Bioengineering

N107 William H. Foege Building

Bioengineering encompasses a wide range of activities in which the disciplines of engineering and biological or medical science intersect. Such multidisciplinary endeavors are yielding new discoveries and major advances that are revolutionizing the health care system. The Department of Bioengineering, housed jointly in the School of Medicine and the College of Engineering, provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program of education and research and is recognized as a leading bioengineering programs in the world. Major areas of research and education include distributed diagnosis and home healthcare (d2h2), molecular bioengineering and nanotechnology, engineered biomaterials and tissue engineering, medical imaging and image-guided therapy, and computational bioengineering.

Undergraduate Program

The Bioengineering Program offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering degree

Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering

Department Admission Requirements

1. Direct Admission. The department enrolls up to 25 percent of its incoming class directly from high school. Students accepted to the University who indicate Bioengineering as their preferred major on their freshman application are considered. Strong applicants have completed chemistry, biology, and calculus in high school. Admission is for autumn quarter only.
2. Early Admission. Students enrolled at the University are eligible to apply at the end of the freshman year if they have completed the following courses: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, and 5 credits of English composition. The application deadline is July 1 for autumn quarter admission.
3. Upper Admission. Upper admission requires 59 credits of coursework with at least a 2.50 GPA: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; PHYS 121, PHYS 122; BIOL 180, BIOL 200; CSE 142; and 5 credits of English composition. A 2.50 GPA guarantees consideration but does not guarantee admission. Application deadlines are February 1 for spring quarter and July 1 for autumn quarter. Consult the department's Web site or adviser for more details.

Graduation Requirements

180 credits as follows:

General Education Requirements (105 credits):

1. Areas of Knowledge: 24 total credits in Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (VLPA) and Individuals and Societies (I&S), with at least 10 credits in each area.
2. Written and Oral Communication (8 credits): 5 credits of English composition, from the approved University list; T C 231. Additional writing credits are built into the major core courses.
3. Mathematics (25 credits): MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307, MATH 308; STAT 390.
4. Natural Science (47 credits): CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, and CHEM 223 or CHEM 237; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; BIOL 180, BIOL 200; BIOC 405.
5. General Elective (1 credit)

1. Engineering Fundamentals (17 credits): CHEM E 260; CSE 142, CSE 143; E E 215.
2. Bioengineering Core (38 credits): BIOEN 201, BIOEN 301, BIOEN 302, BIOEN 303, BIOEN 304, BIOEN 305, BIOEN 357; BIOEN 481; 8 credits of BIOEN 482.
3. Bioengineering Senior Electives (15 credits): Fifteen credits chosen from BIOEN 420, BIOEN 440, BIOEN 455, BIOEN 457, BIOEN 467, BIOEN 485, BIOEN 490, BIOEN 491, BIOEN 492. One of these courses must be “design-designated” (see department for current list).
4. Approved Electives (5 credits): Five additional credits chosen from an approved list of mathematics, science, and engineering courses (see the department's Web site for further information), or from the Bioengineering senior elective list.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Bioengineering students learn to apply engineering synthesis and analysis to biological problems and to glean design principles from nature to solve medical problems and create biomedical devices and materials. A key piece of the degree program is the senior capstone research and design project, through which students develop their knowledge and skills by joining in the department’s cutting-edge research. Bioengineering graduates are prepared to enter graduate school, medical school, or the growing biomedical industry. The department’s goal is to prepare students to be leaders and innovators in improving human health and health care. Bioengineering graduates have the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; the ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams; the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; the ability to communicate effectively; the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context; a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning; knowledge of contemporary issues; the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; an understanding of biology and physiology; the capability to apply advanced mathematics (including differential equations and statistics), science, and engineering to solve the problems at the interface of engineering and biology; the ability to make measurements on and interpret data from living systems, addressing the problems associated with the interactions between living and non-living materials and systems.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: The department is housed in the newly constructed Foege North building. Amenities include instructional laboratories, an advanced computing lab for class instruction and student use, a general computer lab for student use, a student work room, a seminar room, and meeting space. Departmental offices are also located in this building. Other laboratories are located in the College of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The Department of Bioengineering houses UWEB (University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials), participates in the Center for Nanotechnology, and sponsors many other research centers relating to our five thrust areas in Computational Bioengineering, Distributed Diagnosis and Home Healthcare, Engineered Biomaterials, Medical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, and Molecular Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors. With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.

• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Many undergraduate bioengineers are involved in internships. The department participates in the College of Engineering Co-op Program and maintains an internship Web site for majors.

• Department Scholarships: Several scholarships are available for majors.

