Biomedical Engineering At Florida International University

What is Biomedical Engineering?


Biomedical Engineering, also referred to as Bioengineering, BioMed or BME, is a multidisciplinary STEM field that combines biology, medicine, and engineering.

This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine, combining the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medicine and biological sciences to advance health care treatment, including diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy.

Is Biomedical Engineering For Me?


If you have a strong interest in science and mathematics and would like to apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and medicine to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems, this is the right field for you. You must be willing to acquire the life sciences and medical knowledge necessary to understand, critically analyze, and resolve problems in various areas related to cellular and tissue engineering, bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, bio-imaging, and bio-signal processing, and neural engineering.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

​Biomedical Engineering involves applying engineering principles to create solutions for healthcare, including the design and development of medical products. Popular careers for Biomedical Engineers include Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Control Engineering, Software Engineering, Research, and Medical Practice.

BS in Biomedical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering provides students and practicing engineers with the experience needed to succeed in today’s market place. Our program offers the opportunity to perform original research as part of their college education. This is a vital part of your training and some start as early as sophomore year and continues through their entire undergraduate degree experience. The program also offers a clinical rotation experience.

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree

You can complete a BS degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering combined with an MS Degree in Biomedical Engineering. This combined degree pathway ​ seamlessly integrates a baccalaureate degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with a Masters in Biomedical Engineering.

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GRADUATE PROGRAM

Graduate Academic Opportunities at Florida International University

The Master of Science degree offers world’s ahead biomedical engineering education combined with opportunities for cutting edge innovation and relevant research. The Doctor of Philosophy degree trains future leaders in biomedical engineering through cutting edge research in a world class environment. Our graduates prepare for academic, clinical, or industrial research and development in: Basic Research in Engineered Tissue Model Systems, Diagnostic Bioimaging and Sensor Systems, or Therapeutic and Reparative Neurotechnology.

MS in Biomedical Engineering

MS students can choose to perform research and defend a thesis by working alongside our world-class faculty, or students may choose to focus on professional development and gain skills important for management and entrepreneurship. The MS program equips our graduate students with intellectual and practical skills required for developing today’s emerging biomedical technologies.

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

The Ph.D. program involves intensive research training with our faculty in cutting edge facilities. Ph.D. students often have the opportunity to collaborate on exciting research projects with clinicians, industry representatives, and other researchers from across various science and engineering disciplines. Our Ph.D. graduates have held leadership positions in a variety of biomedical and healthcare-related fields.

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ACADEMIC RESEARCH AREAS

Basic Research in Engineered Tissue Model Systems

Basic Research in Engineered Tissue Model Systems research focuses on cell and engineered tissue mechanics with a particular focus on cardiovascular regenerative medicine. The goal is to understand and control the molecular and mechano-regulation of cellular phenotypes within tissues for therapeutic benefit. Research in this area includes development of non-invasive strategies to restore normal tissue function and design and synthesis of living tissue replacements.

Diagnostic Bioimaging and Sensor Systems

Research in this area includes developing non-destructive imaging and sensor technologies that can detect disease development and tissue pathologies in vivo.

Therapeutic and Reparative Neurotechnology

Research in Therapeutic and Reparative Neurotechnology focuses on fundamental neuroscience and neural interfaces to repair and promote recovery of lost function after trauma or disease.

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OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Biomedical Engineering Student Clubs & Organizations
Internships, Student Societies & Clubs

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is engaged in a number of multi-university and industrial partnerships, including two National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Centers (ERC) and one Science and Technology Center (STC). BME also counts numerous industrial partnerships with local companies such as Entopsis, Stryker, and OrthoPro, and collaborations with hospitals including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida.

Through internship opportunities in industry and hands-on research activities in state-of-the-art laboratories, graduates are prepared to hit the ground running in their chosen careers. Close to 90 percent of BME’s senior design projects are sponsored by industry partners.

Internships: Internships serve to provide our students with unique opportunities to participate in the field and gain experience. As a research intern within or outside FIU, students apply classroom learning to the biomedical field, and work to solve today’s greatest healthcare challenges through engineering. Two research opportunities within the BME department include: A multi-year Coulter Undergraduate Research Excellence (CURE) program; Summer internship via the Norman Weldon summer research program. Additional research opportunities in biomedical sciences/engineering are also available within FIU including the Honors College.

Student Societies: The Biomedical Engineering department has many student society chapters that you can become a part of. These will help you grow as a student, as an individual, and as a professional in your career. The chapters host events and activities throughout the year that help their members engage with experts from academics, clinics, and industry. The major student chapters are the BMES Student Chapter, Alpha Eta Mu Beta (AEMB) Honor Society Chapter, the IEEE-Engineering in Medicine and Bioloy (EMBS) chapter, the IEEE- Electronics Packaging Society Chapter, Panther Bionics, and the SPIE Student Chapter.

CURE Program: The Coulter Undergraduate Research Excellence Program (CURE) was developed to pair undergraduate students with a faculty mentor for mentored participation in research projects. Being a part of the CURE program ensures that throughout their undergraduate experience, students participate actively in research, achieve success, and attain critical skills in preparation for life after graduation.

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CAREER PATHS

Career Paths In Biomedical Engineering
What Can You Do With a Biomedical Engineering Degree?

Technological advances have become an integral part of modern medicine and healthcare. There is a growing need on both the technological and healthcare sides for professionals who understand increasingly complex biomedical problems.

With a BME degree, you can focus on medical systems, product design, biomedical equipment testing and quality control, data science, biomedical research, clinical training, and other opportunities to pursue a number of exciting career options such as:

Clinical Application of Biomedical Engineering ToolsCommercialization in the Biomedical Industry
Product Development and ManufacturingBiomedical Research
Clinical Engineer in HospitalsPatent law
Veterinary MedicineNursing & Allied Health Sciences (Occupational and Physical Therapy)

In addition, our BME degree can also serve as a pre-med program for students interested in pursuing a degree in medicine.