UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

Swanson School of Engineering

BSE Degree Program Descriptions

 

 

Students enter one of the specific engineering major programs below at the sophomore level after successfully completing the Freshman Engineering Program.

BIOENGINEERING

The undergraduate program in bioengineering combines education in engineering and biological sciences, forming a unique experience to prepare students for today’s technical challenges in medicine and biology. Our focus is on developing engineers who can apply an analytic approach to solving problems in living systems. Thus, we provide students with a comprehensive education in both engineering and the life sciences. Students enrolled in the program will be prepared for continued graduate studies or a career in a bioengineering-related industry. The program also provides a solid undergraduate education for further studies in a school of medicine. The bioengineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

In keeping with the two-fold mission of the Department of Bioengineering to

• provide a high quality engineering education to both undergraduate and graduate students and
• be a leader in research in specific areas encompassed by Bioengineering,

The Bioengineering undergraduate curriculum  has the objective to prepare students to achieve their post-baccalaureate goal of:

• an industrial career in bioengineering or related field;
• graduate school (MS and PhD programs related to bioengineering); or
• professional school (Medical, Dental, Health Related, Business, and Law).

To achieve the objective, students are:

• Provide both a broad knowledge of the technical and social principles of bioengineering as well as a focused education in one concentration area within bioengineering, and
• Prepared through educational experiences beyond the classroom that deepen their understanding of the technical and non-technical issues in bioengineering, process and design.

The Bioengineering undergraduate curriculum has seven components:

• Mathematics (6 courses)
• Basic Sciences (8 courses/2 labs)
• Humanities and Social Sciences (6 courses)
• Basic Engineering (3 courses)
• Core Bioengineering (10 courses, 6 seminars)
• Bioengineering Concentrations (6 courses)
• Advanced Engineering and Science (2 courses)

with options for

• Dual Degrees, Minors and Certificates

See the typical semester-by-semester sequence through the curriculum.  Bioengineering students can monitor progression through the curriculum using the Degree Progress worksheet.

Mathematics

      We require that students master basic mathematical skills in analytical geometry, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and statistics as preparation for mastery of bioengineering applications.  The basic math courses include

• MATH 0220 (4 credits):  Analytical Geometry & Calculus 1
• MATH 0230 (4 credits):  Analytical Geometry & Calculus 2
• MATH 0240 (4 credits):  Analytical Geometry & Calculus 3
• MATH 0280 (3 credits):  Introduction to Matrices & Linear Algebra
• MATH 0290 (3 credits):  Differential Equations
• Statistics (4 credits):  Either ENGR 0020 (Probability & Statistics for Engineers 1) or STAT 1000 (Applied Statistical Methods).

Current MATH and STAT course descriptions can be found at the A&S Course Descriptions web site.

Basic Sciences

      Engineering practice is frequently described as “applied science”.  In addition to knowledge of and ability to use basic physics and chemistry, bioengineers need to be conversant with and able to use concepts of biology and physiology.  Because of the importance of cellular processes in bioengineering applications, we have developed our own (required) 2-course sequence in cell and molecular biology.  We DO NOT accept general biology (BIOSC 0150 and 0160) as meeting the cell biology requirement or as advanced science courses.  The basic science requirements include

• PHYS 0174 (4 credits):  Basic Physics for Science & Engineering 1
• PHYS 0175 (4 credits):  Basic Physics for Science & Engineering 2
• CHEM 0960 (3credits):  General Chemistry for Engineers 1
• CHEM 0970 (3 credits):  General Chemistry for Engineers 2
• CHEM 0310 (3 credits):  Organic Chemistry 1
• CHEM 0330 (Lab – 1 credit):  Organic Chemistry 1 Lab
• BIOENG 1070 (3 credits):  Introductory Cell Biology 1
• BIOSC 0050 (Lab – 1 credit):  Biology 1 Lab
• BIOENG 1071 (3 credits):  Introductory Cell Biology II
• BIOSC 1250 (3 credits):  Human Physiology

Current PHYS, CHEM, and BIOSC course descriptions can be found at the A&S Course Descriptions web site.

Humanities and Social Sciences

      The Swanson School of Engineering (SSOE) requires all undergraduates to complete at least six humanities and social science elective courses from the School’s list of approved courses in order to satisfy SSOE and ABET accreditation requirements for breadth and depth.  Complete rules for breadth and depth can be found at the web site.

      The Department of Bioengineering feels that ethics is such an integral part of societal practice of bioengineering that we have developed our own bioethics course (BIOENG 1241 (3 credits):  Social, Political, and Ethical Issues in Bioengineering) that emphasizes the fact that we practice bioengineering in the real world and that we need to be aware of the broad societal impact of doing so.

      BIOENG 1241 is a REQUIRED course for all bioengineering undergraduate students.  Because of the strong humanities and social science basis, BIOENG 1241 is acceptable as one of the required six humanities and social science electives.  Thus bioengineering undergraduates need at least five additional humanities and social science elective courses drawn from the School’s list of approved courses.

      The A&S Course Descriptions web site has current information about humanities/social science course offerings.  Please note that A&S courses cross-listed with CGS that are designated as self-paced (self), online (www) or hybrid online (hybrid) are not acceptable for fulfilling the humanities/social science requirement.

      “W” requirement:  All students must have a “W”riting course, designated as such in their academic record, in order to satisfy graduation requirements.  The “W” can be satisfied by a course in any department.  However, most students choose to take a three-credit course in the humanities/social sciences.  A one-credit “W” addition to a three credit course is also acceptable.  A two-credit “W” course satisfies the”W” requirement, but cannot be used to satisfy a course requirement.  Listings of “W” courses can be found at the A&S Course Descriptions web site.

Basic Engineering

      The basic engineering courses include

• ENGR 0011 (3 credits):  Engineering Analysis I
• ENGR 0012 (3 credits):  Engineering Analysis II
• ENGR 0135 (3 credits):  Statics & Mechanics of Materials I

The common Freshman courses, ENGR 0011 and ENGR 0012 are integrated with the Freshman math, physics, and chemistry courses with the specific goals of (1) introducing students to fundamentals of engineering common to all engineering disciplines, (2) providing an overview of how engineers integrate math, physics, chemistry, and communications into solving practical problems of interest to society and (3) providing a rigorous foundation in design of computer programs to solve engineering problems.

ENGR 0135 is a basic course in statics and mechanics of materials that applies basic concepts from physics in understanding the effect of external forces acting on particles and deformable bodies with emphasis on how material responses to external forces impact engineering choices of appropriate materials to use to meet design specifications.

Core Bioengineering

      The bioengineering core, which consists of,

• BIOENG 1210 (3 credits):  Biothermodynamics
• BIOENG 1220 (3 credits):  Biotransport Phenomena
• BIOENG 1255 (4 credits):  Dynamic Systems
• BIOENG 1310 (3 credits):  Bioinstrumentation
• BIOENG 1320 (3credits):  Biosignals and Systems
• BIOENG 1630 (3 credits):  Biomechanics 1
• BIOENG 1002 (3 credits):  Intramural Internship
• BIOENG 1150 (3 credits):  Biomethods
• BIOENG 1160 (3 credits):  Senior Design 1
• BIOENG 1161 (3 credits):  Senior Design 2
• BIOENG 1085 (0 credits/6 required):  Seminar

has been designed to provide students with exposure to the basic engineering disciplines that bioengineers use and are conversant with in practicing the bioengineering profession, BIOENG 1210, 1220, and 1255 provide knowledge and applications in thermal/fluid engineering and control of thermal fluid systems which are important in design and operation of tissue culture applications and artificial organs technology.  BIOENG 1310, 1320, and 1255 provide knowledge and applications in electrical engineering that are required for data acquisition, signal processing, imaging, and systems control.  BIOENG 1630, coupled with ENGR 0135, provides knowledge and applications that are required to model and design solutions in such diverse areas as motion and balance, prosthetics design, and soft tissue mechanics.  Both BIOENG 1002 and 1150 are laboratory, research based courses that focus on communications skills; BIOENG1002 on preparation and public presentation of research, BIOENG 1150 on analysis and written communication.  Senior Design (BIOENG 1160 & 1161) is a two-semester capstone sequence that challenges teams of students to develop and implement practical solutions to real problems.  Finally BIOENG 1085 is used both as a vehicle for communication between the department and students and as a setting to provide diverse perspectives on the professional practice of bioengineering.

Bioengineering Concentrations

      The Bioengineering Concentrations offer the student an opportunity to focus on an area of bioengineering practice in greater depth than is possible in the core course.  The department offers four concentrations:

• Biomechanics
• Biosignals and Imaging
• Cellular Engineering
• Medical Device Engineering.

Each concentration consists of six courses split between concentration requirements and concentration electives.  Each concentration has an imaging course requirement that meets the needs of the concentration.  Concentration requirements are courses that the concentration leader and faculty deem required knowledge for professional practice in the concentration.  While narrower than the breadth reflected in the core bioengineering curriculum, each concentration can be further divided into tracks within the concentration with associated courses.  Concentration electives are generally drawn from a restricted list of courses that offer greater depth in track of interest to the student.

      Note: because of the large number of bioengineering students interested in medical school post-graduation, CHEM 0320 (Organic Chemistry 2), is accepted as a concentration elective in all concentrations.

      Note: particular minors (see Get a Minor) are easier to obtain through different concentrations.  The key to obtaining a minor is to start planning early.

Advanced Engineering and Science

      Students are required to elect two advanced engineering or science courses.  The only rule with respect to the courses is that the course must be at an advanced level if the student has already completed a course in the discipline.  Many students use study abroad experiences, such as the MP3 program, as an elective in this area.  Students who successfully complete three co-op rotations can also apply that experience to satisfy one of the electives.

Dual Degrees, Minors and Certificates

      We encourage our students to take full advantage of University of Pittsburgh resources and educational opportunities.  Many of our students seek a dual degree that augments the bioengineering experience; sometimes another engineering degree, sometimes a degree in Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.  Almost all obtain minors and certificates that add value to their education and distinguish them as they move forward in their careers.  Planning for minors and certificates needs to start as early as the sophomore year (perhaps, even, the freshman year)!

For more information on the bioengineering program, contact bioeng@engr.pitt.edu, or see

http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/bioengineering/.

 

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Chemical engineering is concerned with processes in which matter and energy undergo change. Despite the historically-inspired name, the material/energy transformations studies by chemical engineers include not only chemical, but also physical and biological changes. The range of concerns, therefore, is so broad that the chemical engineering graduate is prepared for a variety of interesting and challenging employment opportunities. The chemical engineer with his/her strong background in chemical, physical, and biological sciences is found in management, design, operations, and research. The chemical engineer is employed in almost all industries including food, polymers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, medical, materials, and electronics. Since solutions to energy, environmental, medical, and food problems (to name but a few) must surely involve material and/or energy transformations, there will be continued demands for chemical engineers in the future. The chemical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org

The major objectives of the chemical engineering program are that

• Graduates will succeed in industry (often in positions of technical expertise in chemical engineering) or other professional careers.
• Graduates will succeed in graduate studies and research in chemical engineering.
• Graduates will be committed to lifelong learning in the discipline of chemical engineering throughout their careers.
• Graduates will assume positions of technical leadership.
• Graduates will recognize the importance of utilizing their knowledge, skills, and initiative for the benefit of society and demonstrate that understanding through their interactions within their community in government, or in society as a whole.

The chemical engineering faculty have strong interests in transport phenomena, process dynamics, biotechnology, biomedical application, nanotechnology, kinetics, catalysis, thermodynamics, polymers, and energy supply and conversion. Petroleum engineering faculty interests are in fluid displacement in porous media and enhanced oil recovery and reservoir modeling. Courses and research opportunities are available in all of these areas for undergraduate students of demonstrated ability. For more information on these programs, contact che@engr.pitt.edu, or see http://www.engr2.pitt.edu/chemical/

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum

Undergraduate chemical engineering courses cover thermodynamics; mass and energy balances; energy, mass, and momentum transfer; unit operations; process dynamics and control; process design; plant and product design; professional practice; and chemical reaction engineering.

In addition, the curriculum provides a sequence of technical electives that makes possible specialization in some of the most important areas in today’s society. Among these are the biochemical, petroleum, and polymers areas of concentration. Students may select any combination of technical electives. The appropriate selection of electives, however, can lead to a minor or area of concentration. (See Minors in Engineering.)

Students electing the petroleum engineering area of concentration would choose from a variety of classes including PETE 1160 Petroleum Reservoir Engineering, PETE 1202 Petroleum Drilling and Production, and PETE 1097 Special Projects among others.

A number of chemical engineering graduates find employment with firms that produce polymeric materials. Those interested in preparing for the area of concentration in polymers would select CHE 1754 Principles of Polymer Engineering, CHEM 1600 Synthesis and Characterization of Polymers (plus lab), and CHE 1097 Special Project (with polymer emphasis).

Students interested in an area of concentration in biochemical engineering should take BIOSCI 1000 Biochemistry, or CHE 0150 Biochemistry for Chemical Engineers as well as choose two courses from CHE 1531 Fundamentals of Biochemical Engineering and CHE 1532 Bioseparations, among others.