Objectives & Outcomes

Program Objectives

The biomedical engineering faculty, with the assistance of the school accreditation committee and the BME academic advisory board developed program objectives that consist of a general list of desired graduate knowledge and skills.

The resulting overarching objectives highlight four broad areas of student achievement and knowledge that satisfy our constituents’ needs, both now and in the future, while fulfilling the BME program mission. The following objectives have been established for the biomedical engineering program. The career paths of BME graduates are enhanced as a result of the practical use of these skills during undergraduate study.

  1. Analytical and technical skills for careers as a clinician, in biomedical industry or in biomedical research
    Graduates are expected to attain and further master the ability to formulate, analyze and solve problems, analytically and/or experimentally, in biomedical engineering industry, in the clinical setting or in biomedical research within a few years of graduation. The career paths of BME graduates in these arenas would be enhanced as a result of these skills.
  2. Knowledge of life sciences for careers as a clinician, in biomedical industry or in biomedical research
    Graduates are expected to attain and further master the ability to understand the life and health sciences and the interconnection between engineering and the life/health sciences including biology, anatomy, physiology and biomedical engineering, with particular reference to biomedical engineering industry, in the clinical setting or in biomedical research within a few years of graduation. The career paths of BME graduates in these arenas would be enhanced as a result of these skills.
  3. Communication skills for careers as a clinician, in biomedical industry or in biomedical research
    Graduates are expected to attain and further master the ability to articulate their ideas and communicate in a clear and effective manner appropriate to their audience, in both written and and/or oral forms, with particular reference to biomedical engineering industry, in the clinical setting or in biomedical research within a few years of graduation. The career paths of BME graduates in these arenas would be enhanced as a result of these skills.
  4. Interdisciplinary approach for careers as a clinician, in biomedical industry or in biomedical research
    Graduates are expected to attain and further master the ability to work effectively in teams to solve biomedical and/or clinical problems including the interconnection of engineering and clinical personnel towards the solution of problems of compelling clinical and biomedical interest and need, with particular reference to biomedical engineering industry, in the clinical setting or in biomedical research within a few years of graduation. The career paths of BME graduates in these arenas would be enhanced as a result of these skills.

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply STEM Knowledge An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
  2. Experimental Skills An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  3. Design Skills An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability.
  4. Teamwork An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
  5. Solve Engineering Problems An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.
  6. Professional Responsibility An understanding of processional and ethical responsibility.
  7. Communication An ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written word.
  8. Understand the Impact of Engineering Solutions The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. Lifelong Learning A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning.
  10. Knowledge of Contemporary Issues
  11. Ability to Use Modern Techniques An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Hands-on Learning

VCU has a unique biomedical engineering program that exposes the students to medicine in the real world. As a freshman, I was in the hospital on medical rounds, viewing procedures and listening to lectures. As an upperclass student, the different tracks (areas of study) available within the program challenge the students to combine classroom knowledge and experience with cutting-edge technology. I have toured behind-the-scenes at a kidney dialysis center, designed my own version of an artificial heart and discussed medical ethics and design issues in my classes.

Marlee Foster, biomedical engineering graduate

Biomedical engineering provides real-world, hands-on experiences throughout the four-year curriculum. Examples include the following:

  • Freshman participation on medical and clinical rounds throughout VCU hospitals and health system, including surgeries where the students are scrubbed and gowned
  • Biomechanics lab with the ability to test tissues, bones and biomaterials with state-of-the-art materials, testing equipment and computers
  • Biomedical instrumentation lab with the ability to test and evaluate biomedical sensors and biomedical/clinical instrumentation with state-of-the-art equipment and computers
  • Physiology labs with the ability to examine the human body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs, using state-of the-art equipment and computer simulation systems
  • Numerous research labs to support yearlong biomedical-devices and system-design projects in leading biomedical and clinical labs

Students are also given the education and materials necessary to design and construct:

  • A novel artificial circulatory system
  • Novel tissue engineering replacement body parts
  • Space shuttle physiological test equipment
  • Emergency room resuscitation equipment
  • Training systems for surgical knot tying
  • Devices to aid the disabled
  • Dental implant systems