Path to take to become a tissue engineer?

Gator88NE
Mon, 17 Jul 2017 12:31:18 +0000

^^^^What @treschicos said!

Not all BME programs have a similar focus. You need to do your research, review the curriculum, and looking into what research is being done at the university. It’s a LOT of research…

I’m going to use UF as an example, since it’s what I know, but there are lots of other, similar BME programs available at other schools. Look for schools that do significant $ of research in the life sciences (they will almost always have an associated hospital, like UF Health/Shands).

Here’s an overview of the curriculum for UF’s program:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/engineering/Majors/biomedical-engineering.aspx

UF’s BME program requires 132 (semester) credits, about 4.5 years to complete (less if taking classes over the summer, etc.). A typical degree takes 120 (for comparison), while engineering degrees tend to require more hours.

Science and Math Core: 39 credits

Biology Core: 8 credits
The biology core includes BSC 2010 Biology 1 and PCB 3713C Cellular and Systems Physiology, a new course developed by the Department of Biology in consultation with BME. Additional biology is part of the advanced physiology and molecular engineering courses. The biology core enables students to bridge the gap of knowledge from engineering to the medical sciences.

Engineering Core: 22 credits
The engineering core provides a thorough understanding of how engineers approach problems and introduces the major engineering disciplines the student will encounter over a career. The coursework consists of computer programming, thermodynamics, statics, materials, energy balances and circuits.

BME Core: 13 credits
The BME core provides basic understanding of prominent problems and methodologies used in the biomedical engineering profession.

Laboratories: 5 credits

UF BME students will complete one 15-credit specialization track in an area of their choosing, from biomechanics, biomaterials, medical physics and imaging, and neural engineering.

http://bme.ufl.edu/academics/undergraduate/curriculum/tracks

Next, look into the areas of research and determine if that fits your interest.

http://bme.ufl.edu/research

The above site list faculty involved in research, most are associated with a lab (20+?) and have a website that reviews the work being done in the lab (and how to join the lab). For example (the first 3 that I randomly picked):

https://faculty.eng.ufl.edu/dobson-lab/
Dr. Dobson’s research focuses on biomedical applications of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles. His group has developed novel technologies for 1) magnetic targeting and remote activation of cell signaling pathways for cell engineering and stem cell therapy; 2) magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection delivery; and 3) magnetic targeting of modified cell carriers for cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.

http://www.orthobme.com/
Dr. Allen’s research seeks to improve the evaluation of preclinical osteoarthritis models and improve the preclinical-to-clinical translation of emerging diagnostics and therapeutics for joint diseases.

http://www.gatorbaitlabs.com/
Dr. Simmons is the Director of the Biomimetic Actuators and Integrated Technologies (GatorBAIT) Lab, where researchers develop microsystems to mimic bodily functions in a dish. Specifically, systems are being developed to recreate the mechanical microenvironment by applying mechanical strain, biochemically tuning substrate stiffness, and creating composite structures for biomimetic tissues-on-a-chip.

I’ve heard that biomedical engineering is considered a “jack-of-all-trades” major, and if that’s the case, I’d rather not spend 4-5 years and thousands of dollars learning concepts I won’t use.

Yes, as most folks recommend at least a Master’s in the field (BME, or earn your BS in BME and then your masters in ME/EE, or even another STEM field). However, the same would go for Bio majors. If you want to work in this field, its recommend that you earn a graduate degree.

Good Luck!