Frequently Asked Questions

What is biomedical engineering (BME)?

Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and methods to solve problems related to the human body. Biomedical engineers work at the interface between engineering and the life sciences, applying knowledge from both areas of study to define and solve problems in biology and medicine. Students choose the biomedical engineering field to be of service to people, for the excitement of working with living systems, and to apply advanced technology to the complex problems of medical care.

What do biomedical engineering graduates do?

  • Perform research and development in medical product companies
  • Undertake research in laboratories of educational and medical institutions
  • Evaluate the safety of medical products at government agencies
  • Enter medical school to become practicing physicians
  • Attend graduate school in biomedical engineering to prepare for high-level research and teaching positions

Who are the primary employers of biomedical engineers?

Well-trained biomedical engineers have skills that are invaluable to many potential employers, including and not limited to:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Educational and research institutions
  • Biotechnology industry
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Medical instrumentation industry
  • Prosthetics and implants industry
  • Environmental and public health sector
  • Government regulatory agencies

Why biomedical engineering at CCNY?

The City College of New York is one of the leading public institutions in the nation with a legacy of scientific excellence, state-of-the- art research facilities, and a truly diverse student body. The Department of Biomedical Engineering includes an internationally recognized faculty conducting both basic medical research and translational biotechnology development. We are the primary engineering affiliate in the New York Center for Biomedical Engineering (NYCBE), a partnership including the premier health care and medical research institutions in New York City.

What is the mission of the BME Department?

We strive to establish an enduring national urban model for Biomedical Engineering programs and a legacy of excellence in public higher education for future generations of students and faculty.

What are the educational objectives of the BME program?

The objectives of the CCNY BME undergraduate program are to prepare graduates:


1. For productive employment in biomedical and health related industry.
2. To perform successfully in graduate school, medical school or professional programs.
3. Who will ethically and responsibly apply their engineering talents for the benefit of society, demonstrating an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.
4. Who will continue to develop technical knowledge, awareness and leadership skills that will allow them to address domestic or global problems in human health.

What kinds of courses are in the BME program?

We strive for our undergraduate students to be well-grounded in the basic engineering principles found in traditional mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering subjects. Our program also gives students a solid background in biology and physiology and an appreciation for the complexity of living systems. Courses feature problem-solving components and vital hands-on laboratory training. The curriculum, which does not include tracks, provides both breadth and depth in biomedical engineering. Design is an important focus of the program and culminates in a two-semester senior design course, which incorporates real-world problems provided by hospital and industry partners.

A semester-by-semester course guide for the program is found on the BME curriculum sheet, which is updated by the Grove School of Engineering Office of Undergraduate Affairs. Course descriptions can be found in The City College Undergraduate Bulletin.

What will I know when I complete the BME program?

At graduation, each student is expected to have developed the following:


a) an understanding of biology and physiology along with the capability to apply advanced mathematics (including differential equations and statistics), science, and engineering to solve the problems at the interface of engineering and biology
b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to make measurements on, analyze and interpret data from living and non-living systems
c) an ability to design a biomedical engineering system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability, and addressing the problems associated with the interaction between living and non- living materials and systems
d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve biomedical engineering problems
f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
g) an ability to communicate effectively
h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of biomedical engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
j) a knowledge of contemporary biomedical engineering issues
k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

What are the major research areas in the BME department?

The research in BME Department is focused in 4 major areas:

How can I participate in undergraduate research?

Although not a required part of the curriculum, we encourage undergraduates to obtain relevant practical experience by participating in research projects in the labs of the faculty and by completing industry internships. Contact individual faculty members for possible research openings in their lab. Be persistent; you may not be able to find an opening right away but most students interested in gaining research experience eventually find an opportunity. Note that there are faculty members in other departments on campus doing BME-related research, and there is a network of faculty members in the program’s New York Center for Biomedical Engineering (NYCBE) that may have research openings for undergraduate students. See the Department’s research brochure and website for more info on research areas and potential labs to work in.

Where can I find a scholarship, internship, co-op, or job opportunity in BME?

The Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) Office of Student Development (Steinman 2M) provides information about scholarships, internships and co-ops (make sure you are on their e-mail list). The GSOE Office of Student Research and Scholarship https://www.facebook.com/OSRSGSOECCNY/  also promotes student research opportunities and scholarships. The CCNY Career Center (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/cpdi) hosts career fairs, resume workshops, etc. Visit the Career Center and look for notices posted around campus.

The following websites may also be helpful for both internship and job searches: BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society) website: http://www.bmes.org

BME Career Network:  https://www.aftercollege.com/career-networks/city-college-of-new-york/

What BME clubs are available to undergraduates?

The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) works to promote the increase of biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization by introducing students to the profession of biomedical engineering and the roles and obligations of the professional biomedical engineer. It provides an environment for social interaction and exchange of ideas between all levels of undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. The CCNY BMES student chapter has regular meetings and trips to local research hospitals or industry. Look for fliers announcing club-hour meetings and add your name to their e-mail list.

How can I network with other BME students, faculty, and organizations?

The BME Department holds a Town Hall Meeting every year, where students are asked to give feedback on the program to the faculty. The Department also holds a weekly BME seminar on Wednesdays at 3pm in ST-402, along with other special seminars.

Every spring a BME Day is held in conjunction with the annual visit by the Department’s Advisory Board; at this event student research posters and senior design projects are presented in the lobby of Steinman Hall.

The BMES student club  and the national BMES (http://www.bmes.org) are also good networking sources.

Who are the BME program advisors?

Upon entry into the major as a freshman, each BME student is matched with a faculty advisor in the Department whose primary purpose is to: (a) help the student in selecting appropriate courses, (b) advise the student about course-load issues, (c) provide direction in the selection of specializations and technical electives, (d) offer professional development regarding career objectives, and (e) monitor student progress. All students are required to meet once each semester with their faculty advisor. Students are assigned to a faculty advisor by their last name. 

BME faculty advisors include:

  • Prof. Dmochowski           
  • Prof. Parra
  • Prof. Bikson                     
  • Prof. Schaffler
  • Prof. Cardoso                   
  • Prof. Tarbell
  • Prof. Fritton                      
  • Prof. Fu
  • Prof. Nicoll                       
  • Prof. Wang                       
  • Prof. Carriero
  • Dr. Payton  

Listing and assignments are subject to change.

Where can I get the forms needed for advising and registration?

 

Required forms used for registration and advising are available by request and at the Information Center  outside the BME main office (ST-401).  Send request to bme@ccny.cuny.edu .  The following documents are used: 

  • BME Course and Advising Form (including Advisor’s List and Process)
  • BME Independent Study Form (Registration process for BME 59003, 59002, 59001, and 59100)    
  • BME Curriculum Sheet
  • Transfer Requirement and Process
  • Graduate Course Permission Form (including Process)
  • Grad Check Process for Graduating Seniors
  • Guidelines on choosing Pathways liberal arts electives

What is the advising process and how can I get the advising stop removed from my CUNY first account?

To ensure that all biomedical engineering students are advised by a BME faculty advisor, an advising “STOP or HOLD” will be placed on each student’s CUNYfirst record. To have the STOP or HOLD removed, follow the steps below:

1. Contact faculty advisor via email or visit during office hours to make an appointment for a mutually convenient time. Before meeting with your advisor (in-person or by ZOOM), fill out the “BME Course and Advising Form.” If meeting by ZOOM, make a PDF of your advising form and send to your advisor prior to meeting.  Your advisor will check over the form and sign it.

2. Email signed PDF to bme@ccny.cuny.edu or take the signed BME Course and Advising Form to (ST-403A). Hold will be removed within 24-48 hours. In general, the removal of registration STOP or HOLD will occur once a week.

What are the requirements to change your major to BME?

It is highly recommended that all interested students meet the following requirements:

  • Have a Cumulative G.P.A of 3.0 and
  • Completed Math 21200: Calculus-II and Physics 20700: University Physics I with a grade of “B” or higher.

If you meet these requirements, follow:

What are the requirements to complete the BME concentration?

Students whose primary interest is not in BME may elect to enroll in the biomedical engineering concentration. This 15-credit program is available to CCNY engineering majors in Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. To complete the concentration, students must take a total of five courses: two required courses (BIO 32100: Physiological Processes, and ENGR 30000: Social, Economic and Cultural Impact of Biomedical Technology) plus three courses chosen from the list of BME elective courses. See the ChE, EE, and ME curriculum sheets for details.

Can an undergraduate student take graduate-level BME courses?

Yes, but to be allowed to take a graduate course, an undergraduate student MUST: 1) Be a senior and 2) Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75

There are three options for taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student:

  • As an Engineering or Technical Elective (credits will apply only to undergraduate degree program)
  • As a course substitution (has to be approved by BME Chair)
  • Graduate School Credit  

 Be sure to fill in all required information (Name, ID. Phone, Email, Current GPA, Semester, Grad Course Name and Number).  You must also select the purpose of take the courses. ****NOTE: If you have already fulfilled both engineering and tech electives but would like to take a grad course for personal development select “Graduate Credit.”  Remember, you must be a senior and have a GPA above 2.75.  Before you select the purpose, review your CUNYfirst transcript to ensure that you are selecting the purpose that meets your objective.

Steps to Taking a Grad Course (Undergrads)

1. Once completed, return it to General Advisor at bme@ccny.cuny.edu or hand deliver at hardcopy to ST-403 for first level approval.

2. After first level approval, the form is sent to BME Chair, Assistant Dean, and Associate Dean.

3. When all required signatures are secured, you may register for the approved course.   (May take unto 2-weeks)

 

To obtain a Grad Permission Form, send request to bme@ccny.cuny.edu or list the Information Center located in the main Office, ST-401.

 

How should I select my electives to gain greater knowledge ?

While the BME program does not offer tracks, it does provide both breadth and depth in a variety of BME topics. The breakdown below demonstrates the breadth of BME topics covered in required courses, along with how elective courses can be chosen to gain depth in a particular area.

Note that you must satisfy the elective course pre-requisites, so plan your electives carefully.

Students must complete at least 3 credits of Engineering Electives chosen from the following list:

  • BME 59003, 59002, 59001
  • BME Independent Study
  • BME 51000 Microfluidic Devices in Biotechnology
  • BME I3000 Neural Engineering and Applied Bioelectricity
  • BME I4200 Organ Transport and Pharmacokinetics
  • BME I5000 Biomedical Imaging and Image Processing
  • BME I5100 Biomedical Signal Processing
  • ENGR I4200 Continuum Mechanics
  • ENGR I1100 Engineering Analysis
  • CHE 33000 ChE Thermodynamics II
  • CHE 34200 Transport Phenomena II
  • CSC 10200 Introduction to Computing
  • EE 33000 Electromagnetics
  • ME 14500 Computer-Aided Drafting
  • ME 24700 Engineering Mechanics II
  • ME 32200 Computer Methods in Engineering
  • ME 37100 Computer-Aided Design

Students must complete at least 6 credits of Technical Electives chosen from the following partial list:

  • BME 50400 Cell and Tissue Engineering
  • BME I9300 Scientific Ethics
  • BME I9500 Entrepreneurship and Financial Economics
  • BME G6000 Advanced Biomaterials
  • BME I7000 Lab in Cellular and Molecular Engineering
  • BME I8000 Bone Physiology and Biomechanics
  • BME I9000 Skeletal Soft Tissue Physiology and Biomechanics
  • BIO 10200 Foundations of Biology II
  • BIO 20600 Intro to Genetics
  • BIO 35000 Microbiology
  • BIO 37500 Developmental Biology
  • BIO 36400 Intro to Neurobiology
  • BIO 48300 Laboratory in Biotechnology
  • BIO 41000 Cell Dev-Senescence Virology
  • BIO 42000 Cancer Biology
  • CHE 49808 Nanomaterials
  • CHE 51200 Pharmaceutical Applications of Chem. Engineering
  • CHEM 24300 Quantitative Analysis
  • CHEM 26100 Organic Chemistry I
  • CHEM 26200 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
  • CHEM 26300 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM 33000 Physical Chemistry I
  • CHEM 33200 Physical Chemistry II
  • CHEM 45902 Biochemistry I
  • CSC 10400 Discrete Math Structures
  • MATH 32800 Methods of Numerical Analysis
  • MATH 37500 Elements of Probability Theory
  • MATH 37600 Mathematical Statistics
  • MATH 37700 Applied Statistics and Probability
  • MATH 39500 Complex Variables for Sci and Engr
  • PHYS 31500 Medical Physics
  • PHYS 32100 Modern Physics for Engineers
  • PHYS 32300 Quant Mechanics App Physics
  • PHYS 42200 Biophysics
  • SCI 28000 Bioinformatics

