Biomedical Engineering

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First-ever Transient Pacemaker Harmlessly Dissolves in Body

The thin, flexible, lightweight, wireless, fully implantable device gives temporary pacing without requiring removal.Read more

‘Living Pharmacy’ Could Control Body’s Sleep/Wake Cycles

The project led by Professor Jonathan Rivnay received a DARPA contract worth up to $33 million over four-and-a-half years.Read more

Simulation of Rat’s Complete Whisker System Acts as ‘Camera'

The technology could help researchers predict how whiskers activate different sensory cells to influence which signals are sent to the brain as well as provide new insights into the mysterious nature of human touch.Read more

Muscle’s Smallest Building Blocks Disappear After Stroke

By imaging biceps muscles with three noninvasive methods, the researchers found that stroke patients had fewer sarcomeres along the length of the muscle fiber, resulting in a shorter overall muscle structure. Read more

Biomedical Engineering Department

Leveraging research excellence to innovate the future of biomedicine

A uniquely collaborative environment defines the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern Engineering. Our interdisciplinary faculty, with appointments in engineering, medicine, and arts and sciences, lead revolutionary research in multiple areas in which the principles of engineering can be used to advance our impact on biology and medicine. We have robust connections to university-wide departments and schools as well as local hospitals, making our department a leader in the field of biomedicine, performing innovative research frequently translated into medical practice.

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Facts and Figures

A collaborative environment to solve biomedical challenges

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other departments with which we actively collaborate

across five Northwestern schools

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Research Areas

Collaborative research translated into medical practice

Our active collaborations with many other Northwestern Engineering departments as well as the Feinberg School of Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Stellenbosch University allow us to push the boundaries of our interrelated research areas.

Start-ups

Bringing innovations to market

Our department is home to many faculty start-up companies in therapeutics, diagnostics, biological discovery, and instrumentation.


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Programs

Top ranked programs to educate the next generation of engineers

Interested in a career in medicine, research, consulting, industry, or academia? Our evidence-based approach to teaching combined with our ability to embed our students in a thriving medical community or local industry provide a uniquely impactful educational experience to prepare you for any career path.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Combined BS/MS Degree Program

Explore special programs in this department, including undergraduate honors, certificates and minors, internship opportunities, and study abroad.

Graduate

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Graduate students may be interested in these additional opportunities:

Affiliated

PhD students may enroll in these additional programs:

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Discover Our Whole-Brain Engineering Philosophy

We augment the analytical core of engineering with design, entrepreneurship, leadership, personal development, and unusual collaborations to imagine what's next and take the world in a whole new direction.

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