Interdisciplinary integration in undergraduate education: The practice of biomedical engineering program in a Chinese STEM university

Abstract

In recent decades, biomedical engineering (BME) has rapidly evolved into cutting-edge research and industrial applications, leading to increased demand for undergraduate education. The BME undergraduate program has faced challenges as an interdisciplinary field. Here, we introduce the BME undergraduate program at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), characterized by its integration of broad general education with interdisciplinary specialization, tiered practical ecosystems, and multifaceted extracurricular involvement. This program provides students with comprehensive knowledge, rigorous scientific research training, and diverse internship opportunities. After eight years of implementation, the program demonstrates significant outcomes: students exhibit strong research engagement with excellent outputs, including 51 publications, 22 patents, and 112 competition awards. This perspective serves as a reference for cultivating next-generation medical engineers and inspiring innovation in engineering education.