Bulletin Archive
This archived information is dated to the 2011-12 academic year only and may no longer be current.
For currently applicable policies and information, see the current Stanford Bulletin.
Master of Science in Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering
The Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME) promotes the integration of engineering mechanics and design with the life sciences. Applicants are expected to have an additional exposure to biology and/or bioengineering in their undergraduate studies. Students planning for subsequent medical school studies are advised to contact Stanford's Premedical Advising Office in Sweet Hall.
Students wishing to pursue this program must complete the Graduate Program Authorization form and get approval from the Student Services Office. This form serves to officially add the field to the student's record. This form must be filled out electronically on Axess.
Degree Requirements
- Mathematical competence (minimum 6 units) in two of the following areas: partial differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables, or numerical analysis, as demonstrated by completion of two appropriate courses from the following list: ME300A,B,C; MATH106, 109, 113, 131M/P, 132; STATS110, or ENGR155C; CME108, 302. Students who have completed comparable graduate-level courses as an undergraduate, and who can demonstrate their competence to the satisfaction of the instructors of the Stanford courses, may be waived via petition from this requirement by their adviser and the Student Services Office. The approved equivalent courses should be placed in the approved electives category of the program proposal.
- Graduate Level Engineering Courses (minimum 21 units), consisting of:
- Biomechanical engineering restricted electives (9 units) to be chosen from: ME 280, 281, 284A, 337, 339, 381, 382A,B, 385, or 387.
- Specialty in engineering (9-12 units): A set of three or four graduate level courses in engineering mechanics, materials, controls, or design (excluding bioengineering courses) selected to provide depth in one area. Such sets are approved by the Mechanical Engineering Faculty. Comparable specialty sets composed of graduate engineering courses outside the Mechanical Engineering Department can be used with the approval of the student's adviser. Examples can be obtained from the Biomechanical Engineering Group Office (Durand 223).
- Graduate engineering electives (to bring the total number of graduate level engineering units to at least 21). These electives must contribute to a cohesive degree program, and be approved by the student's adviser. No units may come from bioengineering courses, mathematics courses, or seminars.
- Life science approved electives (minimum 6 units): Undergraduate or graduate biological/medical science/chemistry courses which contribute to a cohesive program.
- Biomechanical engineering seminar ME 389.
- General approved electives (to bring the total number of units to 39): These courses must be approved by the student's adviser. Graduate level engineering, math, and physical science courses and upper division undergraduate or graduate life science courses are normally approved.
- Unrestricted electives (to bring the total number of units to 45): Students without undergraduate biology are encouraged to use some of these unrestricted units to strengthen their biology background. Students should consult their adviser for recommendations on course loads and on ways to use the unrestricted electives to create a manageable program.
All courses except unrestricted electives must be taken for a letter grade unless letter grades are not an option.