Frequently Asked Questions
- How are biological, biomedical, and biomedical engineering research different?
- What kind of research can biomedical engineers pursue?
- How early in college can undergraduate students participate in research?
- How is research financed?
- What are the predominate biomedical journals?
- Is genetic research a possibility with a BME degree?
- What kind of research labs are available on campus?
- What support services are offered for engineering students?
- Who is an Engineer?
- What is Biomedical Engineering?
- How do I prepare for a career in Biomedical Engineering?
- Where do BME's work & what do they do?
- What are the specialty areas?
- Will I need an advanced degree?
- What is the average wage?
- Does a degree in BME prepare me for admissions to medical school? What is the advantage of being A doctor with an undergraduate degree in Engineering?
- Will a degree in BME help my chances of admittance into medical school?
- What looks better on a medical school application: BME major with a 3.0 GPA or Biology major with a 3.8 GPA?
- Where are most jobs located geographically?
- What makes BME at UC unique?
- What are UC's goals for BME students?
- I am interested in becoming an M.D. What are the advantages of UC's 5-year program to pursuing this goal?
- What courses are required to graduate with a BME major?
- What specialty tracks are available at UC?
- When do I have to declare my track?
- Is it possible to switch between tracks?
- Do many women major in Biomedical Engineering?
- Will I interact with Physicians and other health professionals?
- Where is the Medical Center campus and why are some courses taught there?
- What support services (ex. tutoring) are available to BME students?
- What is the average Co-Op income?
- How are we prepared to begin Co-Op?
- What is the process of getting a Co-Op position?
- Where do students Co-Op?
- Why do BME students follow a different Co-Op schedule?
- What type of work will I do on Co-Op?
- Can I do an international Co-Op?
- How do I pursue an international Co-Op?
- Can undergraduate students participate in research?
- What are the primary biomedical engineering journals?
- Can I do genetic research with a degree in BME?
- What research is conducted at UC?
- Which federal agency regulates medical devices?
- Additional Resources
How are biological, biomedical, and biomedical engineering research different?
Biological research includes research on any question related to a living organism. This is the broadest area as it includes research related to all plants and animals. Biomedical research is a focused on questions related to human health and disease. Biomedical research is often conducted on non-human animals and organisms which serve as model systems of the mechanisms and disease processes in humans. The differences between these model systems and humans should always be kept in mind. Biomedical engineering research is any biomedical research that utilizes engineering knowledge, methods and tools.
What kind of research can biomedical engineers pursue?
An undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering provides the foundation needed to pursue a very broad range of research topics at the interface of engineering with biology and medicine. If you want to conduct research you will need to first obtain a PhD degree. The research questions you are able to pursue and the methods you can bring to bear on the questions will depend on the studies you undertake in graduate school and the individual you choose as you PhD dissertation advisor.
How early in college can undergraduate students participate in research?
It is possible to start as early as your sophomore year if you choose to do your first co-op experience in a research lab. Undergraduates can also participate in research for technical elective credit using the 20BME510 Independent Study course number.
How is research financed?
Most research is expensive to conduct, particularly medical research which tends to be more experimental than mathematical in nature. As a result, a sponsor needs to be identified who is willing to pay for the research. Universities provide young faculty startup funds to initiate their research. These faculty are expected to use these funds to conduct the preliminary studies needed to obtain extramural (outside) funding. The most common and prestigious extramural sponsors are federal agencies, specifically, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Faculty promotion and tenure typically depends on the ability to obtain funding from one of these agencies. Funding form corporations and non-profit foundations is also available, but forms a small percentage of the total funded research. Research conducted in most corporations is actually more a form of advanced product development. The total dollars allocated to basic research conducted within corporations has declined in recent years as industry-academic collaborations have grown.
What are the predominate biomedical journals?
These are too numerous to list. The major biomedical engineering journals include: Journal of the Biomedical Engineering Society American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Transactions on Biomechanical Engineering, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Transactions – Bioengineering Journal of Biomechanics Rehabilitation Engineering A more complete list is available in the Engineering Library.
Is genetic research a possibility with a BME degree?
