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Additional Information
Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering is a field that integrates biology and engineering. It uses engineering approaches to solve problems in biology or medicine at levels ranging from the molecule to the whole organism. New techniques allowing us to explore fundamental mechanisms have immensely increased our understanding of biology and medicine. The proliferation of new tools and technologies are enabling bioengineers, in ways unimagined only a few years ago, to characterize and manipulate the function and properties of many biological tissues; to simulate using sophisticated computer models biological processes; and to produce remarkable images of organic structures and functions.
These powerful technologies offer vast new possibilities for increasing our understanding of complex living organisms and, ultimately, for preventing disease, maintaining health, and improving the quality of life. Biomedical engineering also brings quantitative analysis and rational design approaches to many other domains--agriculture and food technology, basic life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices--so that useful products and tools can be made safe, reliable, and economical.
The demand for engineers with backgrounds in biology and medicine is growing rapidly. Biomedical engineers play key roles in designing and developing new instruments, deploying the emerging information infrastructure, and creating new biomaterials and medical devices. Exciting new vistas are opening in genomics, molecular design, tissue engineeringm computational biology, and dynamic imaging of organs. Biomedical engineers are highly valued by new companies capitalizing on the revolution in quantitative biology and the application of advanced computers to biomedical problems. Individuals with degrees in biomedical engineering will find rewarding careers in industry, medical schools, and research institutions.
Premedical Preparation
Biomedical engineering is also excellent prepration for various professional schools, particularly medical schools. Many students complete their premedical requirements while obtaining their BME degrees. Premedical preparation is not a major, but rather entails fulfilling the requirements needed for entry to medical school. These generally consist of one year of college level biology, chemistry, mathematics, English and one year of organic chemistry with laboratory. Further information can be obtained by contacting the engineering school's premedical advisor: Dr. Richard Brand, or by phone at 935-4678.
Cooperative Experience
Cooperative experience is available to upper level students at numerous life science/technoogy companies both in the St. Louis area and nationwide. This experience is particularly valuable for students wishing to enter industry. However, since most companies ask that sutdents spend the equivalent of one semester and a summer in a cooperative position, undertaking this may make it difficult to complete the degree requirements in 8 semesters, unless students enter with sufficient advanced placement credits.
Study Abroad
While we recognize that studying abroad is a valuable experience, the rigors of our curriculum, coupled with the difficulty of adequately evaluating courses taken abroad for transfer credit, make this option problematic for students wanting to complete their degree in four years.
Summer Research
We strongly encourage undergraduates to pursue laboratory or industrial research during their summers. A non-exhaustive list of potential opportunities can be downloaded below:
SummerUndergradResearchOpportunities.pdf
Washington U/Hong Kong Polytechnic U. Exchange Program
Selected undergraduates at Washington University, who are eligible to take BME 401 in the fall semester, will have the opportunity each August to interact with students and faculty at HKPU in Hong Kong. During this two-week period they will experience first-hand some pressing medical problems in China that BME design projects can help solve. These medical needs will spur Washinton U senior design projects for the ensuing fall semester. Information about this program can be downloaded below:
Hong Kong Summer Study Abroad Program Application
Hong Kong Summer Study Abroad Program Flyer
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