Biomedical Engineering, B.S.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

Admission requirements and processes for freshman, transfer students, and former students seeking readmission are managed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Transfer applicants from regionally accredited colleges and universities must have a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA on a 4.00 scale to enter the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. Current University of South Carolina students, and former students seeking readmission, must have an institutional GPA of 2.50 or better on at least 15 hours earned at USC.

Degree Requirements (122-133 hours)

See College of Engineering and Computing for progression requirements and special academic opportunities.

Program of Study

Requirements Credit Hours
1. Carolina Core Requirements 34-43
2. College Requirements 0
3. Program Requirements 55-58
4. Major Requirements 33

Founding Documents Requirement

All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade in the subject areas of History, Political Science, or African American Studies that covers the founding documents including the United State Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation and one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle, and a minimum of five essays from the Federalist papers.  This course may count as a requirement in any part of the program of study including the Carolina Core, the major, minor or cognate, or as a general elective.  Courses that meet this requirement are listed here.

Requirements (122-133 hours)

Course Title Credits
1. Carolina Core (34-43 hours)
CMW - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Written
ENGL 101Critical Reading and Composition 13
ENGL 102Rhetoric and Composition3
ARP - Analytical Reasoning and Problem Solving 1
MATH 141Calculus I4
MATH 142Calculus II4
SCI - Scientific Literacy 1
BIOL 101
101L
Biological Principles I
and Biological Principles I Laboratory
4
CHEM 111
111L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Lab
4
GFL - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Foreign Language
Score two or better on foreign language placement test; or complete the 109 and 110 courses in FREN, GERM, LATN or SPAN; or complete the 121 course in another foreign language.
CC-GFL course(s)0-6
GHS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Historical Thinking
CC-GHS course(s)3
GSS - Global Citizenship and Multicultural Understanding: Social Sciences
CC-GSS course(s)3
AIU - Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding
CC-AIU course(s)3
CMS - Effective, Engaged, and Persuasive Communication: Spoken Component 2
CC-CMS course(s)0-3
INF - Information Literacy 2
Rhetoric and Composition (overlay with CMW)
VSR - Values, Ethics, and Social Responsibility 2
CC-VSR course(s)0-3
2. College Requirements (0 hours)
No college-required courses for this program.
3. Program Requirements (55-58 hours)
Supporting Courses (55-58 hours)
Foundational Courses (18-19 hours):
CHEM 112General Chemistry II3
CHEM 112LGeneral Chemistry II Lab1
CHEM 333Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 331LEssentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory I1-2
or CHEM 333L Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
MATH 242Elementary Differential Equations3
PHYS 211Essentials of Physics I3
PHYS 211LEssentials of Physics I Lab1
STAT 509Statistics for Engineers3
Biomedical Engineering Electives (12 hours):
Select 12 hours from the following (no more than 3 hours may come from BMEN 499): 3
Infectious Disease & Immunology for Biomedical Engineers
Medical Microbiology for Biomedical Engineers
Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering for Undergraduates
Fundamentals of Biochemical Engineering
Independent Research
Micro/nanofluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip
Bio Nano/Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems
Delivery of Bioactive Agents
Immunoengineering
Cardiovascular System: From Development to Disease
Advanced Biomechanics
Tissue Engineering
Engineering of Soft Materials
Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Kinetics
Biometric Measurements in Healthcare and Wearables
Mechanics of Solid Biomaterials
Biomechanics of Human Movement
Program Electives (6 hours):
Select 6 hours from the following:6
Any Biomedical Engineering Elective
CSCE 200-level and above
ECHE 300-level and above
ELCT 300-level and above
EMCH 300-level and above
INDE 300-level and above
Biological Principles II
Biological Principles II Laboratory
Microbiology
Microbiology Laboratory
Introduction to Environmental Biology
Introduction to Environmental Biology Laboratory
Ecology and Evolution
Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
Fundamental Genetics
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Advanced Human Physiology
Developmental Biology
Histology
Parasitology
Parasitology
Parasitology
Animal Behavior
Genomics
Hallmarks of Cancer
Virology - Classical and Emerging Concepts
Immunobiology
Neurophysiology
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology
Experimental Biotechnology
Signal Transduction and Pathogenesis
Human Molecular Genetics
Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Disease Pathogenesis
Ultramicroscopy
Quantitative Analysis
Analytical Chemistry
Quantitative Analysis Laboratory
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry II
Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Elementary Biophysical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry I: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Physical Chemistry Laboratory I: Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Physical Chemistry II: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
Physical Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry Laboratory
Biochemistry Laboratory
Algorithmic Design I
Introduction to Computer-Aided Design
Exercise Physiology
Impairments of the Human Motor System
Vector Calculus
Applied Linear Algebra
Numerical Linear Algebra
Discrete Structures
Ordinary Differential Equations
Nonlinear Optimization
Linear Algebra
Algebraic Structures I
Algebraic Structures II
Vector Analysis
Applied Complex Variables
Principles of Management
Introduction To Sales
Essentials of Physics II
Essentials of Physics II Lab
Mathematical Physics I
Mathematical Physics II
Computational Physics
Statistical Methods II
Nonparametric Statistical Methods
Sampling
Forecasting and Time Series
Forecasting and Time Series
Financial Mathematics II
Statistical Quality Control
Statistical Quality Control
Environmental Statistics
Applied Multivariate Statistics and Data Mining
Bayesian Networks and Decision Graphs
Bayesian Networks and Decision Graphs
The Student in the University
Lower Division Engineering (19-21 hours):
BMEN 101Introduction to Biomedical Engineering1-3
or ENCP 101 Introduction to Engineering
BMEN 212Fundamentals of Biomedical Systems3
BMEN 240Cellular and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications4
BMEN 271Introduction to Biomaterials3
BMEN 340Biochemistry with Engineering Applications4
BMEN 345Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers4
Major Requirements (33 hours)
Major Courses (33 hours)
BMEN 263Introduction to Biomechanics3
BMEN 290Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems3
BMEN 302Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering2
BMEN 321Biomonitoring and Electrophysiology3
BMEN 354Biotransport3
BMEN 363Biomedical Instrumentation3
BMEN 381Biomedical Engineering Laboratory I2
BMEN 382Biomedical Engineering Laboratory II2
BMEN 391Kinetics in Biomolecular Systems3
BMEN 411Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Systems3
BMEN 427Senior Biomedical Engineering Design I3
BMEN 428Senior Biomedical Engineering Design II3
1

Must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

2

Carolina Core Stand Alone or Overlay Eligible Requirements — Overlay-approved courses offer students the option of meeting two Carolina Core components in a single course. A maximum of two overlays is allowed. The total Carolina Core credit hours must add up to a minimum of 31 hours. Some programs may have a higher number of minimum Carolina Core hours due to specified requirements.

3

BMEN courses numbered 700 and above may be used to satisfy this requirement, provided the student is admitted to an Accelerated Bachelor's/Graduate program.

Major Map

A major map is a layout of required courses in a given program of study, including critical courses and suggested course sequences to ensure a clear path to graduation.

Major maps are only a suggested or recommended sequence of courses required in a program of study. Please contact your academic advisor for assistance in the application of specific coursework to a program of study and course selection and planning for upcoming semesters.

Biomedical Engineering, B.S 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
ENGL 101 Critical Reading and Composition 3
MATH 141 Calculus I 3 4
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I 3
CHEM 111L General Chemistry I Lab 1
BIOL 101 Biological Principles I 3
BIOL 101L Biological Principles I Laboratory 1
BMEN 101
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
or Introduction to Engineering
1-3
 Credit Hours16-18
Spring
MATH 142 Calculus II 4
BMEN 212 Fundamentals of Biomedical Systems 3
PHYS 211 Essentials of Physics I 3
PHYS 211L Essentials of Physics I Lab 1
CHEM 112 General Chemistry II 3
CHEM 112L General Chemistry II Lab 1
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
ENGL 102 Rhetoric and Composition 3
BMEN 240 Cellular and Molecular Biology with Engineering Applications (fall only) 4
MATH 242 Elementary Differential Equations 3
CHEM 333 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHEM 331L
Essentials of Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
or Comprehensive Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
1
STAT 509 Statistics for Engineers 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
BMEN 263 Introduction to Biomechanics (spring only) 3
BMEN 290 Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems (spring only) 3
BMEN 345 Human Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineers (spring only) 4
Carolina Core AIU 4 3
 Credit Hours13
Third Year
Fall
BMEN 271 Introduction to Biomaterials (fall only) 3
BMEN 321 Biomonitoring and Electrophysiology (fall only) 3
BMEN 381 Biomedical Engineering Laboratory I (fall only) 2
Biomedical Engineering Elective 5 3
Carolina Core GSS 4 3
Carolina Core CMS 4 0-3
 Credit Hours14-17
Spring
BMEN 302 Professional Development and Ethics in Biomedical Engineering (spring only) 2
BMEN 340 Biochemistry with Engineering Applications (spring only) 4
BMEN 354 Biotransport (spring only) 3
BMEN 363 Biomedical Instrumentation (spring only) 3
BMEN 382 Biomedical Engineering Laboratory II (spring only) 2
Biomedical Engineering Elective 5 3
 Credit Hours17
Fourth Year
Fall
BMEN 427 Senior Biomedical Engineering Design I (fall only) 3
BMEN 411 Modeling and Simulation of Biomedical Systems (fall only) 3
BMEN 391 Kinetics in Biomolecular Systems (fall only) 3
Biomedical Engineering Elective 5 3
Program Elective 6 3
Carolina Core GFL 7 0-3
 Credit Hours15-18
Spring
BMEN 428 Senior Biomedical Engineering Design II (spring only) 3
Program Elective 6 3
Biomedical Engineering Elective 5 3
Carolina Core VSR 4 3
Carolina Core GHS 4 3
Carolina Core GFL 7 0-3
 Credit Hours15-18
 Total Credit Hours122-133
1

Regardless of individual course grades, students must maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA. 

2

Some colleges require a minimum GPA for major courses.

3

Students who place into MATH 115 will be required to successfully complete it before taking MATH 141

4

The Carolina Core provides the common core of knowledge, skill and academic experience for all Carolina undergraduate students. 

5

Biomedical Engineering Electives (12 hours): BMEN 342, 346, 389, 392, 499, 532, 537, 546, 547, 548, 565, 572, 575, 589, ECHE 430; ELCT 391; EMCH 580, EXSC 335.  At most 3 credit hours may come from BMEN 499.  In addition, BMEN courses numbered 700 and above may be used to satisfy this requirement, provided the student is admitted to an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Graduate Program. 

6

Program Electives (6 hours): The Program Elective may be satisfied by any Biomedical Engineering Elective, any CSCE course at a 200 level and above, as well as any ECHE, ELCT, EMCH, or INDE course at a 300 level and above, or any of the following: BIOL 102, 102L, 250, 250L, 270, 270L, 301, 302L, 303, 415, 460, 505, 530, 531 (or ENHS 661/EPID 661), 534, 553, 610, 612, 620, 635, 653, 655, 656, 662, 665, 667, 690; CHEM 321 or 322, 321L or 322L, 334, 332L, 340, 541, 541L, 542, 545, 550 (or BIOL 541), 550L (or BIOL 541L); CSCE 145, EMCH 111, EXSC 330, 562; MATH 241, 344 (or MATH 526), 374, 520, 524, 544, 546, 547, 550, 552; MGMT 371; MKTG 457; PHYS 212, 212L, 515, 516, 517; STAT 516, 518, 519, 520 (or MGSC 520), 523, 525 (or MGSC 525), 528, 530, 582 (or CSCE 582); UNIV 101 . 

7

Students in the College of Engineering & Computing are required to demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the 121 course by 1) a score of two or better on the foreign language placement test; or 2) completion of the 109 & 110 courses in FREN, GERM, LATN, or SPAN or completion of the 121 course in another foreign language. Students who do not place out of the GFL requirement may need to take additional hours to meet this requirement. 

Program Notes:

  • All undergraduate students must take a 3-credit course or its equivalent with a passing grade that covers the founding documents. This course may fulfill any requirement in the program of study. Courses that meet this requirement are listed in the academic bulletin.
  • A student cannot repeat courses from the College of Engineering and Computing in which they earned a grade of C or better.  In addition, a student cannot repeat any course from the College a second time.  No more than four courses from the College of Engineering and Computing may be repeated in order to satisfy the requirements for any degree from the College, regardless of satisfactory work.  For this purpose, withdrawal from a course with a grade of W is not regarded as enrollment in that course.  A student that does not satisfactorily complete a degree-required College course within two attempts must change major or transfer out of the College of Engineering and Computing.
  • The last 25% of a student’s degree must be completed in residence at the University, and at least half of the hours in the student’s major courses and in the student’s minor courses (if applicable) must be taken at the University.
  • Disclaimer: Prerequisites on courses are subject to change. Please refer to Bulletin.