• Student Organizations/Associations: The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the campus chapter of the national professional organization, organizes social events as well as events that support student interest in medical school, graduate school, and industry.

Of Special Note: Courses on technology commercialization are available to seniors.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
N107 William H. Foege Building, Box 355061
206-685-2000
bioeng@u.washington.edu

The Department of Bioengineering offers programs of study which lead to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Master of Science

The Master of Science degree program provides breadth of knowledge of engineering, biology, and medicine, and depth of knowledge in a particular research area. The degree prepares students for careers in academic, industrial, or hospital environments.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate School application
• Department of Bioengineering Admissions Form
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation
• One set of official transcripts
• Official GRE scores
• Official TOEFL scores (international applicants only)

Applicants are expected to have the following courses as part of their undergraduate education: ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, signal analysis, probability theory and statistics, programming, electrical engineering and physics, chemistry, materials science, rate processes and mathematics, and cell and molecular biology. Admitted students must be knowledgeable of these topics prior to entrance to the M.S. program.

Degree Requirements

Note: A single course may not count for two separate requirements.

• Molecular Bioengineering: BIOEN 501 (4)
• Cellular Bioengineering: BIOEN 502 (4)
• Systems Bioengineering: BIOEN 503 (4)
• Biostatistics (4 credits)
• Bioengineering seminar: BIOEN 510 (1)
• Bioengineering elective courses, chosen in consultation with faculty adviser: 10 credits
• Master’s thesis: BIOEN 700 (9 credits)

Doctor of Philosophy

The objective of the Ph.D. program is to train individuals for careers in bioengineering research and teaching. The program has three major objectives: (1) breadth of knowledge about engineering, biology, medicine, and the interdisciplinary interface between these different fields; (2) depth of knowledge and expertise in a particular scientific specialty; (3) demonstrated independence as a bioengineering researcher. These objectives are fulfilled through a combination of educational and research experiences. The program is rigorous but maintains flexibility to accommodate qualified students from diverse academic backgrounds. Entrance to the Ph.D. program does not require prior completion of the M.S. degree and may be made directly after the B.S. An optional dual Ph.D. degree in bioengineering and nanotechnology is available. See www.nano.washington.edu for more information.

Admission Requirements

While it is not required to complete an MS degree before beginning the Ph.D., every graduate student is expected to have the following courses as part of his or her undergraduate education: ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, signal analysis, probability theory and statistics, programming, electrical engineering and physics, chemistry, materials science, processes and mathematics, and cell and molecular biology. Admitted students must be knowledgeable of these topics prior to entrance to the Ph.D. program.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. program consists of a rigorous set of core courses, elective courses, and a focused research project. Three major milestones punctuate that work: the Qualifying Examination, the General Examination, and the Final Examination (dissertation defense). Additionally, students must complete a one-quarter teaching assistantship. The timing of the teaching assistantship is decided in consultation with the department and the faculty advisor.

All core and elective courses must be taken for a numerical grade. A single course may not count for two separate requirements. Required courses include the following:

• Molecular Bioengineering: BIOEN 501 (4)
• Cellular Bioengineering: BIOEN 502 (4)
• Systems Bioengineering: BIOEN 503 (4)
• Biostatistics (4)
• Bioengineering seminar: BIOEN 510 (1)
• 16 credits of bioengineering elective courses, chosen in consultation with faculty advisor
• 27 credits of dissertation writing (BIOEN 800)

Ordinarily, a student progressing well and on schedule follows this schedule:

• First Year: Complete one to three lab rotations and select a thesis adviser no later than the end of spring quarter.
• Second Year: Pass the Qualifying Examination and form a Supervisory Committee by the end of the second year.
• Third Year: pass the General Examination.
• Fourth Year (and subsequent years): Make an annual progress report to, and receive feedback from, the Supervisory Committee.
• Fifth Year: Defend the dissertation.

Medical Scientist Program

A Medical Scientist Training Program exists for the support of individuals interested in coordinated graduate school/medical school study leading to both the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Students entering this highly competitive program are given an opportunity to pursue a flexible, combined course of study and research. Early inquiry is essential for this option. Contact the MSTP office at 206-685-0762.

Research Facilities

As the Department is established within the College of Engineering and the School of Medicine, bioengineering students have access to all engineering and health science departments and facilities. A wide range of technologies and virtually all aspects of biomedical research tools are available.

Financial Aid

Financial support is available to qualified graduate students in the form of traineeships, fellowships, and teaching and research assistantships. Funding is derived from federal research and training programs, the Graduate School Fund for Excellence and Innovation, and programs sponsored by private agencies. Questions regarding financial support may be directed to the adviser.