Build a tight-knit community while learning engineering principles that intersect biology, medical sciences, math, and computing.
Cohorts of around 100 students will find themselves surrounded by fascinating people, engaging lab work, collaborative design projects. Outside of academics, students often participate in engineering clubs, varsity sports, research teams, and design teams, where they can apply their skills and connect with peers. This hands-on learning environment fosters innovation and prepares students to solve complex health-related challenges.
Undergraduate facilities
Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories
The Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories are located in E5 and DWE. E5 labs are equipped with contemporary and comprehensive hardware and software to enhance the educational experience of our students. DWE labs are equipped with essential tools for physiology and anatomy to support hands-on biomedical engineering concepts.
Undergraduate Workshop
The Undergraduate Workshop is located in E5 6012 and 6013 interconnected rooms. This facility provides a large space and a variety of equipment for designing and constructing various prototypes as required by the curriculum. The workshop is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Undergraduate Study Spaces
The BME lounge is in DWE 1503 and 1503A. A combined undergraduate SYDE and BME lounge is also located in E5-6011. Both spaces are terrific facilities for studying and student meetings, and it is available 24 hours a day exclusively for students in the department. Both rooms have Wifi access and power outlets for connecting laptops.
This facility is equipped with sofas and chairs which allow our students to hold group project meetings and discussions. The department has also provided a refrigerator, microwave oven and a kettle for student use.
There are also lobby study spaces outside of E5-6011. Many chairs and tables are scattered between E5 and E7 for students to study or work on projects.
The DEN
The Design Equipment Nexus (The DEN) is an online library of parts and equipment available to Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) and Biomedical Engineering (BME) undergraduate students. You can borrow items from The DEN for school and personal projects at no charge for as long as you need.
UW BME Society
The UW Biomedical Engineering Society connects students, faculty, researchers, and industry in BME, to educate and connect passionate minds.
The society aims to educate more students about biomedical engineering and career possibilities, foster interest in this discipline, provide informational resources, and connect like-minded students with a passion for BME.
Department Social Representatives
The Systems Design Engineering Department social reps play a vital role in fostering a sense of community within the program and department. With each BME and SYDE cohort having one representative, they gather to organize a wide range of events designed to engage students, faculty, and staff such as Coffee House (a talent show), bonfires, skating parties and many more.
By creating opportunities for informal interaction and bonding, the reps enable students to connect outside the academic setting, enhancing the collaborative spirit that defines the SYDE and BME programs. These events provide students with valuable breaks from their demanding academic schedules, encouraging a balanced approach to university life. The social committee’s work contributes significantly to the department's positive culture and sense of belonging, helping new students feel welcome and supporting a healthy, vibrant community.
Design Dayz
Beginning in first year, biomedical engineering students engage in design workshops that involve devising solutions to problems using specific approaches. Working in teams, students learn to implement their solutions by creating, testing, and evaluating prototypes.
Design Dayz is a pivotal event for both Biomedical Engineering and Systems Design first-year students at the onset of their academic journey, offering an engaging introduction to design thinking activities. This event serves as a dynamic gateway into the curriculum by providing hands-on experiences that showcase creative and problem-solving aspects inherent in their studies. Students gain a playful yet insightful glimpse into the challenges and innovations they will encounter throughout their academic time, setting a vibrant tone for their educational experience ahead.