Integration of Hands-On, Experiential Learning into an Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Curriculum

Challenge Experiential learning (EL) is a valued component of modern engineering education that together with a rigorous design curriculum prepares students for transition to engineering practice. However, multiple challenges remain to integrating resource-intensive courses into a biomedical engineering (BME) curriculum in a manner that adds value without sacrificing necessary breadth. In our experience, specialized skills often needed to implement senior design concepts were lacking or came too late for optimal impact. Novel Initiative Here, we document our efforts at developing hands-on, skills-building elective courses to complement our existing core curriculum, with the goal of improving senior design outcomes and enhancing student readiness to transition to practicing engineers. Reflection The successes and challenges faced during the development of these resource-intensive EL courses are discussed, including those associated with ensuring their long-term sustainability and scale-up. The most successful of these courses are highlighted and contrasted with those that were ultimately not sustainable. Student feedback from multiple sources regarding the value of these EL opportunities has been overwhelmingly positive, supporting an impact both on the senior design experience and opportunities post-graduation.