About Bioengineering
We're leading the way.
Bioengineering might be the newest department in the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University – we admitted our first students in 2002 – but we're making our mark.
Our undergraduate program reflects the sea-change occurring in engineering today as developing countries evolve from manufacturing-based to information-based economies. As the information age dominates our world, we believe the need for individuals who can create and improve technologies will continue to be as relevant in this century as it was in the last. And what will distinguish the 21st-century engineer from his or her predecessors? The ability to work with complex systems – our primary focus.
We're also expanding our graduate programs in biomedical engineering, biosystems science and collective dynamics studies, which build on their diverse research activities.
If you have any questions about our programs or career opportunities, contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mission and Goals
The Department of Bioengineering provides undergraduate and graduate level engineering students with an understanding of biological and biomimetic systems as complex systems, and the knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to translate this understanding to products and processes which improve the health and well-being of humankind.
In addition, the Department undertakes outreach activities focused on informing the public and government officials about the nature of, and contributions arising from, bioengineering research. The department actively promotes faculty and student research and development activities as a means to improve the students’ educational experience, to advance the knowledge base in the field of bioengineering and to enhance the economic development of the region.
Program Educational Objectives
Bioengineering is similar to traditional fields of engineering in that all engineering programs educate individuals in the art of product and process development for the improvement of human health and quality of life. However, bioengineering is unique because of its strong emphasis on understanding the emergent properties of living systems. Living systems, unlike most man-made products and processes, are composed of large numbers of "self-replicating" components that "self-organize" into highly interconnected systems. These features are the defining characteristics of what are called complex systems.
The ability to exploit new opportunities and solve problems within the domain of complex systems will be the hallmark of successful engineers in the 21st century. Correspondingly, the main educational focus of the Bioengineering Program at Binghamton is to provide students with an understanding of living systems as complex systems, and to develop in the student both the understanding of, and confidence in working with, complex systems, whether biologic, or biomimetic.
The Bioengineering Program Educational Objectives state that:
Graduates of the Bioengineering Program will be entrepreneurial leaders in the global economy as evidenced by their:
- creation of new ventures
- completion of professional studies (dentistry, law, medicine)
- completion of graduate studies (business, engineering, science)
- successful employment in engineering and management positions in industry or government
Program Outcomes
To achieve these educational objectives, the curriculum and pedagogy is designed to develop the following qualities in our graduates:
- 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 complex systems 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
Outreach
Science Cabaret: Self-Replicating Machines: Can You Make One?
Talk by Hiroki Sayama
September 2, 2008 @ Lost Dog Cafe, 222 Water St., Binghamton, New York
Doors open at 6 p.m.; talk starts at 7:30pm.
Science Cabaret: Where Medicine Went Wrong
Talk by Ken McLeod
March 4, 2008 @ Lost Dog Cafe, 222 Water St., Binghamton, New York
Doors open at 6 p.m.; talk starts at 7:30pm.
Article in InsideBU
I'm a Complex Kid! Bioengineering Fair '08
March 1, 2008 @ Binghamton University Downtown Center
Organized by The Binghamton Bioengineers
Flyer
Photo Gallery
Engineering, Social Justice and Peace: Widening the Appeal of Engineering
April 27-28, 2007 @ Founder's Lodge, Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center, Windsor, New York
Organizers include George Catalano in the BE Department.
I'm a Complex Kid! Science Fair '07
February 23, 2007 @ ITC, Binghamton University
Organized by The Binghamton Bioengineers
Event featured in Press & Sun-Bulletin and Inside BU
Flyer
Photo Gallery
