Advising Guidebook: Additional Educational Opportunities
Biomedical Engineering Option (BIM)
Environmental Engineering Option (ENV)
Certificate Programs
–ATLAS: TAM and MAT
–International Engineering Certificate in German
Concurrent B.S./M.S. Program
Discovery Learning Apprenticeships
Double Degrees
Minors
Semester At Sea
Study Abroad
Biomedical Engineering Option (BIM)
Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering technology to medical research and equipment. Contributions to this important and growing area by mechanical engineers include the design and manufacture of biomedical devices ranging from prostheses to micromechanical blood flow sensors and artificial heart valves. Application of mechanical engineering fundamentals (thermofluids, mechanics, and materials science) to questions in biophysics also contributes to improvements in medical diagnosis and treatment. The Biomedical Engineering Option (BIM) provides an opportunity to augment an M.E. degree with a background in biomedical topics.
The BIM consists of the normal requirements for an M.E. bachelor’s degree, with the four Technical Electives focused in biomedical engineering. Completing the Biomedical Engineering Option earns a certificate and a permanent entry on the student’s transcript.
Consult with faculty to help plan a coherent selection of courses. For example, Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 (CHEM 3311/3321 and 3331/3341) would be beneficial for students interested in pre-med or research on biomaterials. A list of M.E. faculty involved in Biomedical Engineering can be found at http://www.Colorado.EDU/engineering/BioEngineering. The Biomedical Engineering Advisor in Mechanical Engineering is Professor Virginia Ferguson. Her e-mail is Virginia.Ferguson@colorado.edu.
You may replace the normally required PHYS 2130 “General Physics 3” with a basic science elective. The courses which satisfy this elective are:
- PHYS 2130 General Physics 3
- PHYS 2170 Foundations of Modern Physics
- CHEM 3311-4 / 3321-1 Organic Chemistry 1 with lab
- IPHY 3410 Introduction to Human Anatomy*
*This course has lower-division biology prerequisites, which you may sometimes receive permission to skip. Contact Prof. David Sherwood (david.sherwood@colorado.edu, Bldg. TB-1, Room 101). Tell him you are an M.E. major, and politely ask if he could please enroll you.
Of the four Technical Electives on the M.E. Flowchart, the only specifically required course for the BIM is Anatomy & Physiology for Engineers (MCEN 4117), unless you obtain prior approval from the M.E. Biomedical Engineering Advisor (Prof. Ginger Ferguson). Choose at least one additional M.E. Tech Elective with biomedical engineering content. Examples include:
| Course | Title | Prerequisite(s) |
| MCEN 4134 | Biomechanics | MCEN 2024, 2063 & 3021 |
| MCEN 4228 | Special Topics: Cardiovascular Bioengineering | (Instructor consent for the rest) |
| MCEN 4228 | Special Topics: Molecular Biology & Micro/Nano-Scale Engineering | |
| MCEN 4228 | Special Topics: Biomedical Instrumentation & Device Design | |
| MCEN 4228 | Special Topics: Mechanical Behavior of Biological Materials | |
| MCEN 4228 | Independent Study - biomedical topic to be arranged with instructor |
Other M.E. Technical Electives, provided biomedical engineering content is included (for example, in the form of a biomedical project). Consult with the M.E. Biomedical Engineering Advisor to confirm applicability to the BIM. Courses in this category include:
| Course | Title | Prerequisite(s) |
| MCEN 4141 | Indoor Air Pollution | MCEN 3021 & MCE 3022 |
| MCEN 4173 | Finite Elements Analysis | MCEN 2023 & MCEN 2063 |
| MCEN 4183 | Mechanics of Composites | MCEN 2063 & MCEN 2024 |
| MCEN 5636 | Micro-electro-mechanical Systems (MEMS 1) | Instructor consent |
The following are ideas for your two biomedical-content General Tech Electives. For a course not on this list, please obtain Prof. Ferguson's approval first. Approved courses include:
| Course | Title | Prerequisite(s) |
| ASEN 3116 | Introduction to Biomedical Engineering | Check CU Catalog or e-mail instructor |
| ASEN 4216 ECEN 4811 |
Neural Signals and Functional Brain Imaging | |
| ASEN 4426 ECEN 4821 |
Neural Systems and Physiological Control | |
| ASEN 5016 | Space Life Sciences | |
| CHEN 3700 | Bioenergetics: Structure and Function | |
| CHEN 4710 | Molecular Basis of Biological Behavior | |
| CHEN 4800 | Bioprocess Engineering | |
| CHEN 4820 | Biochemical Separations | |
| CVEN 4484 | Introduction to Environmental Microbiology | |
| ECEN 4001 | Special Topics: Engineering in Medicine | |
| ECEN 4831 | Brains, Minds, and Computers | |
| ECEN 5011 | Special Topics: Biologically Engineered Control Systems | |
| ECEN 5021 | Special Topics: Engineering Solutions to Biomedical Problems | |
| Chem 3311 | Organic Chemistry 1 | |
| Chem 3321 | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry 1 | |
| Chem 3331 | Organic Chemistry 2 | |
| Chem 3341 | Laboratotry in Organic Chemistry 2 | |
| Chem 4411 | Physical Chemistry with Biochemistry Applications 1 | |
| Chem 4431 | Physical Chemistry with Biochemistry Applications 2 | |
| Chem 4711 | General Biochemistry 1 | |
| Chem 4731 | General Biochemistry 2 | |
| Chem 4761 | Biochemistry Laboratory | |
| EBIO 3400 | Microbiology | |
| IPHY 3410 | Introduction to Human Anatomy | |
| IPHY 3430 | Human Physiology | |
| MCDB 3120 | Cell Biology | |
| MCDB 3280 | Molecular Cell Physiology | |
| MCDB 3500 | Molecular Biology | |
| Please note that many of these courses have prerequisites. Occasionally, however, you may have success asking the offering department to waive a prerequisite. You may take graduate-level courses with the instructor's permission. | ||
An M.E. Senior Design Project focused on biomedical engineering could be a stepping stone to a job in the biomedical field. In the summer before the course begins, let the MCEN 4045 instructor know you’re interested. Prof. Pawlas’ e-mail is Gary.Pawlas@colorado.edu.
Environmental Engineering Option (ENV)
Students may elect the Environmental Engineering Option within Mechanical Engineering. Important areas include pollution detection/control/prevention and environmental aspects of energy conversion. M.E. can tie into designing detection equipment, devising clean-up strategies, and improving manufacturing processes. Students pursuing the Environmental Option satisfy the requirements for a Mechanical Engineering degree by choosing Technical Electives relating to environmental engineering and science. Completing the Environmental Option earns a certificate and a permanent entry on the student’s transcript. For additional information, see http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/EnvEng/, or contact Professor Jana Milford at 303-492-5542, ECME 251, Jana.Milford@colorado.edu.
Requirements for the Environmental Engineering Option are the same as for the general Mechanical Engineering degree, but with the following substitution:
CHEM 3311-4 / 3321-1 "Organic Chemistry 1" with lab replaces PHYS 2130 "General Physics 3."
Then simply choose four environmental Technical Electives from the following list of 3000 and 4000- level courses, with exceptions by petition only. Choose at least two Mechanical Engineering courses among those four Technical Electives. You might consider taking CVEN 3414 “Introduction to Environmental Engineering” early on, since that course serves as a prerequisite for some other environmental courses that could be of interest. CVEN 3414 itself has two prerequisites: General Chemistry 1 and Calculus 2. Please note that many of the courses in the following list have prerequisites.
| Course | Title | Preqequisite(s) |
| ATOC 3500 | Air Chemistry and Pollution | CHEM 1111/1131 |
| ATOC 4720 | Introduction to Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics | APPM 1360 & PHYS 1120 |
| CVEN 3414 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | CHEN 1211/CHEM1221 & APPM 2350 |
| CVEN 3424 | Water and Wastewater Treatment | CVEN 3414 |
| CVEN 3454 | Water Chemistry | CVEN 3414, CHEN 1211/CHEM 1221 |
| CVEN 4424 | Environmental Organic Chemistry | CVEN 3414 |
| CVEN 4474 | Hazardous and Industrial Waste Management | CVEN 3414 & CVEN 3424 |
| CHEM 3331 | Organic Chemistry II | CHEM 3311 & CHEM 3321 |
| CHEN 3220 | Chemical Engineering Separations and Mass Transfer | CHEN 3021 or CHEN 3200 |
| MCEN 4121 | Air Pollution Control Engineering | MCEN3021 |
| MCEN 4122 | Thermodynamics II | MCEN3012 |
| MCEN 4141 | Indoor Air Pollution | MCEN3021 & MCEN3022 |
| MCEN 4162 | Energy Conversion | MCEN3012 |
| MCEN 4228 | Wind Energy | |
| MCEN 4228 | Sustainable Energy | |
| MCEN 4228 | Environmental Modeling | CHEN 1211, MCEN 3021 & GEEN 1300 |
| MCEN 4848 | Independent Study – environmental topic to be arranged with instructor |
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are similar to minor programs, and upon completion will be identified on the student's transcript immediately following the semester in which the certificate was completed. It's possible that course work used to satisfy the certificate can also be used for Free Elective, Humanities/Social Science Elective, and/or Technical Elective requirements.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers certificate programs in the following areas: Actuarial Studies, British Studies, Central and Eastern European Studies, Cognitive Sciences, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Neurosciences and Behavior, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Western American Studies. Completion of specified course work in these programs entitles students to a certificate issued by the Dean of Arts & Sciences. Students interested in these programs should contact the appropriate program.
Alliance for Technology, Learning, and Society (ATLAS) offers two certificate programs: Technology, Arts, and Media (TAM) and Multidisciplinary Applied Technologies (MAT). Both require 18 credit hours. For additional information, call 303-735-6588 or visit the website: www.colorado.edu/ATLAS.
