Biomedical Computing
Computers play a vital role in medicine and health care. Their use is not just limited to the database systems for holding patient records in your doctor's office. Computers make modern medicine and health care possible.
They are used in:
  • medical imaging for diagnosis
  • guidance and planning of surgical procedures
  • diagnosis and treatment
  • assuring security and confidentiality of information
  • health care management
  • detection of bio-terror in public health
Biomedical computing is at the intersection of health care and computer science. It involves all aspects of the analysis, management, and visualization of information in biomedical applications. The technology is based on computer science-but the field demands knowledge of the problems that need to be solved in medicine and health care. Very few undergraduate programs across the country pull together the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge that makes up biomedical computing. GW's program does.
The Department of Computer Science offers two degrees with options in biomedical computing. The bachelor of science (BS) provides a strong computer
science background, as well as indepth exposure to applications in medicine. The bachelor of arts (BA) allows a broader educational experience with the possibility to pursue dual majors related to biomedical computing, such as health sciences, biology, and management. Both degrees can be earned with or without meeting medical school entrance requirements.
  • Our faculty are dedicated not only to cutting edge research, but to excellence in teaching. Through our summer undergraduate research fellowships, students can conduct challenging research with medical and engineering faculty mentors.
  • The Washington, DC area has one of the highest concentrations of high-tech companies in the country. This is especially true for biomedical computing. Students who want to participate in paid internships will find ample opportunities in local high-tech companies or in one of the area's many federal laboratories, such as the National Institutes of Health.
  • The nationÕs capital offers a unique environment rich in vibrant and diverse
    culture with the charm of a moderate size city.
  • Working with USA Swimming and top Olympic athletes, we are helping to make our Olympic swimmers perform better through analysis of swimming motion. The same technology is being used in physical therapy.

  • Working with a high-tech medical company we are helping to develop
    new ways to treat cancer.
  • Working with GW's medical school, we are developing ways to treat
    speech disorders using therapy and image-guided surgery.
  • Working with public health officials, we are developing systems to
    detect early signs of bio-terrorism.
  • Working with physicians, we are developing new ways to visualize the
    medical decision making process.