Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering Laptop Requirements

Minimum Laptop Requirements

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD equivalent
• Display: 13" or larger with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
• Operating System: Windows 10 or 11 with updates current
• Software: Microsoft 365, with Windows security turned on
  Use the free download from Microsoft 365—not the limited capability Web apps
• Memory: 16 GB RAM or higher
• Hard Drive: 256GB Solid State Drive or higher
• Wireless Capability: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or newer
• Webcam: Integrated or external webcam required
• HDMI: To use projection systems on campus, laptops should have a HDMI port or adapter
  (current model machines typically use a USB-C to HDMI)
• Battery: Extended life battery. At least 6-8 hours of capacity, since not all classrooms have electrical plug-ins

Not sure where to start to purchase a new laptop?

UW-Eau Claire has discounted pricing available on Dell and Apple laptops for enrolled students. Find the details in the Hardware Discounts section of this page. 

Do you need software?

Some software is free through the university! You can download Microsoft Office free via Microsoft 365.

Other options are available by registering through the Microsoft Dev Tools for Teaching website for installing free software on your personal computers.

You will also get information in your classes for additional specialty software you may need.

What courses have the laptop requirement?

At present, the following courses have a laptop requirement:

• MSE 286 Engineering Sophomore Seminar
• MSE 307 Engineering Statistics
• MSE 350 Thermodynamics of Materials
• MSE 368 Macroprocessing of Materials Lab
• BME 330 Instruments and Measurements and Lab
• MSCI 484/MSE 486/BME 486 + MSCI 485/MSE 487/BME 487 Capstone I and II