What is BME?
Mission Statement:
BME provides leadership in education, training and cutting-edge research by translating science and engineering to solve important challenges in medicine and life sciences to the benefit of humanity.
Have an aptitude for math and science and an interest in the medical field?
Biomedical engineering (BME) aims to improve human health by applying engineering principles and methods to medical problems. Biomedical engineers might find themselves developing:
- sensors that identify cancer biomarkers in blood;
- a device that mimics the blood-brain barrier for use in drug testing;
- neural probes to treat Parkinson's with deep-brain stimulation;
- computer models that suggest how complex proteins are assembled;
- waveforms to image the body with MRI;
- ultrasound therapies to treat tumors non-invasively;
- injectible stem-cell cultures to regenerate damaged tissue.
In fact, these are all projects undertaken by faculty and students in this department. Biomedical engineers require a solid foundation in the biological sciences as well as a firm grasp of engineering principles and techniques. A strong BME program introduces students not only to these disciplines but also to laboratory research and instrumentation, the design process, teamwork, technical communication, entrepreneurship, and legal and regulatory issues. It is important for students to have access to interconnected engineering, medical, and business resources.
For more information on U-M's BME Department, view the department at-a-glance, or check out these pages for more information on the kinds of projects undertaken by biomedical engineers: