Will I have to travel between campuses?
No. We will continue to offer a complete curriculum on each campus so that students do not have to travel in order to complete the curriculum. However, we encourage students to take advantage of opportunities on both campuses whenever possible, and a student can also choose to take courses on either campus at no extra charge. To facilitate transportation, a free shuttle bus travels between the two campuses when classes are in session.
How many students will be in my classes?
Our program is limited to 80 students per class year at each institution (UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State). The advantage of a small class size is that students will have opportunities for more interaction with professors, and more importantly, gain long-lasting relationships with other students in their courses. In addition, students typically become close friends as well as teammates. Many of the BMHE courses strongly encourage group work and collaboration — building a strong foundation and network for future careers.
Are there opportunities for research experiences?
We strongly encourage students to be involved in research. Award-winning faculty in the department are conducting some of the world’s leading research in the fields of Biomedical Imaging, Pharmacoengineering , Rehabilitation Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, and Biomedical Microdevices. In addition, there are many faculty in other departments who have BMHE students working in their research labs. This includes faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill in Applied Physical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Physics, as well as faculty throughout the School of Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health.
Is it possible to major in BMHE and be pre-med?
Yes. Medical schools consider view this as an excellent pre-med major. In addition to BMHE requirements, students must take Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and two semesters of Organic Chemistry, which also fulfill the necessary requirements for a chemistry minor. More information is available here. If students have Advanced Placement credits from high school, they can usually fit in the extra chemistry courses during the school year. Otherwise, they must be taken during the summer.
Is it possible to major in BMHE and study abroad?
Yes. It is generally easier to study abroad during your sophomore year, when most of the classes you would be taking will also be offered at any major university in the world. If you go abroad during your junior year, it may be necessary to attend a university that has an engineering program.
To avoid some of the scheduling challenges of studying abroad, some students choose a summer internship abroad. It is important to work closely with the Study Abroad Office and your advisor to plan for any study abroad experience.
Is it possible to also have a minor or a double major?
Yes, although it does require extra planning. The BMHE curriculum already fulfills some of the requirements for a minor in other related fields, such as physics and math. Pre-med students graduate with a minor in chemistry (see above) due to the pre-med courses taken. Students have received a minor or double major in a variety of non-technical fields, including foreign languages, math, business, and entrepreneurship.
It is often a challenge to graduate with a double major because of the large number of required courses. Students will need to have a large number of AP credits and take summer school classes to complete all of their requirements in four years.
It is UNC-Chapel Hill policy that you must graduate within 4 years (or 8 semesters). Students can apply to stay for a 9th semester, but then cannot graduate with any minors or second majors.
Is the BMHE program accredited?
The joint program is ABET accredited. More information is here.
This curriculum looks demanding. Will I have any time for other activities or for athletics?
Yes. Our students are involved in many other activities from varsity athletics to a variety of student clubs.