What is Biomedical Engineering?

Updated November 30, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Biomedical engineering is a discipline with a rich history. The oldest known record of biomedical engineering application was a mummy discovered in Thebes. This involved a wooden toe attached to the foot of the mummy using a string. Since then, we have seen significant improvements in biomedical engineering. Talk of pacemakers, artificial limbs, robotic surgery, ...

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Biomedical engineering is a discipline with a rich history. The oldest known record of biomedical engineering application was a mummy discovered in Thebes. This involved a wooden toe attached to the foot of the mummy using a string. Since then, we have seen significant improvements in biomedical engineering. Talk of pacemakers, artificial limbs, robotic surgery, dentures, insulin and radiation therapy. The list is long.

What It is

Biomedical engineering refers to the application of engineering principles in healthcare and biology. The main aim of this field of academia is to improve the quality of human life by finding effective ways to diagnose, treat and manage illnesses. To do this, biomedical engineers aim to establish a better knowledge base about how the human body functions and create better solutions.

Biological engineers differ from other professionals who have an influence on human health in that they apply the principles of modern biological and engineering technology in their design. They integrate the aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering into their design process to come up with perfect solutions. They perform various tasks, such as design of active medical services, dental implants, advanced medical imaging, stem cell engineering, tissue engineering and many others.

Biological Engineering Requirements

Aspiring engineers require an intuitive understanding of the human body and the operations principles of electronic, mechanical and biological machines used in medicine. They also need a well-rounded experience in other areas of study as well as their areas of application in medicine. This includes studying physiology, computer science, bio-mechanics and organic chemistry. In order to acquire these capabilities, aspiring biomedical engineers must go through an intensive learning process in an accredited university or college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the minimal entry requirement for a career in biomedical engineering is a bachelor's degree. A master's degree will be an added advantage, especially for those who want to work on more advanced research projects. Aspiring biomedical engineers should complete courses in mathematics, biology and mathematics in high school to prepare for their undergraduate degree programs. Undergraduate courses include biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, organic chemistry, molecular biology, physics, mechanics and electronics.

Graduate program courses are mainly for those who want to specialize in certain areas of biomedical engineering, such as neuro-engineering, medical imaging, medical devices and diagnostic engineering. Advanced courses at this level may include medical imaging, ultrasound imaging, artificial intelligence, robotics, toxicology and electrical engineering.

Biological engineers also require analytical, math, problem-solving and communication skills to function effectively. They must also be able to come up with innovative ideas to help improve the healthcare equipment and devices.

Job Outlook

Biomedical engineering is one of the few professions with good job prospects. The good prospects are due to the ever-expanding field of medical research and innovation. The employment rate is expected to grow by 23 percent over the next 10 years. This is considered much faster than the average rate. A newly graduated biomedical engineer earns between $35,213 and $64,371, which is very impressive for an entry-level position. The median annual salary for all biomedical engineers is $85,620.

The application of engineering principles in medicine is not going to end soon. The country will need more people to help research and solve various health mysteries facing humanity today. It is thus a good idea to study biomedical engineering today to benefit from many growth opportunities and good salary ahead.

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