in the past few years have already become part of our everyday lives, and these results
in pharmacology, imaging, and diagnostics are an optimistic prediction of the future. A life wholly free
of devastating diseases may be achievable before the end of this century, and biomedical engineers
will guide us into this next incredible era.
What do Biomedical Engineers do?
Some biomedical engineers aim to understand each systems function so that they can model it and
predict responses to untested situations. Other biomedical engineers aim to correct deficiencies in
function. Still other biomedical engineers aim to copy nature’s designs to create better synthetic
machines.
Nature is the gifted experimentalist and teacher from whom all biomedical engineers learn.
Biomedical engineers measure biological phenomena as physicians do in a hospital in order to
diagnose a patient. In many respects, the goals of biomedical engineers and those of biologists or
physicians overlap.
What distinguishes the biomedical engineer, however, is a desire to reach a quantitative
understanding of the properties of biological systems. This quantitative understanding can provide a
means to measure which medical diagnostic test is the more accurate or which treatment is least
harmful.
Biomedical Engineering at USC
Biomedical engineering degree programs at the University of South Carolina were designed and
developed to train students to initiate, to integrate, to imagine, and to invent new processes and new
products in order to improve human health. The students who enter our programs are among the
very best within the University and in the nation. Our faculty members are committed to helping
students develop the intellectual, technological, and personal skills that will allow them to thrive in
academia, medicine, or industry. We anticipate that our graduates will utilize their unique education
and research experience to excel in positions ranging from professors in top-ranked universities to
executives in new medical device or large pharmaceutical companies.
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The Biomedical Engineering degree programs represent Carolina’s commitment to a true synthesis of
biology, medicine, and engineering. Our current and proposed research will be among the best.
Nonetheless, there is no doubt that what makes biomedical engineering at Carolina so special the
solid commitment by the College and the University to recruit the best faculty, students, and staff who
will provide an environment of unique collegiality in which world class research and education thrive
side by side.
We will be able to apply the knowledge gained in fundamental studies to finding cures and treatments
for such devastating diseases as heart failure and cystic fibrosis. Not only are we using the most
advanced engineering technologies and concepts in our research, but we are moving the frontiers of
engineering ahead by developing new technologies. Just as important, we will develop new
theoretical and computational algorithms that are applied in medical imaging and drug design.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering:
Program Overview
Biomedical engineers are involved in the design and advancement of products and procedures that
promote improved health. Contributions of biomedical engineers range from the design of artificial
organs to the discovery of new therapeutic pharmaceuticals to the development of surgical
procedures and associated instrumentation.
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering is a collaborative effort among the Chemical and
Mechanical Engineering departments at USC and the USC School of Medicine. The objectives of the
biomedical engineering undergraduate program are to provide students with a thorough grounding in
mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering; to educate students in the application of
mathematics and science at the interface between engineering and biology; and to prepare students
for graduate studies in biomedical engineering, professional studies in medical school, or professional
careers in biomedical engineering industries.
The objectives are met through a curriculum that provides a strong foundation in the basic and
applied sciences, as well as in the liberal arts, to provide students with a well-balanced education.
Increasing emphasis is placed upon the application of engineering principles to biological systems in
the junior and senior years. The curriculum provides the opportunity to engage in technical and
engineering electives, laboratory course components, and a capstone design experience. Students
will choose a chemical or mechanical track, and elective components and design experiences will be
tailored to the specific interests of the student.
3
a. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics;
biological, chemical, and physical sciences; and
engineering to solve problems at the interface of
engineering and medicine
b. Ability to design and conduct laboratory experiments
on living systems and their interactions with nonliving
systems, as well as to analyze and interpret data
c. Ability to design a biomedical device or process to
meet desired needs within realistic constraints,
including economic and ethical constraints
d. Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
e. Ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems at
the interface of engineering and medicine.
f. Demonstration
of
professional
and
ethical
responsibility
g. Ability to present technical material through
professional written reports and oral presentations
h. Ability to recognize economic, social, and global
issues and to evaluate the impact that biomedical
engineering solutions may have upon society
i. Recognition of the need for lifelong learning and
demonstration of the ability to learn independently
j. Recognition of contemporary issues as they relate to
biomedical engineering problems
k. Ability to employ the necessary techniques, skills, and
modern tools necessary for biomedical engineering
practice
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j
 = major importance;  = moderate importance;  = minimal importance; blank = not related
Course
BMEN 101
Seminar I
BMEN 211
Modeling/Simul.
BMEN 202
Seminar II
BMEN 260
Biomechanics
BMEN 271
Biomaterials
BMEN 290
Thermo
BMEN 303
Seminar III
BMEN 321
Circuits/Systems
BMEN 345
Anat/Phys
BMEN 354
Transport
BMEN 361
Meas/Instr
BMEN 391
Kinetics
BMEN 427
Design I
BMEN 428
Design II
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT OUTCOMES
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Degree Requirements (130 hours) Overview:
1. General Education Requirements (18 hours)
2. Science Education Requrirements (49 hours)
3. Biomedical Engineering Core Requirements (41 hours)
4. Technical Electives (7 hours)
5. Engineering Electives (6 hours)
6. Biomecial Engineering Electives (9 hours)
1. General Education (18 hours)
ENGL 101
ENGL 102
Historical Thinking Elective
Aesthetic Understanding Elective
Social Sciences Elective
Ethics Elective
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
See http://www.sc.edu/carolinacore/courses.php for a current list of approved electives that fulfill
general education requirements.
