The Biomedical Engineering Option prepares graduates specifically for transfer to a baccalaureate program in biomedical engineering. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition, biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices. Many do research, along with medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design devices used in various medical procedures, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in this specialty need a sound background in another engineering specialty, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering are biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.
Most students complete the A.S. degree requirements in two years, by taking courses in the Fall and Spring semesters plus Summer sessions and Intersession. Courses are also offered in the evening.
For students who are pursuing an associate degree in Basic Engineering, it is strongly recommended they take six of these courses at QCC: Calculus III, Differential Equations, Physics III, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers, Thermodynamics, and C++ for Scientists and Engineers.
It is strongly recommended that interested students contact the program Coordinator as early as possible in order to review degree requirements and make arrangements for any needed prerequisite courses.
Technical Performance Standards
Please review the Technical Performance Standards requirements on pages 17-20 of the current college catalog.
Courses
Semester 1
Principles of Biology I
Principles of Chemistry for Engineers I
English Composition & Literature I
Social Science Elective
Calculus I
Semester 2
Cell Biology
English Composition & Literature II
Principles of Chemistry for Engineers II
Calculus II
General Physics I
Semester 3 (Summer)
Probability & Statistics for Engineers & Scientists
General Physics II
Semester 4
Molecular Biology
Introduction to Materials Science
Statics
Calculus III
Semester 5
Thermodynamics
Strength of Materials
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
General Physics III