International Engineering Certificate in German is a undergraduate academic program established at CU-Boulder in 2003. It offers engineering students the opportunity to obtain an interdisciplinary certificate in International Engineering and German. The program prepares engineers for a global economy through language, cultural awareness, and international work experience. Students who have had German language instruction in high school, as well as students with other language experience who would like to begin studying German may apply. If interested, contact the Dean's Office at 303-492-5071. Similar programs may soon exist for French, Italian, and a few other languages.
Concurrent B.S./M.S. Program
Mechanical Engineering students who plan to continue their education to obtain a graduate degree after completing the requirements for their B.S. in Mechanical Engineering will usually find it advantageous to apply for admission to the concurrent BS/MS degree program. This program allows students who qualify (a 3.25 cumulative GPA is required) to plan a graduate program from the beginning of their junior year rather than from their first year of graduate study. Up to six credit hours of appropriate 5000 level mechanical technical elective courses may be applied to the M.S. degree. Interested students should discuss this option with Molly Conroy, Undergraduate Advising Coordinator; with Sharon Anderson, Graduate Coordinator; with their assigned faculty advisor; or with Professor Derek Reamon, Undergraduate Program Chair.
The tuition rate for students in this program will be at the undergraduate rate unless the student converts to graduate status after completing the BS requirements.
Discovery Learning Apprenticeships
Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to conduct research via a Discovery Learning Apprenticeship. Students can earn an hourly wage while engaging in research with college faculty and graduate students. Positions are announced in April for the following fall term and spring term. Students must apply and selection for positions is competitive. For more information, an application and a list of current discovery learning projects, visit engineering.colorado.edu/activelearning/discovery.htm.
Double Degrees
It is possible to obtain double degrees in two engineering disciplines or one degree in engineering and a second degree from a department in another college or school of the University. Students must satisfy curricula for both programs and complete a minimum of 30 additional semester credit hours above and beyond the degree with the largest minimum credit hour requirement. If the student can satisfy both degree requirements with fewer than 30 additional hours, the difference can be made up with free electives.
Of the 30 additional semester credit hours, double degree students must complete 24 semester credit hours in courses offered by the secondary academic department or in courses approved in advance by the department as substitutes. Transfer students pursuing double degrees must complete a minimum of 75 semester credit hours as a degree student in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and must satisfy all other stipulations regarding total hours required and approval of all coursework by both departments concerned.
Students should coordinate their double degree schedule by closely interacting with academic advisors in each of the departments involved. It is in the student's best interest to select courses that satisfy degree requirements in both departments as frequently as possible. In some cases, it may be preferable to pursue a Master's degree rather than two undergraduate degrees.
Minors
Numerous minor opportunities exist that would satisfy Humanities/Social Science Electives, Technical Electives, and/or the Free Elective. Some require little additional course work beyond the minimum BS requirements. For more information on minor opportunities and requirements, see the M.E. Undergraduate Academic Advisor (ECME 112A), or visit: http://www.colorado.edu/aac/minor.htm.
Semester at Sea
Administered through the Office of International Education, and managed by the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Shipboard Education, students explore and learn valuable insights into the various societies visited. Students analyze and discuss their observations in formal classes on the shipboard campus. Set sail aboard the SS Universe Explorer each fall, spring, and summer. Contact International Education in ENVD Room 1B45, or telephone 303-492-7741.
Study Abroad
Study abroad, usually in the junior year, can be a highlight of your college experience! Two of the schools, for which we have devised a table showing the correspondence between certain of their courses and certain of our courses, are Lancaster University in England and the University of Wollongong in Australia. Information about this unique opportunity can be obtained from the Study Abroad Office, ENVD 1B45, 303-492-7741. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist you and your faculty advisor in planning the courses you take overseas. In order to guarantee that the courses you take abroad will count toward your degree, you obtain approval in advance from the M.E. Undergraduate Study Abroad Advisor, Professor Olivier Desjardins (ECME 169B, 492-5428, Olivier.Desjardins@colorado.edu
).
Many liberal arts courses taken abroad will satisfy the requirements for electives in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Some courses taken abroad may count as technical electives. Consult with the M.E.Undergraduate Advisor and the M.E. Undergraduate Study Abroad Advisor for approval of specific courses.
The following table lists examples of possible equivalent courses you may substitute in your ME curriculum. Since the courses at these universities change often, students should check with the Study Abroad Advising Office (and/or the Internet) for courses offered during the semester they wish to attend, and then obtain approval from the M.E. Study Abroad Advisor.
| CU-Boulder MCEN Courses | Equivalent Study Abroad Courses | |
| Lancaster U. | U. of Wollongong | |
|
ECEN 3010 Circuits and Electronics MCEN 3012 Thermodynamics MCEN 3021 Fluid Mechanics |
ENGR 122
ENGR 280 |
ECTE 290 MECH 341 ENGG 252 |
| MCEN 3022 Heat Transfer | ENGR 290 | MECH 343 |
| MCEN 2063 Mechanics of Solids | ENGR 292 | ENGG 251 |
|
MCEN 2024 Intro Materials Sci MCEN 3043 Dynamics |
ENGR 216/236
|
ENGG 153 MECH 226 |
| MCEN 4037 Measurements Lab | ENGR 231/242 | |
| MCEN 4043 System Dynamics |
MECH 321 |
|
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