Undergraduate Minor Program in Biomedical Engineering

What is the BME Minor?

The goal of the degree program is to educate students in how to apply fundamental engineering principles to solve challenging problems in biology and medicine. A common theme is the integration of individual components of a biological system to describe both the spatial and temporal organization of the system as a whole.

The scale of this integration may be as small as molecules and cells or as large as organ systems or whole organisms. Students gain an appreciation of how to solve problems at these different scales via coursework which relates math, biochemistry, biology, and engineering in the context of several biomedical engineering electives.

Where can I learn more about the program?

It is recommended that you attend a BME Minor info session. These are held in the beginning of each semester. Email be-acad@mit.edu for the dates or check on the MIT Events Calendar. If you cannot attend either date, see the section "I have more questions, who do I ask?"

1. Pick up a minor application from the BE Academic Office (56-651), the Student Services Center (11-120), or visit the Registrar website.
2. Meet with Professor Van Vliet (krystyn@mit.edu) in order to plan your program of study. Bring the application, as well as a copy of your most recent grade report with you to this meeting. Prof. Van Vliet must sign the form.
3. Bring the completed application to the Be Academic Office (56-651). You will be emailed a copy of your application. it will appear on your student record.

When should I apply?

You should apply by the end of your sophomore year, but no later than the "Add Date" of the term before the term you plan to graduate with an SB degree.

What if I want to change classes that would impact my minor?

To change any part of your approved program, you must consult with Prof. Van Vliet.

How do I complete the minor?

1. Pick up a minor completion form from the Be Academic Office (56-651), the Student Services Center (11-120), or visit the Registrar website.
2. When you have completed all of the course requirements for the minor, take a copy of your most recent grade report and a minor completion form to Prof. Van Vliet. She will then sign the completion form to verify that you have satisfied all of the course requirements.
3. Bring the completion form to the BE Academic Office (56-651). You will be emailed a copy.
4. Fill out the exit survey when you drop off the completion form so we can get important feedback on the BE Minor programs.

When do I complete my minor?

You must complete the minor by the minor completion date, typically the third week of the term you expect to receive the SB degree. Any completion forms filed after this date will be subject to a late fee, billed to your account.

What are the requirements?

The BME Minor is open to all students who do not major in Course 20. This program includes the broad science & engineering fundamentals that support applications in biomedical engineering. A total of eight (8) classes is required, several of which may also be required of the student's major:

2 Math:

• 18.03 or 3.016
  and one of either
• 18.440, 18.443 or 1.010

1 Biochemistry:

• 7.05 or 5.07J⁺

2 Biology & Engineering Baseline:

• 7.02, or 7.03, or 7.06
  and one from the following
• 1.0xx, 2.0xx, 3.0xx, 6.0xx, 10.xxx, 16.0xx or 22.0xx⁺⁺

3 Biomedical Engineering:

• 20.110 or 20.111
  as well as one of
• 20.310, 20.320 or 20.330
  and one from the following
• 20.34x, 20.371, 20.390, HST.52xJ, HST.54xJ, or 20.4xx⁺⁺⁺

J = indicates a joint subject and can be found in the Course Catalogue under alternate course numbers.
+ = Note that both 5.07J & 7.05 list 5.12 as a pre-req.
++ = This requirement indicates any lower-level engineering class outside of Course 20 or 20J, for which the student fulfills pre-reqs. For example, but not limited to: 2.003, 2.005, 3.022, 3.034, 6.002, 10.28, 10.29, 10. 301, 16.03, 22.01. Please note that 10.04J is not acceptable.
+++ = This requirement indicates that most additional Course 20-J or HST-J classes can be taken to fulfill a total of three classes grounded in biomedical principles & applications. 20.109, 20.309, and 20.380 are not acceptable.

I have more questions, whom do I ask?

Questions about course requirements, approving electives, etc:

Professor Krystyn Van Vliet
Director, BME Minor Program
Room 8-237
krystyn@mit.edu

Questions about program deadlines, forms, and other administrative requests:

Erik Mallinson
Administrative Assistant II, Course 20
Room 56-651
erima@mit.edu