Department of Biomedical Engineering
We prepare students for the interdisciplinary world of bioengineering, where technology and medicine meet. Students choose a study track in Biomolecular Engineering, Biomedical Systems, Bioinformatics, or Pre-Med.
Mississippi's First Department of Biomedical Engineering
The Biomedical Engineering program allows students to partner with the University of Mississippi's world-class School of Pharmacy and National Centers for Physical Acoustics and Natural Products Research to help create a dynamic educational experience.
Graduates of the program can enter careers in medical device design, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and sales, biomedical imaging, and telemedicine, among others. Biomedical Engineering also provides the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a Doctorate of Medicine (M.D.).
Biomedical Engineering students at Mississippi's flagship public university:
- Master a rigorous and challenging curriculum
- Participate in impactful undergraduate research projects
- Capitalize on formative internship and co-op experiences
- Learn the ethical challenges that face 21st century bioengineers
- Develop transferable skills for rapid career advancement
Learn more about Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering (BME) is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes (e.g. diagnostic or therapeutic). This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine, combining the design and problem-solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to advance healthcare treatment, including diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy. Biomedical engineering has only recently emerged as its own study, compared to many other engineering fields. Such an evolution is common as a new field transitions from being an interdisciplinary specialization among already-established fields, to being considered a field in itself. Much of the work in biomedical engineering consists of research and development, spanning a broad array of subfields (see below). Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs, regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceutical drugs, and therapeutic biologicals.
Biomedical engineering is a growing discipline with broad potential job prospects, fast job growth, a high median income, and excellent quality of life. At Ole Miss, we are preparing students through a rigorous and interactive curriculum to meet the growing demand for biomedical engineers worldwide.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BME) degree program will prepare engineering students at the University of Mississippi to understand biology and physiology and the capability to apply advanced mathematics, science, and engineering to solve problems at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine. Moreover, the curriculum will prepare graduates to make measurements on and interpret data from living systems, addressing problems associated with the interaction between living and non-living materials and systems.
The graduates of the program will be able to pursue (i) employment in biomedical or related industries, (ii) graduate studies in biomedical engineering or related discipline, and (iii) professional careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or patent law.
Our program offers students a choice of four tracks toward fulfilling the degree requirements. Those tracks are: Bioinformatics, Biomedical Devices Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, and Pre-Med. In addition to the core curriculum, which will be common to all emphases, students will gain additional knowledge in the chosen track area. Bioinformatics emphasis educates students to apply big data analytics to genome sequencing, medical imaging and large data management. Biomedical Devices provides students with an understanding of medical instrumentation/devices, biomechanics and signal analysis, and device design. Biomolecular Engineering educates students in the development of new molecular tools using the principles of molecular biology/biophysics and chemical engineering. Pre-Med is a natural course of study to get into medical school as courses in biology and chemistry coupled with the rigor of a well-established engineering curricula position students to succeed in medical school and their professional career.
M.S. in Engineering Science, Emphasis: Biomedical Engineering
A degree of M.S. in engineering science with an emphasis in biomedical engineering prepares graduates to apply interdisciplinary science and engineering tools to advance biology and medicine. Graduates will be able to independently solve problems, execute complex projects, and pursue successful careers in research, development, or management within engineering or biomedical science fields, as well as professional degrees such as medicine or law.
Ph.D. in Engineering Science, Emphasis: Biomedical Engineering
A degree of Ph.D. in engineering science with an emphasis in biomedical engineering prepares graduates to apply interdisciplinary science and engineering tools to advance biology and medicine. Graduates will be able to independently solve problems, execute complex projects, and pursue successful careers in research, development, or management within engineering or biomedical science fields, as well as professional degrees such as medicine or law. Graduates will be especially prepared to enter research positions in academia, industry, or government agencies.
Want to know what to look forward to after earning your degree in Biomedical Engineering? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections:
| Biomedical Engineering Job Outlook | |
|---|---|
| 2024 Median Pay | $106,950 per year == $51.42 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2023 | 19,700 |
| Job Outlook, 2023-33 | 7% (Faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2023-33 | 1,500 |
| Source:http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm | |
Biomedical Engineering Curriculum
A Biomedical Engineering Degree from the University of Mississippi requires a student to complete 126-127 credits of coursework. Common Coursework across each track includes 15 hours of Mathematics, 32 hours of Natural Science, 18 hours of Social Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts (SHFA), and 6 hours of Writing. The B.S. Degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Mississippi offers 4 separate track areas: Biomolecular, Biodevices, Bioinformatics, and Pre-Med.
