What is Engineering Biology?

Engineering Biology, or Bio-engineering, is an emerging interdisciplinary field that is based on the increasing symbiosis between the biological sciences and engineering disciplines. Evolution in engineering technology and scientific knowledge resulted in new specializations in the work force, including bioinformatics, computational biology, biomedical imaging, bio-instrument and sensor technology, tissue engineering, bionics, genetic engineering, and MEMS-based diagnosis and drug delivery. Training in Engineering Biology provides the necessary foundations in the life sciences and in engineering, along with more focused training in one of five areas of specialty.

Are you a candidate for Engineering Biology?

Students should be capable of handling calculus-level math and physics, comprehensive chemistry and advanced-level biological sciences. Students can enroll into the program at any phase of their college experience. In particular, the program is designed that so the undecided engineering or sciences student can start by taking the core classes before committing to engineering biology. The first two years of the program mainly include foundations in the sciences and engineering, while the specialized courses are offered in the third and fourth years. Consult with the program advisors (Professors Hannah and Lal) to learn about how you can join, or transfer into this program.

Program overview: credit structure and degree requirements

The program in engineering biology, offered jointly by the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Arts and Sciences, leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. It combines training in biology with depth in either computation or engineering.

To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Engineering Biology, students must complete 130 credit hours; 28 of these credits must be at 300-level or above. A complete credit structure and a four-year sample schedule are provided.

Contact information:

Program coordinator for 2008 is Dr. Fatma Mili, Professor, Department of Computer Sciences (telephone: x2246, email: mili@oakland.edu).

The program has two advisors:

Dr. Mohammed Siadat, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Telephone: (248) 370-2230
Email: siadat@oakland.edu