Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
KU Bioengineering Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering degree prepares students to become leading researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs. The program provides knowledge breadth in engineering and the biological sciences and knowledge depth in the student’s area of research interest. The Ph.D. is offered by the KU Bioengineering Program within the School of Engineering. The program offers the Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in bioengineering and the M.D./Ph.D. combined degree in conjunction with the KU School of Medicine. Students have access to innovative research and educational facilities on KU’s Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses. The student selects from 6 concentrations:
- Bioimaging
- Computational Bioengineering
- Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering
- Biomechanics & Neural Engineering
- Biomedical Product Design & Development
- Biomolecular Engineering
The student, in consultation with his or her advisor and advisory committee, develops a Plan of Study and a research program to satisfy degree requirements.
The program’s goals are:
- To give students an in-depth understanding of mathematics, engineering principles, physics, chemistry, physiology, and modern biology;
- To train students to apply basic sciences to biological problems using engineering principles;
- To train students to do bioengineering research and solve problems related to the design and development of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that improve human health; and
- To train students to apply bioengineering research to commercially viable technologies.
Bioengineering research projects typically focus on 1 of 2 broad categories:
- The development of fundamental scientific knowledge and
- The development and application of materials, devices, and systems with the goal of improving biological processes, systems, and health care.
Bioengineering students are often involved in measurements, analysis, modeling, computations, design, and development. The program prepares students for careers in industry, academia, health care settings, or government.
Financial Aid
Once admitted, students become eligible for financial aid. Graduate students in the bioengineering program are most often supported through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships (e.g., the Madison and Lila Self Fellowship). Research assistantships are arranged by the student and faculty advisor with assistance from the Bioengineering Director if needed. Teaching assistantships are assigned by the Bioengineering Director. Highly qualified applicants are considered for additional support and fellowships. For more information about external and other KU funding options, please visit https://graduate.ku.edu/funding.
Standard Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Admission to the Bioengineering Graduate Program
All applicants are expected to have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The appropriate academic preparation includes both general and concentration-specific prerequisites. General prerequisites include calculus I and II, differential equations, linear algebra, general physics I and II, chemistry, and biology. Concentration prerequisites depend on the student’s selected concentration. More complete details about academic preparation can be found on the program's website.
Applicants normally have a B.S. and/or an M.S. degree in an engineering discipline, physical sciences, the life sciences, or a closely related field. Depending on their preparation, students may be required to take additional courses that may or may not count toward the graduate degree. A student may enter the Bioengineering Program before meeting all the prerequisites if approved by the Admissions Committee. This student must plan to complete the prerequisites in addition to the graduate degree requirements and consultation with the program is required to determine which courses satisfy these requirements. Course credits from prerequisites generally do not apply toward the graduate degree and must be completed with a grade of B or higher.
A highly qualified applicant may apply for admission directly into the Ph.D. program after completing the B.S. degree. Generally, a student who does not have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline must complete the M.S. before entering the Ph.D. program. A strong applicant should have outstanding academic credentials, some formal research experience, research interests that fit one of the tracks of study, and a strong potential for advanced study.
Submit your graduate application online.
Application Information & Deadlines
In order to receive full consideration, a complete application package should be submitted by the following deadlines:
Fall Admission: December 1
Spring Admission: October 1
APPLICATION MATERIALS INCLUDE:
- Official Transcripts
- One official transcript from each degree granting institution that the student has attended is required for admission. If courses from another university or junior college appear on the degree granting institution’s transcript, we do not need transcripts from the other university or junior college. A scanned copy of the official transcript IS acceptable but it MUST be an official copy. Printouts from student portals or websites will not be accepted. A final degree conferred transcript sent directly from the degree granting university will be required before the second semester of enrollment should the applicant be admitted and enroll in a program at KU.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Request 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and research preparedness. Obtain the correct e-mail addresses of your recommenders and explain that he/she will be sent an e-mailed request with instructions on how to complete the required Recommendation Form and how to upload their letter to your application electronically.
- A Statement of Your Academic Objectives (you attach to on-line application)
- Your statement is a very important part of your application. Please write a 1-2 page essay describing your academic and career objectives as they relate to bioengineering. It should indicate how and why you have decided to pursue graduate studies in your chosen field. Please discuss the particular areas of focus within the concentrations you wish to study and why you feel KU specifically is a good fit for your particular interests and goals. If you are interested in the research of particular KU faculty members, please discuss it. You may also include relevant information about your academic background, research experience, leadership skills, related work and/or volunteer experiences that you feel have prepared you for graduate study. This statement of objectives will be read and used by faculty in the track to evaluate your academic, research and leadership potential as well as to select graduate teaching and/or research assistants. It also plays a role in determining scholarship/fellowship nominations. Please make sure that it is of high quality and demonstrates your readiness for graduate level study and research at KU.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (you attach to on-line application)
- English Proficiency Scores (if English is not your native language)
- TOEFL, iBT (or IELTS) Scores (sent to us directly from the testing agency).
- The institution code for the University of Kansas is 6871.
- The program/department code is 1603.
- The department code is 69 for iBT.
- NOTES:
- For REGULAR admission: All section scores must be at least 20 on the internet-based and computer based TOEFL, or at least 53 on the paper based test.
- Admittance will NOT be granted if you do not meet the above standard of English Proficiency. Due to a change in policy, we are no longer able to issue an I-20 for these instances.
- To qualify for a GTA offer, you must score at least a 24 on the SPEAKING portion of the iBT and/or score a 50 on the SPEAK test (administered at KU after you arrive).
- For more information regarding English Proficiency Requirements, see the graduate studies website.
- TOEFL, iBT (or IELTS) Scores (sent to us directly from the testing agency).
- Proof of Financial Support (International Applicants Only)
- Obtain the proper Financial Documentation. Scan the document and save it as a pdf file. KEEP THE PAPER COPIES. Be prepared to send the paper copies to the program office at the address below if requested! Although the financial statement is not required for making admission decisions, the U.S. Department of State mandates that evidence of financial resources, such as an official bank statement, be provided in order to issue an I-20 and student visa. It should have the name of the student on the account, not the parent’s name or any other name. See the following link for more information.
Funding
Scholarships/Fellowships - The Bioengineering graduate admissions committee nominates applicants for University and School of Engineering scholarships and fellowships based on academic merit and other selection criteria, as specified by the fellowship selection committees.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) - Teaching Assistantships are available and are awarded competitively based on academic qualifications. You do not need a separate application to be considered.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) - Students work with their potential academic advisor/mentor to obtain a funded position on a research project at the time of matriculation or within the first year. It is NOT required for prospective students to have KU faculty pledge a GRA position prior to your admission.
Visit Us
The graduate program staff are happy to work with all prospective students in determining the fit between the student and the program. We feel that visiting our campus in Lawrence is a very important step. In order to facilitate your visit to KU, there are two main options:
The first, and most preferred, option entails simply applying for admission to the program. All prospective students are welcome to attend our Open House in October or mid-March. Eligible admitted students may be invited to participate in Campus Visit Days in February (prior to the fall semester of your intended matriculation). These organized campus visit opportunities will allow you to gather a great deal of first-hand information which we hope will help you in making a final decision about whether to attend KU.
The second option is making arrangements to visit us on your own, outside of organized events. With early notification, we will do our best to work with you to provide information and schedule appointments with faculty when possible. Please contact us if you feel that this is the best option for you.
Contact Information
Please contact the KU Bioengineering Program at bioe@ku.edu or (785) 864-5258 to schedule a visit or with questions about the bioengineering application process.
Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
The KU Bioengineering Program offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering with six concentrations. Requirements for the Ph.D. include coursework, a doctoral qualifying examination, research skills and residence requirement, a comprehensive examination, a dissertation, and a final oral examination. Ph.D. students choose a concentration from the following to build out their Bioengineering depth: Bioimaging, Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, Biomechanics & Neural Engineering, Biomedical Product Design & Development, Biomolecular Engineering, or Computational Bioengineering.