Yes. You should see your advisor about how to use your technical electives to best prepare for graduate studies in this area.
What kind of research labs are available on campus?
The University of Cincinnati is a categorized as a Research Intensive University and UC’s faculty conduct a very wide variety of research studies. You can learn more about the research conducted at UC by going to the home page of UC’s Office of Sponsored Programs (www.research.uc.edu) and searching the Award and Proposal Database. You should also look at UCBME’s web site for links to information about UCBME faculty research interests.
What support services are offered for engineering students?
- Mentoring:
- A mentoring program is available in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.
- Big Brother/Big Sister Program
- Tutoring:
- Learning Assistance Center 556-2888
- www.esit.uc.edu
- Psychological Services Center:
- 556-0648
- Tuesday Evening 5-8 pm
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – by Appointment
- Social Groups:
- Student Chapter of Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
- Tribunal
- Cadusha (pre-med)
Who is an Engineer?
An engineer is someone whose education and experience enables them to:
use mathematical models to predict the behavior of components and systems
discover new knowledge through theory and experiments
conceive, design, implement and operate new devices, systems and processes
Engineers are sometimes referred to agents of change, because they apply technologies to improve the quality and duration of life.
The difference between engineering disciplines is in the type of devices, systems and processes that the engineers work with.
What Is Biomedical Engineering?
The Whitaker Foundation, which has provided significant funding for the development of biomedical engineering education and research, uses the following definition of the field.
Biomedical engineering is a discipline that advances knowledge in engineering, biology and medicine, and improves human health through cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences and clinical practice. It includes:
- The acquisition of new knowledge and understanding of living systems through the innovative and substantive application of experimental and analytical techniques based on the engineering sciences.
- The development of new devices, algorithms, processes and systems that advance biology and medicine and improve medical practice and health care delivery.
A biomedical engineer is a person with the education and experience to solve problems that arise at the interface of engineering with medicine and biology. Biomedical engineers apply their knowledge to understand how the human body works and to improve methods for preventing, diagnosing and treating disease and injury.
Biomedical engineering education differs from that of other engineering disciplines in that biomedical engineers have a strong foundation in the life sciences and study the interaction between living and non-living systems.
Most engineers work with things that humans use and make those things more useful, whereas biomedical engineers work with humans themselves and see that a human body is put into use in the most efficient manner. Biomedical engineers help people improve the quality of their life.
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How do I prepare for a career in Biomedical Engineering?
The biomedical engineer should plan first and foremost to be a good engineer. Beyond this, he or she should have a working understanding of life science systems and terminology. Good communications skills are also important, because the biomedical engineer provides a link among professionals with medical, technical, and other backgrounds.
The high school preparation for biomedical engineering is the same as for any other engineering discipline, except that some life science course work should also be included. Students who plan on pursuing biomedical engineering should check with their intended college to make sure that they are taking the all the courses required to get into the program at that particular college.
At the college level, the student usually selects engineering as a field of study, and then chooses a discipline concentration within engineering. Some students will major in biomedical engineering, while others may major in a traditional field such as electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, with a specialty in biomedical engineering.
Experience indicates that a top-quality biomedical engineer must have an excellent knowledge of physiology so that he or she can make sound judgments in solving biomedical problems. When working in a specific area of biomedicine, it is also necessary to know how disease alters function; this is the field of pathophysiology.
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Where do BMEs work & what do they do?
Biomedical engineers work in the medical product industry, in hospitals, research laboratories, universities, the government and business.
Typically, biomedical engineers work in teams whose composition is determined by the project but usually include s other engineers and scientists, plus health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, therapists and technicians. If the project involves product development, the team will likely include a business person to evaluate return on investment and develop marking strategies , and one or more industrial designers. Industrial designers use task - analysis methods and consider human factors to assure the product is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
- In the medical product industry, biomedical engineers create designs where an in-depth understanding of living systems and technology is essential.
- In hospitals, they provide advice on the selection and use of medical equipment, as well as testing and maintenance.
- In research institutions, biomedical engineers collaborate with doctors, physiologists and nurses, building custom devices and conducting experiments for research needs.
- In research laboratories and consulting companies, they conduct contract research and product development for external clients.
- In universities, they teach undergraduate and graduate students, and conduct research to advance our knowledge to improve medical care and develop technologies that enable new products.
- In government, they perform product tests and establish safety standards for medical devices and instrumentation.
- In business, biomedical engineers serve as technical advisors for marketing departments of companies. Many biomedical engineers also have advanced training in other fields, including medicine, business and law.
What Biomedical Engineers do
Specific tasks include:
- studying engineering aspects of bio-behavioral systems of humans, using human anatomy and physiology
- planning and conducting research on behavioral, biological, psychological, and other life systems
- using computer graphics and other related technologies to develop mathematical models and computer simulations of human bio-behavioral systems
- designing and developing instruments and devices, such as artificial organs, limbs, pacemakers, lasers, CAT scanners, positron emission transverse tomography (PETT) scanners, nuclear magnetic resonance machines, and ultrasound imaging devices
- evaluating the effectiveness of drugs and other medications
- developing new applications for energy sources, such as nuclear power for biomedical implants
- teaching, writing, consulting, and/or managing
Read a design interview with Liam Axelson
The following examples of work done by biomedical engineers were adapted from The Whitaker Foundation web site:
- designing and manufacturing medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, arterial stents, artificial kidneys, blood oxygenators, hearts, blood vessels, joints, arms and legs
- designing and building instruments that enable minimally invasive surgery. This includes the development of fiber optic scopes to view inside the body, minimally invasive tools to cut and join tissues and to stop bleeding, surgical robots, and steerable catheters to deliver drugs and devices to peripheral arteries an d veins.
- designing, building and investigating medical imaging systems based on X-rays (computer assisted tomography), isotopes (position emission tomography), magnetic fields (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, or newer modalities
- designing computer systems to monitor patients during surgery or in intensive care, or to monitor healthy persons in unusual environments, such as astronauts in space or underwater divers at great depth
- designing and building new sensors to measure blood chemistry, such as potassium, sodium, 02, CO2, and pH
- designing instruments and devices for therapeutic uses, such as a laser system for eye surgery or a device for automated delivery of insulin
- developing strategies for clinical decision - making based on expert systems and artificial intelligence, such as a computer-based system for selecting seat cushions for paralyzed patients , for managing the care of patients with severe burns , or for diagnosing diseases
- designing clinical laboratories and other units within the hospital and health care delivery system that utilize advanced technology. Examples would be a computerized analyzer for blood samples, ambulances for use in rural areas, or a cardiac catheterization laboratory.
- constructing and implementing mathematical/computer models of physiological systems
- designing and constructing biomaterials and determining the mechanical, transport, and biocompatibility properties of implantable artificial materials
- implementing new diagnostic procedures, especially those requiring engineering analyses to determine parameters that are not directly accessible to measurements, such as in the lungs or heart
- investigating the biomechanics of human performance, injury , and wound healing
What are the specialty areas?
Biomedical engineering is the intersection of engineering and medicine. As a result, it is broader than either discipline alone. Specialization in BME occurs by both engineering discipline and medical discipline. A few of the specialties are:
- Bioinstrumentation engineers develop computer and electronic devices to improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Biomaterials engineers study both living tissue and artificial materials used for implants. Understanding the properties of both living and artificial materials is vital in the design of implants and the selection of the materials they are made from. Implanted devices and materials must be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, chemically inert, stable, and mechanically strong enough to withstand the loads they are subjected to over time.
- Biomechanical engineers apply their knowledge of mechanics to develop new surgical procedures and medical devices such as replacement heart valves, the artificial kidney, artificial joints, and prosthetics. They also contribute to a better understanding of the function of organs and the musculoskeletal system.
- Clinical engineers supervise the use and maintenance of biomedical equipment in hospitals. They are responsible for developing and maintaining computer databases of medical instrumentation and equipment records and for the purchase and use of sophisticated medical instruments. They may also work with physicians on projects to adapt instrumentation to the specific needs of the physician and the hospital. This often involves the interface of instruments with computer systems and customized software for instrument control and data analysis.
