Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D.

312 Applied Research Facility
(775) 784-4952

Electrical and Biomedical Engineering Department Graduate Study

It is strongly recommended that prospective electrical engineering professionals take at least one year of graduate study. Both the undergraduate and graduate curricula at the university are designed to offer students the range of education needed for leadership in the profession, as well as knowledge of the physical sciences and basic professional techniques.

The electrical and biomedical engineering department offers graduate programs leading to both the master of science and the doctor of philosophy degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering. Emphases in the department include: image and signal processing, electromagnetics and microwaves, and power.

Graduate course work and research opportunities are available in the following areas:

    Biosensors and Actuators
    Integrated Bio-analytical Systems
    Wireless Networks and Communications
    Computer Design and Applications
    Synthetic Aperture Radar Simulation
    Biomedical Image Processing
    Microprocessor Design and Applications
    Antenna Design and Analysis
    Radar Cross Section Measurement
    Microwave Devices and Distribution Systems 
    Bioelectromagnetics
    Optical Fiber Communications and Sensors
    Microwave Integrated Circuits
    Power System Simulation, Planning and Protection
    Renewable Energy Integration and Smart Grid Applications
    Power Electronics and Electric Drives
    Power Conversion
    Control Systems

General requirements for graduate degrees are determined by the Graduate School and are listed in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Required Graduate Classes All electrical engineering graduate students are required to complete the following two classes:

   EE 790–Seminar (3 credits)
   EE 782  - Random Signal Analysis and Estimation Theory

Master’s degree candidates must select a graduate committee before completion of more than nine credit hours. The graduate student’s committee recommends specific programs of study based on the needs and interests of the student. Both Plan A (requiring the completion of a thesis) and Plan B (nonthesis) study opportunities are available in the master of science degree program.

Doctor of philosophy degree candidates must successfully complete a written qualifying examination administered by the department. The examination includes separate exams in three of six major study areas in electrical engineering. Additionally, the Ph.D. candidate must pass a final comprehensive exam administered by his or her committee. The comprehensive examination can be from 1 to 3 credits and is above the required 72 credits beyond the B.S. The comprehensive examination credits cannot be used to fulfill the 30 credits of 700- level course work.

Two fellowships (Turner and Dickinson) and a number of teaching and research assistantships are typically available in electrical engineering. They are awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, contact the department chairman or the Graduate School dean’s office.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Engineering. The program culminates in the master of science and/or doctor of philosophy degrees. Students also participate in the M.D./Ph.D. program (Refer to the “Combined M.D./Ph.D. ” description in the Division of Health Sciences section of this catalog.)

In this research-oriented program, advanced scientific and engineering techniques are utilized to address modern problems in medicine and biology. Candidates must meet the Graduate School’s admission criteria as well as additional requirements of the program. Ideally, the applicant’s background would include: two semesters of biology or physiology, two semesters of physics or biophysics, two semesters of chemistry or biochemistry, calculus (including differential equations) and proficiency in at least one computer programming language. Students who are admitted with a deficiency in any academic area must complete required courses early in the graduate program.

The curriculum is centered around “areas of proficiency” related to research activities. Students must demonstrate proficiency in three areas at the masters level and four areas at the doctoral level, where at least one area is in the engineering or physical sciences and at least one other area is in the medical or life sciences. In addition to Graduate School requirements, all students must pass an oral defense of thesis/dissertation research and the following course, which will acquaint them with the broad field of biomedical engineering: