Computer techniques are increasingly important in undergraduate engineering education. Although there are clusters of computers available throughout campus, many of the classes in Biomedical Engineering require extensive computational work, and the faculty strongly recommends that each student own a computer. Many students may want suggestions on specific hardware that can be purchased now and that will meet the needs of the next four years. To help with that selection, the BMEN faculty offers the following suggestions:
Power, options, and cost? This question is most often asked by and/or for parents, with good reason. The "right" computer for any incoming student depends on the needs and working habits of that student. For some, the computer is nothing more than a word processor and web browsing/e-mail interface. For others, the computer will do double-duty as a gaming and entertainment center in the dormitory. It may not be necessary to replace the computer that you used during your senior year of high school. Some of our students have been able to get by with a low-power 'netbook' while others have spent a small fortune on a fully-loaded 17" gaming laptop. One important point is that computers do not last: do not waste money buying a bleeding-edge computer with the intention of keeping it operational for four years; it may be obsolete and unreliable when you need it most.
Notebook or desktop? A notebook machine can be taken to class with you, or brought to a faculty member's office if you need help with an assignment. Also the wireless network available in many campus locations will allow you to connect to the internet from most academic buildings, the library, the University Center, and 'common' areas of the dorms. But notebook computers, because they're so miniaturized, are more delicate, and more prone to failure and theft. If you choose a notebook system, we suggest you consider buying a service contract that extends the manufacturer's warranty. We also suggest that students who choose portables consider purchasing a full-sized keyboard and mouse to plug into their notebook for use in their dorm rooms.
Windows or Mac? Each Operating System has advantages. If you are already familiar with using one of them, then continue to use the system you know - you don't need to change. Our commonly used applications run on current versions of Windows and Max OSX. We support Windows 2000, Vista, and XP, as well as Mac OSX. Faculty members in the department use MacOS X, several versions of Windows, and Unix.
Backup: As mentioned above, computers do not last. A hard drive is likely to fail at the worst possible time, or perhaps a laptop, left unattended for just a moment, is stolen. The most important recommendation we can make is to back up your data. Every student should implement a hardware and/or software solution that works for them and use it at regular intervals to guard against data loss. Applications can be reinstalled and computers or hard drives can be repurchased, but the papers, notes, and work that accumulates during the school year is too critical to put at risk. Even if you do not purchase a new computer, invest in some form of backup device or online backup service; if possible, try to keep the backup in a different physical location from the computer itself.
Necessary Software: Software will be needed for use in various classes in much the same way that textbooks are specified. Because of the educational discounts available, it's generally less expensive to buy software from dealers specializing in campus sales. Nonetheless, if you purchase a computer, you should budget approximately $300 for software. It may be best to simply purchase 'office automation' software during the Freshman year — the most popular choice is Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). These titles may come pre-installed, or are much less expensive when purchased with an educational discount. To receive the discount, wait until you arrive on campus and order from the bookstore. Another option is to use a large mail order dealer like Journey Educational Marketing http://www.journeyed.com.
Insurance: College students are sometimes overly trusting, and backpacks do occasionally get snatched. You might want to ask some questions about the specific coverage against computer theft that is included in your homeowner's or renter's insurance.
1. Which is the best semester, year for your students to go abroad? (e.g. spring of sophomore, fall and/or spring of junior, fall of senior)
Probably the junior year; fall if but one semester. However, fall semester at many EU schools does not end until mid-January. This presents a problem for students trying to return in time for the start of Spring semester here. The senior thesis project (integrated with BMEN 490-491) usually begins in the spring semester of the junior year, but can be delayed until the summer or fall of the senior year. Arrangements for the senior thesis project are best made prior to leaving for JYA.
Additionally, the fall semester curriculum for juniors includes courses that are adequately taught in non-BME specific curricula. This gives flexibility in choice of institutions abroad.
2. What requirements should a student complete prior to going abroad?
The student should consult with his/her faculty advisor before leaving in order to minimize the impact of missing prerequisites of required courses.
Generally this issue is best handled on a case-by-case basis and requires developing a curricular plan outlining the balance of the undergraduate career.
3. Do you or other members of your department recommend specific institutions abroad? If so, which ones?
In general, we have no preferred institutions. A school that has no offering of technical courses is less desirable than one with offerings that can fit into our curriculum. Careful advance planning could make it possible to take only liberal arts courses overseas, but it is difficult to do this.
The student, along with the faculty advisor, should choose the institution with the student's background and career goals in mind.
That said, we've had several students at Imperial College in London, and have been able to find courses that are suitable for Junior year including Anatomy and Physiology, Fluid Mechanics, etc.
4. What graduation requirements for a degree in your field can not be completed abroad?
Graduation requirements that are difficult or impossible to meet abroad are Research and Professional Practice, BMEN 490-491, and Team Design Projects, BMEN 403-404. Other BME-specific courses that are often difficult to match include BMEN 303 and BMEN 306, the year-long anatomy and physiology sequence. If the student is at a university with a coordinate medical school (e.g. Strathclyde) then this is not a problem. If matching courses cannot be found, a workable plan may be to move required courses from the junior year to the senior year, emphasizing taking professional electives abroad.
5. Who is the contact person in your department for study abroad?
Professor David Rice, the BMEN Director of Undergraduate Studies.
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