Students develop their individualized Plan of Study and research with the advice and supervision of their faculty advisor and committee.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering Core | ||
| C&PE 756 | Introduction to Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| BIOE 800 | Bioengineering Colloquium (Students must complete 2 credits total of BIOE colloquium) | 2 |
| BIOE 801 | Responsible Conduct of Research in Engineering | 1 |
| Bioengineering Concentration Depth | ||
| The BIOE concentration is determined with the faculty advisor and based on the student's interest. Students complete a Plan of Study outlining coursework that meets their concentration requirements. Each concentration has minimum hours required. | 15-18 | |
| Bioengineering Breadth Coursework | ||
| The remaining 15 credits of Bioengineering Breadth are determined with the faculty advisor and selected from the Bioengineering Breadth Courses Master List below. Required courses in a student's concentration may not fulfill additional breadth requirements. | 15 | |
| Each concentration requires the following, at a minimum: | ||
Math, Statistics, or Numerical Methods: 1 course minimum | ||
Advanced Sciences: 1 course minimum | ||
Advanced Engineering: 1 course minimum | ||
| Total Hours | 36-39 | |
Bioimaging Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| Select 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Multivariate Data Analysis | ||
| Applied Optimization Methods | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing | ||
| Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Antennas | ||
| Parallel Scientific Computing | ||
| Digital Image Processing | ||
| Digital Signal Processing Implementation in Programmable Logic Devices | ||
| Numerical Analysis I | ||
| Numerical Analysis II | ||
| Mathematical Optimization with Applications | ||
| Error Control Coding | ||
| Acoustics | ||
| Medical Imaging | ||
| Additional Bioengineering Breadth Courses | ||
| Select two additional courses from the Breadth Courses Master List. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Advanced Engineering (3 courses minimum) | ||
| Drug Delivery | ||
| Basic Rheology | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Polymer Science and Technology | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Molecular Biomimetics | ||
| Special Topics: _____ (Biomedical Microdevices) | ||
| Continuum Mechanics for Soft Tissues | ||
| Special Topics: _____ (Advanced Biomaterials) | ||
| Advanced Biological Sciences (1 course minimum) | ||
| Graduate Histology | ||
or BIOL 560 | Histology | |
| Mammalian Physiology | ||
| Fundamentals of Microbiology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
or BIOL 503 | Immunology | |
| Fundamentals of Immunology | ||
| Virology | ||
or BIOL 512 | General Virology | |
| Principles and Practice of Chemical Biology | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Biomechanics & Neural Engineering Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Mechanics (2 courses minimum) | ||
| Basic Rheology | ||
| Basic Biomechanics | ||
| Modeling Dynamics of Mechanical Systems | ||
| Biomechanics of Human Motion | ||
| Experimental Methods in Biomechanics | ||
| Bone Biomechanics | ||
| Computer Simulation in Biomechanics | ||
| Biomechanical Systems | ||
| Biomedical Product Development | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Continuum Mechanics for Soft Tissues | ||
| Physiology (2 courses maximum) | ||
| Advanced Exercise Science Seminar | ||
| Computing/Signal Processing (2 courses maximum) | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing | ||
| Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Parallel Scientific Computing | ||
| Digital Signal Processing Implementation in Programmable Logic Devices | ||
| Random Signals and Noise | ||
| Mathematical Optimization with Applications | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Biomedical Product Design & Development Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| BIOE 802 | Bioengineering Internship | 3 |
| ME 760 | Biomedical Product Development | 3 |
| ME 765 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| Advanced Biostatistics Course | ||
| Select any Biostatistics (BIOS) course at the 720 level or above. | 3 | |
| Bioengineering Design | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Topics in Design: _____ (Approved Biomedical Project) | ||
| Advanced Human Factors in Interaction Design | ||
| Structural Composites | ||
| Drug Delivery | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Polymer Science and Technology | ||
| Structural Mechanics | ||
| Design for Manufacturability | ||
| Mechatronics | ||
| Molecular Biomimetics | ||
| Special Topics: _____ (Bioadditive Manufacturing) | ||
| Special Topics: _____ (Biomedical Microdevices) | ||
| Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | ||
| Antennas | ||
| Fiber-optic Measurement and Sensors | ||
| Parallel Scientific Computing | ||
| Entreprenuership Elective | ||
| ENTR 701 | Building Entrepreneurial Competency | 3 |
| or ENTR 850 | Advanced Entrepreneurship | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Biomolecular Engineering Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Advanced Engineering (2 courses minimum) | ||
| Methods of Chemical and Petroleum Calculations | ||
| Drug Delivery | ||
| Convective Heat and Momentum Transfer | ||
| Advanced Transport Phenomena II | ||
| Basic Rheology | ||
| Polymer Science and Technology | ||
| Molecular Biomimetics | ||
| Special Topics: _____ (Biomedical Microdevices) | ||
| Biopharmaceutics&Pharmacokinetics | ||
| Pharmaceutical Analysis | ||
| Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | ||
| Advanced Biological Sciences (1 course minimum) | ||
| Graduate Histology | ||
or BIOL 560 | Histology | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| Graduate Molecular Biosciences | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Pharmaceutics | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry in Biology | ||
| Advanced Medicinal Biochemistry I | ||
| Immunology | ||
or BIOL 503 | Immunology | |
| Virology | ||
or BIOL 512 | General Virology | |
| Principles and Practice of Chemical Biology | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Computational Bioengineering Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Depth | ||
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| Fundamentals Course (1 course minimum) | ||
| Computational Biology I (Cannot count with EECS 730) | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing | ||
| Introduction to Bioinformatics | ||
| Elective Courses (3 courses minimum) | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Computational Biology II | ||
| Introduction to Molecular Modeling | ||
| Applied Linear Regression | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Genomics | ||
| Introduction to Programming and Applied Statistics in R | ||
| Finite Element Methods for Solid Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Parallel Scientific Computing | ||
| Digital Image Processing | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| Mathematical Optimization with Applications | ||
or C&PE 778 | Applied Optimization Methods | |
| Experimental Methods in Biomechanics | ||
| Computer Simulation in Biomechanics | ||
| Continuum Mechanics for Soft Tissues | ||
| Theory of the Finite Element Method | ||
| Biomedical Informatics Driven Clinical Research | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Bioengineering Breadth Courses Master List
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Math, Statistics & Numerical Methods | ||
| Math | ||
| MATH 590 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 596 | Special Topics: _____ (Math in Biomedical Research) | 3 |
| MATH 611 | Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 646 | Complex Variable and Applications | 3 |
| MATH 647 | Applied Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 648 | Calculus of Variations and Integral Equations | 3 |
| MATH 724 | Combinatorial Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 725 | Graph Theory | 3 |
| MATH 750 | Stochastic Adaptive Control | 3 |
| MATH 765 | Mathematical Analysis I | 3 |
| MATH 766 | Mathematical Analysis II | 3 |
| MATH 790 | Linear Algebra II | 3 |
| MATH 791 | Modern Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 865 | Stochastic Processes I | 3 |
| PHSX 718 | Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences | 3 |
| PHSX 721 | Chaotic Dynamics | 3 |
| Statistics | ||
| BIOL 841 | Biometry I | 5 |
| BIOS 714 | Fundamentals of Biostatistics I | 3 |
| BIOS 717 | Fundamentals of Biostatistics II | 3 |
| BIOS 720 | Analysis of Variance | 3 |
| BIOS 730 | Applied Linear Regression | 3 |
| BIOS 740 | Applied Multivariate Methods | 3 |
| BIOS 810 | Clinical Trials | 3 |
| BIOS 823 | Introduction to Programming and Applied Statistics in R | 3 |
| BIOS 830 | Experimental Design | 3 |
| BIOS 835 | Categorical Data Analysis | 3 |
| BIOS 840 | Linear Regression | 3 |
| BIOS 871 | Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 605 | Applied Regression Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 627 | Probability | 3 |
| MATH 628 | Mathematical Theory of Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 727 | Probability Theory | 3 |
| MATH 728 | Statistical Theory | 3 |