Biomechanics/Biotransport

Required Courses 

  • ME 24600 Engineering Mechanics
  • ME 33000 Mechanics of Materials CHE 34100 Transport Phenomena BME 50100 Cell and Tissue Mechanics BME 50200 Cell and Tissue Transport

Related Elective Courses 

  • ME 14500 Computer-Aided Drafting
  • ME 24700 Engineering Mechanics II
  • ME 32200 Computer Methods in Engineering
  • ME 37100 Computer-Aided Design
  • BME I8000 Bone Physiology and Biomechanics
  • BME I9000 Skeletal Soft Tissue Physiology and Biomechanics CHE 34200 Transport Phenomena II
  • CHE 51200 Pharmaceutical Applications of Chem. Engineering BME I4200 Organ Transport and Pharmacokinetics

Biomedical Imaging/Signal Processing/Neural Engineering

Required Courses 

  • BME 20500 Bioelectrical Circuits with Laboratory
  • BME 30500 Dynamical Systems and Modeling BME 40500 Biomedical Transducers and Instrumentation BME 50500 Image and Signal Processing in Biomedicine

Related Elective Courses 

  • BME I3000 Neural Engineering and Applied Bioelectricity BME I5000 Biomedical Imaging
  • BME I5100 Biomedical Signal Processing
  • EE 33000 Electromagnetics
  • PHYS 31500 Medical Physics

Biomaterials/Molecular Engineering/Nanotechnology

Required Courses 

  • CHEM 21000 Applied Chemistry for Biomedical Engineers BIO 22900 Cell and Molecular Biology
  • BME 31000 Experimental Methods in BME
  • BME 50300 Cell and Tissue - Biomaterial Interactions

Related Elective Courses 

  • BME 50400 Cell and Tissue Engineering
  • BME 51000 Microfluidic Devices in Biotechnology BME G6000 Advanced Biomaterials
  • BME I7000 Lab in Cellular and Molecular Engineering BIO 48300 Laboratory in Biotechnology
  • CHE 49808 Nanomaterials
  • PHYS 42200 Biophysics

How can I register for an independent study course?

Independent Study courses include:

  • BME 59003: Biomedical Engineering Independent Study (3 Credits) – Engineering elective
  • BME 59002: Biomedical Engineering Independent Study (2 Credits) – Engineering elective
  • BME 59001: Biomedical Engineering Independent Study (1 Credits) – Engineering elective
  • BME 59100: Special Project in Biomedical Engineering (1 Credit) – For qualifying transfer students (replaces ENGR 10100)

Steps to complete Independent Study Form

STEP 1. Identify the course you would like to take and discuss with your BME advisor as well as the BME faculty member who has agreed to oversee the coursework and/or assignment(s).  

STEP 2. Once you have an understanding of the coursework and/or assignments required for the course, complete the “Request for Independent Study” form with the BME faculty member who agreed to supervise the coursework and/or assignments.  Once complete, the faculty member will sign and forward to appropriate office for registration. 

What computational facilities and software are available to BME students?

In addition to computational facilities found around the CCNY campus, the BME department has a computer lab in Room ST-B2 with 28 desktop computers and a printer. To enter the room you need to know the key-lock combination. All machines use the same username and password. To learn the key-lock combination, username and password ask the BME front desk. Please be sure to logout and to close the door once you leave the room. The machines should all have the following software packages installed: Microsoft Office Suite, MATLAB, PSpice, Mathematica, and SolidWorks. To print you will have to bring your own paper. If any of the machines or the printer have a problem (missing software, no internet, viruses, etc.) please contact the system administrator for the B2 lab so we can fix the problem as soon as possible. His/her name and email address are posted in the room. Also, note that CCNY and CUNY have licenses to many software programs -- check their websites for details on how to obtain access to this software.

