Students studying biomedical engineering at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill are challenged with a curriculum at the interface of engineering and medicine.  During the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of engineering.  These courses include calculus, physics, chemistry and biology.  All of which provide the foundation for future engineering courses.  Once accepted into the program, students take engineering courses in mechanics, circuits and materials followed by specialized courses in biomedical engineering.  The design process is woven throughout the curriculum.  Students take courses that familiarize them with manufacturing processes while preparing them for the capstone senior design course that use a Design Control Process based on the FDA's Quality System Regulations. Computers are used throughout the program. Graduates will be prepared for professional employment in research, design, engineering and the life sciences. First year students interested in this curriculum should enroll in the Engineering First Year program and select BME as their intention.

In the BME department, students are given access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities at both UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University. This unique relationship offers students a wealth of opportunities for research, group collaboration, coursework, and exposure to experts in medicine and engineering. While all of the classes undergraduate students need to complete their degree are available on their home campus, students may choose to take courses on either campus. Students never have to travel to the partner campus; the joint program simply offers additional opportunities.

Plan Requirements

¹

A grade of C or higher is required.

²

A grade of C- or higher is required.

³

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine how to complete this requirement.

⁴

Take 4 specialty electives from no more than two groups

BME 3x5 Gateway Electives

BME Specialty Electives

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Critical Path Courses – Identify using the code (CP) which courses are considered critical path courses which represent specific major requirements that are predictive of student success in a given program/plan. Place the (CP) next to the credit hours for the course.

¹

A grade of C or higher is required.

²

A grade of C- or higher is required.

Career Opportunities

Biomedical engineers are employed by hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device and testing companies, government agencies, universities, and medical schools. With so many areas of specialization within the field, graduates are encouraged to further their education by attending graduate or professional school after graduation. Graduates from this program have attended graduate programs in biomedical engineering, physical therapy, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, microbiology, virology, public health, and sports physiology, among others, at many different institutions. Graduates who have taken additional courses to satisfy entrance requirements have also been accepted by medical, dental and pharmacy schools.

Career Titles

• Anesthesiologist (MD)
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
• Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager
• Biomedical Engineer
• Cardiologist (MD)
• Chemical Engineer
• Dentist (DDS)
• Dermatologist (MD)
• Engineering Professor
• Family Practitioner (MD)
• General Internists (MD)
• Gynecologist (MD)
• Mechanical Engineer
• Medical Technologist
• Nanosystems Engineers
• Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
• Obstetrician (MD)
• Occupational Physician (MD)
• Ophthalmologist (MD)
• Orthodontist (MD)
• Pathologist (MD)
• Pediatrician (MD)
• Psychiatrist (MD)
• Radiologist (MD)
• Sales Engineers
• Surgeons (MD)

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