Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Fairfield University School of Engineering offers a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. This 30-credit program provides experiential learning through research and design projects giving graduates the credentials needed to prepare for a broad range of careers. Upon completing the program, graduates gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to solve the next generation of complex healthcare problems.
Program Overview
The Master’s degree program in Biomedical Engineering provides students with an engineering education applied to the medical and biological environment. The educational path is intended to train students in the design of biomedical equipment, devices, materials and procedures. The program combines fundamentals of the biomedical sciences with analysis and design engineering methods. It brings together these two fields in order to contribute to the design of new medical instruments and devices, apply engineering principles for understanding and repairing the human body and other biological systems, and use engineering tools for decision making and cost containment.
Students
The degree is of interest to students who wish to engage in a specialization at the interface between the engineering, physical, computing and mathematical sciences, and biology. Students will engage in biomedical engineering areas as diverse as biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, biomedical imaging, biomaterials, cellular engineering, tissue engineering, and rehabilitation and human performance.
Graduates
The degree provides students with the knowledge and tools to develop revolutionary healthcare devices, procedures, and treatment strategies for the 21st century. The field of biomedical engineering is expected to be among the leader in engineering employment growth in the next decade. A degree in biomedical engineering can lead to a career in academia, industry, or government. Connecticut has a growing demand for biomedical engineers who can find employment in organizations such as Hartford HealthCare Corporation, Yale-New Haven Health, Medtronic, The Jackson Laboratory, Cooper Surgical, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Alexion Pharmaceuticals.
Students with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering or a similar degree from other universities apply through the graduate admissions website. Upon admission, 30 credits are required as per the programmatic details below in order to be awarded the M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering.
The yearlong (two-semester) thesis option provides MS in Biomedical Engineering Students with the opportunity to pursue advanced research with a faculty advisor. The Non-Thesis option consists of 30 credits of coursework. Program requirements for both options are described below.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIEG 5319 | Advanced Experimental Design in Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| MATH 5417 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| or SWEG 5317 | Computational Statistics for Biomedical Sciences | |
| BIEG 6971 | Thesis I | 3 |
| BIEG 6972 | Thesis II | 3 |
| Select four Biomedical Engineering elective courses from approved list | 12 | |
| Select two electives from Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Management of Technology with approval from the program director. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIEG 5319 | Advanced Experimental Design in Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| MATH 5417 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| or SWEG 5317 | Computational Statistics for Biomedical Sciences | |
| Select five Biomedical Engineering elective courses from approved list | 15 | |
| Select three electives from Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Management of Technology with approval from the program director | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Biomedical Engineering Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineering Electives | ||
| BIEG 5309 | Biosensors | 3 |
| BIEG 5301 | Feedback Control System | 3 |
| BIEG 5311 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| BIEG 5314 | Introduction to Molecular Modeling | 3 |
| BIEG 5333 | Biomedical Visualization | 3 |
| BIEG 5403 | Advanced Biomechanics | 3 |
| BIEG 5407 | Computational Genomics | 3 |
| BIEG 5415 | Engineering Applications of Numerical Methods | 3 |
| BIEG 5319 | Advanced Experimental Design in Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| Non-Biomedical Engineering Electives (possible electives may include) | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | ||
| MEEG 5303 | Industrial Automation | 3 |
| MEEG 5305 | Design of Mechatronics Systems | 3 |
| MEEG 5312 | Advanced Product Design and Manufacturing | 3 |
| MEEG 5319 | Applications of Finite Element Analysis | 3 |
| MEEG 5372 | Applications of Theory of Elasticity | 3 |
| Electrical Engineering | ||
| ECEG 5315 | Nanoelectronics I | 3 |
| ECEG 5335 | Microelectronics | 3 |
| ECEG 5379 | Communication Systems | 3 |
| ECEG 5480 | Wireless Systems I | 3 |
| Computer Engineering | ||
| ECEG 5303 | Industrial Automation | 3 |
| ECEG 5325 | Computer Graphics | 3 |
| ECEG 5346 | Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| ECEG 5406 | Advanced Digital Design | 3 |
| SWEG 5355 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| SWEG 5357 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| SWEG 5360 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| Management of Technology | ||
| MGMT 6584 | Global Competitive Strategy | 3 |
| MGTN 5460 | Project Management | 3 |
| MGMT 6508 | Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Firm | 3 |
| MGTN 5415 | Information Systems | 3 |
| MGTN 5470 | Leadership in Technical Enterprise | 3 |
BIEG 5301 Feedback Control System 3 Credits
This course emphasizes analysis and synthesis of closed loop control systems using both classical and state-space approaches with an emphasis on electro-mechanical systems. The mathematical requirements include the Laplace transform methods of solving differential equations, matrix algebra and basic complex variables. The discussion of classical control system design includes the modeling of dynamic systems, block diagram representation, time and frequency domain methods, transient and steady state response, stability criteria, controller action [Proportional (P), proportional and integral (PI), Proportional, integral and derivative (PID) and pseudo-derivatives feedback], root locus methods, the methods of Nyquist and Bode and dynamics compensation techniques. The discussion of state-space methods includes formulation and solution (analytical and computer-based) of the state equations and pole-placement design. The course integrates the use of computer-aided analysis and design tools (MATLAB) so as to ensure relevance to the design of real world controlled electro-mechanical systems using case studies and applications to electrical and mechanical systems. Includes hands-on lab (hardware-based) exploration of PID control systems. Undergraduate equivalent: ENGR 4301. Previously ME 0400.
