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Materials in Medicine and Biomimetics

This concentration area focuses on the materials science and engineering of biomimetic, bioinspired and biomedical materials. Students will learn how materials science principles are applied to biology and medically-based systems. The study of biological systems offers many new insights and innovations in materials design for medicinal, environmental, structural, energy and information processing applications. Medicinal applications of new materials include medical diagnosis, imaging, adaptive delivery systems and drug therapy treatment.

Elective Options for Materials in Medicine and Biomimetics

Choose one course from the list on B.S. Degree Requirements. If you don't have a preference, selecting INDE 315 (Probability and Statistics for Engineers) is encouraged (NOTE: INDE 315 can count EITHER towards the Math Elective OR as one of the Engineering Fundamentals Electives, but it cannot count in both categories).

Choose two courses from list. Select courses that meet the prerequisites for the technical electives you want to take, if applicable.

Course and creditsTitleNotes
BIOL 180 (5)Introductory Biology - First quarter 
BIOL 200 (5)Introductory Biology - Second quarterPrereq is 1.7 in BIO 180;  and CHEM 143, CHEM 145, CHEM 223, or CHEM 237, OR Concurrently taking CHEM 152, CHEM 153, or CHEM 155.
CHEM 223 (4)Organic Chemistry - Short ProgramPrereq is 1.7 in CHEM 152 , 153, or 155.
CHEM 224 (4)Organic Chemistry - Short ProgramPrereq 1.7 in CHEM 223
Chem 162/165 (5)General Chemistry - 3rd quarterPrereq 1.7+ in CHEM 152 or 2.2 in CHEM 155
CHEM 237/335 (4)Organic Chemistry - 1st quarterPrereq 1.7 in CHEM 153/155/162 for 237; CHEM 155/162 for 335
CHEM 238/336 (4)Organic Chemistry - 2nd QuarterPrereq. 1.7 in CHEM 237, or 2.2 in CHEM 335

CHEM 312 (3)

Inorganic Chemistry

Prereqs are CHEM 153/155/162; and CHEM 224/238/336.  CHEM 165 students have already completed the equivalent of this course.
CHEM 317 (4) Inorganic Chemistry LaboratoryPrereq is CHEM 165 or CHEM 312
CHEM 452, CHEM 455, or CHEM 456 (3) Physical ChemistryPrereqs for all are CHEM 153, 155, or 162; MATH 126 or MATH 136; and PHYS 123. Counts toward Science elective OR Technical elective, not both.

Choose 8 credits.

Course and creditsTitleNotes
BIOEN 215 (3)Introduction to Bioengineering Problem Solving 
CHEM E 355 (3)Biological Frameworks for EngineersPrereq CHEM 142, MATH 207 (or MATH 307), and PHYS 123
NME 220 (4)Introduction to Molecular and Nanoscale PrinciplesTechnical elective requirements

15 Credits, a minimum of 9 credits of MSE classes.

Course and creditsTitleNotes
MSE 471 (3)Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering 
MSE 482 (3)Biomaterials/Nanomaterials in Tissue Engineering 
MSE 483 (3)Nanomedicine 
MSE 484 (3)Electronic and Optoelectronic PolymersPrereq CHEM 453 or CHEM 455
MSE 498 (3)Applicable topics on biology or biomimetics 
BIOC 405 (3)Introduction to BiochemistryPrereq BIOL 200; and either CHEM 223, 237, or 335
BIOC 406 (3)Introduction to BiochemistryPrereq BIOC 405
BIOEN 440 (4)Introduction to BiomechanicsCourse is joint with ME, but the ME section is closed to non-ME majors.
BIOEN 487 (3)Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

Prereq CHEM 142/143/145 and BIO 180

BIOEN 504 (4)Introduction to Technology Commercialization 
CHEM 452, CHEM 455, or CHEM 456 (3) Physical ChemistryPrereqs for all are CHEM 153, 155, or 162; MATH 126 or MATH 136; and PHYS 123. Counts toward Science elective OR Technical elective, not both.
ENGR 321Engineering Internship EducationEarn 1 credit for an internship 1-20 hours/week, and 2 credits for an internship 20 hours/week+. Can count up to 4 credits of internship towards your degree
ME 414 (4)Engineering Innovations in HealthFirst course in the Engineering Innovations in Health (EIH) capstone program, but can be taken without committing to the EIH capstone

Connection with Engineering Innovation in Health Care

Students interested in this concentration area may also be interested in the Engineering Innovation In Health Program, a three-quarter sequence (AWSp) of courses culminating in a completed solution to a healthcare challenge. Additional details can be found on the Capstone Projects page.

Impact areas