Interdisciplinary College Administered Programs

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The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology administers three undergraduate degrees: a B.S. in biomedical engineering and a B.S. in mechatronics engineering and one contract major. Additionally, a minor in biomedical engineering and a certificate of undergraduate study in nanotechnology are administered under the college. For additional information on the contract major, please see Engineering and Engineering Technology B.S. Contract Major . For additional information on the certificate in nanotechnology, please see Nanotechnology (9) .

As professions, both biomedical engineering and mechatronics engineering demand that the individual work with others in supporting disciplines to achieve common goals. Design is central to both professions and is integrated throughout the curricula for both programs. The design experience in each program is supported by concepts related to reliability, maintainability, and product value.

The B.S. in biomedical engineering offers two tracks: biomechanics and biomaterials in Track 1, and biomedical instrumentation, sensors and signal processing in Track 2. Both tracks in biomedical engineering will equip students with the basic competence and job skills needed to design, develop, and operate biomedical systems and devices.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Sequence

Accelerated B.S. Biomedical Engineering /M.S. Electrical Engineering

This accelerated sequence leads to the B.S. in biomedical engineering and M.S. degree in electrical engineering and is open to all undergraduate biomedical engineering majors who finished at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate course work with a minimum GPA of 3.00. A minimum GPA of 3.00 must be maintained during the course of study. Failure to meet the requirements of the accelerated sequence may lead to a B.S. degree only, but only after all the requirements for that degree have been met.

With this program, M.S. courses can be taken three semesters prior to earning the B.S. degree and have up to 18 semester hours count towards both the M.S. and B.S. degrees. A GRE is not required. Students must meet Graduate School application deadlines. Interested students should talk with an adviser as early as possible and are encouraged to apply during the spring semester of their junior year.

Students wishing to take part in this program should be aware of all the regulations and restrictions of accelerated baccalaureate/master’s degree programs as outlined in the NIU Graduate School Catalog under the heading of Early Admission of NIU Undergraduates; and Admission to Accelerated Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Programs.

All students enrolled in this sequence must have their schedule approved by their faculty adviser each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation.

Accelerated B.S. Mechatronics Engineering/M.S. Mechanical Engineering

The department also offers an accelerated B.S./M.S. sequence that leads to a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering after students received a B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering. This accelerated sequence is open to all undergraduate mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering majors who have finished at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate course work with a minimum GPA of 3.00. A minimum GPA of 3.00 must be maintained during the course of study. Failure to meet the requirements of the accelerated sequence may lead to a B.S. only, but only after the requirements for that degree have been met.

With this program, a student can take B.S. and M.S. courses simultaneously, up to three semesters before earning the undergraduate degree. One can have up to 18 semester hours count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. A GRE is not required. Students must meet Graduate School application deadlines. Interested students should talk with an adviser as early as possible and are encouraged to apply during the spring semester of their junior year.

Students wishing to take part in this program should be aware of all the regulations and restrictions of accelerated baccalaureate/master’s degree programs as outlined in the NIU Graduate School Catalog under the heading of Early Admission of NIU Undergraduates; and Admission to Accelerated Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Programs.

All students enrolled in this sequence must have their schedule approved by their faculty adviser each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation.

University Honors students who are actively accumulating points through honors course work or Engage PLUS are guaranteed admission to the B.S./M.S. program.

Accelerated B.S. /J.D. Program in Engineering or Engineering Technology and the College of Law

For information on this accelerated degree, please see Accelerated B.S. /J.D. Program in Engineering or Engineering Technology and the College of Law .

Biomedical Engineering (BME)

The B.S. in biomedical engineering will equip students with the basic competence and job skills needed to design, develop, and operate systems and devices in healthcare industry.  These technologies include medical equipment and instruments, devices, computer systems, firmware, and software used in the ever-growing healthcare industry.  The B.S. in biomedical engineering offers two tracks: biomechanics and biomaterials in Track 1, and biomedical instrumentation, sensors and signal processing in Track 2. Both tracks in biomedical engineering will equip students with the basic competence and job skills needed to design, develop, and operate biomedical systems and devices.