| STAT 823 | Introduction to Programming and Applied Statistics in R | 3 |
| DATA 824 | Data Visualization and Acquisition | 3 |
| Numerical Methods | ||
| AE 725 | Numerical Optimization and Structural Design | 3 |
| AE 746 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| BINF 701 | Computational Biology I | 5 |
| BINF 702 | Computational Biology II | 5 |
| C&PE 701 | Methods of Chemical and Petroleum Calculations | 3 |
| C&PE 778 | Applied Optimization Methods | 3 |
| CE 861 | Finite Element Methods for Solid Mechanics | 3 |
| EECS 639 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 3 |
| EECS 739 | Parallel Scientific Computing | 3 |
| EECS 781 | Numerical Analysis I | 3 |
| EECS 782 | Numerical Analysis II | 3 |
| EECS 868 | Mathematical Optimization with Applications | 3 |
| MATH 591 | Applied Numerical Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 882 | Topics in Advanced Numerical Differential Equations: _____ | 3 |
| ME 702 | Mechanical Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| ME 788 | Optimal Estimation | 3 |
| ME 861 | Theory of the Finite Element Method | 3 |
| ME 862 | Finite Element Method for Transient Analysis | 3 |
| Biological Sciences | ||
| ANAT 832 | Electron Microscopy Techniques | 3 |
| ANAT 845 | Graduate Histology | 3 |
| BIOL 503 | Immunology | 3 |
| BIOL 546 | Mammalian Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 560 | Histology | 3 |
| BIOL 600 | Introductory Biochemistry, Lectures | 3 |
| BIOL 636 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| BIOL 637 | Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOL 639 | Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| BIOL 650 | Advanced Neurobiology | 3 |
| BIOL 688 | The Molecular Biology of Cancer | 3 |
| BIOL 750 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIOL 752 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 755 | Mechanisms of Development | 3 |
| BIOL 757 | Carcinogenesis and Cancer Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 772 | Gene Expression | 4 |
| BIOL 841 | Biometry I | 5 |
| BIOL 918 | Modern Biochemical and Biophysical Methods | 4 |
| BIOL 943 | Multivariate Data Analysis | 3 |
| MICR 808 | Immunology | 3 |
| MICR 809 | Tumor Immunology | 3 |
| MICR 810 | Fundamentals of Immunology | 2 |
| MICR 820 | Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis | 3 |
| MICR 825 | Virology | 3 |
| Advanced Engineering | ||
| All 700-level or above ENGR courses may fulfill this requirement. Suggested courses include: | ||
| ADS 560 | Topics in Design: _____ (Must be approved Biomedical Project) | 4 |
| ADS 710 | Advanced Human Factors in Interaction Design | 3 |
| AE 709 | Structural Composites | 3 |
| BIOE 860 | Advanced Bioengineering Problems | 3 |
| BIOE 890 | Special Topics: _____ | 3 |
| C&PE 715 | Topics in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering: _____ | 3 |
| C&PE 732 | Advanced Transport Phenomena II | 3 |
| C&PE 751 | Basic Rheology | 3 |
| C&PE 752 | Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| C&PE 778 | Applied Optimization Methods | 3 |
| CE 710 | Structural Mechanics | 3 |
| CE 767 | Introduction to Fracture Mechanics | 3 |
| EECS 644 | Introduction to Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
| EECS 730 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3 |
| EECS 739 | Parallel Scientific Computing | 3 |
| EECS 836 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| EECS 861 | Random Signals and Noise | 3 |
| ME 633 | Basic Biomechanics | 3 |
| ME 708 | Mechatronics | 3 |
| ME 722 | Modeling Dynamics of Mechanical Systems | 3 |
| ME 750 | Biomechanics of Human Motion | 3 |
| ME 751 | Experimental Methods in Biomechanics | 3 |
| ME 753 | Bone Biomechanics | 3 |
| ME 755 | Computer Simulation in Biomechanics | 3 |
| ME 757 | Biomechanical Systems | 3 |
| ME 760 | Biomedical Product Development | 3 |
| ME 765 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| ME 767 | Molecular Biomimetics | 3 |
| ME 790 | Special Topics: _____ | 3 |
| ME 854 | Continuum Mechanics for Soft Tissues | 3 |
| ME 860 | Advanced Mechanical Engineering Problems | 3 |
| ME 890 | Special Topics: _____ | 3 |
| ME 990 | Special Topics: _____ | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry | ||
| C&PE 725 | Cellular and Molecular Pharmaceutics | 3 |
| CHEM 510 | Biological Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 635 | Instrumental Methods of Analysis | 2 |
| CHEM 718 | Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences | 3 |
| CHEM 720 | Fundamentals and Methods of Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 740 | Principles of Organic Reactions | 3 |
| CHEM 742 | Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds | 3 |