BIEG 5309 Biosensors 3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of biosensors, including their use in pharmaceutical research, diagnostic testing, and policing the environment. Topics include the fabrication, characterization, testing, and simulation of biosensors. The phenomenon of transducers, biosensor structure, sensor performance, and simulations utilizing molecular simulation software will also be covered. Graduate students who intend to pursue a MS in BME can take this course.
BIEG 5311 Biomaterials 3 Credits
This course will cover the introductory level of understanding on the different types of biomaterials used in biomedical industry, their design and synthesis. Examples include implants, stents, catheters, smart polymer gels, bone grafts, and tissue scaffolds. Modern biology in biomedical engineering such as but not limited to protein adsorption, immuno-isolation, and regenerative medicine will be covered. Ethical issues in biomedical engineering will also be discussed. Current innovative research on nano-biotechnology that extends to 3D bio-matrix, advanced diagnostics, dental composites, sealants, and adhesives.
BIEG 5314 Introduction to Molecular Modeling 3 Credits
This course will cover methodological and practical aspects of the application of system analysis and computational tools to biological and biomedical problems. It will cover computational modeling of biological macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, and synthetic self-assembling materials such as polymers, crystals, colloids, and amphiphiles. The course provides the resources to use Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) and Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics (NAMD) to solve computational problems related to protein interactions in case of diseases and protein folding.
BIEG 5319 Advanced Experimental Design in Biomedical Engineering 3 Credits
How do biomedical engineers know which medical problems are worth solving? How do they know that their inventions will work? How do they know that these inventions will be safe across a diverse population? This course uses a “flipped classroom” approach to answer these questions. It will build student skill in experimental design across the diverse disciplines of biomedical engineering with a focus on statistical analysis. Students will spend the first half of the semester reviewing/analyzing classic literature across biomedical engineering and performing classic experiments within our field. Students will spend the second half of the semester designing and performing their own custom-designed experiment that will be presented at Fairfield’s Innovative Research Symposium”
BIEG 5333 Biomedical Visualization 3 Credits
An introduction to 3D biomedical visualization. Various technologies are introduced, include ultrasound, MRI, CAT scans, PET scans, etc. Students will learn about spatial data structures, computational geometry and solid modeling with applications in 3D molecular and anatomical modeling. Undergraduate equivalent: BIEG 4333.
BIEG 5403 Advanced Biomechanics 3 Credits
This course introduces the applications of continuum mechanics to the understanding of various biological tissue properties and biological fluid flow. The structure, function and mechanical properties of bone, muscle, blood vessels and blood flow will be examined. Conservation laws and constitutive equations for solid, fluid, and intermediate biomaterials will be covered. Critical analysis of current research in the field of biomechanics is also emphasized.
BIEG 5407 Computational Genomics 3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of computational genomics. Students will obtain skill in analyzing genomic data and sequencing experiments. The focus will be on achieving proficiency in data management and processing based on popular file formats in genomic biology.
BIEG 5415 Engineering Applications of Numerical Methods 3 Credits
This course provides students with the theoretical basis to proceed in future studies. Topics include root-finding, interpolation, linear algebraic systems, numerical integration, numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, modeling, simulation, initial boundary value problems, and two point boundary value problems. Cross-listed with MEEG 5415, ECEG 5415.
BIEG 5990 Independent Study 3 Credits
Students pursue special topics, projects, and/or readings in selected areas. Students must meet with the instructor to discuss the proposed topic of study.
BIEG 6971 Thesis I 3 Credits
The master's thesis tests students' abilities to formulate a problem, solve it, and communicate the results. The thesis is supervised on an individual basis. A thesis involves the ability to gather information, examine it critically, think creatively, organize effectively, and write convincingly; it is a project that permits students to demonstrate skills that are basic to academic and industry work. The student must also submit a paper for possible inclusion in a refereed journal appropriate to the topic.
BIEG 6972 Thesis II 3 Credits
The master's thesis tests students' abilities to formulate a problem, solve it, and communicate the results. The thesis is supervised on an individual basis. A thesis involves the ability to gather information, examine it critically, think creatively, organize effectively, and write convincingly; it is a project that permits students to demonstrate skills that are basic to academic and industry work. The student must also submit a paper for possible inclusion in a refereed journal appropriate to the topic.