About Bioengineering
The Department of Bioengineering provides undergraduate instruction leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in bioengineering. Recent advances in the fields of biology, mathematics and physics have resulted in the development of a new field of engineering, commonly referred to as bioengineering. It encompasses the areas of biological, physiological, medical and social systems, as well as other fields in which the design, development or modification of complex, knowledge-intensive systems is a requirement. Bioengineering educates individuals in the art of product and process development for the improvement of human health and quality of life. It is a unique science-based engineering discipline that not only draws on the sciences, but engineering sciences and the liberal arts as well, so as to educate a well rounded student.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in bioengineering is an excellent program for those considering healthcare-related careers (e.g., medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy). In addition, because of the broad distribution of engineering science courses in the Binghamton program, applications for the BS in bioengineering extend to agricultural engineering, aquaculture engineering, biomedical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, environmental engineering, food engineering, microbial system engineering, and rehabilitation engineering. Graduates should also be employable in oversight organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), medical centers, and research institutions. As a result, individuals with the skills and knowledge gained in the bioengineering curriculum will have available a wide variety of exciting career opportunities.
The bioengineering curriculum builds upon the base provided by the freshman-year engineering program in the Watson School. This first-year core curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in engineering fundamentals, natural sciences, and mathematics. Depth in bioengineering is subsequently obtained through a series of required courses, usually referred to as engineering science courses. Electives may then be used by the student to customize his or her undergraduate experience so as to obtain greater depth or breadth in bioengineering.
The educational objectives of the undergraduate program in bioengineering are to ensure that:
- Graduates are prepared for the workplace in the broad field encompassed by bioengineering.
- Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate studies in bioengineering including biomedical engineering.
- Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate studies in disciplines such as business, law or medicine.
The Department serves incoming freshmen, community college graduates and transfer students from other institutions seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in bioengineering.
Educational Mission and Goals
Our mission, consistent with the University's stated mission, as well as the Watson School, is service to the instruction and discipline of bioengineering, research to advance biomedical engineering and aid in the economic development of the state and country, and service the University, region and state.
Our students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in bioengineering at the undergraduate level and a Master of Science and/or doctorate in biomedical engineering.
Program Educational Objectives
The Bioengineering Educational Objectives describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Graduates of the bioengineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to have:
1). Established themselves as practicing professionals or engaged in advanced study in bioengineering or a related area.
2). Demonstrated their ability to work successfully and etchically as a member of a professional team and function effectively as responsible professionals.
3). Established themselves as practicing professionals in non-engineering professions such as law, medicine or business based on good problem solving skills acquired in bioengineering.
4). Demonstrated their ability to succeed in translating technical and/or non-technical client needs into successful outcomes, e.g., products.
Student Outcomes
There are fourteen outcomes that must be satisfiedby students before graduating:
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to bioengineering problems
An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
An ability to design a system or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints
An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve bioengineering problems
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
An ability to communicate effectively
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
A knowledge of contemporary issues
An 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 interaction between living and non-living materials and systems
