WIP: A New Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program: An Innovative Program in a Liberal Arts Institution

Work in Progress: A New Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program : An Innovative Program in a Liberal Arts Institution Abstract: This paper describes a new biomedical engineering undergraduate program at a small liberal arts institution. The development of the program was initiated by a comprehensive feasibility report made in 2016 that included assessment of growth of the bioscience industry, cohesion with existing programs at the institution, potential students, and current trends and future needs. The program curriculum provides depth and breadth in the subject area with significant flexibility in course choices enriched by the liberal arts. The new biomedical engineering curriculum consists of 130 credit hours spanning a 4-year academic plan. The program curriculum consists of five integrated courses in biomaterials and biomechanics, three integrated courses in medical instrumentation and imaging, one course in design and development, two elective courses, and two capstone design courses, as well as courses in general engineering and basic sciences. Six biomedical engineering courses include laboratory components. A pre-med track is available for the students. The program is unique in that it shares a common first year with other engineering programs and that it merges with the institution's general education program using shared courses. Innovation lies in the program providing students with a required international global engineering experience and integrating engineering knowledge with essential business skills throughout the curriculum.