Undergraduate

Curriculum

Educational Goals

The School of Biomedical Engineering at Korea University provides a structured and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to cultivate professionals capable of leading the advanced biomedical engineering industry.

Develop well-rounded professionals with both theoretical knowledge and technical expertise in biomedical engineering
Foster creative experts with strong interdisciplinary integration and collaboration skills
Train global biomedical engineers capable of understanding clinical needs and developing cutting-edge technologies

Educational Competency

Core Educational Competencies

Category	Ratio(%)	Description
1. Basic Sciences	40%	Foundational education in physics, chemistry, and biology
2. Biomedical Engineering Fundamentals	30%	Core engineering principles and applications based on basic sciences
3. Biomedical Engineering Applications	30%	Practical application of interdisciplinary and convergent biomedical technologies

Autonomous Educational Competencies

Category	Description
1. Microtechnology	Principles and applications of micro-scale biomedical devices
2. Nanotechnology	Principles and applications of nano-scale biomedical devices
3. Biomedical Optics	Optical systems for medical applications
4. Biomaterials	Types and interactions of biomaterials with the human body
5. Medical Electronics	Principles of medical electronic devices
6. Medical Imaging	Principles of imaging systems used in medicine
7. Tissue Engineering	Biological principles for tissue regeneration
8. Biomechanics	Mechanical principles of the human body
9. Medical Physics	Principles of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices
10. Convergence Technologies	Integration of multidisciplinary scientific and engineering principles

Biomedical Devices

Diagnostic Devices : Blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, ECG devices
Therapeutic Devices : Artificial hearts, insulin pumps, neural stimulators
Monitoring Devices : Wearable systems for continuous patient monitoring
Biosignal Processing : Acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of biological signals

Biomaterials

Development of biocompatible materials

Medical Sensors

Biosensors and imaging sensors

Medical Robotics

Surgical and rehabilitation robots

Artificial Organs & Prosthetics

Artificial Heart, Prosthetic Limbs, etc.

Biomedical Imaging

Medical Imaging Device Development : MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, PET, etc.
Image Processing & Analysis : Image quality enhancement, lesion identification, measurement derivation
Functional Imaging : Evaluation of brain activity (fMRI) and tissue structure (DWI)

Molecular Imaging

Visualization of changes at the cellular and molecular levels

Image-Guided Therapy

Support for surgery and radiation therapy with real-time imaging

AI & Machine Learning

Imaging data analysis, automated diagnosis, and disease prediction

Cell and Tissue Engineering

Tissue Engineering
Cell Culture
Biomaterials & Material Analysis

Cell Therapy

Development of regenerative therapies using stem cells
Cell transplantation technology
Cellular therapeutic

Bioprinting

3D printing of tissues and organs

Tissue Modeling

Simulation of human tissue structures

Computational Bioengineering

Biomechanics

Musculoskeletal modeling, blood flow and respiration studies

Bioinformatics

Gene analysis, protein structure and interaction prediction

Systems Biology

Metabolic pathways and intercellular signaling networks

Curriculum

Courses by Core Competency

Core educational competency	Relevant course name
1. Basic Science	General Physics & Practice I, II	General Chemistry & Practice	Life Science
	Calculus & Practice I, II	Organic Chemistry	Physical Chemistry
	Biochemistry	Medical Physics	Anatomy
	Physiology	Molecular Biology	Cell Biology
	Engineering Mathematics I, II	Biomedical Data Science	Biomedical Applications of Numerical Analysis
	Biomedical Statistics
2. Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering	Introduction to Biomedical Engineering	Circuit Theory	Electronic Circuits
	Biomechanics	Biofluid Mechanics	Programming for Biomedical Engineering
	Fundamentals of Optics	Biomedical Engineering Lab I	Biomedical Engineering Lab II
	Biomedical Engineering Lab III	Medical Imaging
3. Biomedical Engineering Applications	Medical Image Processing	Modern Radiation Therapy	Neural and Brain Engineering
	Biosignal Processing	Bio-information Measurement	Biocompatibility
	Medical Industry Regulations and Corporate Analysis	Biomaterials	Biomedical Materials Processing
	Medical Device Regulations and Laws	Biophotonics	Bioinformatics
	Artificial Bio-organs	Bio Micro/Nano Devices	Biomedical Big Data
	Biomedical Artificial IntelligenceⅠ	Biomedical Artificial IntelligenceⅡ	Biomedical Engineering Project (Capstone Design) Ⅰ, Ⅱ
	Internship in Biomedical Engineering Ⅰ, Ⅱ	Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering Ⅰ, Ⅱ	Semiconductor Processing for Biomedical Engineering
	Bionanomaterial Delivery	Digital Systems	Biological Delivery Systems

