Program of Study

Planning an Undergraduate Program of Study in Biomaterials

Students interested in biomaterials should blend the disciplines of physics, mathematics, biology, materials science, and engineering according to their individual interests. The following section is intended to be a guide for planning your BME specialization degree program in biomaterials. It includes general advising guidelines as well as specific course recommendations.

Important Subjects to Master

Because biomedical engineering is fundamentally an engineering discipline, a mathematics and engineering background is required. Engineering competence is best accomplished by pursuing coursework in materials science and mechanical engineering, since these disciplines have the greatest relevance for biomaterials. Therefore, most of the engineering courses that you will take outside of BME should come from the ME department.

In addition to an engineering background, a strong background in physics (mechanics) and chemistry is necessary. Furthermore, students interested in biomaterials (e.g., titanium hip implants, living skin equivalents) need to understand the interaction between materials with cells and the biochemical environment. Therefore, your supplemental science and, perhaps, some of your elective coursework should be in biology and biochemistry.

Course Selection Guidelines

The following section provides specific course recommendations for students pursuing a specialization in biomaterials. Note: Category II (cat. II) indicates that the course is offered every other year.

Supplemental Science Courses

As mentioned above, it is recommended that you pursue physics, biology, and chemistry courses within the BME supplemental science requirement. The order in which you take physics and chemistry is not critical.

For those interested in the design, synthesis and characterization of biomaterials, particularly biopolymers, supplemental science courses at the more advanced level are suggested. Organic Chemistry I (CH 2310) and Polymer Chemistry (CH 4550) are highly recommended for those interested in biopolymers. Students that are interested in biomaterial-tissue interactions and the biocompatibility of biomaterials should also consider taking Biochemistry (CH 4110) as it discusses many of the important bio-molecules that make up the tissues; For hands on laboratory skills for working with cells and tissues, Experimental Biology I (BB 2940) and Cell Culture Theory and Applications (BB 4008) are recommended.

Biomedical Engineering Courses

Because biomaterials is built upon a core of mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, mathematics, and biology, there are a few specific biomaterials courses, except at the senior- and graduate-levels. You should definitely plan to take Foundations in Biomechanics (BME 2504) and Foundations in Biological Transport (BME 2604) in your sophomore-year, Biomaterials (BME/ME 4814) and Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions (BME 4828) in your senior year. For your other BME coursework, you may want to take Bioelectric Foundations (BME 2204), Biomechanics (BME 4504, cat II) and Biofluids (BME 4606, cat II). In consultation with your academic advisor, you might also consider coursework in biomaterials at the graduate-level. These courses include Biomaterials in the Design of Medical Devices (BME 595B) and Tissue Engineering (BME/ME 550, cat II).

Other Engineering Courses

The majority of your engineering courses outside of the BME department should be taken in the ME department. Introduction to Material Science, Static Systems, and Stress Analysis, are fundamental courses for biomaterials engineers. In addition, you should consider the following courses:

Suggested Course Table and Sequence

 

Supplemental Science (Select two courses)

 

Select two from the following science courses below:
 BB 2940 - Experimental Biology I
BB 3101 - Human Physiology: Movement and Communication
BB 4008 - Cell Culture Theory and Application
CH 2310 - Organic Chemistry I
CH 4110 - Biochemistry I
CH 4550 - Polymer Chemistry (cat. II)

Engineering (Select nine courses)


Select three fundamental engineering courses, preferred choices include:
ES 2001 - Introduction to Materials Science
ES 2501 - Introduction to Static Systems
ES 2502 - Stress Analysis
ME 2820 - Materials Processing

Select two 3000-level (or higher) engineering courses, preferred choices include:
ES 3001 - Introduction to Thermodynamics
ES 3004 - Fluid Mechanics
ME 3023 - Mechanical Behavior and Modeling properties of Engineering Materials
ME 3501 - Continuum Mechanics
ME 3502 - Advanced Mechanics of Materials
ME 4821 - Chemistry, Properties and Processing of Plastics (cat. II)

Select four 3000- and 4000-level BME courses, preferred choices include: [Note #2]
BME/ME 4504 - Biomechanics (cat. II)
BME/ME 4606 - Biofluids (cat. II)
BME/ME 4814 - Biomaterials
BME 4828 - Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions
BME/ME 550 - Tissue Engineering (cat. II)
BME 595B - Biomaterials in the Design of Medical Devices

Note #2: At least 2 of the BME courses must be at the 4000-level or above. Graduate level courses can substitute for 4000-level courses.

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: July 31, 2008 08:44:27