volgenau school of engineering - george mason university€¦ · the master’s program requires...

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Department of Bioengineering

Undergraduate Student Guide

2018 — 2019

Volgenau School

of Engineering

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Table of Contents I. BACHELOR of SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM in BIOENGINEERING - OVERVIEW .................................................. 3

II. Bioengineering Undergraduate Curriculum ............................................................................................................................ 5

a. Biomedical Signals and Systems Concentration (BMSS) ................................................................................................... 5

b. Bioengineering Health Care Informatics Concentration (BHI) ........................................................................................... 6

c. Bioengineering Prehealth Concentration (BMPH) .............................................................................................................. 7

d. Honors College Curricula .................................................................................................................................................... 9

d1. BMSS Honors Concentration ....................................................................................................................................... 9

d2. BHI Honors Concentration ......................................................................................................................................... 11

d3. BMPH Honors Concentration .................................................................................................................................... 13

e. Undergraduate Course Descriptions .................................................................................................................................. 15

f. Approved Technical Electives ........................................................................................................................................... 19

g. MASON CORE for Bioengineering .................................................................................................................................. 20

III. VCCS Transfer Students ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

IV. General Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 22

a. Academic Status ................................................................................................................................................................ 22

b. Repeating a Course ........................................................................................................................................................... 22

c. Repeating Bioengineering Courses and VS courses required for the BIOE major ............................................................ 22

d. Important Guidelines and Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 22

e. Advising ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22

f. Study Groups ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23

g. Cooperative Education and Internships ............................................................................................................................. 23

h. Scholarships and Financial Aid ......................................................................................................................................... 23

i. Registration ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23

k. Warning/Suspension Credit Hour Limit ............................................................................................................................ 23

l. Force Add/Course Permit/Override ................................................................................................................................... 23

m. Closed Class ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

n. Overload ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24

o. Dropping a Course ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

p. Selective Withdrawal for Undergraduates ......................................................................................................................... 24

q. Courses at other Universities ............................................................................................................................................. 24

r. Transfer Courses Equivalencies ......................................................................................................................................... 24

s. English Exemption ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

t. Honor Societies .................................................................................................................................................................. 25

u. Annual Academic Awards ................................................................................................................................................ 25

v. Student Organizations ....................................................................................................................................................... 25

w. Graduation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25

x. Graduation GPA and Grades Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 25

y. Graduating BIOENGINEERING with HONORS ............................................................................................................. 25

VI. Full - Time Bioengineering Faculty ..................................................................................................................................... 26

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I. BACHELOR of SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM in BIOENGINEERING - OVERVIEW Medical practice today has benefited significantly from technologies that diagnose through noninvasive

imaging rather than surgery, enable active life in spite of cardiac disease, and restore movement or

sensation to those who lost a limb or their hearing. "Personalized medicine", envisioned to be based on

the genomic analysis of individuals, relies on new computational approaches. Bioengineers play a major

role in developing such technologies. Major innovations by Bioengineers include the development of

medical ultrasound, renal dialysis, magnetic resonance imaging, the cardiac pacemaker, angioplasty,

bioengineered skin and cartilage, cochlear implants, and the heart-lung machine.

The future outlook for Bioengineering is excellent. Bioengineering is considered one of the fastest-

growing fields with positions projecting to double over this decade. Among the primary reasons for the

projected increase in need for Bioengineers are the need to reduce health care costs through innovation,

particularly for an aging population, and the increasing role of technology in biological discovery.

Career opportunities exist in the areas of basic research, product design, project engineering, engineering

management, engineering consultancy, technical sales, medicine and many others. Graduates of this

program will be qualified to assume entry level engineering positions that require an ability to design,

apply, or test systems for biomedical use. Potential employers include government agencies and labs,

clinical institutions, industry and higher education.

The Bachelor of Science Bioengineering program focuses on Biomedical Imaging and Devices,

Computational Biomedicine, Neurotechnology and Computational Neuroscience, Biomaterials and

Nanomedicine. The curriculum provides a strong background in the biological and engineering

fundamentals of bioengineering as well as upper level courses in areas of biomedical system modeling

and control of biomedical systems. Furthermore, the senior year curriculum offers a senior design

project and access to technical electives in topics such as biomechanics, biomedical imaging,

nanotechnology, neural engineering, tissue engineering, and upper level bioscience courses. Additional

experience in clinical technologies, entrepreneurship and mentored research can also be acquired

through specialized technical elective courses. The program currently offers three concentrations:

Biomedical Signals and Systems, Bioengineering Health Care Informatics and Bioengineering

Prehealth.

The bachelor’s program in Bioengineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission

of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Advising: All BioE students are required to see the Academic Advisor for the Bioengineering

Department, Ms. Claudia Borke ([email protected]), prior to course registration each semester. Students

interested in bioengineering who have not declared a major will FIRST obtain advising from the

Volgenau School’s Undergraduate Academic Advisor, DaFran Ware ([email protected]).

Minor in Bioengineering

It provides great opportunities in a highly cross disciplinary field involving the application of

engineering concepts and tools to solve problems in biomedicine. The proposed minor in Bioengineering

provides an opportunity for students to gain and reinforce their knowledge of biology and engineering

fundamentals, and develop and apply skills to clinically- relevant challenges.

The minor requires completion of 18-21 credits of coursework, with 9-credit hours of basic core

requirements in bioengineering, bio-cellular engineering, and physiology for engineers. The remaining

credits (9-12) are technical electives from multiple disciplines, such as bioengineering, mechanical

mailto:[email protected]

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engineering, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering, neuroscience, biology and

chemistry, among others.

MS in Bioengineering (pending SCHEV Approval)

The Bioengineering Master’s graduate program prepares students for research and professional practice

in bioengineering and related fields. The program includes both fundamentals and advanced work to

apply engineering techniques to solve problems in biology and medicine. A major distinguishing feature

of the curriculum is that it is designed to educate leaders who understand and appreciate how biomedical

technology is translated from bench to bedside. Regardless whether they will eventually serve at

universities, industry or government, they will understand that new types of devices and processes

resulting from their graduate experience need to be improved and made cost-effective to reach the

public. As demanded by their leadership positions, they will recognize that entrepreneurial

considerations that are essential for determining whether a planned diagnostic or therapeutic approach is

practical from an investment perspective and is likely to produce societal benefit.

The Master’s program requires completion of 30-33 credits, with 12-credit hours of basic core

requirements. The program offers three options: coursework, thesis, or practicum. For more information

please go to Mason’s University Catalog 2018-2019.

PhD in Bioengineering

Rapid advances in understanding the fundamental processes of disease have opened up new

opportunities to advance human health through research that integrates biology, engineering, physics,

and computer science. The doctoral program will prepare leaders in bioengineering in this broader,

integrative sense of the discipline. A major distinguishing feature of the curriculum is its emphasis on

understanding how biomedical technology is translated from bench to bedside. Graduates from this

program will eventually serve at universities, industry or government in a variety of roles, including

scientific research, technology development, and regulatory affairs.

Additional Information on the bioengineering program, faculty, and associated research interests is

available at: http://bioengineering.gmu.edu. Inquiries concerning a bioengineering course of study should

be directed to the Bioengineering Program Office, room 3300, Nguyen Engineering Bldg., Fairfax

campus, (703) 993-5846.

