|
|
|
PhD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Engineering are completion of a minimum of 48 units of approved coursework, including four core courses (below), and a dissertation approved by a three to five-member faculty committee. The MS degree is not a prerequisite for the PhD program. Courses must be taken for a letter grade; the minimum acceptable grade is B- and the minimum overall GPA is 3.50. S/U-graded courses (e.g., research 290C and 299 and seminar 290 courses) do not count toward the 48-unit requirement. Each student's program of study must be approved by their major professor and signed by their graduate advisor. Students are asked to file a preliminary program-of-study plan with the biomedical engineering graduate office within the first two weeks of the first quarter of enrollment. The plan is to be updated annually.
CHECKLISTS
The following are checklists to aid in preparing for specific graduate tracks with BME. They are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing.
CORE COURSES
| CRS. # |
TITLE |
QTR. |
UNITS |
REQ'TS |
| BIM 204 |
Physiology for Bioengineers |
F |
5 |
Biol |
| Systemic physiology is described with emphasis on aspects of human physiology. Functions of major organ systems, with the structure of those systems described as the basis for understanding the functions. Prerequisities: BIS 1A or a basic course in cell biology. Lecture 2 hrs twice each week. |
|
| BIM 202 |
Cell and Molecular Biology for Engineers |
W |
4 |
Biol |
| This course prepares biomedical engineers for research and critical review of topics in cellular and molecular engineering. The course emphasizes biophysical and engineering concepts related to receptor-ligand dynamics in cell signaling, cell motility, DNA replication and RNA processing, cellular energetics, and protein sorting. Prerequisites: BIS 1A or a basic course in cell biology. Lecture 2 hrs twice each week. |
|
| BIM 281 |
Acquisition and Analysis of Biomedical Signals |
S |
4 |
Engr |
| This lecture/laboratory course introduces basic concepts associated with digital signal recording and analysis. Lectures introduce concepts of sampling; standard probability distributions; statistical error analysis related to experimental design; correlation, Fourier, and spectral analyses applied to signal and image processing. Labs are designed to provide hands-on experience with digital oscilloscopes, waveform generators, optical microscopy, Matlab- and Labview-based software applications. Prerequisites: ENG 6, ENG 17, ENG 100, STA 13. Lecture 1 hr twice each week. Labs are 3 hrs each week. |
|
| BIM 284 |
Mathematical Methods for Biomedical Engineers |
F |
4 |
Engr |
| Essential mathematical and numerical techniques and high performance software of scientific computing, includes solving linear system of equations, linear least squares and curve fitting, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, nonlinear equations and optimization, interpolation, numerical intergration and differentiation and initial value problems of ordinary differential equations. The emphasis is on Matlab programming environment. Prerequisites: Math 128A or consent of instructor. Knowledge of undergraduate linear algebra, and some experience with writing computer programs (in C or Fortran) is important. Prior knowledge of Matlab is not required. Lecture 1.5 hrs twice per week plus 1 hr discussion per week. |
COURSE SELECTION
At least 12 units of the 48 unit total are required in courses emphasizing biological sciences. BIM 202 and BIM 204 core courses satisfy 9 of the 12 units required. At least 24 units of the 48 unit total must be graduate-level engineering courses (those numbered 200 - 289). The remaining 12 units must be either advanced undergraduate (courses numbered 100 - 189) or graduate courses (200 - 289). Students must enroll in BIM 290 seminar course (1 unit) during each quarter it is offered. Students select courses in consultation with their major professor or graduate advisor for the track of study. For an up to date listing of classes, please see the courses page.
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PhD DEGREE
The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group offers the Ph.D. degree under Plan C and requires three examinations:
Examination 1 is a written examination taken after three quarters of study and no later than the end of the sixth quarter of enrollment (excluding summer quarters). It is a comprehensive test of the material covered in four graduate core courses and also may contain problems based on the content of prerequisite coursework. The examination is written and graded by appropriate faculty in the BME graduate group. Possible grades are pass, conditional pass, retake (once only), and fail.
Examination 2 is an oral Qualifying Examination required for advancement to candidacy and must be completed within one year after passing Examination 1. A written research plan in the NIH grant application format is prepared by the student in consultation with the major professor and distributed to the committee at least two weeks prior to the examination date. The plan is defended before a 5-member committee with representation from the College of Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Medical School. Students need to complete two forms: Application for qualifying examination and Candidacy for degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Examination 3 is an oral examination taken at least one year after Examination 2 and after preparation of a written Ph.D. dissertation. Students will defend the scientific integrity and presentation of their dissertation before their 3 to 5-member committee. This examination either may be restricted to the members of the committee or it may be open to faculty members and guests. The Chair of the Examining Committee completes the Plan C Defense Form and submits it to the Office of Graduate Studies by the final examination date listed on the academic calendar.
Ph.D. Committee: By the end of the third quarter of enrollment, each Ph.D. student must select a major professor. In preparation for the second examination, students, in consultation with their major professors and subject to acceptance by the graduate advisor, must select an examination committee composed of five faculty members. The major professor can be a member of the committee but may not chair it. At least three committee members must be BME Graduate Group members, and,one member must be from outside the BME Graduate Group. A BME Graduate Group Member must be selected as chair. This committee administers Examination 2. At least three members from this committee guide the students research and approve the dissertation. The dissertation committee includes the major professor, who normally serves as chair, and administers Examination 3. The student must file copies of the approved dissertation with both the Office of Graduate Studies and the BME Graduate Group.
For deadlines and calendars see: http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/continuing/deadline.htm
|
|
|