In addition to the above liberal arts and fine arts requirement, the University requires that the student
demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language—either by scoring a “2” or higher on the Foreign
Language Placement Test or by completing 6 hours of the same language in FREN, SPAN, LATN, or
GERM (for example, FREN 109 and FREN 110) or 4 hours of a language that is not FREN, SPAN,
LATN, or GERM at the 121 level or higher (for example CHIN 121).
2. Science Education Requirements (49 hours)
Biology:
BIOL 101
BIOL 101L
BIOL 102
BIOL 102 L
BIOL 302
BIOL 302 L
12 hours
3 hours
1 hour
3 hours
1 hour
3 hours
1 hour
6
Chemistry:
CHEM 111/L
CHEM 112/L
CHEM 333
CHEM 331 L
Mathematics and Statistics:
MATH 141
MATH 142
MATH 241
MATH 242
STAT 509
Physics:
PHYS 211/L
PHYS 212/L
12 hours
4 hours
4 hours
3 hours
1 hour
17 hours
4 hours
4 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
8 hours
4 hours
4 hours
3. Biomedical Engineering Core Requirements (41 hours)
ECHE 320
BMEN 101
BMEN 202
BMEN 211
BMEN 260
BMEN 271
BMEN 290
BMEN 303
BMEN 321
BMEN 345
BMEN 354
BMEN 361
BMEN 391
BMEN 427
BMEN 428
3 hours
1 hour
1 hour
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
1 hour
3 hours
4 hours
3 hours
4 hours
3 hours
3 hours
3 hours
4. Technical Electives and Technical Lab Electives (7 hours)
Students must take 6 credit hours of technical electives. A listing of acceptable technical electives is
shown below. This list is also available via link from the Biomedical Engineering website, and is
maintained in the Biomedical Engineering office.
7
Students must take 1 credit hour of technical lab elective. A listing of acceptable technical lab
electives is shown below. This list is also available via link from the Biomedical Engineering website,
and is maintained in the Biomedical Engineering office.
Technical Electives (6 hours): Any engineering elective Any biomedical engineering elective BIOL 250 Microbiology BIOL 303 Fundamental Genetics BIOL 415 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy BIOL 460 General Physiology BIOL 505 Developmental Biology BIOL 530 Histology BIOL 541/CHEM 550 Principles of Biochemistry BIOL 545/CHEM 555 Biochemistry/Molecular Biology I BIOL 546/CHEM 556 Biochemistry/Molecular Biology II BIOL 620 Immunology BIOL 635 Neurobiology BIOL 653 Bioinformatics BIOL 655 Biotechnology BIOL 656 Experimental Biotechnology BIOL 665 Human Molecular Genetics BIOL 690 Ultramicroscopy CHEM 321 Analytical Chemistry CHEM 334 Organic Chemistry II CHEM 340 Elementary Biophysical Chemistry CHEM 541 Physical Chemistry I CHEM 542 Physical Chemistry II CHEM 545 Physical Biochemistry EXSC 530 Physiology of Muscular Activity MATH 520 Ordinary Differential Equations MATH 521 Boundary Value Problems and Partial Differential Equations MATH 524 Nonlinear Optimization MATH 526 Numerical Linear Algebra MATH 544 Linear Algebra MATH 546 Algebraic Structures I MATH 547 Algebraic Structures II MATH 550 Vector Analysis MATH 552 Applied Complex Variables 8
Technical Lab Elective (1 hour): BIOL 250L BIOL 460L BIOL 505L BIOL 541L CHEM 321L CHEM 333L# CHEM 332L CHEM 334L CHEM 340L CHEM 541L CHEM 542L CHEM 550L #
Microbiology Laboratory General Physiology Laboratory Developmental Biology Laboratory Principles of Biochem Laboratory Quantitative Analysis Laboratory Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab I Essentials of Organic Chemistry Lab II Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Lab II Elementary Biophysical Chemistry Lab Physical Chemistry Laboratory I Physical Chemistry Laboratory II Principles of Biochemistry Laboratory This 2 credit course may be both taken in lieu of CHEM 331L and satisfy the technical lab elective requirement.
6. Engineering Electives (6 hours)
Students must take 6 credit hours of engineering electives. A listing of acceptable engineering
electives is shown below. This list is also available via a link from the Biomedical Engineering
website, and is maintained in the Biomedcial Engineering office.
Any biomedical engineering elective ECHE 300 Chemical Process Principles ECHE 321 Heat Flow Analysis ECHE 322 Mass Transfer ECHE 430 Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reactor Design ECHE 440 Separations ECHE 550 Chemical Process Dynamics and Control ECHE 572 Polymer Processing ELCT 220 Electrical Engineering for Non-­‐Majors EMCH 516 Control Theory in Mechanical Engineering EMCH 532 Intermediate Dynamics EMCH 554 Intermediate Heat Transfer EMCH 560 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics CSCE 350 Data Structures and Algorithms CSCE 555 Algorithms in Bioinformatics 9
7. Biomedical Engineering Electives (9 hours)
Students must take 9 credit hours of Biomedical Engineering electives. Of these 9 credit hours, at
most 3 credit hours may come from BMEN 499 Independent Research. A listing of acceptable
biomedical engineering electives is shown below. This list is also available via link from the
Biomedical Engineering website, and is maintained in the Biomedical Engineering office.
