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Tracks of Study

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies research tools and techniques from all aspects of physical and life sciences to solve problems in medicine and healthcare. The goal of the BME curriculum at Boise State is to provide an educational framework to allow students to develop expertise in their chosen area of specialization.

There are currently four tracks of study that students can select for specialization. Students are expected to take three approved courses (9 credits) within their track of study.

Biomaterials Track

Will focus on the engineering, modification, and treatment of biomaterials (synthetic or natural) to improve the health and well-being of human beings and other biological systems. Approved track courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • ECE 500 Applied Electromagnetics
  • ECE 603 Plasma Engineering
  • ECE 557 Digital Image Processing
  • VIP 500 Plasma Medicine and Agriculture
  • MSE 602 Survey of Materials Science
  • MSE 577 / ME 577 Biomaterials
  • PHYS 523 Physical Methods of Materials Characterization
  • MSE 574 Soft Materials
  • MSE 545 Nanoscale Processing
  • PHYS 520 Nanobiotechnology

Biomechanics Track

Will focus on analyzing the structural behavior of biological systems and developing technology to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases that alter mechanical function. Approved track courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • ME 510 Continuum Mechanics
  • ME 576 Advanced Dynamics
  • ME 570 Finite Element Methods
  • ME 597 Failure Mechanics
  • KINES/ME 525 Laboratory Techniques in Biomechanics

Human Performance Track

Will focus on developing state-of-the-art technology to treat and prevent injury and disease, and to optimize athletic performance. Approved track courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • KINES 506 Sports Nutrition
  • KINES 515 Exercise Physiology Lab
  • KINES 540 Applied Principles of Conditioning
  • KINES 545 Clinical Exercise Physiology and Prescription
  • KINES 580 Selected Topics in Hyperbaric Physiology
  • KINES/ME 525 Laboratory Techniques in Biomechanics

Mechanobiology Track

Will focus on identifying the mechanisms by which cells sense, respond, and are regulated by physical stimuli, and will use this fundamental knowledge to develop regenerative approaches to improve health. Approved track courses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • ME 602 Mechanobiology
  • ME 570 Finite Element Methods
  • ME 550 Advanced Mechanics of Materials
  • BIOL 597 Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • PHYS 523 Physical Methods of Materials Characterization