<p>Ok, the main reason I decided to apply to Duke is the AMAZING things I've heard about their biomedical engineering program. I am really interested in this field, and was wanting some more information on Duke's undergrad bme program and perhaps some current research? Does anyone have any info? And/or links where I could find more info?</p>
<p>The BME dept is very strong and was actually the first fully accredited BME program in the nation in 1972. The vast majority of undergrads participate in research (it's very easy to get involved in) in an extremely wide array of projects. Major topics include biomechanics, imaging, electrobiology, and tissue/biomolecular engineering. Although some BME undergrads also do research through Duke med ctr and in bio, biochem, and elec eng depts as well if that piques your interest more. About 1/3 of BME undergrads go to med school, 1/3 go into engineering grad school/engineering industry, and 1/3 are split among business, law, etc. It's actually a fairly popular major for those interesting in consulting and the most prestigious consulting firms (McKinsey, Bain, etc.) LOVE engineers if you've done well (but it's def harder to have a 4.0 in engineering). There are a bunch of required BME courses, but a lot of students still are able to double major (double majoring in BME/ME or BME/EE is honestly not any harder than straight BME; it's the same number of courses, just diff ones; Econ is also popular, but requires more planning). Required courses within the BME dept (if just majoring in BME and not doubling it with another enginering major) include BME 83, 100, 101, 110, 153, 154, 171, 207, 1 BME design course, and 3 BME electives. On top of that you gotta take 2 physics, 2 chems, 1 bio and an upper level life science, math 31, 32, 103, 107, 108, egr 53, and 5 humanities/social sciences. Duke is typically ranked by US News & World Report as 2nd to Johns Hopkins, but honestly the focus is different. JHU is much more bio-centric and geared to those who want to go the med school, I've heard. Duke BME, on the other hand, is much broader in scope both in the course offerings and research opportunities. Obviously, both good programs and there are others out there as well. BME is not easy and the professors expect a lot from you, but in the end, it's rewarding. You have a leg up definitely in the job market and are extremely prepared. Since BME is so broad, there are a variety of paths that people take after graduation. Medtronic, Boston Scientific, etc. recruit heavily. </p>
<p>Here are some links to labs within the BME dept:</p>
<p>Bursac</a> Lab - Research
RESEARCH</a> - Ashutosh Chilkoti, Ph.D.
CSL</a> Research
Duke</a> > Center forNeuroengineering
Izatt</a> Biophotonics (Home)
David</a> F. Katz - Duke University
Electrical</a> Therapies Lab
Welcome</a> | Injury and Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory
Welcome</a> to the Nightingale Laboratory Homepage | Nightingale Laboratory
Center</a> for Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
Smith</a> Ultrasound Group - Duke University
Duke</a> University - Laboratory of Biological Networks: Research
Research</a> Projects</p>
<p>Also, engineers are treated very well and we/ESG have tons of money to throw E-kegs every Friday afternoon, which is a plus (free beer). Dean Johnson was also the coolest person ever, but she just left us to be Provost at JHU.... :(</p>