Academics: Areas of Study

Within the evolving field of biomedical engineering, science and technology needs are almost endless. USC students can choose fields of specialized study and research from a number of areas.

At USC, the study of biomechanics involves the use of mechanical testing equipment, noninvasive strain imaging, custom-designed bioreactors, computational modeling, and microscopy to characterize the mechanical properties of hard and soft materials, whether tissue from the body or engineered materials.

At USC, the study of mechanobiology involves the use of tissue engineering, bioreactors, molecular biology, and mechanical systems to better understand the role of the biochemical and biomechanical environment on cell function and tissue development and to engineer functional tissue replacements.

At USC, the study of biochemical phenomena includes behavior of amyloid proteins, biochemical mass transfer, processing of biomaterials, and cellular signaling. Bimolecular engineering promotes the study of issues such as disease pathogenesis, the identification of potential drug targets, the design of biosensors, and controlled drug delivery.

At USC, study of bioinformatics and computational biology enables researchers to model and ascertain molecular basis for diseases and disorders, to take a new molecular perspective on biomedical engineering disciplines, and to study the interaction between technology and biology in areas such as rehabilitation and custom devices for the disabled.

At USC, the study of medical devices involves biosensors and instrumentation for myriad uses from DNA sensing to nanofabricaion to advanced signal processing.