Information Literacy in biomedical engineering has always been a challenge

Biomedical engineering as a profession as well as the department at NJIT has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. At one time it was a program within the Electrical Engineering Department. To date, I was only allowed to give a 15 minute library lecture in FED 101 (Fundamentals of Engineering Design). I do feel that it is too early to introduce subject specific journals and databases so early in the curriculum. Students need a solid foundation in their major before they can understand the technical literature. I had a short conversation with a professor in that department where the following courses were suggested for a library lecture:

• BME 301 - Electrical Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering
• BME 303 - Biological and Chemical Foundations of Biomedical Engineering

Unfortuately the chairman of the department was not available today for a consultation on this issue.