Department of Bioengineering

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Christopher Brigham biomanufacturing, biofuels, microbial genetics and physiology, synthetic biology

Qinguo Fan biopolymers, drug delivery, biosensors, color chemistry

Tracie Ferreira (chairperson) biotechnology, tissue engineering, zebrafish, biofuels, biomanufacturing, engineering education

Laura Hanzly protein and metabolic engineering, biomaterials, engineering education

Lamya Karim biomechanics, mechanobiology, orthopedics, skeletal aging and osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity

Yong Kim biosystems analysis, biostatistics, biosoft materials and fluids, fibrous biomaterials and composites

Jean VanderGheynst industrial biotechnology for the production of food, biofuels and bioproducts

Milana Vasudev bioinspired nanomaterials fabrication, nanobiotechnology, molecular and cell biology

Bioengineering is a subject of study where engineering and biology work together. Many areas of modern engineering exemplify this, such as the development of biofuels and naturally-derived plastics. At the same time the role of engineering in medicine continues to increase rapidly. Sophisticated medical equipment enhances the skill of surgeons, better diagnostics supplement the experience of family practitioners, and we will count more and more on medicine and devices to keep us in good repair as well as free from disease.

Bioengineers can work in hospitals, bioresearch centers, pharmaceutical laboratories, prostheses and medical devices manufacturers, biomaterial developers, patent offices, government regulatory agencies, health management services, and care delivery system supports, etc.

The Bioengineering department at UMass Dartmouth has deep roots in soft materials and composites. Faculty members are active researchers as well as excellent teachers in their specialty areas. Latest laboratory and research facilities are available. Advanced software and computing equipment are updated regularly. Currently we are the fastest growing department regarding the number of the enrolled undergraduate students.

The department offers degrees of Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering, as well as a Master of Science and PhD in Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology.

The undergraduate Bioengineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Mission

The mission of the Bioengineering Department is to prepare graduates to pursue excellence in learning, discovery, and innovation at the intersection of engineering and life science for the benefit of human health and well-being.

Vision

To be an internationally recognized Bioengineering Department that offers inspiring educational opportunities for students, conducts interdisciplinary research with global impact on improving human health, and serves the bioengineering profession and the community with distinction.

Goals

The purpose of the Bioengineering program at UMass Dartmouth is to provide students with rigorous, multi-disciplinary training that enable graduates to be leaders and innovators in bioengineering and biomedical professions. This is accomplished by developing and offering curricula that integrate engineering sciences, life sciences, clinical medicine, research and engineering design in collaboration with local biomedical device and biotechnology companies.

The Bioengineering academic program goals are the following:

1. To provide educational opportunities that are at the interface of engineering, life sciences, and medicine that provide a foundation for:

a. Advanced study in engineering, medicine, or the sciences.

b. Professional practice as a bioengineer in industry, research, and government agencies.

c. Entrepreneurial endeavors in the biomedical/biotechnology industry.

2. To provide highly-trained professionals at the baccalaureate level and above who excel in the field of bioengineering and who are prepared to be future leaders in improving human health and quality of life;

3. To increase the presence of women and underrepresented minorities in science and engineering careers;

4. To support and enhance University-partnerships in the area of biomedical engineering with the UMass Medical School;

5. To revitalize/broaden the biomaterials discipline within the bioengineering degree program to increase enrollment and degree production;

6. To support economic/workforce development in biotechnology industries in Massachusetts.

Program Educational Objectives

The Bioengineering undergraduate program has the following educational objectives:

Graduates will continue the advanced study in engineering, biotechnology, medicine, or related life sciences
Graduates will pursue professional practice as bioengineers in industry, research, or government agencies
Graduates will pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in the biomedical/biotechnology industry or related STEM fields

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree program in Bioengineering will demonstrate:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering appropriate to the discipline

2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data

3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

4. An ability to function effectively in teams to accomplish a common goal

5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

7. An ability to communicate effectively

a. written/graphical

b. oral communication

8. The broad education necessary to understand impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context

9. A recognition of the need and ability to engage in lifelong learning

10. A knowledge of contemporary issues

11. An ability to use the techniques, skills , and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

a. computers

b. instrumentation

12. An understanding of Biology and Physiology

a. microbiology

b. molecular biology

c. physiology

13. An ability to address the problems associated with the interaction between living and non-living materials and systems