Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI) is a college-level pre-college program where your ingenuity can thrive, and you can earn three credits from Johns Hopkins University.
Created by the faculty of our #1 nationally ranked biomedical engineering program for critical thinkers like you, BMEI is an interactive and engaging online course.
BMEI gives you the chance to build on your knowledge of math, physics, and biology while solving practical problems through hands-on technical projects. You’ll learn to model biological systems, design experiments to test them, and apply engineering principles to real-world medical and physiological challenges.
You’ll collaborate with students from around the world who share your curiosity about biomedical engineering and gain valuable experience in a college-level learning environment.
Course Content and Projects
BMEI is your opportunity to explore the exciting intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering. Together with your classmates, you’ll investigate how engineers design and test solutions that improve health and advance medical care. As you experiment, analyze, and present your ideas, you’ll start building the confidence and mindset of an engineer.
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Here are a few of the hands-on projects you’ll take on:
🎮 Arduino Project
Create a prototype and video demonstration of a biomedical sensor using an Arduino microcontroller and your choice of accessories from the lab kit. Share your work through a short video that demonstrates how your prototype works, when it is useful, and what limitations it has.
💪 Dynamic Arm Lab
After first exploring the forces on the shoulder joint when the arm is held out from the body, learn more sophisticated techniques to model the forces on the shoulder when it is in motion.
🫀 Cardiovascular System Lab
Design and build an electrical model of the human cardiovascular system to study the factors that affect blood flow. Use this prototype to model the velocity of a red blood cell, the effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system, and the impact of a disease or injury.
Want a closer look? You can review past syllabi for detailed information about what is covered in the course, objectives, schedule, labs, grading deliverables, and more.
Program Format
BMEI is offered every fall, spring, and summer, giving you the freedom to choose the semester that works best for you. Because it’s asynchronous, you’ll have the flexibility to learn on your terms, whether that’s after school, on weekends, or from anywhere in the world.
Online Asynchronous: Learn from Anywhere, Stay Connected
BMEI immerses you in an interactive and supportive online environment. While you apply biomedical engineering concepts through college-level experiments, you’ll connect with students worldwide who share your passion. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with the confidence to pursue engineering as a major and college credit from one of the world’s most notable universities.
Flexible but structured. You’ll watch pre-recorded lectures on your own schedule and meet regular deadlines that keep you moving forward. Optional twice-weekly study sessions and virtual design reviews with your instructional staff provide extra support.
Fall, Spring, or Summer: Your Schedule, Your Goals
Whether you are balancing a busy school year or ready to dive in over the summer, BMEI is designed to fit into your life and move you closer to your goals. The flexible, primarily asynchronous format lets you learn when it works best for you, supported by clear deadlines and chances to connect along the way.
Note: Please visit our Cost & Aid page for full details and information about financial aid.
| Session | dates | location & Class Times |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Session | August 25 – December 5, 2025 (14-16 weeks) | Online · Asynchronous with deadlines · Optional study sessions 2x/week |
| Spring Session | January 20 – April 27, 2026 (14-16 weeks) | Online · Asynchronous with deadlines · Optional study sessions 2x/week |
| Summer Session | Summer 2026 dates coming soon! (6 weeks) | Online · Asynchronous with deadlines · Optional study sessions 2x/week |
Eligibility
BMEI carries the expectations of a Johns Hopkins college course, so you’ll need to meet specific requirements before you apply.
Academic Prerequisites
- As and Bs in your high school math and science classes
- Completed Algebra II
- Completed a course where the trigonometric functions are taught. You must be able to use sine, cosine, tangent, and the Pythagorean Theorem to determine angles and side lengths for right angle triangles.
- Completed a full year of high school physics, including a lab. You need to be comfortable with drawing and calculating forces in free-body diagrams, equations of motion, and principles of electric circuits prior to taking BMEI.
Grade and age requirements
You must be a current high school student or recent high school graduate. Our typical student is a rising junior (~35%) or senior (~65%) in high school. Talented ninth-graders (rising sophomores) may be considered; however, when space is limited, priority will be given to older students. Graduated seniors are also eligible to participate during the summer before they begin their college career.
“I had an amazing time connecting with other students and JHU faculty who share the same passion for BME as I do… I especially appreciate the BMEI faculty’s commitment to teaching and helping students. ”
Pranavi, past BMEI student
What to Expect Day to Day
Here’s how the course is structured, how much time you’ll spend on projects, and what you’ll need to get started.
Course Modality, Structure, and Expectations
This course is not self-paced. BMEI Online is primarily asynchronous, allowing you to manage your time flexibly; however, you will need to meet frequent deadlines for assignments, projects, and quizzes.
- Lectures: All lectures are pre-recorded, so you can watch them at any time. You are expected to view a specific video on the first day of each module but may revisit it for clarification. Please note that there are regular deadlines for assignments throughout the course.
- Study Sessions: Regular, real-time study sessions are held at least twice a week on Zoom. These optional sessions may be recorded and shared for later access. Additionally, you can request to meet with your instructor or TA outside of the scheduled sessions at a mutually convenient time.
- Design Reviews: You will complete an independent project that requires at least three virtual design review meetings with your instructor. Each meeting typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Your instructor will publish a list of available days and times for these reviews, and you will be able to sign up for a session that works best for you.
- Collaboration: You will also use Canvas to interact with your classmates and ask questions. All students are encouraged to post questions in Canvas for your course instructor and TAs. Instructors and TAs will respond to student inquiries within 24 hours.
Time Commitment
As a participant in the Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI) program, you’ll take on a college-level curriculum that requires steady weekly engagement. Expect to spend 14–20 hours per week during the summer term and 7–10 hours per week during the fall or spring term.
At Johns Hopkins, first-year biomedical engineering students complete this same course over a 16-week fall semester. As a pre-college student, you’ll cover the material more quickly, in just 6 weeks during the summer or 14 weeks in the fall or spring.
While the course is primarily asynchronous, you’ll need to manage your time carefully. Consider your other commitments (such as jobs, internships, sports, or additional coursework) before enrolling to ensure you can keep up with the pace.
How Your Time Breaks Down
Lectures & Quizzes: 4–6 hours/week in summer; 2–3 hours/week in fall & spring
Homework: 4–6 hours/week in summer; 2–3 hours/week in fall & spring
Lab Projects & Reports: 6–8 hours/week in summer; 3–4 hours/week in fall & spring
Computer and Lab Requirements
Computer Requirements
To participate in the program, you’ll need a computer that can access course materials on the Canvas learning management system.
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Browser: Canvas works best with the latest version of Firefox or Chrome. For the smoothest experience, we recommend enabling third-party cookies in your browser.
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Software & Hardware:
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Ability to install Arduino software
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USB port to connect with the Arduino
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Reliable internet connection
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Ability to record videos of your course projects and upload them to Canvas
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Required Lab Supplies
When you receive your admission offer, you’ll get instructions on how to order the required lab kit from our official vendor.
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Cost: See our Cost & Aid page for lab kit pricing. The vendor will add U.S. sales tax and shipping fees when you place your order.
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International Orders: Students outside the U.S. are also responsible for any customs taxes, tariffs, or duties in addition to international shipping fees. Please allow at least two weeks for shipping, though customs delays can extend delivery time. Be sure to track your package using the vendor’s information so you’ll know if you need to pick it up from customs or the shipping company.
ISPEED in BME
If you are interested in biomedical engineering, but have not taken all the courses necessary to participate in Biomedical Engineering Innovation, you may be interested in attending ISPEED-BME, a program offered by the JHU Department of Biomedical Engineering.
JOIN US!
Learn about each program or start your application today.