Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics

Biomechanics is a broad field directed at applying the principles of engineering mechanics, across multiple length scales, to the study of biology and medicine. Topics in biomechanics range from understanding the role of stress in cytoskeleton dynamics as related to cell growth, migration, and adhesion to establishing patient-specific modeling techniques to predict in vivo biomechanical loading environments. The University of Utah has faculty conducting biomechanics research in areas such as: molecular biomechanics, cellular biophysics, cell mechanotransduction, computational biomechanics, hemodynamics, mechanobiology, medical device design, soft tissue mechanics (arteries, cartilage, ligaments), ocular biomechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, cardiovascular biomechanics, tissue engineering, and traumatic brain injury. Given the broad range of biomechanics research at the University of Utah, with faculty spanning numerous departments there exist ample collaborative opportunities and interdisciplinary projects with faculty in the College of Engineering, College of Science, Huntsman Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, and the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute. The Biomechanics track aims to provide students with a strong quantitative foundation in engineering mechanics, physiology, and medicine that will serve them equally well for careers in both academia or industry.

Unofficial copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Applicants must have received, prior to commencing graduate study, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institute, college, or university. Although no single field of undergraduate specialization is required, applicants to the program must have a thorough undergraduate background in engineering and life sciences. They are expected to have mastered basic material in the following areas:
mathematics (calculus through differential equations)
physics (college physics with calculus including mechanics and electronics)
chemistry (organic and/or biochemistry)
materials science (introductory course or strength of materials)
biology (introductory human anatomy or physiology)
All aspects of an application will be seriously considered during the evaluation process. However, typically successful applicants have a cumulative GPA that meets or exceeds ~3.5 and GRE scores of ~156 verbal, ~165 quantitative, ~4 analytical writing. International students should have a minimum composite TOEFL score of 90 on the internet-based test. However, students with composite TOEFL scores below 100 (internet-based test) may be required to enroll in English classes. The Department will also accept a minimum 7.5 IELTS score or 125 DUOLINGO score in lieu of the TOEFL.