Biomedical Engineering Minor

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

Requirements for Biomedical Engineering Minor: 18

BIOL 221 - Human Anatomy (COM) Credits: 4
BIOL 221L - Human Anatomy Lab (COM) Credits: 0
BIOL 325 - Physiology (COM) Credits: 4
BIOL 325L - Physiology Lab (COM) Credits: 0
EE 454 - Biomedical Instrumentation and Electrical Safety Credits: 3
or EXS 454 - Biomechanics (COM) Credits: 3
and EXS 454L - Biomechanics Lab (COM) Credits: 0
or ME 446 - Engineering Mechanics in Biomedical Applications Credits: 3
or ME 448 - Mechanical Behavior of Biomaterials Credits: 3
EE 464 - Senior Design Project I (COM) Credits: 2
or ME 478 - Mechanical Systems Design I Credits: 2

*see note one below.
EE 465 - Senior Design Project II (COM) Credits: 2
or ME 479 - Mechanical Systems Design II (COM) Credits: 2
and ME 479L - Mechanical Systems Design II Lab (COM) Credits: 0

*see note one below.
EE 491 - Independent Study (COM) Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
or EE 494 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-3  (3 credits required)
or EE 498 - Undergraduate Research/Scholarship (COM) Credits: 1-3  (3 credits required)
or ME 491 - Independent Study (COM) Credits: 1-5  (3 credits required)
or ME 494 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-3  (3 credits required)
or ME 498 - Undergraduate Scholarship/Research (COM) Credits: 1-3  (3 credits required)

** see note two below.

Total Required Credits: 18

Notes

* The capstone design project must focus on biomedical engineering and be approved by the respective Coordinator.
** Must be biomedical engineering project approved by the respective Coordinator.