BMEN 342 Infectious Disease and Immunology for Biomedical Engineers %
BMEN 389 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering (example topics below) Stem Cell Engineering BMEN 392 Fundamentals of Biochemical Engineering BMEN 499 Independent Research BMEN 546 Delivery of Bioactive Agents BMEN 572 Tissue Engineering %
BMEN 589 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering (example topics below) Advanced Biomechanics Developmental Principles of Regenerative Medicine Vascular Mechanics and Hemodynamics BMEN 589W Microfluidics and Lab-­‐on-­‐a-­‐chip BMEN 589Y Bio Nano/Micro Electromechanical Systems (BioNEMS/MEMS) EXSC 535 Biomechanics of Human Movement PSYC 507 Cognitive Neuroscience ✝✝
BMEN 710 Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Systems BMEN 713✝ ✝ Human Cell and Molecular Biology for Biomedical Engineers ✝✝
BMEN 720 Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Systems ✝✝
BMEN 723 Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers %
✝✝
May be repeated as course topic varies.
Requires Senior Prevlidge
10
!
!
11
Total:
130 credit hours
Senior Year
Spring Semester
15 credit hours
Senior Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Junior Year
Spring Semester
15 credit hours
Junior Year
Fall Semester
18 credit hours
Sophomore Year
Spring Semester
16 credit hours
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Freshman Year
Spring Semester
18 credit hours
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
Engineering
Elective (3)
BMEN 303 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
MATH 242 (3)
Differential
Equations
BMEN 428 (3)
Biomedical Design
BMEN 427 (3)
Biomedical Design
BMEN 361 (4)
Biomedical
Instrumentation
BMEN 321 (3)
Biomonitoring &
Electrophysiology
BMEN 260 (3)
Biomechanics
Engineering
Elective (3)
Technical Elective
(3)
BMEN 391 (3)
Kinetics
STAT 509 (3)
Statistics for
Engineers
BIOL 302/L (4)
Cell & Molecular
Biology
BMEN 211 (4)
Modeling &
Simulation
MATH 141 (4)
Calculus I
MATH 241 (3)
Vector Calculus
MATH 142 (4)
Calculus II
PHYS 211/L (4)
Essentials of
Physics I
BMEN 354 (3)
Transport
ECHE 320 (3)
Fluid Mechanics
PHYS 212/L (4)
Essentials of
Physics II
BMEN 202 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
BMEN 101 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
Technical Lab
Elective (1)
BMEN 345 (4)
Anatomy &
Physiology
CHEM 333 (3)
Technical
Elective (3)
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
U
ENGL 102 (3)
Literature
ENGL 101 (3)
Composition
Ethics Elective
(3)
Historical
Thinking Elective
(3)
Aesthetic
Understanding
Elective (3)
CHEM 331L (1)
Organic I Lab
Social Sciences
Elective (3)
Organic Chemistry !
U
CHEM 112 /L (4)
General
Chemistry II
CHEM 111/L (4)
General
Chemistry I
Courses outlined in bold are upper division courses.
BMEN 271 (3)
Biomaterials
BMEN 290 (3)
Thermodynamics
BIOL 102/L (4)
Biological
Principles II
BIOL 101/L (4)
Biological
Principles I
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Curriculum & Flowchart of Prerequisites
12
Total:
130 credit hours
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
Senior Year
Spring Semester
15 credit hours
BMEN 303 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
MATH 242 (3)
Differential
Equations
BMEN 428 (3)
Biomedical Design
BMEN 427 (3)
Biomedical Design
BMEN 361 (4)
Biomedical
Instrumentation
BMEN 321 (3)
Biomonitoring &
Electrophysiology
BMEN 260 (3)
Biomechanics
Engineering
Elective (3)
Technical Elective
(3)
BMEN 391 (3)
Kinetics
STAT 509 (3)
Statistics for
Engineers
BIOL 302/L (4)
Cell & Molecular
Biology
BMEN 211 (4)
Modeling &
Simulation
MATH 141 (4)
Calculus I
MATH 241 (3)
Vector Calculus
MATH 142 (4)
Calculus II
PHYS 211/L (4)
Essentials of
Physics I
BMEN 354 (3)
Transport
ECHE 320 (3)
Fluid Mechanics
PHYS 212/L (4)
Essentials of
Physics II
BMEN 202 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
BMEN 101 (1)
Biomedical
Seminar
Engineering
Elective (3)
!
Senior Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Junior Year
Spring Semester
15 credit hours
Junior Year
Fall Semester
18 credit hours
Sophomore Year
Spring Semester
16 credit hours
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Freshman Year
Spring Semester
18 credit hours
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
16 credit hours
Technical Lab
Elective (1)
BMEN 345 (4)
Anatomy &
Physiology
BMEN 271 (3)
Biomaterials
CHEM 333 (3)
Technical
Elective (3)
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
Biomedical
Engineering
Elective (3)
U
ENGL 102 (3)
Literature
ENGL 101 (3)
Composition
Ethics Elective
(3)
Historical
Thinking Elective
(3)
Aesthetic
Understanding
Elective (3)
CHEM 331L (1)
Organic I Lab
Social Sciences
Elective (3)
Organic Chemistry !