Major Courses

Classification	Course Code	Course Name	Credits	Hour(s)			Semester Offered	Prerequisites
Classification	Course Code	Course Name	Credits	Theory	Experiment (Hands-on Experiment)	Practical Skill	Semester Offered	Prerequisites

Required BMED202 Engineering Mathematics II 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Engineering Mathematics I: Mathematical problem analysis is essential for interpreting various phenomena in biological and medical contexts. This course aims to provide advanced learning of fundamental mathematical knowledge to achieve this objective.
Elective BMED205 Engineering Mathematics I 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Mathematical problem analysis is essential for interpreting various phenomena in biological and medical contexts. This course aims to provide advanced learning of fundamental mathematical knowledge to achieve this objective.
Elective BMED208 Biofluid Mechanics 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students learn fundamental knowledge regarding the flow and mechanics of fluids, such as blood, within the living body.
Elective BMED211 Biomechanics 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course covers advanced research issues regarding mechanical properties at the human body, tissue, and cellular levels, as well as the mechanical interactions between various components, based on traditional mechanical mechanics theories.
Elective BMED212 Fundamentals of Optics 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course provides a foundation in the field of biophotonics by teaching traditional optical theories and relevant methodologies.
Elective BMED215 Anatomy 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course provides an understanding of the basic structure of the human body and covers the structures and anatomical terminology of cells, tissues, and organ systems for application in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Elective BMED217 Circuit Theory 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students acquire fundamental knowledge of electric circuits necessary for the implementation of electrical systems.
Elective BMED218 Physiology 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Anatomy: This course covers essential biological functions and major physiological mechanisms of various organs required for life maintenance, which serve as the basis for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Elective BMED219 Organic Chemistry 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students learn the organic chemistry knowledge required to understand and conduct research and development on various chemical phenomena in biomedical engineering, including biomaterials.
Elective BMED223 Programming for Biomedical Engineering 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course focuses on learning basic programming skills required in the field of biomedical engineering and developing the ability to apply them to various biomedical engineering problems.
Elective BMED224 Physical Chemistry 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: Students learn physical chemistry knowledge required to understand various biological or chemical phenomena associated with the field of biomedical engineering.
Elective BMED228 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course provides freshmen with a comprehensive overview of biomedical engineering, introducing its history, principles, and various fields such as biosignals, biomaterials, biomechanics, biosensors, medical imaging, and medical physics.
Elective BMED230 Electronic Circuits 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Circuit Theory: Students learn the principles of electronic circuits, including frequency characteristics and the design and implementation of integrated circuits, to build a foundation for applications in biomedical engineering. Based on the fundamental properties of semiconductors, this course covers the design and analysis of application circuits using BJTs and FETs.
Elective BMED301 Biochemistry 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course covers the structures and functions of biochemical substances that constitute living organisms.
Elective BMED303 Molecular Biology 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students explore biological phenomena at the molecular level and learn about various molecular biology techniques.
Elective BMED306 Cell Biology 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: Students learn about the general characteristics of cells, the functions of cellular components, and the signal transduction processes involved in functional regulation.
Elective BMED307 Biological Delivery Systems 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of heat and mass transfer related to biological systems and teaches numerical analysis methods to interpret these phenomena.
Elective BMED309 Medical Imaging 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: Students learn the acquisition principles of various medical images (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, etc.) and the hardware configurations of medical imaging devices.
Elective BMED311 Biosignal Processing 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course covers the principles and applications of biosignal processing, including essential content for physiological and biological modeling and analysis.
Elective BMED312 Bio-information Measurement 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Circuit Theory, Biosignal Processing: Students examine the characteristics of basic biosignals and learn measurement methods. Through hands-on practice with various biosignal measurement devices, students develop practical knowledge in the field.
Elective BMED313 Biomaterials 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course introduces the structure, physicochemical characteristics, mechanical properties, and biological features of biomaterials.
Elective BMED318 Medical Image Processing 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: Based on biosignal processing theory, students learn fundamental algorithms for the generation and processing of medical images and enhance their understanding through computer-based medical imaging projects.
Elective BMED321 Digital Systems 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert Electronic Circuits, Circuit Theory: Students learn the principles and design of microprocessors, logic circuits, and other digital systems, as well as their applications in the field of biomedical engineering.
Required BMED323 Biomedical Engineering Lab Ⅰ 2 0 4 0 1st Semestert Circuit Theory, Electronic Circuits: This course conducts experiments using oscilloscopes and function generators to understand basic electric circuit components. It includes theories on analog circuits and their applied experiments.
Elective BMED325 Biomedical Data Science 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert Programming for Biomedical Engineering: Students learn how to represent data structurally and the algorithms required for implementation in software development for biomedical engineering. This course builds a foundation for advanced studies by focusing on efficient algorithms for biomedical data analysis and processing.
Required BMED326 Biomedical Engineering Lab Ⅱ 2 0 4 0 2nd Semester Biomaterials: This course covers biological and biochemical experiments frequently encountered in biomedical engineering, along with simple fabrication methods and characterization techniques for various biomaterials.
Elective BMED328 Numerical Analysis for Biomedical Applications 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students derive governing equations for various biomedical phenomena occurring in cells, tissues, and organs, and enhance their understanding through numerical analysis and result prediction.
Required BMED329 Biomedical Engineering Lab Ⅲ 2 0 4 0 1st Semestert Fundamentals of Optics, Medical Imaging: This course provides hands-on laboratory experience with various medical imaging techniques, including optical imaging, X-ray CT, ultrasound, MRI, and nuclear medicine gamma imaging.
