Biomedical Engineering Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Stephen Gent, Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 218
605-688-5337

Program Information

Students interested in both engineering and the life sciences, especially medicine, should strongly consider a career in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering is defined as 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. SDSU has long prepared students for careers in biomedical engineering by tailoring their engineering degrees for this specialty. Engineering students who complete the 18 credit minor will be well prepared for engineering careers in industry or for entering graduate programs in biomedical engineering or medicine. SDSU has placed graduates in the top M.D. and biomedical engineering graduate schools throughout the country.

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. Prior to graduation, students 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Biomedical Engineering Minor will be able to:

• 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 clearly, effectively, and succinctly communicate biomedical engineering related technical information in both written and spoken forms.