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Prerequisites
Majors are expected to have a basic understanding of calculus, physics, chemistry, and computer science. First-year students interested in the major should take the placement test in mathematics.
Unless otherwise prohibited, prerequisites may be taken under the Non-Recording Option.
Mathematics
3 courses.
- MATH 3: Calculus
- MATH 8: Calculus of Functions of One and Several Variables
- MATH 13: Calculus of Vector-Valued Functions
– or MATH 11 Accelerated Multivariable Calculus
Physics
2 courses.
- PHYS 13: Introductory Physics I
- PHYS 14: Introductory Physics II
Chemistry
Choose 1 option.
Option A
2 courses.
- CHEM 5 & 6: General Chemistry
Option B
1 course.
- CHEM 10: Honors First-Year General Chemistry
Computer Science
Choose 1 option.
Option A
2 courses.
- COSC 1: Introduction to Programming and Computation
- COSC 10: Problem Solving via Object-Oriented Programming
Option B
1 course.
- ENGS 20: Introduction to Scientific Computing
– May not be taken under the Non-Recording Option.
Required Courses
Common Core
2 courses.
Distributive Core
Choose 1 course.
Gateway
Choose 1 course.
Electrical
Mechanical
Chemical/Biochemical
Engineering
1 course, choose one option.
Option A
- ENGS 56: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Option B
- Any course from ENGS 23–26.
Chemistry
2 courses, choose one option.
Option A
- CHEM 51-52: Organic Chemistry
Option B
- CHEM 57-58: Organic Chemistry
Biology
Choose 2 courses.
- BIOL 12: Cell Structure and Function
- BIOL 13: Gene Expression and Inheritance
- BIOL 14: Physiology
Electives
Choose 1 course.
- Any Engineering Sciences course numbered above ENGS 23.*
- BIOL 40: Biochemistry
- CHEM 41: Biological Chemistry
*Students wishing to pursue the BE degree are advised to choose an Engineering Sciences course as their elective.
Culminating Experience
Biomedical Engineering Sciences majors complete a culminating experience, which is part of a course (either as one of the two electives or as an additional course). Normally taken during the senior year, the course is chosen from the following options.
Thesis
Design Project
- ENGS 89: Engineering Design Methodology and Project Initiation
- Taken as part of the two-course design sequence ENGS 89/90.
- May count toward both AB and BE degrees.
- Prior to enrollment in ENGS 89, at least 6 engineering sciences courses must be completed:
- ENGS 21
- + 5 additional courses numbered 22 to 76 (excluding 75), and 91 and above.
Advanced Course
- ENGS 58: Protein Engineering
- ENGS 160: Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering
- ENGS 161: Metabolic Engineering
- ENGS 162: Methods in Biotechnology
- ENGS 163: Advanced Protein Engineering
- ENGS 165: Biomaterials
- ENGS 167: Medical Imaging
- ENGS 169: Intermediate Biomedical Engineering
- ENGS 262: Advanced Biological Circuit Engineering
Early Assurance Program
Biomedical Engineering Early Assurance Program (BME EAP)
Starting in 2010, a small number (up to two or three) of highly qualified Dartmouth BME or engineering sciences students in their junior year (for AB candidates) or senior year (for BE candidates) who are planning to attend medical school will be considered for admission to The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth through the Geisel Biomedical Engineering Early Assurance Program (BME EAP). The program provides selected students added time for academic and research activities in their final year prior to matriculation at The Geisel School of Medicine.
The Geisel Biomedical Engineering Early Assurance Program is a separate program from the Geisel Early Assurance program for Dartmouth juniors, which became available in 2012. BME and engineering sciences majors may only apply to one Geisel early assurance program, and are strongly advised to apply through Thayer via the BME EAP.
Students interested in this program are encouraged to contact Professor Katherine Hixon for information on how to apply. Applicants whose academic records, leadership, and research experience are judged by Thayer School to be suitable for the BME EAP will be informed after an interview process by a Thayer School panel and no later than end of January. Nominated Thayer School applicants must then complete application materials, available from The Geisel School Admissions Office, by February 15 of the calendar year before they plan to matriculate for review by The Geisel School Admissions Committee. Nomination is not a guarantee of admission to the Geisel School. Taking the MCAT exam will not be required for applicants nominated through the BME EAP.
Students who are invited to interview at The Geisel School will be notified by the end of May whether or not they have been selected for admission through the BME EAP. Students selected are free to decide to apply to other medical schools, but must withdraw from the BME EAP if they do. Students not selected may apply to The Geisel School through the regular mechanism. Students who are selected for the EAP must submit their AMCAS applications on a timetable consistent with beginning their studies at The Geisel School in August of the year following their selection. Matriculation is contingent upon successful completion of engineering studies.and continuing during their final undergraduate (senior or fifth) year to meet the criteria with respect to academic record, leadership, and research excellence by which all successful applicants to The Geisel School are selected.