U
CHEM 112 /L (4)
General
Chemistry II
CHEM 111/L (4)
General
Chemistry I
Courses outlined in bold are upper division courses.
All dashed lines indicate co-requesites.
BMEN 290 (3)
Thermodynamics
BIOL 102/L (4)
Biological
Principles II
BIOL 101/L (4)
Biological
Principles I
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Curriculum & Flowchart of Corequisites
Biomedical%Engineering%Seminar
BMEN%201
BMEN%211
BMEN%260
BMEN%271
Thermodynamics%of%Biomolecular%Systems
BIOL%302
BIOL%102
CHEM%333
BIOL%302
BIOL%101
Corequisites
13
PHYS%212
PHYS%211
MATH%241
BIOL%302
BMEN%354
MATH%241,%CHEM%112,%BIOL%102 MATH%242,%BMEN%211
MATH%141
MATH%241,%PHYS%211
CHEM%333,%BMEN%290
BMEN%101
BIOL%102
BIOL%101
Prerequisites
Biomedical%Engineering%Seminar
BMEN%201
BMEN%302
Biomonitoring%and%Electrophysiology
BIOL%302,%MATH%242,%PHYS%212
BMEN%321
Anatomy%&%Physiology
BIOL%302,%BMEN%271
BMEN%345
Transport
MATH%242,%ECHE%320
BMEN%354
Biomedical%Instrumentation
STAT%509,%BMEN%321
BMEN%361
Kinetics%in%Biomolecular%Systems
CHEM%333,%MATH%242,%BMEN%290
BMEN%391
Senior%Design%I
BMEN%271,%BMEN%361,BMEN%354
BMEN%427
Senior%Design%II
BMEN%427
BMEN%428
CHEM%111%(with%lab) General%Chemistry%I
CHEM%111
CHEM%112%(with%lab) General%Chemistry%II
Organic%Chemistry%I%Lab
CHEM%331L
Organic%Chemistry%I
CHEM%112
CHEM%333
Fluid%Mechanics
PHYS%211
ECHE%320
Composition
ENGL%101
Composition%and%Literature
ENG%101
ENGL%102
Calculus%I
MATH%141
Calculus%II
MATH%141
MATH%142
Vector%Calculus
MATH%142
MATH%241
Elementary%Differential%Equations
MATH%142
MATH%242
Essentials%of%Physics%I
MATH%141
PHYS%211%
Essentials%of%Physics%I%Lab
PHYS%211L
Essentials%of%Physics%II
PHYS%211,%MATH%142
PHYS%212%
Essentials%of%Physics%II%Lab
PHYS%212L
Statistics%for%Engineers
MATH%142
STAT%509
**Please'note'that'electives'are'not'included'in'this'index,'but'are'still'required'for'graduation.
BMEN%290
Biomedical%Engineering%Seminar
BMEN%101
Modeling%and%Simulation%of%Biomedical%Systems
Biomechanics
Biomaterials
Biological%Principles%I
Biological%Principles%I%Lab
Biological%Principles%II
Biological%Principles%II%Lab
Cell%&%Molecular%Biology
Cell%&%Molecular%Biology%Lab
Description
BIOL%101%
BIOL%101L
BIOL%102%
BIOL%102L
BIOL%302
BIOL%302L
Class%Code
Index%of%Required%Classes%
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✔
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✔
✔
✔
✔
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✔
✔
✔
✔
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Required%for%
Requires%a%grade%
of%C%or%better? Upper%Division?
12
14
Senior BME
Design I / II
BMEN
427/428
Curriculum
Integration
Biomedical
Instrumentation
Integration
BMEN 361
Biomaterials
Biomechanics
Concept
Hands-on
BMEN 271
BMEN 260
Biomonitoring &
Electrophysiology
BMEN 321
509
STAT
Elect
211
212
PHYS
320
ECHE
141
142
241
242
MATH
101
202
211
290
303
345
354
391
101
102
302
BIOL
BMEN
111
112
333
101
102
CHEM
ENGL
Hands-on
INTEGRATION OF HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS WITH
THE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM
Biomedical Engineering Core-Course Descriptions
BMEN 101 – Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering I. (1) (Prereq:
Admission to the BS program in Biomedical Engineering) Introduction to the field of biomedical
engineering. Analysis and discussion of current issues, including ethical issues, in biomedical
engineering. Information access; library and literature search skills. Effective oral communication
involving technical material. BMEN 202 – Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering II. (1) (Prereq:
BMEN 101) Communication in the field of biomedical engineering, including technical writing and oral
presentations with emphasis on professional development, articulation of a critical position, and
productive intellectual exchange. Careers in the field of biomedical engineering. Planning and
managing group projects. Ethical issues associated with biomedical engineering. BMEN 211 – Mathematical Modeling in Biomedical Engineering I. (3) (Prereq: MATH 141)
Introduction to modern computational modeling tools used in biomedical engineering. Analysis,
visualization and image processing using engineering software as applied to problems of interest in
biomedical engineering.
