Biomedical Engineering: General Information

Program of Study

This research-oriented program is designed to prepare students for a competitive, professional career in biomedical engineering (or bioengineering). Research emphasis can be in a wide range of areas including (but not limited to): biophysics, biofluid mechanics, biomedical instrumentation, biosensors, biostatistical analysis of medical data bases, high-rate imaging, numerical simulations, X-ray-based technologies, fluorescence imaging and studies of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields.

A flexible, multi-disciplinary curriculum emphasizes the application of advanced scientific and engineering techniques to problems in medicine and biology. The curriculum provides the foundation of knowledge needed for subsequent career activities in research, teaching or industry. It is centered around a "core" that covers the fundamentals of biomedical engineering and scientific investigation, coupled with "areas of proficiency" that are specifically tailored to meet the research interests and goals of individual students and faculty. All graduate students are encouraged to select a primary advisor and to begin thesis/dissertation research as soon as they begin their studies. Individual laboratory attention by faculty allows each student to develop skills in experimental design, execution and analysis; as well as to communicate results to the scientific community. The Masters program normally requires two years to complete while the doctoral program usually takes four years.

Research Facilities

Modern research facilities are distributed throughout the School of Medicine and College of Engineering, although some projects may also involve local health care facilities and industry. The University libraries have adequate holdings in the health sciences and engineering fields. Much of the computing support for research is specialized and is contained within faculty laboratories. General purpose computers are available in laboratories and access to facilities such as supercomputers can be obtained via the internet.

Financial Aid

A limited number of stipends of $13,500 are available on a competitive basis through the Graduate School to support the first year of study. Assistantships and other sources of support are also available to qualified students. Tuition and most fees are generally waived as part of a financial support package.

Cost of Study

Tuition is approximately $90 per credit hour (excluding the cost of books). Out-of-state students are assessed additional fees of $4900 per year.

Living and Housing Costs

University housing is generally available on advance notice for both single and married students. Privately-owned houses and apartments offer a variety of attractive off-campus accommodations within easy commuting distance. Monthly rentals generally start at $450.

Student Group

Enrollment at the University of Nevada, Reno was 16,867 in Fall 2008; including approximately 12,000 undergraduates, 3,000 graduate students and a number of professional and postdoctoral students. The basic research departments in the School of Medicine and the graduate engineering programs provide a rich environment for interactions among graduate students and postdoctoral fellows involved in a wide range of research activities.

Location

The main campus is located on 200 acres of rolling hills just north of Reno's business district (elevation 4,500 ft.). To the west, the Sierra Nevada mountain range rises to peaks of 10,700 ft. The Reno-Tahoe area is in the Great Basin which extends to the east. Lake Tahoe is 25 miles southwest of Reno and is surrounded by some of the finest ski resorts in the world. This uncommon blend of distinctive natural settings provides a bounty of outdoor recreational activities year-round. Reno and its nearby metropolitan areas of Sparks and Carson City are among the most rapidly growing in the country, with a current population of approximately 410,272. The region is well-known for its variety of cultural and tourist activities. By automobile, Reno is 2 hours from Sacramento and 4 hours from the San Francisco Bay area. The Reno Tahoe International Airport provides easy access to air transportation.

The University

The University of Nevada, Reno is a land-grant institution founded in 1874 and relocated to Reno in 1885. It was among the first to gain engineering accreditation. Its traditional strengths in mining and agricultural sciences have been greatly expanded in response to the needs of modern society. The establishment of the Medical School in 1969, the Engineering Laboratory Center and BME activities in a building dedicated to applied research provide evidence of the vitality of the University system.