Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME) is a degree program that combines training in design, research, and practical methods with a solid math, science, and engineering curriculum to provide education with breadth and depth in the field. A key aspect of biomedical engineering is its interdisciplinary nature; introductory courses in mathematics, statistics, biology, chemistry, and physics, together with technical electives in natural sciences and engineering build the basis for creating the synergy among these disciplines that is required in the practice of biomedical engineering. The BSBME degree program also includes design and research projects, biomedical engineering specific courses, and culminates in a senior capstone project experience.

The mission of the Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering is to provide students with undergraduate experiences that provide a sound basis for professional practice in biomedical engineering, life-long learning, and leadership roles in the biomedical engineering field. Tufts University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The student outcomes of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering specify that, by the time of graduation, all graduates will be able to:

  • Apply principles of mathematics, statistics, physical sciences, biology, chemistry, physiology, and engineering for the solution of engineering problems, including problems at the interface of engineering and biology;
  • Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities to make informed judgments and have a positive impact in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
  • Be able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team whose members create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
  • Make measurements on and analyze & interpret data from living and non-living systems, addressing the problems associated with the interaction between living and non-living materials and systems;
  • Recognize the importance of life-long learning to acquire and apply new knowledge using appropriate learning strategies;
  • Analyze, model, design, and realize biomedical engineering devices, systems, components, or processes.

The program educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering specify that graduates of the program will:

  • Be successful in tackling open-ended biomedical engineering problems in a quantitative and systematic fashion;
  • Be motivated to continuously expand their knowledge, excel in interdisciplinary activities, be creative and innovative in their contributions to the field of biomedical engineering;
  • Perform, manage, or lead original engineering design and research projects in an ethical and professional manner; carry this out at the highest levels in private industry, research laboratories, medical school, graduate and professional schools.

The degree checklist for the BSBME program can be found at the links below:

Second Major in Biomedical Engineering (BED)

The second major in biomedical engineering is offered to engineering students. Students must enroll in conjunction with another engineering undergraduate departmental major. For the second major in biomedical engineering, students are required to complete ten courses and 30 semester hour units. No more than half the semester hours used to fulfill the BED degree requirement may be used to fulfill the first major requirement in the School of Engineering. All ten courses must be taken for a letter grade.

The degree checklist for the BED program can be found at the links below:

Second Major in Biomedical Sciences (BES)

The second major in biomedical engineering sciences is offered to liberal arts students. Students must enroll in conjunction with another undergraduate departmental major. For the second major in biomedical engineering sciences, students are required to complete ten courses and 30 semester hour units. No more than half the semester hours used to fulfill the BES degree requirement may be used to fulfill the first major concentration requirement in the College of Liberal Arts. All ten courses must be taken for a letter grade.

The degree checklist for the BES program can be found at the link below:

A partial list of acceptable elective courses is the following:

  • Any course with BME designation
  • BIO 41 - General Genetics
  • BIO 46 - Cell Biology
  • BIO 104 - Immunology
  • BIO 105 - Molecular Biology
  • BIO 115/116 - General Physiology I/II
  • BIO 132 - Biostatistics
  • BIO 152 - Biochemistry and Cellular Metabolism
  • BIO 171/172 - Biochemistry I/II
  • CHBE 102 - Reactor Design
  • CHBE 121 - Principles of Polymerization
  • CHBE 122 - Physical Chemistry of Polymers
  • CHEM 31/32 - Physical Chemistry I/II
  • CHEM 51/52 - Organic Chemistry I/II
  • CHEM 135 - Biophysical Chemistry
  • CHEM 157 - Medicinal Chemistry
  • CHEM 171/172 - Biochemistry I/II
  • COMP 171 - Human Computer Interaction
  • CSHD 140 - Problems of Research: Statistics
  • ENP 120 – Project Study in Human Systems
  • ENP 161 - Human Factors Product Design
  • ENP 162 - Human-Machine System Design
  • ENP 166 – Computer Interface Design
  • ES 15 - Modern Optics and Photonics
  • ME 117 - Biomaterials
  • ME 123 - Biomechanics
  • ME 152 - Biomechanics
  • OTS 105 - Assistive Technology
  • PHIL 124 – Bioethics
  • PHY 31 – Optics and Wave Motion
  • PSY 31 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences