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Three
degree programs and new major to launch in next 15 months
By
David Piker
Three
new undergraduate degree programs and a new second major in will be launched
in the next 15 months as Rose-Hulman increases opportunities for students to
learn about the latest technical developments.
This
September, students for the first time will be able to pursue bachelor of science
degrees in biomedical engineering or software engineering. A new second
major in biochemistry and molecular biology is also being offered. Faculty
have approved a new B.S. degree in engineering physics that will begin in the
fall of 2004. New laboratories in Myers and Moench halls will support
the new programs.
The
new biomedical engineering bachelor's degree program is being launched because
of student demand and rapid technical advancements taking place in medicine
and the biological sciences that are dramatically increasing the need for biomedical
engineers.
An
aging population, the demand for new medical services and systems and increased
concern for cost efficiency will increase the need for biomedical engineers
in the future," stated Lee Waite, professor and chairman of the Rose-Hulman
Department of Applied Biology and Biomedical Engineering. Job growth
areas include computer-assisted surgery, cellular and tissue engineering, rehabilitation
and orthopedic engineering.
Waite
describes the new program as being interdisciplinary with a strong background
in engineering fundamentals. “Biomedical engineering integrates basic engineering
science and engineering design with knowledge of biology, physiology and medicine.
Students choose to study biomedical engineering because they want to help people
and apply advanced technology to the complex problems of medical care.”
The
undergraduate biomedical engineering degree continues an expansion of the college's
biological-related academic offerings. Two years ago, Rose-Hulman launched a
B.S. degree program in applied biology. An applied biology minor is also available
to students. In addition, a master's degree in biomedical engineering is also
offered.
Waite
said the applied biology and biomedical engineering programs will complement
each other. “It will be common for biology professors and students to work side
by side with their counterparts from engineering departments in class and on
their research projects,” he noted.
The
applied biology program is for those students who want to be scientists rather
than engineers," he explained. “Students who want to be engineers will
now have the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree in a field that emphasizes
the application of engineering knowledge to advancements in the medical and
biological fields,” Waite stated.
Students
enrolled in the new program will complete a year long research/design sequence
and have opportunities for collaborative research with the Indiana University
School of Medicine at the Terre Haute
Center for Medical Education.
Graduates
Who Can Develop Complex Software Systems
For
several years, Rose-Hulman has taught computer science students the general
concepts of software engineering. This fall, the emphasis on software
engineering is expanding into a new bachelor's degree program. Rapid technical
advancements in the business world have created an increasing need for graduates
who have an indepth knowledge of software engineering.
The
goal is to educate graduates who have the ability to analyze, design, validate,
implement, apply and maintain complex software systems, according to Cary Laxer,
chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
“Our graduates will be prepared to work in at least one application domain,”
he said. The national engineering accrediting organization requires that
students must be able to apply software engineering skills to another discipline.
Applications could range from software for accounting systems to safety controls
for a jet plane.
Laxer
is quick to credit his faculty colleagues for their expertise in creating the
new major. "The roots of our curriculum came from two previously created
national reports. The lead authors on those reports were professors Mark
Ardis and Don Bagert. Since authoring those reports, both have been recruited
to Rose-Hulman," he explained.
Bagert,
who is serving as director of software engineering, said offering an undergraduate
degree in software engineering is uncommon in the United States. “There
are less than 25 colleges or universities where a student can earn a BSSE degree,”
he noted.
Ardis
said the new major will significantly increase a student's expertise in software
engineering, “Previously, our students learn a little about requirement
analysis and specifications,” Ardis said. “Now, we'll be offering a complete
course on those topics,” he stated.
Because
the first two years of the computer science and software engineering curricula
are almost the same, students will not have to decide immediately which major
they want to pursue. Laxer says earning a double major in CS and SE will be
no more difficult than earning a double major in CS and mathematics.
Merging Physics and Engineering
Students
who want a thorough understanding of physics combined with a background in engineering
for careers in industries ranging from biomedical to optical technologies will
be able to pursue a B.S. degree in engineering physics beginning in the fall
of 2004.
Charles
Joenathan, chairman of the Department of Physics and Applied Optics said the
new degree program will increase job opportunities for graduates.
“Combine a knowledge of physics with the problem solving and design skills of
an engineer and the result is an undergraduate who can meet the
increasing demands of the high-tech sector who want physicists who are also
trained engineers,” he stated.
Engineering
physics majors will choose an area of concentration from among the following
subjects: Biochemistry and polymers, materials, or biomedical, civil, electrical,
optical, and mechanical engineering. The first year will include the standard
courses that are required of Rose-Hulman freshmen. The sophomore year
continues the physics and mathematics sequences and begins the prerequisite
courses for the engineering curricula. In the third year, students
take courses needed for their chosen concentration in addition to the advanced
physics classes. The senior year includes two design projects courses
supervised by faculty.
Joenathan
said the goal is to enroll 20 students majoring in engineering physics.
“We'd like to start with 10-12 students. Engineering physics has been successful
at other colleges and I believe it increase the number of students enrolled
in our physics program as well,” he stated.
New
Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The
second major in biochemistry and molecular biology is a collaborative effort
involving chemistry and applied biology faculty, explains Daniel Jelski, professor
and chairman of the Department of Chemistry.
“We
need an excellent biochemistry program to support the applied biology and biomedical
engineering program,” he said. Professors coordinating the program are Ric Anthony
in applied biology and Mark Brandt in chemistry.
In
addition to revising courses, faculty are creating new undergraduate research
opportunities for students, he stated. “Our labs are outstanding facilities
for teaching as well as research by undergraduates,” Jelski stated.
As an example, Jelski noted that a recent research grant awarded by the Research
Corporation to chemistry professor Luanne Tilstra will provide summer research
opportunities for three students.
Brandt
is involving undergraduates in research designed to better understand how small
molecules interact with proteins and alter the function or structure of proteins.
“We structure the research at a level to insure that we have the equipment and
students have the knowledge so they can do real biochemistry research,” Brandt
said. “They are uncovering new information. It's an exciting way to learn,”
he stated.
 
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