Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online

During this JHU three-credit course, you will model biological systems, design experiments to test those models and use engineering principles to solve biological, physiological, and/or medical design problems. Note that this is a mostly asynchronous course with pre-recorded lectures; optional real-time study sessions; and no set class times.

Expand your STEM skills, explore biomedical engineering, build confidence, and prepare for college—all in an interactive and engaging online environment!

Dates

Summer Session: June 23 – August 1, 2025

Fall Session: 2025 dates to be announced

Costs

Please visit the Cost & Aid page for details.

Projects

You will design a biosensor and learn to model both the human arm and the circulatory system. You develop your own independent project by conducting a literature review, designing an experiment, or prototyping a biomedical device, and presenting your results in an online poster.

Eligibility

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.  

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.

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.

Computer and Lab Requirements

Computer requirements

You will need a computer to access course materials found on the Canvas learning management system.   

• Canvas works best with the most recent version of either Firefox or Chrome web browsers. For the best experience using Canvas you may consider enabling third-party cookies on your browser.   

 Additionally, the computer should have:  

• Ability to install Arduino software   
• USB port to communicate with the Arduino
• Reliable internet access
• Ability to videotape the course projects and upload the footage to the course Canvas site

Required lab supplies

Information on how to order the required lab supplies from our official vendor will be provided when you receive your offer of admission to the program.

Please see the Cost & Aid page for lab kit fees. Shipping fees and US sales tax will be added by the vendor when you order your kit.

Students outside the United States: you are also responsible for taxes, tariffs, or duties that are charged by customs to clear the package in addition to international shipping fees. Please expect international shipping to take two weeks, although it can take much longer if the package is delayed in customs. Please  track your package based on the information provided by the vendor, so you know if you need to go pick it up from customs or the shipping company.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• You will also use Canvas to interact with your classmates and ask questions. All students are encouraged to post questions in MS Teams for your course instructor and TAs. Instructors and TAs will respond to student inquiries within 24 hours.