Elective BMED330 Biomedical Materials Processing 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course introduces various manufacturing processes for biomedical materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites) and the latest 3D printing technologies.
Elective BMED332 Bioinformatics 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course introduces the Human Genome Project, DNA chips, and current bioinformatics technologies, providing interdisciplinary knowledge that integrates biology with mathematical sciences, computer science, and statistics.
Elective BMED334 Medical Physics 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course covers basic quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, radiological medical physics, dosimetry, and radiation protection required for the field of medical physics.
Elective BMED336 Biomedical Big Data 3 2 2 0 2nd Semester: This course introduces various methods for utilizing big data within the biomedical field.
Elective BMED403 Biophotonics 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert Fundamentals of Optics: Students interpret biological tissues from a physical perspective and gain theoretical understanding of optical imaging techniques including microscopy, types of molecular imaging (fluorescence, Raman, etc.), and the mechanisms of laser therapy.
Elective BMED404 Neural and Brain Engineering 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course aims to study the fundamental concepts and application examples for engineering implementation or control of neural and brain functions.
Elective BMED415 Bionanomaterials Delivery 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students understand the basic concepts of bionanomaterials from the atomic level, engage in advanced study of biomembranes and mass transfer based on thermodynamics, and explore their practical applications.
Elective BMED419 Biocompatibility 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: Students acquire the fundamental knowledge necessary to understand the interactions between biomaterials and the human body, and study these interactions in depth based on that foundation.
Elective BMED420 Biomedical Statistics 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: Students acquire concepts of statistics and probability used in biomedical engineering, along with statistical techniques for data collection, processing, analysis, and evaluation. Key topics include mean and dispersion, normal distribution, estimation methods, ANOVA, and correlation and regression analysis.
Elective BMED422 Artificial Bio-organs 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: This course introduces the fundamental concepts and various applications of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Elective BMED423 Modern Radiation Therapy 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert 의학물리: Students learn about radiation therapy devices, radiation oncology, modern radiotherapy, and radiation treatment planning.
Elective BMED424 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering Ⅱ 1 1 0 0 2nd Semester: Students attend professional lectures on the research areas active among the faculty of Biomedical Engineering. The course aims to identify the latest trends in biomedical engineering research, broaden the understanding of the field, and explore future career paths.
Elective BMED429 Bio Micro/Nano Devices 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert Bio-information Measurement: This course introduces the emerging interdisciplinary field of bio-micro/nano technology and devices. Students study unique physical and chemical phenomena at the micro and nano scales, gain an overall understanding of fabrication methods and materials, and learn how to solve biomedical engineering problems through electromechanical applications.
Elective BMED431 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering Ⅰ 1 1 0 0 1st Semestert: Students attend professional lectures on the research areas active among the faculty of Biomedical Engineering. The course aims to identify the latest trends in biomedical engineering research, broaden the understanding of the field, and explore future career paths.
Elective BMED432 Medical Device Regulations and Technology Commercialization 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: While implementing a developer's idea is important, medical devices can only be used in society after obtaining approval from government regulatory systems. By studying the regulatory frameworks applicable to medical devices, this course prepares students for efficient and smooth development, licensing, and commercialization.
Elective BMED433 Biomedical Engineering Project (Capstone Design) Ⅰ 3 2 2 0 1st Semestert: After visiting a laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering or other related departments, students set project goals in consultation with the advising professor. They acquire applied techniques by performing projects based on undergraduate knowledge, and the results are presented in a public forum at the end of the semester.
Elective BMED434 Biomedical Engineering Project (Capstone Design) Ⅱ 3 2 2 0 2nd Semester: After visiting a laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Engineering or other related departments, students set project goals in consultation with the advising professor. They acquire applied techniques by performing projects based on undergraduate knowledge, and the results are presented in a public forum at the end of the semester.
Elective BMED435 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Ⅰ 3 3 0 0 1st Semestert: This course provides lectures on the theoretical foundations of utilizing artificial intelligence in the biomedical field.
Elective BMED436 Medical Robotics 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Engineering Mathematics Ⅱ: This course examines the basic structures and functions of representative medical robots such as 'da Vinci' for surgery and 'Lokomat' for rehabilitation. Students study characteristic designs and fundamental control techniques commonly required for various medical robotic applications.
Elective BMED438 Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Ⅱ 3 2 2 0 2nd Semester: This course introduces the practical applications and hands-on training of artificial intelligence within the biomedical field.
Elective BMED440 Healthcare Industry and Business Models 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester: TBA
Elective BMED442 Semiconductor Processing for Biomedical Engineering 3 3 0 0 2nd Semester Circuit Theory, Electronic Circuits, Bio Micro/Nano Devices: This course cultivates talent by providing a process-oriented approach and technical skills for designing biochips in the field of biomedical engineering based on semiconductor fabrication. Prerequisite courses include Circuit Theory, Electronic Circuits, and Micro/Nano Devices. Circuit Theory provides knowledge of KCL and KVL-based linear element analysis, while Electronic Circuits covers circuit analysis using non-linear elements like BJTs and FETs. In Micro/Nano Devices, students complete studies on semiconductor fabrication technologies and theories. From a biomedical engineering perspective, students acquire essential unit process technologies required to design chips capable of optoelectronic applications, such as bio-chips and Lab-on-a-chip. This will enhance overall understanding of semiconductor technology and serve as the foundation for future development of biomedical-based biochip technologies.
Elective COOP Field Practice / Internship 12 0 0 0 2nd Semester: This practical training course is designed to prepare students for future workplace demands by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world practice. The objectives of this course are as follows:
1. Apply theoretical knowledge within the field of biomedical engineering to practical sites.
2. Experience practical skills and social professional life in their major (or area of interest).