- Medical imaging engineers work with a variety of physical phenomena (sound transmission and reflection, x-ray absorption, radioactive particle emission, and magnetic resonance) to create images of internal anatomy. New approaches are also being developed and employed to examine metabolic changes associated with brain function. Computers are extensively used to collect, analyze, and display the large amount of data needed to form 3-D images.
- Rehabilitation engineers work to improve the capabilities of individuals with physical and cognitive impairments. They design prosthetics and assistive technology. Because the products of their labor are so personal, often developed for particular individuals or small groups, the rehabilitation engineer often works directly with the disabled individual.
- System physiologists use engineering strategies, techniques, and tools to understand the behavior and function of living organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. They gain this understanding through a combination of experiments and mathematical models.
Most biomedical engineering research and product development requires the knowledge and skills of engineers from several areas. As a result , research and product development have become increasingly a team activity that brings together individuals with backgrounds in different specialties. The development of a new implant will also require business people to assess return on investment and develop marketing strategies. Biomechanical engineers asses s the loads on the implant and design it so it won’t fail , while biomaterials engineers will be involved in the selection of the material and any finishes and coatings. Industrial designers assist in human factors and task analysis so the device and tools used are easy to work with. Biochemical engineers will be involved if the implant is bioactive or designed to deliver a drug over time to promote its incorporation into the body.
This answer was adapted from materials available on The Whitaker Foundation web site.
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Will I need an advanced degree?
Most individuals who obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering go on to some form of graduate study. Advanced studies are required if you are interested in becoming a physician, pursuing an academic or research career, or practicing patent law. Although graduate studies are not necessary if you want to pursue a career in industry, it is common for engineers in the medical device industry to have advanced degrees, because of the need to interact with physicians and other professional who have advanced training.
There is also a national trend to make the Master’s degree the first professional engineering degree. Civil Engineers are leading this trend and the American Society of Civil Engineers has already endorsed this idea. To learn more about this, click on http://www.asce.org/pdf/tcfpd-complete.pdf.
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What is the average wage?
The median salary of Product Design Engineers working in the medical device industry was reported in 2003 to be $84,000, with a median total compensation (includes bonuses) of $99,000.
The 2003 Annual Salary Survey (Dec 2003), reported in Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry magazine , a publication of Canon Communications, gives more wage information. http://www.devicelink.com/mddi/archive/03/12/011.html.
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Does a degree in BME prepare me for admissions to medical school? What is the advantage of being A doctor with an undergraduate degree in Engineering?
An undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering is excellent preparation for medical school. It gives you the basic knowledge needed to score highly on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test ) exam and the advantage of being able to attack problems with engineering skills.
The course load for the biomedical engineering major includes many of the classes required for admittance into medical school, and biomedical engineers get experience with the medical field as part of their training. Additionally, students who earn their undergraduate degree in engineering learn to take a practical approach to situations and develop a problem solving mentality, both of which are very useful when practicing medicine.
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Will a degree in BME help my chances of admittance into medical school?
The development of knowledge and thinking skills gained while earning this degree will help prepare students to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test ), which is required for application to medical school.
Biomedical engineering requires many of the same courses typically taken by a pre-med student. Most BME programs even offer a pre-med track.
The advantage of being a doctor with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering is that you have the knowledge of design and innovation — you know how to decide which instruments you will want to use as a doctor, and you have prior experience with using these tools.
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What looks better on a medical school application: BME major with a 3.0 GPA or biology major with a 3.8 GPA?
Medical schools know how rigorous the BME program is, the kinds of classes that are included in the coursework, and the training students receive in life sciences, body systems, and instrumentation. Students should be aware that medical schools also consider performance on the MCAT and other factors in making acceptance decisions. A degree in BME is not a guarantee of admission to medical school.
Where are most jobs located geographically?
Not surprisingly, most jobs, including BME positions, are located in areas of high population density where there is a skilled workforce. This means there are concentrations along the east and west coast and major cities in between. There are, however, notable exceptions like Warsaw, Indiana which has three major manufacturers of orthopaedics medical devices.
What makes BME at UC so unique?
