Our graduate studies programs prepare
students for careers in industry, academia, health care,
or government, and to advance research inbiomedical engineering.
The department provides a learning environment that encourages
students to apply biomedical engineering methods to advance
basic scientific discovery, integrate knowledge across
the spectrum from basic cellular and molecular biology
through tissue, organ, and whole body physiology and
pathophysiology, and to exploit this knowledge to design
diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that improve
human health. The unique and rich medical, science, and
engineering environment allows research projects ranging
from basic science through engineering design and clinical
application.
Numerous fellowships and research assistantships
are available to support graduate students in their studies.
PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering
For those students with primary interest
in research, the PhD in Biomedical Engineering provides
additional depth and breadth in engineering and the biomedical
sciences. Under faculty guidance, students are expected
to undertake original research motivated by a biomedical
problem. Research possibilities include the development
of new theory, devices, or methods for diagnostic or
therapeutic applications as well as for measurement and
evaluation of basic biological mechanisms.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 13 courses beyond
the BS degree. There are four required core courses (EBME
403, 409, 451, 452). The balance of the courses can be
chosen with significant flexibility to meet the career
goals of the student, and to satisfy requirements of
depth and breadth. Programs of study must include three
graduate level courses in biomedical sciences and two
courses whose content is primarily mathematical. Two
semesters of departmental seminar attendence (EBME 611,
612) and three semesters of teaching experience (EBME
400T, 500T, 600T) are also required. PhD programs of
study are reviewed and must be accepted by the Graduate
Education Committee and the department chairperson. Eighteen
hours of EBME 701 registration are required.
PhD candidacy requires passing certain milestones. The
first is the department qualifying exam. The second is
writing a research proposal and defending it in an oral
exam. PhD candidacy also requires completion of the MS
degree, or a waiver of the MS requirement based on the
acceptance of a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript.
The PhD is completed when the dissertation has been written
and defended, and when at least two manuscripts have
been submitted for publication and at least one of the
two is accepted.
Medicine is undergoing a transformation based on the
rapid advances in science and technology that are combining
to produce more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments
with fewer side effects, and improved ability to prevent
disease. The goal of the MD/MS in Engineering is to prepare
medical graduates to be leaders in the development and
clinical deployment of this technology and to partner
with others in technology based translational research
teams. Current Case medical students in either the University
Program (UP) or the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of
Medicine (CCLCM) may apply to the MD/MS in Engineering
program.
Students must complete the normal requirements in either
MD program. Portions of the medical school curriculum
earn graded credit toward the MD/MS degree. Six credit
hours can be applied to the MS component of the joint
degree.
The balance of 12 credit hours (4 courses) must be
graduate level engineering concentration courses that
provide rigor and depth in a field of engineering relevant
to the area of research. All students attend monthly
seminars focusing on the integration of engineering and
medicine, with the opportunity to present their own research
and to hear and interact with other presenters. Students
must also complete training in the responsible conduct
of research.
The thesis serves a key integration role for the joint
degree, with both medical and engineering components.
The thesis also fulfills the research requirement of
the UP or CCLCM programs.