Course Schedule

Category / Description		Course code	Course name	Credits (Hours)	1st year		2nd year		3rd year		4th year
Category / Description		Course code	Course name	Credits (Hours)	I	II	I	II	I	II	I	II
Required liberal arts	Exploration of the World of Knowledge	GELI005	Exploration of the World of Knowledge I	3(3)	●		International undergraduate students admitted from 2024 onward must take GELI007 Exploration of the World of Knowledge I (International Class) and Writing (International Class)
	Writing	GEWR002	Writing	3(3)		●
	Academic English	IFLS800	Academic English I	2(2)	●		Students who achieve the "Advanced" level on the Freshman English Proficiency Test are exempt from this requirement.
	First-Year Seminar	GEKS007	First-Year Seminar I	1(1)	●
	First-Year Seminar	GEKS008	First-Year Seminar II	1(1)		●
	Digital & SW	GECT002	Basic SW Programming	3(3)	●
	Digital & SW	GECT003	Data Science and Artificial Intelligence	3(3)		●
	BT	GEBT001	World of Life Science	3(3)	●
	Total			19
Elective liberal arts	Basic Sciences	CHEM150	General Chemistry & Practice	3(3)	●
		CHEM155	General Chemistry Lab	1(3)	●
		PHYS151, 152	General Physics & Practice I, II	6(6)	●	●
		PHYS161, 162	General Physics Lab I, II	2(6)	●	●
		MATH161, 162	Calculus & Practice I, II	6(6)	●	●
		LIBS150	Life Science	3(3)		●
Basic Major	Required			5
	Elective			37
	Total			42
Advanced Major	Required			-
	Elective			36
	Total			36
General Electives		Remaining credits required to reach 130 credits after completing liberal arts and major requirements
Total Graduation Requirement Credits		130
Notes		1) According to Article 7 of the “Enforcement Regulations on Academic Management for International Undergraduate Students,” students admitted from the second semester of the 2017 academic year onward are exempt from foreign-language course requirements and from submitting certifications in foreign language proficiency, Korean language proficiency, and Chinese character comprehension.

Table of Required Courses for Multiple Majors

Major Classification	Course Classification	Course Code	Course Name	Credits	Prerequisites	Notes
Dual major	Completion of 5 credits in Major Required and at least 40 credits in Major Elective courses.
Double major	Completion of 5 credits in Major Required and at least 66 credits in Major Elective courses.
Transfer (Bachelor’s Entry)	Completion of 5 credits in Major Required and at least 66 credits in Major Elective courses.