Biological research includes research on any question related to a living organism. This is the broadest area as it includes research related to all plants and animals. Biomedical research is a focused on questions related to human health and disease. Biomedical research is often conducted on non-human animals and organisms which serve as model systems of the mechanisms and disease processes in humans. The differences between these model systems and humans should always be kept in mind. Biomedical engineering research is any biomedical research that utilizes engineering knowledge, methods and tools.
UC’s biomedical engineering program is noted nationally for its excellent faculty and its strong academics at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
But in addition to being recognized as one of the finest programs in the country, there are a number of factors that make UC-BME unique:
- The cooperative learning program for undergraduates
BME-UC, as does all engineering programs at UC, integrates theory with reality through cooperative education, in which students alternate quarters of classroom learning with quarters of paid, discipline-related work experiences. Through co-ops, students get hands-on work experience in their field, and a glimpse of their future career. Co-ops give students the opportunity to explore various aspects of biomedical engineering so they can make informed decisions about the program and the area in which they might want to specialize. These work experiences also help students build impressive resumes while still undergraduates, which makes them strong candidates for employment, research, or graduate study opportunities.
- Top notch engineering AND medicine programs
Not only is the College of Engineering at UC well-known throughout the United States as one of the best engineering schools, but UC also boasts an excellent medical school, which works in close partnership with the BME program. Though BME is relatively new at UC – begun four years ago in response to the need for new and updated devices in the medical field – the well-established connection between the medical and engineering colleges brings great strength to the program. Undergraduate BME students can co-op at University Hospital, which is on the adjacent East Campus. Students of all levels work closely with the medical staff and faculty, and have the opportunity to get involved in joint projects and research. - Connections-E: the dual admission pre-med option
The biomedical engineering program includes a pre-med option that prepares a student for medical school, with a curriculum that helps students succeed on the MCAT exam. Students apply for dual admissions to the BME undergraduate program and the UC College of Medicine through the Connections-E program. Students who meet Connections-E requirements are guaranteed a place in the UC medical school upon completion of their BME degree. - Extraordinary research possibilities
Because UC is a Level One research institution, students in BME have extensive opportunities to pursue research right on campus. Engineering faculty have been very successful in attracting research dollars. Additionally, the proximity to the College of Medicine, University Hospital, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital provide even more research opportunities to BME students, as well as jobs and hands-on experience in the medical community. - Individualized attention in a welcoming environment
UC is a large urban institution, with all the benefits that come from being a big school in a major city, but students in the College of Engineering enjoy small-school treatment within their department, with personalized attention from the faculty. A welcome reception for freshman and quarterly social events help build relationships among the students and faculty. Incoming freshman also benefit from the Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring program that matches them up with senior engineering students.
I am interested in becoming an M.D. What are the advantages of UC’s 5-year co-op program to pursuing this goal?
First, the cooperative education is an excellent way to earn extra money to support your undergraduate education. More important, however, is the personal and professional development that results from your co-op experiences. These experiences build self- confidence and professionalism by placing you in an adult, professional work environment. You are no longer a student in class, but an on-the-job professional with all the associated responsibilities. Co-op experience also gives you valuable insight into the businesses and research that support the health care industry. Industrial co-op experience, in particular, will provide you valuable knowledge and experience of the medical product development processes that will aid you as you take your place among future physician innovators.
What courses are required to graduate with a BME degree?
There BME program offers both a standard and a medical track, each with different classes and specializations.
The detailed curriculum can be found on the College of Engineering web site at http://www.eng.uc.edu/currentstudents/curriculuminfo/.
What specialty tracks are available at UC?
We currently have two undergraduate tracks and a third under development. The two current tracks are Biomechanics and Premedical. The track under development is in Medical Device Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MDI&E). We expect the Medical Device Innovation track to be approved by the College of Engineering during this academic year and for the track to be available to the class of 2008.
The differences between the Biomechanics Track and the Premedical Track are twofold. First, premedical students use their technical electives to take organic chemistry. Second, there is a reordering of some courses to prepare premedical students to take the MCAT exam by the end of the pre-junior year.
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When do I have to declare my track?
You will need to declare your track by the end of the first quarter of your third year.
Is it possible to switch between tracks?
Yes. You can change at any time.