BMEN 260 – Introduction to Biomechanics. (3) (Prereq: MATH 241, PHYS 211) Introduction to
continuum mechanics including statics, dynamics, and deformable bodies using integrated laboratory
experiences on biomaterials. Laws of motion. Free body diagrams. Stress and strain. Materials
behavior, focusing on models relevant to biomaterials. Mechanical properties of biomaterials. Basic
modes of biomaterial deformation.
BMEN 271 – Introduction to Biomaterials. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 333, BMEN 290; Coreq: BIOL 302)
Properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, natural materials and composites; methods to modify
surface and bulk properties of biomaterials; mechanisms of degradation in physiological
environments; cell- and tissue-biomaterial interactions; host response to implanted biomaterials;
blood-biomaterial interactions; rational design of biomaterials for specific biomedical applications.
BMEN 290 – Thermodynamics in Biomolecular Systems. (3) (Prereq: MATH 241, CHEM 112,
BIOL 102; Coreq: MATH 242, BMEN 211) First, second, and third law of thermodynamics; free
energy and chemical equilibrium in biological processes; phase equilibrium for biomedical systems;
energy and metabolism; membrane potentials and depolarization.
BMEN 303 – Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering III. (1) (Prereq:
BMEN 202) Analysis and discussion of industries, products, patents, industrial inventiveness, and
biomedical research. Ethical issues associated with research, introduction of new products, animal
subjects, and human subjects. Informative and persuasive communication of advanced scientific
information.
15
BMEN 321 – Biomonitoring & Electrophysiology. (3) (Prereq: MATH 242, PHYS 211, BIOL 302,
upper division standing) Basic electric circuits and equivalent cell model circuits used in biomonitoring
and electrophysiology. Ohm’s and Kirchoff’s Laws. Applications of electrical components, such as
operational amplifiers, filter, and Wheastone bridge, in biomonitoring and electrophysiology. Origins of
bioelectricity. Biopotential and electrochemistry including Nernst and Goldman-Hudgkin-Katz
equations for describing membrane potential of nerve and muscle cells. Ion transport involved in
maintaining cell pH, action potential, muscle contraction, and sensory perception.
BMEN 345 – Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers. (4) (Prereq: BIOL 302,
BMEN 271, upper division standing; Coreq: BMEN 354) Foundations for biomedical engineering with
a focus on human anatomy and physiology. Introduction to the inter-relationships between
tissue/organ structure and function; demonstration of how an engineering approach can promote
understanding of these relationships. Recent biomedical engineering advances and their relations to
underlying anatomy and physiology.
BMEN 354 – Biotransport. (3) (Prereq: MATH 242, ECHE 320, upper division standing) Basics of
convective and diffusive transport applied to biological and biomedical systems. The effect of fluid
flow and mass transport upon biochemical interactions. Scaling and design of biotransport systems.
BMEN 361 – Biomedical Instrumentation. (4) (Prereq: STAT 509, BMEN 321, upper division
standing) Principles of and experimental measurements using bioinstrumentation. Data acquisition,
processing, and statistical analysis. Lab and electrical safety. Analytical methods including
hematology , human fluids analysis, biosensors, chromatographic techniques, electrophoresis,
dialysis, spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and microscopy. Applications of bioinstrumentation in
disease diagnosis.
BMEN 391 – Kinetics in Biomolecular Systems. (3) (Prereq: MATH 242, CHEM 333, BMEN 290,
upper division standing) Kinetic theory applied to biomedical systems; chemical kinetics and rate of
complex reactions; enzymatic reactions; cell growth; kinetic models of biological systems; genetic
engineering.
BMEN 427 – Senior Biomedical Engineering Design I. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 271, BMEN 361, BMEN
354, upper division standing) Integrated team work/project management, "voice of the patient," design
specifications, design functions, design concepts, economic factors, concept selection and product
architecture. The initial feasibility study, selection of the final design approach, and preliminary
specifications are required by the end of the semester.
BMEN 428 – Senior Biomedical Engineering Design II. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 427) Design for
manufacturability, ergonomic and aesthetic considerations, prototype construction and testing,
fabrication and biological testing of tissue engineered constructs, statistical methods/design of
experiments, ethics/product liability and social/environmental impact. The final engineering design
(specifications, drawings, bill of materials, including assessment of economics) will be completed by
the end of the semester. Both written and oral reports are to be provided.
16
Biomedical Engineering Elective Course Descriptions
BMEN 342: Introduction to Infectious Diseases & Immunology. (3) (Prereq: BIOL 101 equivalent
or permission of instructor) Host parasite relationships; epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, control of
infectious diseases. Immunity, vaccines, immune disorders.
BMEN 389J: Stem Cell Engineering. (3) An introduction to the applications of stem cells in tissue
engineering and regenerative medicine.
BMEN 392: Fundamentals of Biochemical Engineering. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 333) Biological
systems are used in chemical industries for a wide variety of applications, including the formation of
important products (e.g. pharmaceuticals) sensor technology, degradation, and waste water
treatment. This class provides an overview of materials needed to investigate and model biosystems.
