Frequently Asked Questions

What is biomedical engineering?

Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles to the solution of problems in biology and medicine with the goal of improving health care. It is a continuation of man's earliest efforts to understand the living world in terms of the most basic sciences - chemistry, physics, and mathematics - and of man's efforts to comprehend the machinery of the body in terms of his own technological creations. It is a vibrant and growing branch of engineering in which knowledge and advanced technological skills are developed and applied to define and solve problems in the life and health sciences.

Why choose biomedical engineering?

Students choose this field of study to be of service to people. They enjoy the excitement of working with living systems. They enjoy becoming a health care professional who can apply advanced technology to the complex problems of medical care. Biomedical engineering is an expanding field, and one that is vital to the future of health care in our world.

For which careers does a biomedical engineering degree prepare me?

Biomedical Engineers work in a multitude of fields including: the medical device industry, software engineering, data acquisition, innovative design and development, research, manufacturing, equipment testing and field servicing, clinical patient evaluation, technical documentation, sales, hospital equipment selection and support, teaching, and management. Our graduates also attend Medical, Dental, and Law school, become physical therapists, Clinical Engineers, and enter graduate school in engineering or the life sciences.

Which companies hire biomedical engineers?

Medical equipment and supply industry companies such as Abbott Labs, AKSYS, Applied Biometrics, Bausch & Lomb, Baxter, Biomet, CPI Guidant, Criticare, Data Sciences, Hewlett Packard, Howmedica Leibinger, Johnson Wax, Johnson & Johnson, Microvena, Medtronic, Ohmeda, Richardson Electronics, St. Jude Medical, SCIMED, Schneider, Stryker Instruments, 3M, and U.S. Surgical employ biomedical engineers. Precision instrument companies such as Eastman Kodak, E G & G, Polaroid and Siemens hire biomedical engineers. Drug industry and genetic engineering companies such as Merck, Lilly (Eli), Pfizer, Pharmacia Biotech, Amgen and Genentech employ biomedical engineers. Medical centers, hospitals, government agencies and the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy hire biomedical engineers. Many of the above named companies as well as medical centers and local area companies such as Allen Bradley, General Electric Medical Systems, Marquette Medical, Mortara Instruments, Sorba Medical and Wisconsin Bell have all hired recent Marquette biomedical engineering grads.

Is the Co-op Program available?

Yes. The Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program combines thelast two years of academic study with practical work experience. The Co-op Program enables the student to develop professionally as well as academically, to explore and clarify career goals and to earn money to apply toward their educational expenses.

What are the courses in the biomedical engineering curriculum?

There are three tracks or options in the curriculum--Bioelectronics, Biomechanics, and Biocomputing.

Is it possible to continue my education in biomedical engineering after I receive my bachelors degree?

Yes. Approximately 50% of the graduating seniors typically pursue a graduate degree or attend medical, dental, or law school. Our alumni have attended such graduate schools as Case Western Reserve University, Drexel, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, MIT, Univ. of Pitts., RPI, Rush Univ., Stanford University, Univ. of Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington University. Many of our graduates also attend Marquette University and participate in the numerous collaborative research opportunities at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Zablocki V.A. Hospital. After receiving their graduate degrees, these students usually enter research and/or teaching in educational and/or medical institutions.

I am interested in attending Medical School or another professional school. Does the biomed program prepare me for postgraduate programs?

Yes. In all three biomedical engineering tracks, the requirements for entrance to most medical schools can be met. Students preparing for medical school need to take CHEM 024 (Organic Chemistry 2) and BIOL 100 (The Molecular Basis of Biology) as biomed electives. Students interested in pursuing a Dental, Law, MBA or Veterinary Medicine degree can also take appropriate course electives to enable their entrance into any of their chosen fields. The biomedical engineering degree provides the broadest possible undergraduate curriculum with an emphasis on science that a student can obtain.