Biomedical Engineering
Improve healthcare and patient outcomes through innovation in medical devices, diagnostics, and treatments with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering.
Engineers with Human Impact
Biomedical Engineering (BME) is focused on the application of engineering principles and design concepts to address problems in medicine and healthcare. Rooted in science, math, biology, and engineering, the biomedical engineering program at UW-Eau Claire will allow you to design and improve the next generation of medical technologies. Project-based learning throughout the program, including a senior capstone project, will build skills in teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving, helping you to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering challenges.
The ability to explore and make discoveries is a critical component of the major. Our small classes, individual attention from faculty, and robust collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System will help you develop professionally in areas such as medical imaging, 3D printing, implantable medical devices, bio-compatible materials, and tissue engineering.
As a result of longer life expectancy and an increased demand for new technologies and tools, biomedical engineering graduates are in high demand. After completing the program, you could help bridge the gap between understanding engineering concepts and the biomedical problems that are being addressed. You may go on to design implants, improve pacemakers, create engineered tissues, develop new medical imaging tools, and so much more. With careers in product development, research, clinical support, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs, a BME degree gives you the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Program Details
Accreditation Information
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering program at UW-Eau Claire is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Biomedical Engineering Program Criteria.
The need for biomedical engineers is growing. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the number of biomedical engineering jobs is expected to grow by 12.12% from 2016-2026. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth of 7.2% during the same time frame.
The curriculum within the biomedical engineering program allows for direct clinical research experiences working with UW-Eau Claire faculty and Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists. Community-based service as well as internships with governmental, nongovernmental and private organizations in our region also are readily available.
Small classes throughout the biomedical engineering major allow for exploration, meaningful discussions, and firsthand field experience. Not only will you have direct access to faculty and groundbreaking research projects, but you'll also have opportunities to work with the same state-of-the-art instrumentation and tools found in industry today. This type of experience is not something you would normally get at larger campuses — or so early in your college career.
All BME courses are taught by expert, caring faculty who make you and your success their top priority. Here, you won't just be a number. Professors will know you by name and and will both challenge and support you as you find a career path you love.
Blugold Stories
When you're a part of UW-Eau Claire's biomedical engineering program, you're taking the first step to making the future you've dreamed of a reality. Explore unique, impactful curriculum, and engage in clinical research alongside faculty, receiving mentorship and gaining experience that will help you develop a standout resume.
In the Mayo Rochester Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program, I learned just how well prepared I was for the research, compared to some of my peers. The students from major research universities had much less independent lab and investigative decision-making experience than I had.
Blugold faculty and student researchers are advancing research on vibrating gloves designed for individuals with Parkinson's disease. In collaboration with a physician with Mayo Clinic Health System, their goal is to help those affected by the disease improve their quality of life and regain greater control over their movements.
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Where can the biomedical engineering program lead me after graduation?
With a degree in biomedical engineering from UW-Eau Claire, you can work as a professional engineer or continue your education in graduate school. Our graduates leave with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply engineering practices to solve human health problems, developing interventions that preserve and promote health and well-being. Students may find themselves working in manufacturing environments or at universities, hospitals, research facilities, medical institutions, or healthcare and technology companies.
Because so many fields need biomedical engineers — from medical to fitness to devices to orthopedics — you'll be able to take your pick when it comes to career paths. Whether you enjoy direct interaction with patients or working in a more behind-the-scenes engineering role, you'll have everything you need to make your mark — and an impact.
Example Careers
- Biomedical engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Quality engineer
- Doctor
- Researcher
- Biomedical scientist
- Medical device manufacturer
- Sales representative
Curriculum within the biomedical engineering major is rigorous, intentional and experiential. Coursework strongly encourages creative problem-solving. Applying principles of engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry, calculus-based physics, mathematics and statistics, you'll interpret data and solve bio/biomedical engineering challenges.
For those interested in a career in medicine, the growing program is compatible with the pre-medical track at UWEC. For those who are not interested in medical school but want to stay involved in the medical area, the biomedical engineering major is also an excellent choice. Preview the BME curriculum flowchart.
Here are a few courses in Biomedical Engineering at UW-Eau Claire.
BME 201
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Introduction to the field of biomedical engineering and the role of bioengineers. The class will cover a number of human diseases and discuss biomedical engineering techniques that are being developed to improve healthcare.
BME 330
Biomedical Engineering Instruments and Measurements w/lab
Principles and the application of instrumentation that are used for medical measurements and observing physiological variables. The class will focus on the detection of signals, data acquisition and processing, and display of signals. Topics will include; respiration, heart sounds, temperature, and blood pressure. Hands on practical experience with biomedical instrumentation will be included.
BME 320
Clinical Problems in Biomedical Engineering
Lectures and discussions to investigate advances in the use of engineering approaches to address key clinical problems that exist in the medical field. Engineering topics will include: bioinstrumentation, medical imaging, biomaterials, biomechanics and medical devices. This course builds on the Engineering and Biology principles introduced in
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