| CHEM 750 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 3 |
| CHEM 760 | Introduction to Chemistry in Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 820 | Analytical Separations | 3 |
| CHEM 824 | Spectrochemical Methods of Analysis | 3 |
| CHEM 828 | Bioanalysis | 3 |
| CHEM 840 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 852 | Statistical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM 856 | Molecular Spectroscopy | 3 |
| MDCM 701 | Advanced Medicinal Biochemistry I | 3 |
| MDCM 790 | Chemistry of Drug Action II | 3 |
| PHCH 718 | Physical-Chemical Principles of Solution Dosage Forms | 3 |
| PHCH 725 | Cellular and Molecular Pharmaceutics | 3 |
| PHCH 730 | Biopharmaceutics&Pharmacokinetics | 3 |
| PHCH 860 | Principles and Practice of Chemical Biology | 3 |
| PHCH 862 | Physical Chemistry of Solutions, Solids and Surfaces | 3 |
| PHCH 870 | Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 4 |
| PHCH 920 | Chemical Kinetics | 2 |
| PHCH 972 | Mechanisms of Drug Deterioration and Stabilization | 3 |
| PHCH 974 | Advanced Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (FTIR) | 3 |
| PHCH 974 | Advanced Special Topics in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Vaccines) | 3 |
| Graduate Writing/Elective Courses | ||
| ENTR 701 | Building Entrepreneurial Competency | 3 |
| ENTR 702 | Entrepreneurial Finance | 3 |
| ENTR 703 | Entrepreneurial Marketing | 3 |
| ENTR 704 | Launching Your Own Business | 3 |
| ENTR 850 | Advanced Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| ME 790 | Special Topics: _____ | 3 |
| PHCH 705 | Writing and Communicating Science for Graduate Students | 3 |
| PRVM 868 | Biomedical Informatics Driven Clinical Research | 3 |
| Education/Pedagogy/Teaching Courses | ||
| CE 895 | Advanced Special Topics: _____ (Engineering Education I) | 3 |
| CE 895 | Advanced Special Topics: _____ (Engineering Education II) | 3 |
| EPSY 896 | Seminar in: _____ (Research & Practice College Teaching) | 3 |
| JMC 806 | College Teaching | 3 |
| Life Sciences | ||
| GSMC 840 | CLINICAL OBSERVATION IN HEALTH CARE FOR BIOENGINEERS | 3 |
| HSES 805 | Laboratory Experiments and Analysis--Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HSES 810 | Advanced Exercise Science Seminar | 3 |
| HSES 825 | Skeletal Muscle Physiology | 3 |
| HSES 872 | Exercise and the Cardiovascular System | 3 |
| HSES 910 | Biochemistry of Exercise | 3 |
| PHSL 835 | Integrative Physiology of Exercise | 3 |
| PHSL 838 | Advanced Topics (Fundamentals of Imaging) | 3 |
| PHSL 844 | Neurophysiology | 3 |
| PHSL 846 | Advanced Neuroscience | 4 |
| PHSL 848 | Molecular Mechanisms of Neurological Disorders | 3 |
| REHS 862 | Cellular and Molecular Basis of Rehabilitation | 2 |
| REHS 887 | Neurorehabilitation | 3 |
| REHS 970 | Instrumented Analysis of Human Biomechanical Function | 3 |
In the first semester, the student selects a concentration in Bioengineering, an advisor, and a doctoral dissertation committee. The committee guides the student’s development through the Plan of Study in the chosen concentration, participates in the comprehensive and final examination, and helps the student select a topic for research leading to the dissertation. Should the student’s interests change, the committee membership may be changed accordingly, with the approval of the program’s Graduate Studies Director. The student’s committee consists of a minimum of 5 graduate faculty members and is chaired by the student’s advisor. For further requirements for the doctoral dissertation committee, view the Bioengineering Graduate Program Handbook.
Plan of Study
Students are expected to complete a Plan of Study before beginning the second semester of graduate study. To complete a Plan of Study, a student should have identified a research advisor and dissertation committee. Students should work with their research advisors to identify an appropriate list of courses that fulfill degree requirements and support the student’s educational and research objectives. A Plan of Study can be completed online. The advisor, committee members, and graduate studies director must approve the Plan of Study. The Plan of Study can be modified later, if needed, with approval of the advisor, committee members, and Graduate Studies Director. Students are required to complete their PhD degree within 8 years from initial enrollment in the program, but typically finish within 4-5 years. A timeline is available here.
Curriculum Notes
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the B.S. to meet degree requirements.
- Core courses (6 hours)
- Concentration courses (30-36 hours)
- Research (minimum 18 hours)
Note: No more than 9 credits may be taken at the 500-600 level for this degree.
