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The Undergraduate Program in Bioengineering at the University of Maryland

The undergraduate program in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park is founded in biology, driven by human health issues, and emphasizes innovation. Our objective is to merge the principles and applications embedded in engineering with the sciences of biology, medicine, and health.

 

What is bioengineering?

Bioengineering is a field rooted in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and life sciences.  Each of these areas is applied in a systematic, quantitative, and integrative way to approach problems important in biology, biosystems, medical research, and clinical practice.  Bioengineering advances fundamental concepts, creates knowledge from the molecular to organ to system levels, and develops innovative processes for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.  In short, bioengineering seeks to improve the health and life of humankind on many levels.

Bioengineers specialize in those products and processes made from, used with, or applied to biological organisms.  In addition to engineering science and design, bioengineers study cell biology, physiology, bioinformatics, bioimaging, and biomechanics.  The synthesis of engineering and biology gives bioengineers unique capabilities in our modern world.

To learn more, visit our "What Is Bioengineering?" page »

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What will I learn if I major in bioengineering?

In the first two years, students will take engineering foundation courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.  In the third and fourth years, the focus will shift to the areas of biomedical imaging, biomechanics, physiological systems, and transport.  Capstone I and II, taken in year four, will feature guest speakers and allow students the opportunity to engage in discussion on current issues in bioengineering such as ethics, clinical trials, regulatory issues, venture capitalism, business principles, and entrepreneurship.  For more information about our program's goals, see:

For more information about our program's goals, see:

For more information about admissions, and required and elective coursework, see:

What kinds of design projects do undergraduates work on in their senior year?

For examples of student research, visit our news coverage of our seniors' Capstone presentations:

 

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Will I be able to get research experience as an undergraduate?

On-Campus
All students in our major have the opportunity to participate in research in state-of-the-art bioengineering labs on campus, either within the department or through special programs and services. These include the ASPIRE Program, in which students collaborate with faculty and staff on real-world engineering projects; the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research, which assists students in finding on- and off-campus research opportunities; and the NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, in which students work with full-time faculty, visiting scientists, and others on relevant research. Our REU site, directed by Dr. John Fisher, focuses on molecular and cellular engineering.

For an examples of undergraduate bioengineering research on campus, see:

Off-Campus
The Fischell Department of Bioengineering has also established relationships with biomedical research centers throughout the university and at surrounding government or industrial locations, such as the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other educational institutions such as the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.  Our undergraduate students learn from regulatory experts through collaborative research with FDA scientists and engineers located only 5 miles from campus.  Many EPA, USDA, and NASA laboratories are also nearby and offer internships for our students.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to intern at the UMB (Schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Medicine), work in its labs, and gain exposure to clinical practice.  Our growing interdisciplinary faculty is dedicated to integrating bioengineering with these programs. Students can get involved through their professors' collaborations or through the Engineering Co-op and Career Services office.

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What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S. in bioengineering?

Thanks to the breadth of our program, Maryland graduates are presented with a full range of career opportunities from those in medicine, human health, foods, government, dentistry, law, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, ecological/bioenvironmental engineering, biomedical devices, bioprocessing, and teaching, just to name a few.

Our students also benefit from the Clark School's office of Engineering Co-op and Career Services,  which gives students 24-hour access to engineering co-op, internship, summer, post-graduation, and part-time job listings. It also runs free resume clinics, career fairs, and other workshops for job seekers! Visit them online at www.coop.eng.umd.edu to learn more.

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Learn more about the A. James Clark School of Engineering

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Questions?

Questions about the undergraduate program in bioengineering may be sent to bioe-undergrad@umd.edu.

 

    

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Questions?

Questions about the undergraduate program in bioengineering may be sent to bioe-undergrad@umd.edu.

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