Common Coursework
| Topic | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| English Composition | 6 credits (WRIT 101 and 102) |
| Math | 15 credits (MATH 261, 262, 263, 264, and 353) |
| Physics | 8 credits (PHYS 211/221 and 212/222) |
| Chemistry* | 16 credits (CHEM 105/115, 106/116, 221/225, 222/226) |
| Biology | 8 Credits (BISC 160/161, 162/163) |
| SHFA** | 18 credits (including ECON 310: Engineering Economics) |
Biomedical Engineering Core (36 hours)
Biomedical Engineering Degree also requires 36 hours of core engineering classes shared across the three track areas. The core includes:
- BME 200 – Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- BME 222 – Biomaterials
- BME 333 – Biological Transport
- BME 370 – Intro to Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
- BME 444 – Biomedical Controls
- BME 461 – Senior Design I
- BME 462 – Senior Design II
- Ch E 307 – Chemical Process Principles I – Mass Balance
- Ch E 308 – Chemical Process Principles II – Heat/Energy Balance
- CSCI 251 – Introduction to Matlab Programming
- BME 313 – Physiology for Biomedical Engineering
- EL E/BME 314 – Biomedical Measurement
- EL E 331 – Linear Systems
- ENGR 360 – Circuits
- ENGR 400 – Leadership & Professionalism in Engineering
Biomolecular Track (19 hours):
This track includes 6 hours of track-approved electives.
- BISC 336 – Genetics
- BME 320 – Bioseparations
- BME 510 – Drug and Gene Delivery
- Ch E 520 – Biochemical Engineering
Biodevices Track (19 hours):
- BME 301 – Bioinstrumentation
- BME 311 – Biomechanics
- BME 413 – Biomedical Signal Processing
- ENGR 309 – Statics
- ENGR 312 – Mechanics of Materials
- ENGR 361 – Circuits Lab
- ME 325 – Dynamics
Bioinformatics Track (19 hours):
This track includes 3 hours of track-approved electives.
- BISC 336 – Genetics
- CSCI 343 – Fundamentals of Data Science
- CSCI 475 – Introduction to Database Systems
- CSCI – Elected Course 1 **
- CSCI – Elected Course 2 **
** Elected Courses may be chosen from the following:
- CSCI 345 – Information Storage and Retrieval
- CSCI 443 – Advanced Data Science
- CSCI 444 – Information Visualization
- CSCI 447 – Immersive Media
- CSCI 547 – Digital Image Processing
Pre-Med Track (20 hours):
- BISC 336 – Genetics
- BISC 440 – Cell and Molecular Biology
- BME 320 – Bioseparations
- BME 510 – Drug and Gene Delivery
- BME 522 – Immunoengineering
- CHEM 471 – Biochemistry I
Graduate students will holistically be considered for admission into the graduate programs above based on:
- Undergraduate performance as evidenced through transcripts
- CV or resume
- Contact information for at least two professional references to provide letters of support
- Statement of interest for joining the specific graduate program and future goals
Explore School of Engineering Graduate Programs
Deadline for M.S. and Ph.D. Fall applications is February 15
Transcripts must be sent to the Graduate School gschool@olemiss.edu
Biomaterials and Drug Delivery
The field of biomaterials focuses on design of materials that integrate with living tissues in a way that diagnoses, treats, replaces, or augments tissue function. Drug Delivery involves the design of materials that improve the performance of pharmaceutics by maximizing on-target therapeutic effects and limiting toxicity-causing side-effects. Areas of Biomaterials and Drug Delivery include: tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, orthopedics, medical implants, biosensors, controlled drug release, nanomedicine, targeted and stimuli-responsive delivery, and immunomodulation. These interdisciplinary fields are rapidly growing and evolving in response to new innovations in biotechnology and the clinical need for “smarter” therapies.
Explore Interdisciplinary NanoBioSciences Lab
Biomedical Microdevices
The biomedical microdevices area leverages microscale structures and phenomena to create novel instrumentation for research in biology and medicine. Microscale phenomena give researchers a new set of tools for performing experiments that are either impossible or impractical with traditional technology. For example, researchers in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Mississippi use microdevices to perform high throughput screening of drug candidates using only picoliters per sample and create complex oxygen landscapes within cell cultures.
