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

Fall Session: August 26 – December 6, 2024

Summer Session: June 23 – August 1, 2025

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, 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 cost of the lab kit is $296.20. 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 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 MS Teams. 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 MS Teams 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, often within minutes.

Time Commitment for BMEI Online Students

As a participant in the BMEI program, you will engage in a college-level curriculum requiring a commitment of 14–20 hours per week during the summer term and 7–10 hours per week during the fall or spring term. This course is offered to first-year biomedical engineering students at Johns Hopkins University, spanning a 16-week fall semester. As a pre-college high school student, you will cover the same material in just 6 weeks during the summer and only 14 weeks in the fall and spring.

Although you will have some flexibility in your schedule, it's essential to consider any other commitments you may have—such as jobs, internships, other courses, or sports teams—when deciding whether to enroll in this course.

  • 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.