Will an operating knowledge of specific commercial software make a BME graduate more attractive to a potential employer?

The recommendation that any one particular software is a key to employment is misleading. BME graduates have the ability to learn new software without great difficulty because of their previous exposure to multiple software packages. When a potential employer advertises that a certain software experience is required for a job it is a good idea to investigate how the employer introduces new employees to their workplace. The employer may have a specific task in mind for the employee and may not provide an introductory employment period in which the new graduate could learn about the employer and acquire the specialized skills of the job for which they have been selected. It is recommended to highlight on your resume software skills you have developed to demonstrate your versatility in this area.

What is the BME program’s policy regarding academic integrity?

The BME program follows CUNY’s Policy on Academic Integrity, which can be found on the CCNY website (https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/standards/upload/academici...). In BME courses academic dishonesty (e.g., cheating, plagiarism) is not tolerated. In general, BME students are encouraged to discuss course topics and consult classmates to try to understand course concepts. However, on individual assignments and exams students must do their own work; copying from others or allowing   others to copy from you is in violation of CUNY’s Policy on Academic Integrity. Plagiarism is also unacceptable, and some BME courses utilize electronic plagiarism detection software to screen for plagiarism. Academic dishonesty can have serious effects on your GPA and your status as a CCNY student.

Is there a code of ethics for BME?

The national Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) has established a code of ethics to guide biomedical engineers:
Biomedical Engineering is a learned profession that combines expertise and responsibilities in engineering, science, technology and medicine. Since public health and welfare are paramount considerations in each of these areas, biomedical engineers must uphold those principles of ethical conduct embodied in this Code in professional practice, research, patient care, and training. This Code reflects voluntary standards of professional and personal practice recommended for biomedical engineers.

Biomedical Engineering Professional Obligations


Biomedical engineers in the fulfillment of their professional engineering duties shall:


1. Use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to enhance the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
2. Strive by action, example, and influence to increase the competence, prestige, and honor of the biomedical engineering profession. Biomedical Engineering Health Care Obligations


Biomedical engineers involved in health care activities shall:


1. Regard responsibility toward and rights of patients, including those of confidentiality and privacy, as their primary concern.
2. Consider the larger consequences of their work in regard to cost, availability, and delivery of health care. Biomedical Engineering Research Obligations

Biomedical engineers involved in research shall:


1. Comply fully with legal, ethical, institutional, governmental, and other applicable research guidelines, respecting the rights of and exercising the responsibilities to colleagues, human and animal subjects, and the scientific and general public.
2. Publish and/or present properly credited results of research accurately and clearly.

Should a BME graduate seek registration as a professional engineer?

While many practicing BMEs probably do not encounter the need to become a registered professional engineer (PE), there are some advantages to completing the process. First, successfully completing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step to registration, gives the student a sense of accomplishment. Second, completing the entire process provides the student with a lifelong employment credential that entitles the person to present herself or himself as a “professional engineer” available for employment in the state in which she/he is registered (many states honor professional registration in other states). At the current time, there is not a BME option for the PE exam, although this may change in the future.

What is the general education curriculum at City College

The General Education Curriculum, also called Core Curriculum, is an educational experience shared by all City College students regardless of their major. It is comprised of introductory coursework designed to give students the fundamental skills and background they need to pursue advanced work at the major or upper-level elective work and to instill a habit of mind that sees all areas of knowledge as interrelated. Students are able to choose from a selection of courses that build fundamental skills, such as writing, research, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, while introducing them to different fields of knowledge and inquiry. For students entering fall 2013 or after must follow Pathways requirements.

Where can I find more information regarding CCNY Admissions?

For detailed information, please contact The City College Office of Admissions.

Last Updated: 05/18/2022 08:08