BMEN 499: Independent Research in Biomedical Engineering. (1-3) (Prereq: to be determined)
Summer internship, REU, or co-op experience in biomedical engineering. Students enroll in this
course following their research experience, and prepare a summary paper and research seminar on
their technical accomplishments. A maximum of 4 credit hours of BMEN 499 can count toward the
BMEN degree requirements.
BMEN 546: Introduction to Delivery of Bioactive Agents. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 333, BIOL 302,
MATH 142) Description, Design, and Evaluation of drug delivery methods.
ECHE 572: Tissue Engineering. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 271). Introduction to cell and molecular biology.
Biomaterial design and compatibility; biomaterial/peptide hybrids, biomaterial/cell interactions, and
scaffold fabrication; Protein stability, encapsulation, and targeted delivery; Cell isolation and
characterization; Cell seeding, adhesion, migration, and differentiation; Tissue formation and
assessment.
BMEN 589E: Vascular Mechanics and Hemodynamics. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 260) Cardiovascular
anatomy, physiology, and histology; vascular pharmacology; balance laws (momentum, energy,
mass); steady and pulsatile hemodynamics; electro-hydraulic circulation models; mathematical
biology; soft tissue mechanics and dynamics; experimental techniques.
BMEN 589G: Developmental Principles of Regenerative Medicine (3) Developmental
mechanisms, cell biology, histology, model organisms, regeneration, tissue engineering, stem cell
biology, experimental techniques.
BMEN 589R: Advanced Biomechanics. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 260) Mathematical and theoretical
analysis of the mechanical properties and functions of soft biological tissues. Experimental
techniques and mathematical modeling of soft biological tissues, with a focus on the mechanics of
arterial vessels. Application of non-linear solid mechanics to study biological tissues and events.
17
BMEN 589W: BioMEMS (Bio-Micro-Electro-Mechanical System. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 112/L, PHYS
212) Fundamentals of micro- and nanofabrication and their applications in biomedical engineering
and science. The fabrication covers photolithograpgy, nanofabrication for nanostructures, selfassembly, etching techniques, additive techniques, surface and bulk micromachining, microsystem
design, MEMS integration and packaging issues. The applications include design and analysis of
microactuators, biomicrosensors and biomedical devices.
BMEN 589Y: Micro/Nanofluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 112/L, PHYS 212)
Introduction of basic principles of fluid mechanics; boundary conditions; capillary, drop and
micro/nanoparticle, electrokinetics. Microfluidic components and sample preparation: micro-pump,
filter, valve, dispenser, mixer, reactor, preconcentrator, separation based on electrokinetics,
microactuator and particle manipulator. Experimental measurements: microscopy, fluorescence and
laser-induced fluorescence; measurement of flow velocity, temperature and concentration.
Applications in chemistry and life science: sensors in environmental monitoring and biodefence,
clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery and delivery.
BMEN 710: Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Systems. (3) (Prereq: MATH 242) Analytical
and quantitative techniques applied to engineering problems in biomedical transport, tissue
mechanics, cellular and organ physiology, and control of medical devices.
BMEN 713: Human Cell and Molecular Biology for Biomedical Engineers. (3) (Prereq: CHEM
550, BIOL 302) Advanced examination of the organization and function of the cell with emphasis on
the biophysical and quantitative aspects of cellular function. Emphasis will be on the biomedical
engineering applications of regulation of cell division, protein transcription and translation within the
cell, cellular energetics, and intracellular networks for cell signaling and cell function.
BMEN 720: Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Systems. (3) (Prereq: BMEN 354) Conservation
of momentum, energy, and mass, physico-chemical properties of biofluids, blood rheology, circulation
models and cardiovascular regulation, solute and oxygen transport in tissues, gas transport in lungs
and respiratory gas exchange models, kinetics and compartmental modeling, modeling of artificial
organs.
BMEN 723: Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers (3) (Prereq: EXSC 224 or BIOL
244) An examination of human biological structure and function from an engineering perspective.
Engineering principles will be used to analyze anatomical structures and physiological functions at the
tissue, organ, and systems levels.
EXSC 535: Biomechanics of Human Movement. (3) (Prereq: EXSC 223, EXSC 224, PHYS 201).
Kinetic and kinematic principles governing efficient human movement. Selected methods of analyzing
human movement will be reviewed.
18
PSYC 507: Cognitive Neuroscience. (3) (Prereq: one course from PSYC 400, 405, 450, or 460).
Research and theories on the role of the brain in facets of cognitive behavior, including attention,
short-term and working memory, perception, language, executive function, thinking, and problem
solving.
19
Undergraduate Petition Process
It is recognized that at times exceptions to the content of the approved curriculum might be warranted. To
provide an avenue for such requests, a petition process has been established. Examples of petitions might
include:
•
•
The use of alternative courses as technical electives, technical lab electives, engineering electives, or
biomedical engineering electives, particularly new or experimental courses that might not have been
offered at the time of curriculum development
Permission to enroll in a BMEN course prior to completion to pre-requisites or without dual enrollment in
co-requisites The approved procedure for a student to request faculty review of a proposed curriculum change and the
ensuing review process is as follows:
1)
The student will complete the petition form, which is included in this advisement
booklet or available on the Biomedical Engineering website, and gather the
required course information including:
• Information about non BMEN classes, such as a catalog description,
course syllabus, or example course materials and assignments
•
2)
The student will discuss the petition with their academic advisor and obtain their
signature.