Note: No course graded CR or NC (credit/no-credit) can count toward the satisfaction of the degree requirements.
Residence Requirement
Doctoral students must spend a minimum of 2 semesters, which may include the summer session, involved in full-time academic or professional pursuits beyond the baccalaureate degree in graduate study at KU. This may include an appointment for teaching or research and requires that the student be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours a semester. More information can be found in the general doctoral degree requirements of the graduate catalog.
Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship
The University requires that every doctoral student receive training in responsible scholarship pertinent to the field of research and obtain research skills pertinent to the doctoral level of research in their field(s). These requirements must be completed by the end of the semester that the student takes the oral comprehensive exam. For students in Bioengineering, the research skill requirement is satisfied by completion of BIOE 800. The responsible scholarship requirement is satisfied by completion of BIOE 801 or PHCH 817.
Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
Each doctoral student must pass the doctoral qualifying examination, normally taken at the end of the first year of graduate study. The written and oral examination measures the student’s ability to comprehend, critically analyze, and communicate technical literature in the chosen track of study. The qualifying examination may be taken twice in a students graduate career. A more detailed description of the examination is available on the program's website.
Oral & Written Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive exam should be taken no later than the end of the third year for doctoral students. The exam consists of a written and oral component to be conducted towards the student’s dissertation research. The exam evaluates the student’s ability to write an original research proposal, design experiments, and interpret results in a sound and critical manner. The final outcome is intended to establish the scope of the student’s dissertation research. The examining committee consists of the student’s Doctoral Dissertation Committee which is chaired or co-chaired by their research advisor. A more detailed description can be found on the program’s website. Passing the examination advances the student to doctoral candidacy.
Enrollment Requirements Post-Comprehensive Exam
Upon passing the comprehensive examination, the student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree and is approved to proceed with their dissertation research and project. At least once each year after passing the comprehensive examination, the student must schedule a meeting with his or her dissertation committee to discuss progress towards the completion of the dissertation and any other concerns.
Starting the semester following successful completion of the oral comprehensive exam, students must enroll in accordance with the Office of Graduate Studies’ Doctoral Candidacy Policy. This enrollment includes, but is not limited to, at least 1 dissertation hour every semester until graduation. Students will complete 18 hours minimum of BIOE 999 for their disseration hours. See the Doctoral Candidacy policy for more information about this University level requirement.
Dissertation & Final Oral Examination
The dissertation must be an original work of research that advances the field of Bioengineering and complies with the Office of Graduate Studies’ Doctoral Dissertation policy. The doctoral candidate's esearch is expected to be of sufficient quality to permit publication in reputable scientific journals.
Upon approval by the students committee that the student’s dissertation research and written document is complete, the student must defend the dissertation before all committee members in the “final oral examination,” or dissertation defense. The final dissertation defense includes a public presentation of the dissertation research by the candidate and concludes with a period of questioning by the committee, faculty, and public in attendance. After posing questions to the student about the dissertation work, committee members deliberate and vote on a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. A grade of Satisfactory requires a majority vote, and may be contingent on the completion of specific revisions by a designated due date.
M.D./Ph.D. Combined Degree Requirements
The Bioengineering Graduate Program offers the combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees, in conjunction with the School of Medicine, for the student who wishes to combine a focus on medicine with interests in bioengineering research. The requirements for the Ph.D. component of the M.D./Ph.D. program are the same as for the Ph.D. program. The student applies to the M.D/Ph.D through the KU Medical Center and not to the Bioengineering program directly. Completion of the M.D./Ph.D. degrees is expected to take approximately 7 years. The M.D./Ph.D. student is encouraged to defend the dissertation before clinical rotations. Scholarships are available for both the M.D. and Ph.D. components of the program.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Read, comprehend, process, and communicate (written and orally) scientific literature in the bioengineering field.
- Develop and execute scientific research aims including formulating hypotheses and developing methods to test these hypotheses. This includes an ability to develop and conduct appropriate physical and/or numerical experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Demonstrate a depth of knowledge of fundamental topics in the student's track of study (biomechanics and neural engineering, biomaterials and tissue engineering, bioimaging, bioinformatics, biomolecular, or biomedical product design and development). Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Complete original, publishable, and impactful research in a bioengineering area.
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities make decisions or take actions that area appropriate.