MSc in Bioengineering

The bioengineering master's program offers both part-time and full-time schedule options. The program has six tracks:

• Bioinformatics
• Biomaterials
• Biomechanical Systems and Devices
• Cell and Bioprocess Engineering
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Signals and Systems

Curriculum Overview

The bioengineering master's program has two components: an interdisciplinary core curriculum, including one class outside of students' chosen sub-specialty to increase the breadth of bioengineering knowledge; and courses required by the department for students' chosen track.

Tracks

Bioinformatics

The Bioinformatics track looks at computational approaches to biomedical problems. Students may focus on computational data analysis, systems biology, data mining, simulation and modeling, visualization, or other areas that incorporate computer science and mathematics in biological research. This track requires some undergraduate computer science as a prerequisite (Comp 15 or the equivalent). Students will work with an advisor to design a coherent program including computer science electives as well as courses in computational biology, math, and biotechnology.

Biomaterials

The Biomaterials track involves the study of the interaction of biomaterials with their environment in the context of biomedical applications. Students will be encouraged to focus their studies on one of several bio-medically relevant topics, including tissue engineering, biological delivery, or the interaction of biomaterials with mammalian tissues. The nature of this track will require students to select courses from a number of departments.

Biomechanical Systems and Devices

The Biomechanical Systems and Devices track investigate the application of technology to human biological systems. Areas of study include the mechanics of hard and soft tissues, human biomechanics, dynamics of human-machine interaction, and the design of assistive technology and medical devices. Students develop a foundation with core courses in thermal-fluid processes, mechanics, and materials, or dynamic/robotic systems, and specialize in a particular area of study through the appropriate selection of elective courses.

Cell and Bioprocess Engineering

The Cell and Bioprocess Engineering track look at bioprocess design and optimization with an emphasis on molecular and cellular processes. Our major educational objective for students is the attainment of core knowledge in both upstream and downstream engineering aspects of modern biotechnology. The core subject areas integrate applied biology, chemical reaction engineering, and systems analysis. Topics include enzyme and pathway engineering; fermentation and bioreactors; and cellular systems modeling and analysis.

Environmental Biotechnology

The Environmental Biotechnology track investigates the development, control, and characterization of biological processes for water and wastewater treatment and environmental restoration. The focus is on biological transformations in complex systems comprising microbial communities. Application and integration of current molecular tools for monitoring and assessing these systems are integrated within the framework of process design and implementation.

Signals and Systems

The Signal and Systems track educate biotechnology engineers in (1) analysis and processing of signals with an emphasis on biomedical image processing and image formation and (2) design, control, and synthesis of systems for biotechnology (e.g. development of miniaturized devices, circuits, and systems, controller design for bioreactors).