As a profession, biomedical engineering demands the individual to work with others in supporting disciplines to achieve common goals. Design is central to the biomedical engineering profession and is integrated throughout the curriculum.  The work of biomedical engineers spans many professional careers, providing opportunities in research and development, quality assurance, as well as system and software design.  The student is encouraged to approach central technical issues with increased awareness of logistical, ethical, and social implications. Respect for the safety of persons and property is integral to the biomedical engineering curriculum.

Mission

The mission of the biomedical engineering program is to join the university in its commitment to the transmission, expansion, and application of knowledge through teaching, research, and public service. In this commitment, the program features close interaction with area industries and fosters an ongoing exchange of ideas to benefit its students, alumni, and the community at large.

Biomedical Engineering Program Educational Objectives

A B.S. in Biomedical Engineering will equip students with cross-disciplinary knowledge and training in life sciences and medicine, training them to apply core engineering principles to analyzing and solving complex problems in the biomedical related fields. Graduates of this program are expected to have a solid background in mathematics, sciences, and engineering fundamentals as well as core biological sciences. Successful completion of this program should enable the graduates with the ability to seamlessly transition between fields in identifying and solving problems pertinent to life sciences and medicine. The program curriculum will involve engaged teaching and learning as well as design experience through establishing a synergy between classroom and hands-on laboratory activities. This curriculum has an emphasis on creating, transmitting, expanding, and applying knowledge in the practice of biomedical engineering in a professional and ethical way, while preparing our graduates to succeed in the industry as well as preparing them for graduate education.

Program Learning Outcomes for Biomedical Engineering

The Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering programs are designed to provide our graduates with:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Requirements

All biomedical and mechatronics engineering students must have their schedule reviewed, approved, and signed by their faculty adviser each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation.

Mechatronics Engineering (MCTR)

The B.S. in mechatronics engineering will equip students with the basic competence and job skills needed to design, develop, and create smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. These smart machines are made of sensing and actuation, control systems, hardware and software.   Such intelligent machines are ever evolving, while utilizing the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and cloud technologies. Mechatronic engineers are revolutionizing consumer products by developing futuristic robots, drones, and vehicles.

As a profession, mechatronics engineering demands the individual to work with others in supporting disciplines to achieve common goals. Design is central to the mechatronics engineering profession and is integrated throughout the curriculum.  The curriculum is based on a strong foundation of fundamental courses in sciences and engineering, and discipline-specific courses in mechatronics engineering. The work of mechatronics engineers spans many professional careers, providing opportunities in research and development, as well as system and software design.  The student is encouraged to approach central technical issues with increased awareness of ethical, and social implications.

Mission

The mission of the program is to provide a high-quality, visionary engineering education that reflects professional engineering standards and prepares students to become engineers and leaders capable of solving technical challenges that industry and society face now and in the future; to conduct quality research by developing and/or applying engineering knowledge and tools to address society’s technical needs and challenges; and to provide quality professional and public services to our communities.

Mechatronics Engineering Program Educational Objectives

A B.S. in mechatronics engineering will equip students with cross-disciplinary knowledge and training in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and control engineering, training them to apply core engineering principles to designing, analyzing and solving complex problems in the Mechatronics related fields. Graduates of this program are expected to have a solid background in mathematics, sciences, and engineering fundamentals.  Successful completion of this program should enable the graduates with the ability to seamlessly transition between fields in identifying and solving complex engineering problems. The program curriculum will involve engaged teaching and learning as well as design experience through establishing a synergy between classroom and hands-on laboratory activities. This curriculum has an emphasis on creating, transmitting, expanding, and applying knowledge in the practice of mechatronics engineering in a professional and ethical way, while preparing our graduates to succeed in the industry as well as preparing them for graduate education.

Program Learning Outcomes

The mechatronics engineering programs are designed to provide our graduates with:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Requirements

All mechatronics engineering students must have their schedule reviewed, approved, and signed by their faculty adviser each semester. Any deviation from an approved course schedule may delay graduation.

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