Do many women major in Biomedical Engineering?
Yes. The male/female ratio in BME is approximately 60%/40%.
Will I interact with physicians and other health professionals?
BME works in close partnership with the College of Medicine. Undergraduate students often co-op at University Hospital with medical school faculty. In the second quarter of the first year, BME students take a clinical class through the medical school. Seniors in the premedical track do clinical practice through the College of Medicine. BME faculty and students work closely with the medical school in research.
The Medical Center Campus (known as East Campus) is located only a few minutes away from the West Campus where the College of Engineering is located. A shuttle runs all day, at frequent intervals, between the two campuses.
The course 20BME110 - BME in the Clinical Environment involves numerous tours of clinical facilities. These tours are much easier to arrange by having students meet at the College of Medicine.
Walking directions and the schedule for the Express Shuttle can be accessed from www.uc.edu/directions.
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What support services (ex. tutoring) are available to BME students?
All UC students can receive up to four free hours of tutoring through One Stop Student Services. When scheduling your courses you can register for a learning community which meets every week, like a study group. Also, engineering groups such as the University of Cincinnati Engineering Tribunal and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring Program provide support for other students.
Information on tutoring services for UC students can be found at: http://www.esit.uc.edu/Learning/lrnGetTutoring.aspx.
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What is the average Co-Op income?
The co-op employer sets the wage. Most co-op students earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month during their co-op assignments. Students typically start at the lower end of this range and rise as they gain experience, become more independent, and assume more responsibility. The upper end of the salary range might be earned by a fourth-year student that is highly regarded by the employer.
How are we prepared to begin Co-Op?
Our students take the course 36PD102 Cooperative Education for Engineers in the spring quarter of their first year.
What is the process of getting a Co-Op?
The Division of Professional Practice at UC works with the students and potential employers to place the student in a position of interest. Students receive applications from employers for jobs that best fit their specifications.For more information, visit the Professional Practices web site at: http://www.uc.edu/propractice/current_students.htm.
Where do students Co-Op?
There is a wide variety of cooperative education experience available. No single company dominates our co-op program. Many students like to coop at Ethicon Endo-Surgery because it is a large company located in nearby Blue Ash, Ohio. Other students prefer to co-op outside Cincinnati at companies like Depuy Orthopaedicss in Warsaw, Indiana, for example. A list of companies that have recently employed BME students is listed below:
- AtriCure, Inc.
- Boston Scientific
- Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc.
- EBI, L.P.
- Ethicon Endo Surgery
- General Electric
- Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
- Medtronic, Inc.
- Nike, Inc.
- Philips Electronics North America
- Procter and Gamble Company
- SenSource, Inc.
- SES Medical Device Technologies
- Toyobo Co. Ltd.
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Tehran
- Wright Patterson Air Force Base
- Zimmer, Inc.
Why do BME students follow a different Co-Op schedule?
Other co-op programs in the College of Engineering alternate one quarter of classroom instruction with one quarter of co-op education. The BME co-op program alternates two quarters of class-room instruction with two-quarters of co-op education. This change was implemented to make our students more attractive to employers outside Cincinnati, and to allow our students to assume more responsibility than they could be assigned in a one-quarter, ten-week assignment. The UC-BME co-op program also delays the start of co-op education for premedical track students so that only five co-op quarters are available. This delay was required because of course scheduling issues and the desire of premedical students to be prepared for MCAT test in their third year.
What type of work will I do on Co-Op?
Employers are required to submit a description of the co-op assignment prior to hiring our students. This provides a screening mechanism to eliminate unsuitable positions. Occasionally co-op assignments do not work out as planned due to uncontrollable circumstances. Students provide feedback on their assignments, and this is used to improve the quality of co-op experiences. Initial co-op experiences are, of necessity, learning experiences, and it takes almost one quarter for a new student to become productive. This is why UCBME has gone to two-quarter co-op experiences. Remember, to get the most out of your experience you should communicate openly with your supervisor about your goals as a co-op employee.
Can I do an international Co-Op?
UC has an excellent International co-op program. Even before the formal BME program was established, several students who were interested in BME participated in the International Co-op Program (ICP) in Germany and Japan.
