Get your questions answered about undergraduate program offerings through the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.
Information about the BME undergraduate program is on the BME web site at engineering.case.edu/ebme/. On the website you can find information about each of our four tracks, advising, notable accomplishments within the department and much more. If there are special questions, contact bmedept@case.edu
Consider taking EBME 105. All other courses should be those required for any engineering major. Do not take more than 18 credit hours.
EBME 105 - Introduction to Biomedical Engineering is intended for students who would like a broader perspective of the field and are not sure which direction to take. If a student has a definite direction in mind, then it is not necessary.
In the first semester, the student should take required courses, depending on advance placement credit:
- MATH 121, 122, or 223;
- CHEM 111 or CHEM 145;
- ENGR 131 or PHYS 121 or PHYS 122;
- and SAGES.
Students should continue with the next calculus course. If a student starts in an advanced math course and finds it too difficult, then the student should switch to a lower level course within the drop-add period.
Students with CHEM 111 credit could take ENGR 145, ENGR 131 OR PHYS 121.
For PHYS 121, it is recommended that students have credit for MATH 121.
Students with credit for PHYS 121 could take ENGR 131.
For PHYS 122, it is recommended that students have credit for MATH 122.
All students need to know MATLAB programming, which is required for several required BME courses.
Students who take EECS 132 can either take ENGR 131 or learn MATLAB independently.
Upon graduation 40% of our students attend medical school, 30% attend graduate school and 30% enter industry directly. Over the last 6 years we have had a 96% placement rate, so students are able to find jobs and other opportunities post-graduation.
BME is typically considered one of the more difficult majors. However, the majority of our students do complete the program in four years (this does not include students who do a co-op). Students are able to complete a lot in four years. Some students opt to do double majors, some students opt to complete medical school requirements.
The key is for students to engage early with their faculty advisor and plan their four year program accordingly.
Top students have the opportunity to participate in the co-op program, usually at the end of the junior year (and following summer), or beginning of senior year (and previous summer). There is a dedicated co-op office that students need to apply to, and once their application is approved, they can then interview with a wide range of biomedical companies that are located all over the country including Phillips Medical, Boston Scientific and Medtronic.
Students interested in securing employment upon obtaining the BS in BME are encouraged to pursue internships and cooperative education experiences as well as to consider a minor in a related engineering program as part of the undergraduate experience.