Application Materials may be requested from: Admissions Office

Address: Mail Stop 3A4, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

Phone: (703) 993-2400

Website: http://admissions.gmu.edu/

https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/engineering/bioengineering/bioengineering-ms/#requirementstext

http://bioengineering.gmu.edu/

http://admissions.gmu.edu/

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II. Bioengineering Undergraduate Curriculum a. Biomedical Signals and Systems Concentration (BMSS)

The BMSS concentration emphasizes the systems and methods for acquisition and integration of

biomedical signals. Total: 120 Credit Hours

First Semester Second Semester

MATH 113 Analytic Geom. and Calculus I 4 MATH 114 Analytic Geom. And Calculus II 4

BENG 101 Intro to Bioengineering 3 CS 112 Intro to Computer Programming 4

ENGR 107 Intro to Engineering 2 PHYS 160 University Physics I 3

Mason Core* (ENGH 101) 3 PHYS 161 University Physics I Lab 1

CHEM 211/213 or CHEM 271/272 Gen. Chem. 4 Mason Core* (ECON or PSYCH or SOCI) 3

Total 16 Total 15

Third Semester Fourth Semester

MATH 213 Analytic Geom. & Calculus III 3 MATH 214 Elem. Differential Equations 3

MATH 203 Linear Algebra1 3 BENG 220 Physical Bases of Biomed Systems 3

PHYS 260 University Physics II 3 BENG 313 Physiology for Engineers 3

PHYS 261 University Physics II Lab 1 PHYS 262/263 University Physics III2 4

BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function1 4 Mason Core* (Global Understanding) 3

Total 14 Total 16

Fifth Semester Sixth Semester

BENG 320 Bioengineering Signals & Systems 3 STAT 344 Prob. & Statistics for Engineers 3

BENG 380 Intro to Circuits and Electronics 3 BENG 301 Bioengineering Measurements 3

BENG 381 Circuits and Electronics Lab 1 BENG 302 Bioengineering Measurements Lab 1

CS 222 Computer Programming for Engineers or

CS 211 Obj. Oriented Programming

Mason Core* (Communication and Literature)

3

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BENG 304 Modeling & Control of Physiol.

Syst.

ECE 301 Digital Electronics

Mason Core* (ENGH 302 Adv. Comp)

3

3

3

Total 16 Total 16

Seventh Semester Eighth Semester

BENG 491 Bioengineering Senior Seminar I 1 BENG 495 Bioengineering Senior Seminar II 1

BENG 492 Senior Advanced Design Project I 2 BENG 493 Senior Advanced Design Project II 2

BENG 420 Bioinformatics for Engineers 3 Technical Elective3 3

Technical Elective3 3 Technical Elective3 3

Technical Elective3 3 Mason Core* (Arts) 3

Mason Core* (HIST 100 or 125) 3

Total 15 Total 12

1 All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with

practical applications and for a specific section of BIOL 213. 2 Students may substitute CHEM 211 and CHEM 213 (or CHEM 211H + lab) and CHEM 212 and CHEM 214 (or CHEM

212H + lab) for PHYS 262, PHYS 263, and CHEM 271+272. 3 Students choose from a list of approved technical electives, including one of the Technical Electives from an approved

life science course (see page 19 for details).

* http://masoncore.gmu.edu Mason Core Categories: One course from each: Social and Behavioral Sciences (ECON103,

PSYC100 OR SOCI 101), Oral Communication, Composition I, Arts, Global Understanding, Literature, Western

Civilization/World History. ** Composition I and Mason Core-Literature must be completed before taking ENGH 302. ENGH

302 needs to be completed before Senior Design Projects. BIOE allows for ENG 302 natural science section or multidisciplinary

section.

http://masoncore.gmu.edu/

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b. Bioengineering Health Care Informatics Concentration (BHI)

The BHI concentration focuses on the management, analysis and visualization of data related to

biomedical and healthcare applications. Total: 122 Credit Hours





Mason Core* (ENGH 101) 3 PHYS 161 University Physics I Lab 1

CHEM 211/213 or CHEM 271/272 Gen. Chem. 4 Mason Core* (ECON or PSYCH or SOCI) 3

Total 16 Total 15





PHYS 261 University Physics II Lab 1 HAP 301 Healthcare Delivery 3

BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function1 4 HAP 360 Intro to Health Inform. Systems 3

Mason Core* (Communication) 3

Total 17 Total 15


BENG 320 Bioengineering Signals & Systems 3 STAT 344 Prob. & Statistics for Engineers 3

BENG 380 Intro to Circuits and Electronics 3 BENG 301 Bioengineering Measurements 3

BENG 381 Circuits and Electronics Lab 1 BENG 302 Bioengineering Measurements Lab 1

CS 222 Computer Programming for Engineers or

CS 211 Obj. Oriented Programming

IT 214 Data Fund.2 or HAP 361 Health Data

Mason Core* (Literature)

3

3

3

BENG 304 Mod. & Control of Physiol. Syst.

BENG 322 Health Data Challenges or

HAP 436 Electr.Health Data in Proc. Impr.

Mason Core* (ENGH 302 Adv. Comp)

3

3

3

Total 16 Total 16

Seventh Semester Eighth Semester



BENG 420 Bioinformatics for Engineers 3 Technical Elective3 3

Technical Elective3 3 Technical Elective3 3

Mason Core* (Global Understanding) 3 Mason Core* (Arts) 3

Mason Core* (HIST 100 or 125) 3

Total 15 Total 12

1 All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with MATLAB

applications and for a specific section of BIOL 213. 2 To sign up for IT 214 please request an override with the IST department. The Override Request Form can be found on their

webpage: https://ist.gmu.edu/students/current-students/registering-for-classes/registration-errors-and-overrides/ 3 Students choose from sets of approved technical electives, including one of the Technical Electives from an approved life

science course (See page 19 for details).

* http://masoncore.gmu.edu Mason Core Categories: One course from each: Social and Behavioral Sciences (ECON103,

PSYC100 OR SOCI 101), Oral Communication, Composition I, Arts, Global Understanding, Literature, Western

Civilization/World History. ** Composition I and Mason Core-Literature must be completed before taking ENGH 302. ENGH

302 needs to be completed before Senior Design Projects. BIOE allows for ENG 302 natural science section or multidisciplinary

section.

https://ist.gmu.edu/students/current-students/registering-for-classes/registration-errors-and-overrides/

http://masoncore.gmu.edu/

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c. Bioengineering Prehealth Concentration (BMPH)

Bioengineering students who are seriously considering a career path as a health care professional in medicine,

dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, etc., should use the Health Professions Advising Office as a

primary resource for coursework requirements and other advice to craft a desirable application. In addition to

seeing their Bioengineering advisor, students need to consult the university's pre-health advisor (Dr. Jane

Rockwood; prehealth.gmu.edu) to develop a fully integrated curriculum plan and timeline. The Medical College

Admission Test (MCAT) lists general coursework requirements for examination:

Prerequisites Minimum GMU Course Equivalent

English/Writing 1 year ENGL 101 + 302

Chemistry, Introductory 1 year with lab CHEM 211/213 + 212/214

Chemistry, Organic 1 year with lab CHEM 313/315 & 314/318

Physics 1 year with lab PHYS 160/161 & 260/261

Biology, Introductory 1 year with lab BIOL 213 & 311

Biochemistry 1 semester BIOL 483

Psychology 1 semester PSYC 100

Sociology 1 semester SOCI 101

Note also that calculus is a requirement at some but not all schools (required for pharmacy).

To fulfill the requirements for a Bioengineering Bachelor of Science degree with a Prehealth concentration,

additional credits beyond 120 hours are required, assuming incoming students lack Advanced Placement

credit. Total: 134 Credit Hours





CHEM 211/13 General Chemistry I 4 PHYS 161 University Physics I Lab 1

Mason Core (ENGH 101) 3 CHEM 212/14 General Chemistry II 4

Total 16 Total 16





PHYS 261 University Physics II Lab 1 CS 222 Computer Programming for Engineers 3

BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function1 4 or CS 211 Obj. Oriented Programming

Mason Core (PSYC 100) 3 Mason Core (Communication) 3

Total 17 Total 15


BENG 320 Bioengineering Signals & Systems 3 BENG 301 Bioengineering Measurements 3

BENG 380 Intro to Circuits and Electronics 3 BENG 302 Bioengineering Measurements Lab 1

BENG 381 Circuits and Electronics Lab 1 BENG 304 Mod. & Control of Physiol. Syst. 3

CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry I 3 CHEM 314 Organic Chemistry II 3

CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry I Lab 2 CHEM 313 Organic Chemistry II Lab 2

Mason Core (Literature) 3 Mason Core (ENGH 302 Adv. Comp.)

3

Total 15 Total 15

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Seventh Semester

Eighth Semester



ECE 301 Digital Electronics 3 BIOL 483 General Biochemistry 4

STAT 344 Prob. & Statistics for Engineers 3 BIOL Technical Elective (3-4 credits)3 4

SOCI 101 Introductory Sociology 3 Mason Core (Arts) 3

Mason Core (Global Understanding) 3

Total 15 Total 14

Ninth Semester

BENG 420 3

Technical Elective2 3


Mason Core (HIST 100 or 125) 3

Total 12

This is a sample schedule over 9 semesters. However, all degree requirements can be satisfied in 8 semesters (4 years) by taking

four summer classes.

1 All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with

practical applications and for a specific section of BIOL 213. 2 Students choose from sets of approved technical electives, including one of the Technical Electives from an approved life

science course (See page 19 of the Bioengineering Student Guide for details). 3 Students seeking admission to highly selective medical schools are advised to take an additional Biology/Chemistry

Elective. Biology/Chemistry Electives include but are not limited to:

BIOL 305/306 Microbiology (4)

BIOL 311 General Genetics (3)

BIOL 322/323 Developmental Biology (4)

BIOL 326 Animal Physiology (3)

BIOL 382 Introduction to Virology (3)

BIOL 430 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)

To ensure that they receive up to date and accurate advice, students interested in medical school must consult with

the Pre-health Advisor:

Jane Rockwood

Health Professions Advising Office

Academic Advising Center, SUB I, 2500

4400 University Drive, MS 2E6

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

[email protected]

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d. Honors College Curricula

Contact Information

Honors College Advisor: Richard Todd Stafford ([email protected])

Undergraduate Advisor: Claudia Borke ([email protected])

Once students begin attending Mason and declare a major they should see their major department advisor for

advising. Students must confirm their major requirements with their department advisor and with PatriotWeb’s

Degree Evaluation.

Honors College advisors are available to help with a variety of other advising issues, including help with the

Honors College curriculum, changing majors, identifying and declaring minors, identifying and selecting high-

impact experiences unavailable within the major (including interdisciplinary research, some internships, service

learning, etc.).

Note for students in the Volgenau School: Be aware of termination and repeat policies as outlined in the catalog.

Students who get a warning that they will be terminated from Volgenau for GPA have one semester to either (1)

meet the department’s requirements, or (2) change major; otherwise, they will have the “Terminated from

Volgenau” designation placed on their transcript.

o Honors College Requirement

Department Requirement

College Requirement

d1. BMSS Honors Concentration

1st Year – 1st Semester (Fall) Credits

o HNRS 110: Research Methods (Grade C or better required)1 4

MATH 113: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (a placement exam is required) 4

BENG 101: Intro to Bioengineering 3

ENGR 107 or ENGR 107H: Introduction to Engineering (Grade C or better required) 2

CHEM 271/CHEM272: General Chemistry for Engineers or CHEM 211/CHEM213:

General Chemistry or CHEM 211H+CHEM2133,4

4

Semester Total 17

1st Year – 2nd Semester (Spring) Credits

ECON 103 or ECON 103H: Cont. Microecon. Principles, PSYC 100 Basic Concepts in

Psychology OR SOCI 101: Introductory Sociology

3

CS 112: Introduction to Computer Programming (passing placement exam at the

MATH 113 level is required)

4

MATH 114: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (prerequisite: "C" or better in MATH

113) or MATH 116: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Honors 4

4

PHYS 160/161 or PHYS 160H/161: University Physics I (Pre- or co-requisite MATH

114 or MATH 116) 4

3/1

Semester Total 15

2nd Year – 1st Semester (Fall) Credits

o HNRS 131: Contemporary Society in Multiple Perspectives6 3

BIOL 213E: Cell Structure and Function2 4

MATH 203: Linear Algebra (Prerequisite MATH 114 or MATH 116)2 3

MATH 213: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III or MATH 215 4 3

PHYS 260/261 or PHYS 260H/261: University Physics II (Co-requisite MATH 213) 4 4

Semester Total 17


10

2nd Year – 2nd Semester (Spring) Credits

BENG 313: Physiology for Engineers (Prerequisites: BIOL 213E, B- and better in

MATH 114)

3

BENG 220: Physical Bases of Biomedical Systems (Prerequisites: BENG 101, PHYS

160, MATH 203; Co-requisite: MATH 214 or 216)

3

PHYS 262/263: University Physics III or CHEM 212/214: General Chem. II 4

MATH 214: Elementary Differential Equations (Prerequisite MATH 213 or 215) or

MATH 216 4

3

Semester Total 13

3rd Year – 1st Semester (Fall) Credits

o HNRS 240: Reading the Past6 3

BENG 320: Discrete Signals and Systems BE (Prerequisite: B- or better in MATH

214)

3

BENG 380/381: Intro to Circuits and Electronics & Lab 3/1

CS 222: Computer Programming for Engineers or CS 211 or CS 211H: Object-

Oriented Programming

3

Semester Total 13

3rd Year – 2nd Semester (Spring) Credits

o HNRS 353: Technology in the Contemporary World (grade of C or better required)6 3

BENG 301/302: BE Measurements & Lab 3/1

BENG 304: Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems

ECE 301: Digital Electronics

3

3

STAT 344: Probability for Engineers (Prerequisite: MATH 213 or 215) 3

Semester Total 16

4th Year – 1st Semester (Fall) Credits

BENG 491: BE Senior Seminar I 1

BENG 492: Senior Advanced Design Project I 2

BENG 420: Bioinformatics for Engineers 3



Department-approved Humanities/Social Science Elective7 3

Semester Total 15

4th Year – 2nd Semester (Spring) Credits

BENG 493: Senior Advanced Design Project II 2

BENG 495: BE Senior Seminar II 1



Department-approved Humanities/Social Science Elective7 3

HNRS 122: Reading the Arts6 3

Semester Total 15

Total Hours 121

Notes

1. Students must take HNRS 110 in their first semester

2. All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of BIOL 213 E and a specific section of

MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with MATLAB applications.

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3. Students interested in Medical School (or other Professional health schools) may substitute CHEM 211 and

CHEM 213 (or CHEM 211H + lab) and CHEM 212 and CHEM 214 (or CHEM 212H + lab) for PHYS 262,

PHYS 263, and CHEM 271 + CHEM 272. Such students are encouraged to see the university’s premedical

advisor to determine any additional courses that they should consider.

4. The Honors sections of these courses can be used to satisfy Honors College Requirement 3.

5. Students choose from sets of approved technical electives, including one of the Technical Electives from an

approved life science course. (See page 19 for details).

6. Honors College seminars are topical, with each section focusing on a different topic. Descriptions of each

section are posted before registration at https://honorscollege.gmu.edu/academics/courses

7. College requirements (VS) include 24 credit hours of department-approved, humanities and/or social science

electives.

d2. BHI Honors Concentration





ENGR 107 or ENGR 107H: Introduction to Engineering (Grade C or better required)2 2

CHEM 271/CHEM272: General Chemistry for Engineers or CHEM 211/CHEM213:

General Chemistry or CHEM 211H+CHEM213

4

Semester Total 17


ECON 103 or ECON 103H: Cont. Microecon. Principles,2 PSYC 100: Basic Concepts

in Psychology OR SOCI 101: Introductory Sociology

3



4



4


114 or MATH 116) 2

3/1

Semester Total 15


o HNRS 131: Contemporary Society in Multiple Perspectives3 3

BIOL 213: Cell Structure and Function4 4


MATH 213: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III or MATH 2152 3

PHYS 260/261 or PHYS 260H/261: University Physics II (Co-requisite MATH 213) 2 4

Semester Total 17


BENG 313: Physiology for Engineers (Prerequisites: BIOL 213, B- and better in

MATH 114)

3


160, MATH 203; Co-requisite: MATH 214 or 216)

3

HAP 301: Healthcare Delivery

HAP 360 Intro to Health Inform. Systems

3

3


MATH 216 2

3

Semester Total 15

https://honorscollege.gmu.edu/academics/courses

12



BENG 320: Discrete Signals and Systems BE 3


IT 214: Database Fundamentals5 OR HAP 361 Health Databases

STAT 344: Probability for Engineers (Prerequisite: MATH 213 or 215)

3

3

Semester Total 16




BENG 304: Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems

CS 222: Computer Programming for Engineers OR CS 211 or CS 211 H: Object-

Oriented Programming2

3

3

BENG 322: Health Data Challenges OR HAP 436 Electr. Health Data in Proc. Impr. 3

Semester Total 16


○HNRS 122: Reading the Arts3 3

♦BENG 491: BE Senior Seminar I 1

♦BENG 492: Senior Advanced Design Project I 2

♦BENG 420: Bioinformatics for Engineers 3

♦Technical Elective6 3

ᵜDepartment-approved Humanities/Social Science Elective 3

Semester Total 15




Technical Elective 6 3


ᵜDepartment-approved Humanities/Social Science Elective 3

Semester Total 12

Total Hours 123

Notes

1. Students must take Honors 110 in their first semester.


3. Honors College seminars are topical, with each section focusing on a different topic. Descriptions of each section

are posted before registration at https://honorscollege.gmu.edu/academics/courses

4. All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of BIOL 213E and for a specific section of

MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with MATLAB applications

5. To sign up for IT 214 please request an override with the IST department. The Override Request Form can be

found on their webpage: https://ist.gmu.edu/students/current-students/registering-for-classes/registration-errors-

and-overrides/


approved life science course (See page 19 of the Bioengineering Student Guide for details)




13

d3. BMPH Honors Concentration





CHEM 211/213: General Chemistry I + Lab or CHEM 211H2 + CHEM 213 3/1

ENGR 107 or ENGR 107H: Introduction to Engineering (Grade C or better required) 2

Semester Total 17


CHEM 212/214 or CHEM 212H + CHEM 214: General Chemistry II + Lab2 3/1


114 or MATH 116)2

3/1



4



4

Semester Total 16


BIOL 213E: Cell Structure and Function,3 4


MATH 213: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III or MATH 215: Calculus III Honors2 3

PHYS 260/261 or PHYS 260H/261: University Physics II (Pre- or co-requisite MATH

213 or MATH 215)2

3/1

Semester Total 14


BENG 313: Physiology for Engineers (Prerequisites: BIOL 213E, B- and better in

MATH 114)

3


160, MATH 213 or 215; Co-requisite: MATH 214 or 216)

3


MATH 216 2

3

SOCI 101: Introductory Sociology 3

o HNRS 122: Reading the Arts4 3

Semester Total 15


CHEM 313/315: Organic Chemistry I and Lab 3/2

BENG 320: Discrete Signals and Systems (Prerequisite: B- or better in MATH 214) 3


HNRS 131: Contemporary Society in Multiple Perspectives4 3

Semester Total 15


CHEM 314/318: Organic Chemistry II and Lab 3/2


14

BENG 304: Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems 3

PSYC 100: Basic Concepts of Psychology 3

Semester Total 15



BENG 491: BE Senior Seminar I 1

BENG 492: Senior Advanced Design Project I 2

BENG 420: Bioinformatics for Engineers 3

BIOL 483: General Biochemistry 4

STAT 344: Probability and Statistics for Engineers (Prerequisite: MATH 213 or 215) 3

Semester Total 16





BIOL Tech Elective6 3-4

CS 222: Computer Programming for Engineers, or CS 211 or CS 211H2: Object-

Oriented Programming

3

Semester Total 12-13


ECE 301: Digital Electronics 3



PHIL 309: Bioethics (or a Mason Core humanities/social science substitute) 3

Semester Total 12

Total Hours 132-134

Notes

1. Students must take HNRS 110 in their first semester.


3. All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of BIOL 213E and for a specific section of

MATH 203 including a 1-hour recitation with MATLAB applications.

4. Honors College seminars are topical, with each section focusing on a different topic. Descriptions of each section

are posted before registration at https://honorscollege.gmu.edu/academics/courses


approved life science course (See page 19 for details).


15

e. Undergraduate Course Descriptions

BENG 101 Introduction to Bioengineering (3). Surveys the field of bioengineering and the global impact of

technology innovation in solving problems in biology and medicine with an emphasis on engineering tools and

concepts. Introduces mathematical modeling and analysis of bioengineering problems through the use of standard

software packages for simulation. Other topics include: prototyping and design, ethics and regulatory affairs, and

history and career paths in Bioengineering.

BENG 220 Physical Bases of Biomedical Systems (3). Prerequisite: Grade C or better in BENG 101, PHYS

160 and MATH 203 (All bioengineers will be required to register for a specific section of MATH 203 including a

1-hour recitation with MATLAB applications), Co-requisites: MATH 214 OR MATH 216. Introduces the

physical basis of biomedical systems and signals. Demonstrates basic concepts of systems and signals theory, and

shows their derivation from the biophysical concepts such as mechanics, fluid mechanics, pharmacokinetics and

molecular biophysics which underlie the signals in living systems. Aims at providing the student with the

mathematical and physical understanding to quantitatively describe biological systems. Students cannot receive

credit for both BENG 220 and ECE 220.

BENG 301 Bioengineering Measurements (3). Prerequisites: Grade C or better in BENG 380 and BENG

320, BENG 313, Co-Req: BENG 302. This course introduces the basic concepts and tools for making biomedical

measurements, describes instrumentation design and analysis considerations, and discusses several practical

applications.

BENG 302 Bioengineering Measurements Laboratory (1) Co-requisite: BENG 301. This laboratory course

will provide students hands-on with sensors and instrumentation relevant to the analysis of living systems and

related processes. Biomedical measurements include electrocardiograms, electromyograms, spirometry, pulse

oximetry, and glucose monitoring.

BENG 304 Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems (3). Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in

BENG 320 or SYST 320, MATH 214, PHYS 260 and BENG 313. This course will introduce students to

a systems-level understanding of biomedical systems. Mathematical modeling of dynamic systems will be

emphasized, including the role of feedback. Analogies between electrical and mechanical systems will be

discussed. Examples covered will include multiple scales ranging from cells to organ systems.

BENG 313 Physiology for Engineers (3). Prerequisite: Grade C or better in BENG 101 and BIOL 213, and

grade B- or better in MATH 114 or MATH 116. This course provides a broad introduction to the subject of

human physiology, focusing on learning the subject matter from an engineering viewpoint. Organs and

physiological systems where engineering has a significant role are emphasized.

BENG 320 Bioengineering Signals and Systems (3). Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in BENG 101 and

BENG 220, grade of B- or better in MATH 214. Measurements from living system are almost always analyzed

digitally. This course will introduce students to the conversion of analog signals to digital ones, and how to use

digitally processed signals in biomedical applications.

BENG 322 Health Data Challenges (3). Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in IT 214, (STAT 250 or STAT

344). Covers methodology and tools used to work with health data structures supporting organizations’ needs for

reliable data that are captured, stored, processed, integrated, and prepared for further querying, decision making,

data mining and knowledge discovery for a variety of clinical and organizational purposes. Data security and

privacy, data standards, data interoperability, health information exchange, and big data analytics are discussed.

BENG 327 Cellular, Neurophysiological, and Pharmacological Neuroscience (3). Prerequisite: Grade of C

or better in CHEM 211. Covers the basics of cellular, neurophysiological, and pharmacological neuroscience,

including cellular anatomy and membrane function, electrical properties of neurons, intracellular and intercellular

signaling, synaptic plasticity, and circuit connectivity.

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BENG 341 RI: Introduction to Biomaterials (3). Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CHEM 271/272 (or

CHEM 211/213), MATH 113, BIOL 213. This course provides an introduction to biomaterials and biological

interactions with materials, including an overview of biomaterials characterization, design and testing. The

emphasis of this course will be on emerging strategies and design considerations of biomaterials.

BENG 380 Introduction to Circuits and Electronics (3). Prerequisites: Grade B- or better in MATH 214,

Grade C or better in PHYS 260. Co-Requisite: BENG 320. This course will give students a basic background in

electronics and its use in practical applications. The course introduces circuit analysis techniques, transient and

frequency response characteristics of first and second order circuits, operational amplifier circuits, semiconductor

devices such as diodes, field effect and bipolar transistors, and digital logic circuits. Biomedical applications will

be included as examples.

BENG 381 Circuits and Electronics Lab (1). Prerequisite: Grade C or better in PHYS 261, Corequisite:

BENG 380. This course will give students laboratory experience in basic electronics emphasizing issues and

considerations that are paramount for biomedical instrumentation.

BENG 390 Engineering Design and Fabrication (3). Prerequisite: Grade C or better in BENG 380, or in ECE

280, or in ECE 285. Project based course where students will design projects containing analog and digital

components as well as mechanical parts. Students will simulate, build, and test their projects.

BENG 395 RS: Mentored Research in Bioengineering (3). Prerequisite: At least 60 credit hours

applicable to the Bioengineering program. This course matches undergraduate students with faculty

mentors who are actively involved in Bioengineering-related research. Students are introduced to the scientific

research process through this “hands on” experience. Students are expected to spend no less than 60 hours per

semester working with their mentors.

BENG 406 Introduction to Biomechanics (3). Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in PHYS 160 (or PHYS 243)

and (BENG 220 or SYST 220 or ECE 320). This course introduces the fundamental principles of musculoskeletal

biomechanics, computational simulation of movement, and OpenSim simulator. Topics include functions and

models of the musculoskeletal structures, mathematical description of motion, kinetics, and simulation of

movement using OpenSim.

BENG 417 Bioengineering World Health (3). Enrollment limited to students with a class of Junior, Senior

Plus or Senior. Covers the major types of medical equipment, including the principles of operation, the

physiology underlying the measurement, the major functional (system) pieces for each instrument, and typical

problems/applications of each instrument. Special focus is placed on making reliable and safe repairs in a low

resource setting: Troubleshooting, creative problem solving, calibration and testing.

BENG 420 Bioinformatics for Engineers (3). Prerequisite: Grade C or better in BENG 320 OR SYST 320 OR

ECE 320. This course introduces the fundamental techniques and tools for analyzing biomedical data, important

for many biomedical engineering problems. Topics include regression, classification, clustering, dimensionality

reduction, data representation, pattern matching and algorithm performance evaluation. This innovative course

will leverage hybrid learning through a combination of lectures, on-line content, and individual and group projects

involving hands-on analysis.

BENG 421 Introduction to Tissue Engineering (3). Recommended prerequisite: BENG 220. Designed to

provide exposure to the concepts of cell/tissue functions and behavior and strategies to manipulate their

responses, biomaterials to construct scaffolds, modern techniques of artificial organ development and wound

healing and most importantly, the utilization of engineering principles for biomedical applications.

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BENG 429 Mason-Inova Applied Technologies (3). Required prerequisite: Grade C and above in BENG 313.

This Mason-based class will provide students with the opportunity to learn fundamentals concepts in the

classroom and interact with clinical technologies, through 3-hour practical experiences at the Fairfax Inova

hospital every three to four weeks. Students will work with faculty and clinicians in both an academic and

simulated clinical environment.

BENG 437 Medical Image Processing (3). Recommended prerequisite: BENG 320. Covers the basic concepts

of image processing in the context of medical applications. It focuses on the basics of image enhancement in the

spatial domain, image enhancement in the frequency domain, image restoration, morphological image processing,

image registration and segmentation feature extraction and classification.

BENG 441 Nanotechnology in Health (3). Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIOL 213 and PHYS 160.

Grade of C or better in CHEM 271/272 OR CHEM 211/213. This course introduces fundamental principles of a

wide range of nanoscale biomaterials and their applications in medicine and engineering.

BENG 451 Translation and Entrepreneurship in Bioengineering (3). Prerequisites: Grade C or better in

BIOL 213, CHEM 271/272 OR CHEM 211/213 or Instructor Permission. This course focuses on teaching the

process of translational research as well as on teaching the fundamentals for the creation of a medical device and

for the development of a company vision. These fundamentals include: a) the understanding of the disease at the

anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology levels, b) the creation of the design of a medical device prototype, c)

the explanation of the business assessment and business strategy necessary to develop a company vision in a

medical device field.

BENG 491 Bioengineering Senior Seminar I (1) and

BENG 495 Bioengineering Senior Seminar II (1). Prerequisite: senior standing. For BENG 495: 90

credit hours applicable to the Bioengineering Program, Grade of C or better in COMM 100 OR COMM

101. This series of two seminar courses course will familiarize students with the variety of responsibilities of

bioengineers to society. Topics will include ethics, regulation, research, industry, entrepreneurship, and cost

issues. Professional approaches to job searching and effective technical communication also will be discussed.

Speakers will include faculty, invited guests from industry and government, as well as students.

BENG 492 Senior Advanced Design Project I (2) and

BENG 493 RS: Senior Advanced Design Project II (2). Prerequisite: senior standing and 90 credit

hours applicable to the Bioengineering Program, Grade of C or better in COMM 100 OR COMM 101, and

ENGH 302. This sequence engages students in hands-on design experience. The projects apply the students’

technical knowledge to design a device, process, or system to solve a biomedical problem. Teams typically

consist of four students; interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged.

BENG 499 Special Topics in Bioengineering (3). Prerequisites can vary. Topics of special interest to

undergraduates.

BENG 501 Bioengineering Research Methods (3). Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of

instructor. Examines approaches for scientific research with emphasis on bioengineering. Topics include

biophysical origins of bioengineering measures, tools and technology for bioengineering data collection, basic

principles of experimental design and statistical analyses, and interpretation of scientific results. Special attention

will be given to ethical issues associated with the collection, use, and dissemination of data.

BENG 525 Neural Engineering (3). Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Provides an

overview of topics in Neural Engineering. Topics covered range from sensory and motor prosthetic devices,

stimulation of biological tissue, bio-electrodes and characterization techniques, brain-machine interfaces, and

engineered devices to ameliorate neuro-disorders.

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BENG 538 Medical Imaging (3). Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Recommended

Prerequisite: ECE 220 or equivalent. Provides an introduction to the physical, mathematical and engineering

foundations of modern medical imaging systems, medical image processing and analysis methods. In addition,

this course introduces engineering students to clinical applications of medical imaging. The emphasis is on

diagnostic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging methods, although several other modalities are covered.

The course also provides an overview of recent developments and future trends in the field of medical imaging,

discusses some of the challenges and controversies, and involves hands-on experience applying the methods

learnt in class to real-world problems.

BENG 541 Biomaterials (3). Recommended Prerequisite: BIOL 213, (CHEM 271/272 OR CHEM 211/213).

Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Covers the principles of biomaterials and biological interactions

with materials, including an overview of biomaterials characterization, design and testing. Specific topics include

the use of polymers, ceramics and metallics in biomaterials, drug delivery applications, tissue engineering from an

orthopedic and vascular perspective, biocompatibility, acute and chronic biological response to implanted

material, and in vitro and in vivo testing of biomaterials.

BENG 550 Advanced Biomechanics (3). Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Introduces the

fundamental concepts of musculoskeletal biomechanics, and how to apply mechanical principles to quantitatively

describe and analyze movement. Topics include properties, functions, and models of the musculoskeletal

structures, 3D kinematics, locomotion, and instrumentation systems applied in musculoskeletal biomechanics and

movement analysis.

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f. Approved Technical Electives

The following are approved elective courses:

BENG 327 Cellular, Neurophysiological, and Pharmacological Neuroscience (3)

BENG 341 RI: Introduction to Biomaterials (3)

BENG 390 Engineering Fabrication and Design (3)

BENG 395 RS: Mentored Research in Bioengineering (3)

BENG 406 Biomechanics (3)

BENG 417 Bioengineering World Health (3)

BENG 421 Introduction to Tissue Engineering

BENG 429 Mason-Inova Applied Technologies (3)

BENG 437 Medical Image Processing

BENG 441 Nanotechnology in Health (3)

BENG 451 Translation and Entrepreneurship in Bioengineering (3)

BENG 499 Special Topics in Bioengineering (3)

BENG 525 Neural Engineering (3)

BENG 538 Medical Imaging (3)

BENG 541 Biomaterials (3)

BENG 550 Advanced Biomechanics (3)

For BMSS/BHI Students ONLY: Students may substitute one of the technical electives with one of the following:

BIOL 305/306 Biology of Microorganisms & Lab (3&1)

BIOL 311 General Genetics

BIOL483/CHEM463 General Biochemistry

CHEM 313/315 Organic Chemistry & Lab (3&2)

CS 310 Data Structures (3)

CS 444 Introduction to Computational Biology (3)

CS 445 Computational Methods for Genomics (3)

ECE 305 Electromagnetic Theory (3)

ECE 350 Embedded Systems and Hardware Interfaces

ECE 370 Robot Design

ECE 410 Applications of Discrete Time Signals Processing (3)

ECE 421 Classical Systems and Control Theory (3)

ECE 450 Mobile Robots (3)

ME 313 Material Science (4)

PSYC 372 Physiological Psychology (3)

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g. MASON CORE for Bioengineering

No graduate level courses are approved. The Bioengineering Department follows the University’s General

Education Electives (MASON CORE) for Global Understanding, Fine Arts and Literature. For more information

on the approved electives please go to the University’s recent catalog under Mason Core –

http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason-core/.

The Bioengineering Program requires the following 24 credits of Mason Core requirements outside the ones that

are already satisfied with the program’s curriculum:

Composition: ENGH 101 AND ENGH 302

Literature

Fine Arts

Global Understanding

Western Civilization OR World History

COMM 100 OR COMM 101

PSYC 100 OR SOCI 101 OR ECON 103

For ENGH 302, BIOE students need to select the Natural Science / Technology or Multidisciplinary Sections.

The General Education Synthesis requirement is met by satisfactory completion of BENG 492/493.

No C- or D grades in BENG, ECE, ENGR or BIOL courses can be submitted

for the Bioengineering Bachelor’s degree.

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III. VCCS Transfer Students These are suggested courses which fulfill some degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in

Bioengineering. Transfer associate's degree programs and courses vary among the 23 VCCS colleges. Be sure

to consult your community college academic advisor each semester to make sure you are on track to graduate in

an A.A. or A.A.& S or A.S. degree.

VCCS Mason Equivalent

ENG 111 and ENG 112 ENGH 101 and ENGH ----

MTH 263 and 264 MATH 113 and 114

CST 100 or 105 or 110 or 126 COMM 100 or 101

Arts Arts

Global Understanding Global Understanding

200 level English Literature or ENG 125 ENGH 2--- or ENGH 201

PHY 231 and PHY 232 PHYS 160, 161 and PHYS 260, 261, 266

Social & Behavioral Science Social & Behavioral Science

HIS 101 or 102 or 112 HIST 101 or 102 or 125

CSC 201 CS 112

EGR 120 ENGR 107

MTH 265 MATH 213

MTH 266 MATH 203

MTH 267 MATH 214

CHM 111 CHEM 211, 213

BIO 206 BIOL 213

Admission to the Volgenau School of Engineering is competitive.

Mason accepts ENG 125, Introduction to Literature in lieu of ENG 112. ENG 125 is equivalent to ENGH

201, which fulfills our literature requirement.

Social & Behavioral Science: Choose one course from ECO 202 or PSY 200 or SOC 200

Helpful Tools

Mason Core equivalent NOVA courses:

http://advising.gmu.edu/mason-core-vccs-equivalency/

Students transferring to George Mason, having earned an AS degree at NOVA AND have the Guaranteed

Admissions Agreement – GAA: https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/transfer/virginia-

guaranteed-admission-agreements

All students, regardless of any prior AS or BS degree must present at least 24 credit hours of approved non-

technical course work for any degree within the Volgenau School.

We recommend that you contact the advisor of the Department of Bioengineering, Claudia Borke

([email protected]), to discuss options for an individualized and optimal transfer curriculum.

https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/transfer/virginia-guaranteed-admission-agreements

https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/transfer/virginia-guaranteed-admission-agreements


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IV. General Information

a. Academic Status Academic Status is determined using the cumulative GPA and the number of credit hours (GMU attempted, transfer, AP, credit by exam) a student has on their GMU record. Having a cumulative GPA less than a 2.000 results in an Academic Status designation ranging from Warning to Suspension, depending on the student’s Credit Level. Credit Level includes credit hours of the “original” course as well as the “repeat” course when a student repeats a specific course. The Cumulative GPA is determined only by the credit hours and grade of the most recent course. For full details go to the Registrar’s web site or link directly via: http://registrar.gmu.edu/students/academic-standing/.

b. Repeating a Course George Mason allows undergraduate students to repeat (almost) any course for a new grade. Upon completion of the repeated course the old grade will be “flagged” as “Excluded from cumulative GPA”, but will remain on the transcript. The new grade will become part of the cumulative GPA, even if it is lower than the previous grade! Repeating a course by taking it away from George Mason (i.e. at Northern Virginia Community College) will not remove the George Mason grade from the cumulative GPA.

c. Repeating Bioengineering Courses and VS courses required for the BIOE major To take a Bioengineering course for a third time requires the approval of the Bioengineering Department. Before

the Bioengineering Department will approve such a request, a non-Bioengineering student must get the written

approval of their own academic advisor first. Once a student has attempted one of these courses twice

unsuccessfully, the third attempt must be no later than the next semester of enrollment, excluding summers.

Failure to take the course at that time will result in termination from the major. If the student is unable to take the

course when required, the student may request an extension to a future semester; extensions require approval of

the student’s advisor, their department, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. The deadline for

extension requests is the add deadline for the semester in which the course is required. Students who have been

terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without

permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the

Volgenau School except IT 104 and STAT 250. A student may not declare any major in the Volgenau School of

Engineering if the student has previously met the termination criteria for that major at any time, regardless of

what the student’s major was at the time the courses were taken.

d. Important Guidelines and Recommendations Plan on spending about three hours of time "studying" for each hour of time you spend in a “technical” class (math, physics, computer science, engineering). To succeed in engineering courses you MUST do assigned homework (as a minimum!). "Reading" the textbook is not "studying". Most faculty only assign enough homework to "acquaint" you with the types of material you must know and understand, not necessarily enough homework for you to "master" the material. Hence, you should do more problems than are assigned. Use study groups to get support with doing extra problems. Do course homework just as you have to do an in-class exam for that course. If the class exams are “closed book” then, when you do your homework, you need to turn to the problems and do them. If you find you need to refer to the text or your notes for examples or equations, then you do not know the material well enough to do the homework. Go back and study more. If the class exam allows an “equations sheet” then, as you study, prepare the sheet. When you do your homework you will turn to the problems and do them referring only to your “equation sheet”. Again, if you need to refer back to the text or notes, you do not know the material well enough to be doing the homework. Study more.

e. Advising Students are required to see the Bioengineering academic advisor, Ms. Claudia Borke ([email protected]), prior to course registration each semester. Mason students interested in Bioengineering who have not declared a major, or are considering transferring, should see the Volgenau School undergraduate academic advisor Ms. DaFran Ware, [email protected].

http://registrar.gmu.edu/students/academic-standing/

http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=27&poid=25562&returnto=5479&print#tt6943

http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=27&poid=25562&returnto=5479&print#tt9475

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Your advisor is important in two ways. First, your advisor can keep you informed of changes to the curriculum, of potential problems with *when* you take particular courses, and of other resources to help you in your present academic program and in your subsequent master’s degree program. We also connect you to professors and research related activities.

f. Study Groups Study groups are very useful for technical courses. They usually consist of three to five students who want to support each other in one or more classes. They help a student realize that others also find material difficult. The Group can do extra problems and compare answers. Group members learn by teaching other members or being assisted by other group members and they can go “as a group” to instructor for course help.

g. Cooperative Education and Internships While all degree requirements must be satisfied by academic course work, recruiters are strongly and positively influenced by co-op or internship experiences. Students should plan on obtaining this experience. Recruiters in Northern Virginia look very critically at a George Mason University engineering student’s resume if it does not show technical work experience. Cooperative Education, coordinated by the Career Services Office at GMU, provides students with the opportunity to integrate paid, career-related work experience with classroom learning. Also check our Bioengineering website for current internships.

h. Scholarships and Financial Aid In addition to the usual financial aid available to all students through the Office of Student Financial Planning and Resources, we post our scholarships on our website or in the weekly newsletter. Bioengineering majors are also eligible to apply at the ECE Department for several scholarships provided by professional societies and industrial organizations, such as the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Association of Old Crows and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Application forms are available in the ECE Department Office in April each year. Also make sure to check our Bioengineering website under current students scholarships.

i. Registration You will be required to register before each semester. Be on the lookout for when the schedule of classes is posted on PatriotWeb in October and February, and see your advisor a month before registration starts. Do not wait until the week before you register, you may not be able to contact your advisor in time. This will delay your registration and you may not get into the courses/sections you want. Take advantage of registering as soon as possible after your assigned registration time in order to get maximum advantage from your "priority" which is based on completed and in-process courses. It is your responsibility to check (i.e. a day or two after your “request”) to make sure you are enrolled in all the courses you want and no courses that you do not want.

k. Warning/Suspension Credit Hour Limit All students in a Warning Status (from having designated Credit (hours) Levels and designated cumulative GPA ranges) and all students returning from Suspension are limited to no more than 13 credit hours. Be careful, any IN grade counts like an "F" for this calculation! This GMU policy will be implemented by the Registrar 2 weeks before the first day of classes of each semester by automatically dropping the last course a student enrolled in to try to drop the total hours down to 13. If necessary, additional "last course enrolled in" courses will be dropped. The automatic process does not look for 1 credit course, it just looks at the date/time a class was enrolled in. Thus it is possible that the automatic drop could drop a student below 12 hours and trigger a potential financial aid, visa, insurance, or other problems. For example, if such a student is enrolled for 14 hours and the last course they enrolled in was BENG 101, the automatic drop would drop BENG 101 (3), bringing the student down to 11 hours. Once a course is dropped the student loses all "rights" to the course. Other students can add and cause the course to close and the student who was dropped will not get back in.

l. Force Add/Course Permit/Override When a class is full/closed you may ask if it is possible to be added above the limit by using a "force add" (Course Permit or “Capacity” Override) option. Under certain exceptional circumstances and if the room size allows the instructor can allow additional students into the class by force adding them. This can be done prior to, or at, the

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first meeting of the class. The instructor may allow you in at that time if it is possible.

m. Closed Class Class sizes are determined primarily by academic considerations, and also by the room size limit. Whenever a class (section) has been enrolled to the maximum, it becomes a closed class (section). Some departments maintain "wait lists" for selected closed classes. If you find a section is closed, be sure to check for the existence of a Waitlist or use appropriate course/section search options to see if other "unpublished", open, sections might exist, or check with the department offering the course for possible actions. See http://registrar.gmu.edu/registration/waitlist.html for details on working with Waitlists. In some cases, it may be possible to add a student above the limit by using the "force add" option, but this is an exceptional action.

n. Overload If you wish to take more than 18 hours, it is considered an OVERLOAD. You will have to obtain permission from the Dean's office. Go to the registrar’s website and download the form (http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-

content/uploads/CO.pdf). It will need to be signed by the Advisor or Chair and the Academic Dean.

o. Dropping a Course If you want to drop a course you can only do so now within the first week of the Fall and Spring semester. A dropped course will not appear on your transcript. It is your responsibility to check (i.e. next day) and make sure any “dropped” course is actually “dropped” by the GMU computer system. After the 1st week, you can’t "drop" a course, you need to withdraw from a course. The withdrawal schedule changes every semester, please check on the registrar’s site under Calendar. Regular withdrawals have no repeat limit, but will show as a W in the transcript. If you need to withdraw from a course at a later date, you need to do a Selective Withdrawal. Please see section p. for Selective Withdrawal for Undergraduates

p. Selective Withdrawal for Undergraduates Undergraduates enrolled in degree programs are eligible to withdraw from a limited number of classes without dean’s approval and at the student’s own discretion. Students may process a maximum of three such elective withdrawals during their entire undergraduate career at Mason. The Selective Withdrawal period for Fall or Spring Semesters can be found on the registrar’s site.

q. Courses at other Universities If you need to take a course away from George Mason (i.e. summers if you live elsewhere; or you are behind in your course schedule due to medical problems) you need special permission from the Dean’s office before registering at the other school or the course will not be allowed as a transfer course. Fill out the Study Elsewhere Form found on the Registrar’s website.

r. Transfer Courses Equivalencies If you feel your transfer evaluation sheet does not indicate that you have received transfer credit for courses that would be applicable to the your degree program, or if only "elective" credit is shown for a course you feel meets a specific degree requirement, then you should contact your advisor. This must be done no later than the end of your first semester at George Mason.

s. English Exemption It is possible to "test out" of ENGH 101 or ENGH 302. For ENGH 101 there is a free three-hour Proficiency Exam given in the summer and in January. A passing score earns a Waiver (no credit and no grade) for ENGH 101. Consequently you may need to take an approved course to make up for the “missing” 3 credits due to the Waiver. See your advisor. For ENGH 302 there is a two part process. The first part (permitted after you have completed 45 hours of academic course work) is submission of a portfolio of long and short written works. This is evaluated and if approved, the second part, a two hour written exam, is scheduled. Satisfactory completion of both parts of the process earns a Waiver (no credit and no grade) for ENGH 302. Consequently you may need to take an approved course to make up for the “missing” 3 credits due to the Waiver. See the English Department (Robinson A487) if you wish to pursue either of these opportunities.

http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/CO.pdf

http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/CO.pdf

http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/SE-UG-1216.pdf

http://registrar.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/SE-UG-1216.pdf

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t. Honor Societies Students should strive for academic excellence which can lead to selection for membership in Alpha Eta Mu Beta (AEMB), the National Honor Society for Bioengineering (www.alphaetamubeta.org). Tau Beta Epsilon (TBE), the Engineering Honor Society of the School of Engineering. (TBE is the GMU “colony” chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society). TBE requires that a student is in an Engineering degree program and is in the top 1/5th of the Senior Engineering class or the top 1/8th of the Junior Engineering class. Honor society members participate in activities and are recognized by unique stoles worn at graduation and mention in the School of Information Technology and Engineering Convocation program.

u. Annual Academic Awards Outstanding academic performance is recognized at graduation via the Bioengineering department’s Outstanding Academic Achievement, as well as the Chairman’s Award.

v. Student Organizations Participation in student organizations can yield valuable results in three areas. One very important capability recruiters look for, but is difficult to develop in regular academic classes is teamwork and leadership. Student organizations provide a means to develop and demonstrate the ability to work in teams/groups, to develop leadership ability and to develop communication (oral presentation and written) skills. In student organizations you will connect to students from freshman level to “about to graduate”. You can take advantage of these students’ knowledge to assist in your academic program - good electives to take, when to take them. But even more important you can connect with students as they graduate from George Mason. As graduates, in industry, they know where good jobs are. Bioengineering students should join the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). For more organization please check on the Volgenau of Engineering site: https://volgenau.gmu.edu/resources/student-organizations

w. Graduation During your next to last semester you will receive notice from the GMU Registrar - Graduation Section to initiate your graduation process by filling out a web-based, on-line, form. Following this you need to make an appointment with the Bioengineering Department’s advisor to check on your degree evaluation and fill out mandatory forms.

x. Graduation GPA and Grades Requirements Just as your Academic Status (Good Status, Warning, Suspension, Dismissal) depends on your cumulative GPA, your graduation does also. You must present a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or above in order to be awarded the BS degree. No C- or D grades in BENG, BIOL, ENGR or ECE courses are accepted to complete the degree.

y. Graduating BIOENGINEERING with HONORS The Department of Bioengineering offers an Honors Program that creates a community of outstanding scholars in

bioengineering who share a commitment to learning, service, and leadership. The program is based on the

bioengineering curriculum, and is distinct from the University Honors Curriculum. Entry to the Honors Program

is by invitation, extended to students with a declared major in Bioengineering who have completed a minimum of

30 credit hours at Mason with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and a minimum GPA of 3.20 in each prior

semester. Honors students must satisfy requirements in addition to those of the normal BS degree in

bioengineering, including:

○Successful completion of BENG 395 RS: Mentored Research in Bioengineering

○Six credits must be earned by taking a combination of BENG 5XX/6XX level courses. With permission of the

Department of Bioengineering, 5XX/6XX level courses from other Volgenau School of Engineering

programs may be considered.

Once admitted to the Honors Program, students must remain in good standing and maintain a minimum

cumulative GPA of 3.50 and a minimum GPA of 3.20 in each semester for all courses counting toward the BS

degree in bioengineering, maintain continuous enrollment working towards the degree, and abide by the Mason

Honor Code.

http://catalog.gmu.edu/search/?P=BENG%20395

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VI. Full - Time Bioengineering Faculty

AGRAWAL, N., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Texas A & M University, 2006. Microfluidics and

biosensors.

ASCOLI, G., University Professor, Ph.D. Scuola Normale Superiore (Italy) 1996.

Neuroinformatics, digital morphology, neural circuits.

BLACKWELL, K., Professor, V.M.D. University of Pennsylvania, 1986, Ph.D. University of

Pennsylvania, 1988, synaptic plasticity, motor learning, computational neuroscience

BRAY, L., Associate Chair and Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Nevada, Reno, 2010.

Neural Modeling and Simulation, and Biological Networks.

BUSCHMANN, M., Chair and Professor, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1992.

Medical Engineering and Medical Physics.

CEBRAL, J., Professor, Ph.D. George Mason University, 1996. Computational Modeling,

computational fluid dynamics, modeling of blood flow, applications to cerebral aneurysms.

CHITNIS, P., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Boston University, 2007. Photoacoustic imaging,

ultrasound biomicroscopy, image-guided therapy.

HARRIS-LOVE, M., Associate Professor, Ph.D. University of Maryland, 2004. Non-invasive brain

stimulation, neurorehabilitation, motor control and learning.

HOEMANN, C., Professor, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1992. Toxicology.

IKONOMIDOU, V. N., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece,

2002. Development and diagnostic applications of MRI; signal processing; experiment

optimization.

ROSS, S., Term Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Michigan, 2013. Neuroprosthesis and

Neuromodulation.

SALVADOR MORALES, C., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. University of Oxford, 2007. Nanoscience

and nanotechnology.

SIKDAR, S., Associate Professor, Ph.D. University of Washington, 2005. Biomedical signal and

image processing; ultrasound; biomedical devices and instrumentation.

VENEZIANO, R., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Montpellier University, France. Design and assembly

of DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications

WEI, Q., Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Rutgers University, 2010. Biomechanical modeling and

simulation, eye movement, and biomedical imaging.

Please check our website for Affiliate professors: Bioengineering.gmu.edu

volgenau school of engineering - george mason university€¦ · the master’s program requires...

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