Biomedical engineering is a discipline which integrates the engineering sciences with biology and medicine. The field of biomedical engineering has seen a dramatic escalation in activity over the past 20 years leading to the development of a wide variety of medical devices, medical procedures, and a basic understanding of biological processes. Engineering approaches are becoming increasingly important in modern biological and medical research and in the development of new technologies that stem from recent discoveries. The University of Arizona has established strengths in medical and biological engineering with faculty members providing education and research opportunities from nearly every scientific discipline on this campus.

During the first year, course work includes foundation BME core courses and introduction to research opportunities in faculty laboratories. Continued studies and research are flexible and include advanced graduate courses in engineering and life sciences, research methods, thesis credits (M.S.), dissertation credits (Ph.D.) and a research seminar series. Each student's course of study is developed with the guidance of a mentor and advisory committee. Students are also encouraged to participate in clinical and industrial internships which provide experience in state of the art applications of biomedical engineering.

The strength of the Biomedical Engineering Program derives largely from the flexibility afforded by the broad biomedical engineering research interests of the interdisciplinary faculty who participate in the Program. This allows each student the freedom to design a unique program of study to meet individual career goals.

Master of Science Requirements
M.S. students must take 36 units of graduate credit including the following courses: (a) four Biomedical Engineering core courses, BME 510, 511, 516 and 517; (b) ethics, MCB 695e; (c) seminar, BME 696 (2 units); (d) 2 units of laboratory rotation, BME 597; (e) 9 units in advanced graduate engineering courses; and (f) 6 units of thesis. A final examination is required. The Master of Science program is an unfunded, two-year program. The student is expected to pay all expenses.

Doctor of Philosophy Requirements:
Ph.D. students must complete 67 units of graduate credit, including 18 units in the major; a minimum of 9 units in the minor; 3 units of laboratory rotation BME 597; 6 units of seminar, BME 696a; 1 unit of Ethics, MCB 695e; and 18 units of dissertation. Students entering the program with a M.S. degree may petition to apply previous graduate coursework to the Ph.D. degree requirements. The Graduate College requires that at least 30 units of graduate credit must be completed at the University of Arizona. Specific M.S. and Ph.D. degree requirements and examination procedures are described in the Biomedical Engineering Program Graduate Handbook.

Biomedical Engineering Minor
Ph.D. candidates in other disciplines may select a minor in Biomedical Engineering. The doctoral minor is 12 units of approved BME courses including 9 units from BME 510, 511, 516 or 517 and in addition 3 units of BME 597 (Laboratory Rotation) or BME 599 (Independent Study). The doctoral student's dissertation committee should contain two faculty members in the BME Program. The minor will be granted upon completion of these courses with a B average for the required units. A "Minor Program of Study" form must be completed and a signed copy filed with the Program Committee.

Application Questions:
Debbi Howard
(520) 626-9134
dhoward@u.arizona.edu