Biomedical engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to innovate and excel in the rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering. This program integrates principles from engineering, biology, and medicine to prepare students for careers in healthcare technology, medical device development, clinical research, and biomedical research. Students enrolled in the program engage in a challenging curriculum that combines core engineering courses with specialized biomedical topics, including biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, systems physiology, and tissue engineering. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, fostering skills in experimental design, data analysis, and technical communication. Students have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields, providing valuable insights into current challenges and advancements in biomedical sciences. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, offering courses and research opportunities in areas such as electrical engineering, computer science, and pharmacology, to promote innovative solutions to complex health-related problems. Through internships, industry partnerships, and participation in high-impact research, students gain real-world experience and develop professional networks essential for successful careers in biomedical engineering. The curriculum is designed not only to prepare students for immediate employment but also to serve as a strong foundation for graduate studies. Successful graduates of the program are equipped to contribute to the development of new medical devices, enhance diagnostic tools, and improve patient care through technological innovation. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, a dedicated faculty dedicated to teaching and research excellence, and a vibrant academic community, Northwestern University’s Biomedical Engineering program offers an enriching educational experience for aspiring biomedical engineers committed to making a difference in the world of healthcare.

Students must complete a minimum of 48 courses, including the following. Only Social sciences/humanities and unrestricted courses may be taken P/N.

CORE COURSES (26 COURSES)

• Mathematics (4 courses: Math 220, 224, 230, 234)
• Engineering analysis and computer proficiency (4 courses)
• Basic sciences (4 courses: Physics 135-2, 135-3; Chem 102, 103 or Chem 171, 172)
• Design Thinking and Communications (2 courses) - Most engineering majors require a third communications course, but for BME, this is incorporated into BMD_ENG 390-2.
• Social sciences/humanities (7 courses)
• Unrestricted electives (5 courses)

BASIC ENGINEERING (5 COURSES)

A. Thermodynamics - 1 course from those listed below
BMD_ENG 250 Thermodynamics
MECH ENG 220 Thermodynamics I

B. Fluids and Solids - 2 courses as specified below
BMD_ENG 271 Introduction to Biomechanics and
BMD_ENG 270 Fluid Mechanics or
MECH ENG 241 Fluid Mechanics I

C. Material Science - 1 course
MAT SCI 201 Principles of the Properties of Materials

D. Probability, Statistics, and Quality Control - 1 course from those listed below
BMD_ENG 220 Introduction to Biostatistics
IEMS 303 Statistics I
MECH ENG 359 Reliability Engineering

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING CORE (11 COURSES + 1 ZERO CREDIT SEMINAR)

• BMD_ENG 101: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (Zero Credit)
• BIOL SCI 215: Genetics and Molecular Biology or BIOL SCI 219 (Formerly called 216): Cell Biology
• CHEM 210-1: Organic Chemistry
• BMD ENG 301: Systems Physiology
• BMD ENG 302: Systems Physiology
• BMD ENG 303: Systems Physiology
• BMD ENG 305: Intro to Biomedical Signals and Electrical Circuits
• BMD ENG 306: Biomedical Systems Analysis
• BMD ENG 307: Quantitative Experimentation and Design
• BMD ENG 350: Transport Fundamentals
• BMD ENG 390-1: Biomedical Engineering Design
• BMD ENG 390-2 or BMD_ENG 391-SA: Biomedical Engineering Design (This counts for McCormick under the communications requirement)

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ELECTIVES (4 COURSES)

Four courses must be completed. Two must be from category A below. Two must be from category B, which includes many courses. Please see the PDF version of the curriculm for category B options.
Students may choose to focus all these courses in a particular area of biomedical engineering, but this is optional.

Category A courses are:

• BMD_ENG 317: Biochemical Sensors
• BMD_ENG 325: Introduction to Medical Imaging
• BMD_ENG 327: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• BMD_ENG 333: Modern Optical Microscopy and Imaging
• BMD_ENG 343: Biomaterials and Medical Devices or MSE 370: Biomaterials
• BMD_ENG 344: Biological Performance of Materials
• BMD_ENG 346: Tissue Engineering
• BMD_ENG 349-1: Bioregenerative Engineering
• BMD_ENG 349-2: Regenerative Engineering Applications
• BMD_ENG 366: Biomechanics of Movement
• BMD_ENG 371: Mechanics of Biological Tissues
• BMD_ENG 377: Intermediate Fluid Mechanics

TECHNICAL ELECTIVES (2 UNITS)

Students are urged to choose technical electives that emphasize engineering design. Technical electives may include:

• BIOL SCI: 215 or 219 (the one not used in the BME core), 218
• CHEM: 101, 210-2, 210-3
• DSGN: 240, 245, 246 (0.5 unit each)
• EECS: 211, 230
• ME 240
• Any course in engineering, science, or mathematics at the 300 level or higher, provided that it is graded. (BME 399 independent study is not graded.) Approval may be required for some offerings of BMD_ENG 395: Special Topics.
• BMD_ENG 388-SA and 389-SA may be technical electives but may not be used in Category B.

Requirements

• Common Application or Coalition Application*
• Official secondary school transcript and school report
• Counselor recommendation
• At least one teacher recommendation
• Official SAT or ACT scores†
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (ONLY international applicants whose first language is not English or whose schooling has not been in English)
• Recommended: two SAT subject tests
• Nonrefundable application fee of $75 or fee waiver
• Early Decision Agreement (ONLY Early Decision applicants)
• Midyear transcript (ONLY Regular Decision applicants)
• Music audition (ONLY School of Music applicants)
• Required for home-schooled applicants: 3 SAT subject tests 

Scholarships

• Northwestern University Scholarship
• No-Loan Arch Scholarship
• No-Loan Pledge Scholarship
• Debt Cap Scholarship
• National Merit Scholarship
• Founders Scholarship
• Karr Achievement Scholarship

The biomedical engineering program at Northwestern University offers students a comprehensive education that integrates engineering principles with medical and biological sciences. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to innovate in healthcare technologies, medical devices, and biological research. The curriculum combines coursework in engineering, biology, and medicine, providing a robust foundation in areas such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, systems physiology, and molecular biology. Students have opportunities to engage in research projects, often working alongside faculty who are leading experts in their fields, which fosters practical experience and promotes innovation. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories, design challenges, and collaborative projects, preparing students for careers in academia, industry, or healthcare. There are options for specialization, including bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, and computational biomedical engineering, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Northwestern’s proximity to Chicago’s vibrant healthcare and biotech sectors offers students access to internships, co-op programs, and partnerships with leading medical institutions and companies, enhancing their professional development. The program also supports entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging students to develop new medical technologies and start-ups. Graduates of the biomedical engineering program at Northwestern are well-prepared for advanced study, research careers, or leadership roles in the biomedical industry, contributing to advancements in healthcare and improving patient outcomes. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, such as the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, provide students with cutting-edge resources to support their academic and research endeavors. Overall, Northwestern’s biomedical engineering program combines rigorous academics, practical experience, and collaborative opportunities to foster the next generation of innovators in healthcare technology.