Hi, I am applying to Tulane as an Undecided Engineering Major and i was wondering what are somethings about this program that make it unique. I am looking for aspects of Tulane that interest me so i can include them in my Why Tulane? essay but i have not been able to find any identifiable characteristics about the school. I am hoping that someone can provide me with some cool facts or programs about the engineering school, thank you!
Disclaimer: This is not everything unique about the Engineering Department and you should do your own research! Find unique research opportunities or relationships the departments may have and relate them to what you may want to do in your time at Tulane.
A couple unique things about Tulane Engineering:
- Undergraduate research: The Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Departments require their students to complete an undergraduate research project with a faculty advisor. Many of these students go on to be published in their respective areas of study. The students also complete senior projects in Engineering that relate to their field, and many of these go on to be patented and turn into startup companies.
- Tulane Makerspace: Tulane just put their finishing touches on a “makerspace” complete with a full accompaniment of 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, Machine Tools, Electronics Equipment, Woodworking and 3D design tools. This is free and open for students of all majors (not just engineers) to rapidly prototype, create artwork, and think collaboratively.
- Access to industry and world class professors: The small classes, relationships with industry, and access to the city of New Orleans allow for a large amount of innovation. The Biomedical Engineering Department works closely with the Tulane Medical School, School of Public Health, New Orleans Bioinnovation Center, and other facilities throughout the city. The Chemical Engineering Department also works closely with many industry partners. The Engineering Physics department works with the other departments and industry as well as governmental organizations.
Some additional info about the biomedical engineering program at Tulane (coming from a BME student):
The BME department at Tulane is one of the first BME departments in the country back in the 70s when the major began. It is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year! The department was founded on the idea of science and engineering combined, so you will find a heavier focus on the scientific aspect of biomedical engineering here at Tulane vs a more engineering based school. The BME department also has labs in both the uptown and downtown campus, so there are lots of opportunities for students to act as research assistants for professors and graduate students. There are also start-up companies forming based on the research being conducted by Tulane engineering companies.
The BME curriculum is very unique in that during junior, all BME students will take a year long (2 semesters) course in anatomy and physiology. The lab for that class also includes hands-on dissection of cadavers. You and your group will have your cadaver for the year and the lab will focus on anatomy and physiology in real human bodies. This is a type of course that you would typically find in medical schools, but at Tulane it is available for undergraduates.
More on the BME curriculum, on top of the senior design project, there’s also a sophomore design class. This class introduces BME students to how the design process works, and you and your group will actually try to solve a problem and produce some kind of prototype or experiment. This is different from many other engineering programs as it seeds the idea of design and problem solving much more early on.
There are very minimal sequences of classes in the BME curriculum which allows for studying abroad. However, there are no official studying abroad programs yet. But, if you were to find a program yourself and you can take some of the required courses, it is very easy to study abroad. The department also helps with your schedule.
Lastly, Tulane engineering has a 4+1 program where after you complete your bachelor’s, you can spend one additional year to obtain your master’s as well. Tuition would be at 30% of your undergraduate tuition. There are other programs like this, but its a good thought to mention.
That’s all I can spew about BME. I am a BME student so I can’t speak much about the other departments. I do know that all the professors here at Tulane are quite accomplished.
Really- in fairness, its best to come up with your own personal reasons for “why Tulane”.