3)
The student will submit the completed petition form to Leslie Jenkins in the
biomedical engineering office (Dr. Melissa Moss).
4)
The biomedical engineering undergraduate committee will discuss the petition and
vote on approval or denial.
5)
The undergraduate director will inform the student of the committee decision via
email and submit the decision to CEC student services for inclusion in the student’s
file.
The petition process may require 1-3 months to allow sufficient review. At any point, the biomedical
engineering undergraduate committee or faculty may request additional information from the student
concerning the details of the course(s) in question. It is the student’s responsibility to gather and provide this
information. The petition process will be facilitated if ample information is provided at the time of submission of
the petition.
Students should be aware that submission of a petition is a request for committee approval. As such, there
exists a possibility that the petition may be denied. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that a student
petition for a curriculum exception prior to enrolling in the course in question.
20
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student Petition
The petition process is intended to allow students to request faculty approval for modifications to their program of study that
deviate from the established biomedical engineering curriculum (as outlined in the advisement booklet). These requests
include, but are not limited to, (1) substitution of a core course or elective and (2) enrolling in a BMEN course prior to
completion of prerequisites. Students should be aware that petitions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is
strongly recommended that the students complete the petition process prior to enrolling in the course in question.
Student Name:
Student E-mail:
Date Entered USC:
Planned Graduation:
Petition Date:
Petition Request:
Provide a one-sentence description of the requested modification.
Example: I request that ECHE 499 be used as a BMEN elective in my program of study.
Petition Summary:
Provide one or more sentences summarizing the reasons for the requested modification.
Example: The research that I will conduct during my enrollment in ECHE 499 will entail
the study of the amyloid-β protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease. This
research will be biomedical in nature and will implement several biomedical
engineering concepts. Attached is a summary of the project that I proposed
to complete during the semester.
Action Date:
Signature:
_________________________________________
Academic Advisor
Signature:
_________________________________________
Undergraduate Director
Note: Attach relevant course syllabi and other supporting documentation to this form if appropriate.
BME Use Only
Submission Date:
Decision Date:
Notification Date:
Meeting Attendance
21
Approve
Disapprove
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student Petition
The petition process is intended to allow students to request faculty approval for modifications to their program of study that
deviate from the established biomedical engineering curriculum (as outlined in the advisement booklet). These requests
include, but are not limited to, (1) substitution of a core course or elective and (2) enrolling in a BMEN course prior to
completion of prerequisites. Students should be aware that petitions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is
strongly recommended that the students complete the petition process prior to enrolling in the course in question.
Student Name:
Student E-mail:
Date Entered USC:
Planned Graduation:
Petition Date:
Petition Request:
Petition Summary:
Action Date:
Signature:
_________________________________________
Academic Advisor
Signature:
_________________________________________
Undergraduate Director
Note: Attach relevant course syllabi and other supporting documentation to this form if appropriate.
BME Use Only
Submission Date:
Decision Date:
Notification Date:
Meeting Attendance
22
Approve
Disapprove
Biomedical Engineering
BMEN 499-Special Problems
1-3 Credits
NAME
SSN
TERM
#CREDITS
GPA
SUPERVISING PROFESSOR
INSTRUCTIONS: Students enrolling in this course must make specific arrangements with the supervising
professor before registration. Upper Division students with above average academic records may pursue the
study of specific engineering problems for credit by submitting to student services a complete project proposal
(use extra pages if necessary) to include project objectives, experimental and/or theoretical techniques and
anticipated results.
A FINAL REPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE STUDENT SERVICES OFFICE IN ORDER TO
RECEIVE CREDIT.
PROPOSAL:
Student
Supervising Professor
Undergraduate Director
Dean
23
Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees Accelerated Program
The Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees Accelerated Program in Biomedical Engineering allows
undergraduate students to complete both the B.S. degree and the M.S. degree in as few as five
years. The use of dual credit—courses that can be used toward both degrees—enables acceleration
of the program by reducing the total enrollment of the student by one semester.
Biomedical Engineering undergraduate students may apply for approval of an accelerated education
plan in the semester in which they will complete 90 hours of undergraduate course work. In addition,
students must have a sufficient foundation in biomedical engineering course work to enable them to
take graduate-level courses. University and program regulations stipulate that applicants must have
a minimum GPA of 3.40, both overall and in biomedical engineering courses. Students in the
accelerated program must maintain a GPA of 3.40 while pursuing the B.S. degree.
Students applying to this program must submit to The Graduate School a completed “Application for
Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Education Plan” (G-BMPA) with endorsements of their
undergraduate advisor, their research advisor, and the program graduate director. The dean of The
Graduate School has final authority for approving accelerated education plans. A
“Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Accelerated Plan Course Work Authorization” form must be submitted
for each semester in which one or more graduate-level courses are taken.
Participation in the accelerated program does not require or insure acceptance into The Graduate
School. Students wishing to continue towards a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering at USC
must apply formally to the Graduate School by submitting the appropriate application and all required
supporting documents.
Students in the accelerated program will be eligible for graduate
assistantships upon admission to The Graduate School.
Only graduate-level courses (numbered 500 and above, including up to 3 credit hours of
project/research work) satisfying both B.S. and Master’s degree requirements may be used for dual
credit. BMEN core graduate courses (excluding 1-hour seminar courses and thesis preparation,
BMEN 799) or courses from list of the approved BMEN graduate electives (refer to the graduate
student handbook) may be used for graduate-level coursework. No more than 9 credit hours may be
used as dual credit. The graduate courses used for dual credit must be taken during the student’s
final undergraduate year. No more than 9 credit hours may be applied towards both the Bachelor’s
and Master’s degree.
Eligibility criterion and applications procedures are summarized on the following page.
24
Eligibility Criterion
•
•
GPA 3.4, both overall and in BMEN courses
Senior Standing (90 hours by the end of the semester)
Application Procedure
1. Obtain endorsements from their undergraduate academic advisor, their research advisor, and
the graduate director
2. Fill out the G-BMPA Form (Application for Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s
Education Plan) found at http://gradschool.sc.edu/DocLibrary/. Complete this form in
consultation with the academic advisor and the graduate director. Obtain required signatures.
3. Fill out the G-BMCA Form (Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Accelerated Plan Course Work
Authorization) found at http://gradschool.sc.edu/DocLibrary/. Complete this form in consultation
with the academic advisor and the graduate director. Obtain required signatures.
4. Submit the completed G-BMPA and G-BMCA forms to the Graduate School for approval.
Approval of admission to the accelerated program and course enrollment privileges must be
obtained before classes for the term begin. No retroactive permission is given.
5. Students who wish to be considered for graduate admission to a Master’s program at USC
must also submit to the Graduate School a completed application and any additional
credentials, scores and/or documentation as required by that Master’s program
(http://www.gradschool.sc.edu/apply.htm).
Additional Considerations
•
•
•
•
Up to 9 dual credits satisfying both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree requirements may be
obtained.
Dual credit courses must be taken during the student’s final undergraduate year.
No more than 9 graduate credit hours may be applied towards both the Bachelor’s and
Master’s degree.
Admission to the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program does not guarantee admission to
The Graduate School or to the Master’s program.
25
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can Biomedical Engineers do pre-med? YES!
In addition to success on the MCAT, the office of pre-professional advising indicates that requirements
for admission to medical school include two semesters of lecture and laboratory in organic chemistry,
as well as general chemistry, general biology, and general physics. So, our pre-med students
should certainly be advised of that second semester of organic chemistry. In addition, pre-med students
should take biochemistry. It helps them considerably on the MCAT. Biochemistry is listed as a
"strongly desirable" course by the office of pre-professional advising for medical school, along with cell
and molecular biology, which they will get within the curriculum.
In the third tier of "desired" courses can be elected within the biomedical engineering curriculum as
technical electives.
About two-thirds of the US medical schools require one or two English courses. About one-third of the
US medical schools require one or two semesters of college mathematics.
In addition to coursework, pre-med students are strongly encouraged to participate in other activities,
including volunteer work and research. See the pre-professional advising link for more information:
http://www.sc.edu/oppa/med/handbook04.shtml
2. Can Biomedical Engineers do pre-pharmacy? Pre-dental?
Pre-dental is similar to pre-medical. Pre-pharmacy has its own major, where you enter into the
professional pharmacy program after two years of study.
3. Is it reasonable to expect a Biomedical Engineer to graduate in 4 years? YES!
It is reasonable to expect graduation in 4 years, but students should be encouraged to participate in
opportunities, such as research and internships, even if they delay graduation. A 5 year degree with lots
of experience and diversity is often more attractive than a 4 year degree with only coursework. The
same can be said for Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering programs.
4. Can a Biomedical Engineers double major in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering? Is this
reasonable? How hard would it be? YES!
Due to course sequencing, it will typically take a year to a year and half additional time to double major
in Chemical Engineering, Mechamical Engineering, or any science majors such as Biology, Chemistry or
Physics. Also, many options for minors are available to enhance the skillsets of a graduating Biomedical
Engineer.
26
5. What is the job market for Biomedical Engineers compared to doctors?
Biomedical Engineering compares well with the other engineering job markets. Biomedical engineering
students tend to go to medical school or graduate school in somewhat larger proportions than other
engineering majors. Students trying to decide between industry and medicine need to think more about
what they would be happy doing, rather than permitting that decision to be ruled by market
economics. In addition, medical school brings in factors such as student loans that are difficult to
account for. Keep in mind that to become a practicing physician requires an additional 4 years after the
Bachelor’s degree to get the MD. The MD is typically followed by a residency program that can take
another 3 to 6 years, depending on the specialization of interest to the individual.
6. Is the BMEN program accredited? YES!
The USC Biomedical Engineering Program applied for accreditation from the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology (ABET) after the first class of students graduated in May 2010. The
program underwent ABET review and was awarded accreditation in 2012.
7. What if I still have questions?
Please contact:
Or:
Dr. Melissa Moss, Undergraduate Director
Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina
(803) 777-5604 (Voice)
(803) 777-0973 (Fax)
mossme@cec.sc.edu
Dr. Abdel Bayoumi, Program Director
Biomedical Engineering, University of South Carolina
(803) 777-1845 (Voice)
(803) 777-0106 (Fax)
Bayoumi@cec.sc.edu
Or visit the program website: http://biomed.engr.sc.edu 27