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. Any course being used to satisfy major or minor requirements beyond the prerequisites, may not be taken under the non-recording option.

* Students with no prior experience with chemistry will be placed in CHEM 5. CHEM 10 is not scheduled to be offered during the 2022–2023 academic year. Starting in the Fall of 2022, students with prior experience with chemistry (as demonstrated through AP or IB exams, A-level credit, or placement exam) will be placed in CHEM 11. Students who complete CHEM 11 will also automatically receive credit for CHEM 5 toward the BE degree requirements.

* Students wishing to pursue the BE degree are advised to choose an Engineering Sciences course as their elective.

In addition to coursework, all biomedical engineering sciences majors are required to complete a culminating experience, which may include a thesis or an advanced engineering sciences course, chosen from an approved list.

The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth offers opportunities for highly qualified engineering sciences majors to apply for admission to Geisel through the Biomedical Engineering Early Assurance Program (BME EAP). A small number (generally two or three) of highly qualified Dartmouth biomedical engineering and engineering sciences students in their junior year (for AB candidates) or senior year (for BE candidates) who plan to attend medical school will be considered for admission to Geisel.

Please be advised that BME EAP is a separate program from the Geisel Early Assurance program for Dartmouth juniors. Dartmouth students may only apply to ONE early assurance program. Students majoring in biomedical engineering or engineering sciences are strongly advised to apply through Thayer via the BME EAP.

Benefits of BME EAP

Because admission typically occurs in a student's junior year, the program provides admitted students additional time for academic and research activities in their final year prior to matriculation at Geisel. In addition, students nominated for application through BME EAP do not need to take the MCATs to apply.

Admissions Process

Students interested in this program are encouraged to contact Professor Katherine Hixon to express their interest and for more information on how to apply. Applicants whose academic records, leadership, and research experience are judged by Thayer to be suitable for the BME EAP will be informed after an interview process by a Thayer panel and no later than end of January. Students who are nominated for application to the BME EAP must then complete application materials from the Geisel School Admissions Office by February 15 of the calendar year before they plan to matriculate. The MCAT exam is not required for applicants nominated through the BME EAP. Nomination by Thayer not a guarantee of admission to Geisel and all applications are reviewed by the Geisel School Admissions Committee.

Students who are invited to interview at Geisel will be notified by the end of May whether or not they have been selected for admission through the BME EAP. Admitted students may choose to decide to apply to other medical schools, but must withdraw from the BME EAP if they do. Students not selected may apply to Geisel through the regular process. Students who are selected for the EAP must submit their AMCAS applications on a timetable consistent with beginning their studies at Geisel 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 Geisel are selected.