During the JHU three-credit course, you will model biological systems and 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 24 – August 2, 2024

Fall Session: August 26 – December 6, 2024 tentative

Projects

You will learn to model both human efficiency and the circulatory system and complete a biosensor design project. You develop your own independent project by forming your hypothesis, designing an experiment to test your hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data and finally preparing 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, 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; students 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 both in MS Teams and on the Canvas learning management system.   

  • Canvas works best with Firefox or Chrome web browsers. You should install the most recent version of either Firefox or Chrome web browser. For the best experience using Canvas you may consider enabling third-party cookies on your browser.   
  • MS Teams is a cloud-based application that you will access using the JHU login credentials that you will receive when you accept an offer of admission.  

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 or MS Teams

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.

The estimated cost of the lab supplies is less than $325. Shipping fees and US sales tax will be added by our supplier when you order your kit. 

Time Commitment

This is not a self-paced course. Students will have assignments or activities to complete on a daily schedule.  Students should plan to spend 14-20 hours/week during a summer session and 7-10 hours/week during a fall or spring session of Biomedical Engineering Innovation

  • All lectures are pre-recorded, so you can watch them at any time. The expectation is you will watch a specific video on the first day of the associated module, but you are able to watch it again for clarification.  It is important to note there are regular deadlines for assignments throughout the course.  
  • Regular, real-time study sessions are held, at least twice a week, using MS Teams. These study sessions are optional and may be recorded and shared so students may access them at any time. You may also request to meet with your instructor or TA outside of the posted study sessions at a time that is convenient for you both.  
  • You will complete an independent project which requires at least three virtual design review meetings with your instructor. These typically last 15-20 minutes. Your instructor will publish a list of days and times for these reviews, and you will sign up for a session that works for you.  
  • You will also use MS Teams to interact with and ask questions of your classmates. All classmates may post questions in MS Teams for your course Instructor and TAs. Instructors and TAs will respond to questions from students within 24 hours, often within minutes.

Weekly Schedule

BMEI is mostly an asynchronous course where you work independently on your projects and assignments.

  • Watching lectures and taking online quizzes

    On average, students spend 4-6 hours/week in the summer session and  2-3 hours/week in spring and fall sessions  viewing the lecture material and completing the online quizzes.  

  • Completing homework assignments

    On average, students spend 4-6 hours/week in the summer session and 2-3 hours/week in spring and fall sessions  completing assignments.  

  • Lab projects and reports

    On average, students spend 6-8 hours/week in the summer session and 3-4 hours/week in spring and fall sessions  completing the lab activities. 

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

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.