New jobs are being developed all the time. The structure of the program is such that students can be accepted as early as spring of the freshman year – two years prior to beginning language instruction and three years prior to the international co-op assignment. This structure provides adequate time to develop new jobs for the number of students from each discipline participating in the program. One of our goals is to have an accurate idea, before any student begins language training, about the number of jobs available in each discipline. This allows students to consider their options – whether to learn a second language and co-op abroad, or whether to continue co-op positions in the US – with as much accurate information as possible.
For more information, visit the International Co-op Program web site at: http://www.uc.edu/internationalcoop/.
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How do I pursue an international Co-Op?
Students will be notified via e-mail of a meeting held in the spring quarter. At that time, you will be given specific information about the program, and be able to apply. Notices will be distributed via the College of Engineering e-mail address, so students should be sure to check that address regularly. If you prefer to use an alternate address, you should arrange to have your UC mail forwarded to that address. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for students to be accepted and to remain in the International Co-op Program (ICP). In the past, we have been able to accept all students who apply during their first year, and who have a 3.0 GPA. Students who apply after the first year can only be accepted if space is still available in the program. You can find additional information about the International Co-op Program (ICP) at their web site
Can undergraduate students participate in research?
It is possible to start as early as your sophomore year by taking a co-op position in a research lab. Undergraduates can also participate in research for a technical elective credit using the 20BME510 Independent Study course number.
What are the primary biomedical engineering journals?
A list of resources on biomedical engineering topics can be found on the Engineering Library web site
The primary professional society for biomedical engineers is the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) . The scientific journal published by BMES is the Annals of Biomedical Engineering.
Numerous other journals cover specific areas within bioengineering. Examples include:
- Biomaterials, published by the Biomaterials Society
- Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- IEEE Transaction on Bio-Medical Engineering, published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Biomechanics , which is the official Journal of the American Society of Biomechanics
- Much biomedical engineering literature is published in medical journals such as the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.
Can I do genetic research with a degree in BME?
Yes. You should see your advisor about how to use your technical electives to best prepare for graduate studies in this area.
What research is conducted at UC?
The University of Cincinnati is a categorized as a Research Intensive University and UC’s faculty conducts a very wide variety of research. You can learn more about research at UC by going to the home page of UC’s Office of Sponsored Programs and searching the award and proposal database. You should also look at UCBME’s web site for links to information about the research interests of UC faculty.
Which federal agency regulates medical devices?
Medical devices and drugs are both regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The head of HHS is a member of the President’s Cabinet, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. A list of what the FDA regulates can be found online at http://www.fda.gov/comments/regs.html.Within the FDA, devices are regulated by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/.
All medical devices fall into one of three classes that differ by the amount of risk a patient is subjected to by using the device. Class I devices are of low risk, Class II devices of moderate risk , and Class III devices have a risk of death. The amount of time it takes to bring a new device to market depends on the device class and whether there are similar devices that have already been approved by the FDA.
Top- American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
http://www.aimbe.org - American Society of Biomechanics
http://asb-biomech.org - Bioengineering Division
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
http://www.asme.org/divisions/bed - BioMedical Engineering Net
www.bmenet.org/BMEnet - Biomedical Engineering Society
www.bmes.org - Career Page
Biomedical Engineering Society
www.bmes.org/careers.asp - Career Page
Society for Biomaterials
http://www.vv-vv.com/biomaterials - Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
http://www.eng.unsw.edu.au/embs/index.html - Junior Engineering Technical Society
http://www.jets.org - Medical Device Link
http://www.devicelink.com - National Engineers Week
http://www.eweek.org - Engineering your Future
http://www.asee.org/precollege - Discover Engineering
http://www.discoverengineering.org - Atricure, Cincinnati, Ohio
http://www.atricure.com/ - Depuy Orthopaedics
http://www.depuy.com/company_links/orthopaedics.html - University of Cincinnati Co-Op Registration
http://www.uc.edu/propractice/co-opregistration.htm
2901 Campus Drive ML 0048 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048 Phone: 513-556-4171 Fax: 513-556-4162 Email: bme@uc.edu