Molecular Biophysics
Molecular Biophysics is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary area of research at the interface of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. We seek to understand the mechanics of biology from the single molecule to complex system levels, such as how biomolecules are made and how different parts of a cell move and function. Using novel approaches to better understand life at the molecular level will be pivotal in discovering the mechanisms of disease and thus developing more targeted therapeutics. Researchers at the University of Mississippi investigate the biophysics of cytoskeletal hierarchy (systems that include molecular motors, proteins, microtubules, actin, etc.) and the implications of their synergy in vital life processes such as cell division and motility using a biophysical technique called optical tweezers.
Explore Molecular Biophysics and Engineering Lab
Ocular and Neuro-Biomechanics
Biomechanics is simply the study of mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms. Neuro-Biomechanics is an attempt to understand how muscles, sense organs, motor pattern generators, and the brain interact to produce coordinated movement, not only in complex terrain but also when confronted with unexpected perturbations. For example, research in Neuro-Biomechanics aims to characterize human pathologies which adversely impact the ability to walk or maintain postural stability.
Vision is not just about what we see, but also how our brain comprehends what we see. Visual impairment and dysfunction can be caused by diseases and injuries that affect the eye, the brain, or the optic nerve that connects them. Biomechanics play a significant role in these conditions. For example, glaucoma, a chronic and progressive eye disease, occurs when elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Similarly, traumatic brain injury can lead to visual impairment through biomechanical forces that damage the brain areas responsible for visual processing and perception, even in the absence of direct eye damage. Our mission is to expedite the creation of innovative prevention methods, diagnostic tools, and treatment options to combat visual challenges.
Biomedical Engineering Society
Vision: The Vision of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is to serve as the world’s leading society of professionals devoted to developing and using engineering and technology to advance human health and well-being.
Mission: The Mission of the BMES is to build and support the biomedical engineering community, locally, nationally and internationally, with activities designed to communicate recent advances, discoveries, and inventions; promote education and professional development; and integrate the perspectives of the academic, medical, governmental, and business sectors.
View Biomedical Engineering Society Site
Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is a network of engineering students and professionals dedicated to supporting women in engineering. Our mission is to empower women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. Our chapter participates in STEM activities on and off campus and would encourage all who are interested to join.
View Society of Women Engineers Site
Tau Beta Pi
National engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi was founded in 1885. Membership is by invitation and is restricted to juniors and seniors who show distinguished scholarship and exemplary character. The Mississippi Beta Chapter at Ole Miss participates in tutoring, Engineering Day and other service endeavors. Its purpose is to encourage scholarship and professionalism among engineering students.
Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA)
EWB-USA is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life. This partnership involves the implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while involving and training internationally responsible engineers and engineering students. The University of Mississippi Chapter of the EWB-USA intends to offer engineering service opportunities and cultivates life-long learning spirits of the engineering profession, which, in turn, is expected to impact the lives of the less privileged citizens of the world.
Program Educational Objectives
Following graduation and during the first several post-graduate years, biomedical engineering baccalaureate degree holders from The University of Mississippi will possess skill sets to accomplish the following:
- Meet evolving expectations of future employers in the biomedical engineering workplace as well as other professional careers.
- Exhibit a systematic approach to problem solving in their professional practice including quantitative and analytical skills weighted with considerations towards a sustainable future.
- Continue their professional development by pursuing advanced studies in medicine and other professional fields if desired
Student Outcomes
The graduates of the program will demonstrate:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Enrollment Data and Degrees Awarded
Meet the Biomedical Engineering Faculty
Dwight Waddell
- Chair and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Center for Diagnostics, Design, Devices, and Biomechanics
Glenn Walker
- Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Electrical Engineering
Yi Hua
- Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Nikki Reinemann
- Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliate Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering
Thomas Werfel
- Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliate Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Affiliate Associate Professor of Biomolecular Sciences and Co-Director the Center for Nano-Bio Interactions
MIRELA Ovreiu
- Instructional Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Troy Drewry
- Professor of Practice in Biomedical Engineering
Adam Smith
- Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Co-Director for the Center for Nano-Bio Interactions and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering