Bioengineering, PhD
The first doctorate degree in bioengineering in the nation was awarded at Penn in 1953, and since that time, Penn Bioengineering has been an integral academic program linking faculty from the engineering, medical, and arts and sciences schools on a single centrally-located campus. Penn Bioengineering provides students with a flexible curriculum and a world-class research environment. Students are given the opportunity to work in a collaborative culture that includes multiple generations of leaders in academia, government, and industry. The careful process of matching students with faculty based on their research interests begins with first-year lab rotations, which gives students an opportunity to begin their dissertation research in their first semester.
For more information: http://www.be.seas.upenn.edu/prospective-students/doctoral/index.php
View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
Students are required to take at least 9 graduate level courses and 2 seminars.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Responsbile Conduct of Research Requirement | ||
| Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering | ||
| Biomedical Science | ||
Select courses in cell biology and/or systems physiology. Courses chosen in consultation with advisor. 1 | ||
| Bioengineering Fundamentals | ||
Select three BE or Engineering courses devoted to analytical methods, modeling, experimental methods and data analysis which focus on the student concentration. Courses will be chosen in consultation with the advisor. | ||
| Research Discipline Electives | ||
Select two courses chosen in consultation with advisor | ||
| Mathematics | ||
Select two courses from the recommended list 2 | ||
| Bioengineering Research Rotation | ||
| Bioengineering Seminar | ||
Select a minimum of two BE 6990 seminars, usually in the first year. | ||
- 1
A list of courses that students have taken recently to fulfill this requirement can be found on the Bioengineering website.
- 2
Suggested courses include:
- ENM 5020 Numerical Methods and Modeling
- ENM 5100 Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - I
- ENM 5110 Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - II
- BE 5100 Biomechanics and Biotransport
- Additional math course recommendations can be found on the Bioengineering website.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
Biomedical Science Course | ||
Math or BE Fundamentals Course 1 | ||
| Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | ||
| Spring | ||
| Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | ||
Biomedical Science or BE Fundamentals 1 | ||
BE Fundamentals Course 1 | ||
| Summer | ||
Qualification Evaluation 2 | ||
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Thesis/Dissertation Research | ||
Math Elective | ||
Biomedical Science or BE Fundamentals Course 1 | ||
| Spring | ||
| Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | ||
| Thesis/Dissertation Research | ||
BE Fundamentals Course 1 | ||
Bioengineering Elective | ||
| Third Year and Beyond | ||
BE Fundamentals Course 1 | ||
Dissertation Proposal 3 | ||
Final Exam and Dissertation Defense | ||
- 1
Selected in consultation with the research advisor.
- 2
Qualifications Evaluation will be completed during the Summer or Early Fall.
- 3
The Dissertation Proposal is required by the end of the Fall semester in the Third Year.