About Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers are distinguished from other engineering disciplines that have an impact on human health in that they use and apply a thorough understanding of modern biological principles in their engineering design process. Biomedical Engineering combines mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science to improve human health, whether it's an advanced prosthetic limb or a breakthrough in genetic modification technology.

　　

Is Biomedical Engineering right for me?

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, Biomedical Engineering requires a firm grasp in both mathematics and the life sciences to excel in this field. Problem-solving skills are essential trait for all engineering careers but Biomedical Engieering additionally requires in-depth knowledge of life processes for effective engineering designs.

　　Furthermore, strong communication skills are required because a biomedical engineer frequently collaborates with a wide range of professionals, including engineers from other disciplines, basic laboratory scientists, physicians, and nurses. Adept communication skills allow for team efforts to be directs towards a common goal with laser like precision.

　　

Biomedical Engineering study options and costs

　　Maths, biology, physics, chemistry courses in high-school are essentials for applying to a Biomedical Engineering programme. Most universities also require prospective biomedical engineers to display proficiency in English as well as a mix of social studies and language courses as part of a strong pre-college curriculum.

　　Students in many Biomedical Engineering programmes are expected to "track" into a specific discipline, such as biomechanics or bioelectricity, where their interests are channelled along both a traditional engineering field and the necessary biomedical applications. The engineering courses may follow a track with a traditional engineering leaning (e.g., electrical, chemical, mechanical) but will integrate the life science examples so that Biomedical Engineering students will have sufficient laboratory experiences such as taking measurements and interpreting data from living systems. This is crucial as biomedical engineers must be able to understand the challenges that arise when living systems interact with non-living elements and processes. Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering programmes frequently include courses in biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioelectricity.

　　Up to 66% of biomedical engineering undergraduates go on to pursue further degrees, such as an MS or PhD, in graduate school. The average tuition costs of colleges offering Biomedical Engineering programmes are $35,100 for undergraduate programmes and $28,821 for graduate programmes.

　　

Future outlook

The demand for bioengineers and biomedical devices and procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, is expected to rise as the baby-boomer generation lives longer and stays active. From 2020 to 2030, the employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is expected to expand at a rate of 6%. Furthermore, as public awareness of medical advances grows, more people will turn to their doctors for biomedical solutions to their health problems. In fact, over 14,000 job openings over the decade for bioengineers and biomedical engineers.

　　All these factors compound to provide a favourable future outlook with lucrative job opportunities for aspiring Biomedical Engineering majors.

　　

Career pathways for Biomedical Engineering graduates

　　

Biomedical Engineer

　　Biomedical engineers study technological and medical advancements in order to create new gadgets and equipment that improve quality of healthcare. They might, for example, create software to control medical equipment or computer simulations to evaluate novel medicinal treatments.

　　

Manufacturing Engineer

　　Manufacturing engineers may be responsible for solving production problems, conducting cost-benefit analyses, or designing and manufacturing products and systems using computer-aided design software. These engineers oversee the production of medical equipment and hardware. Plant engineers and process engineers are two terms used by professionals in this industry.

　　

Biomaterials Developer

　　Biomaterials engineers research chemicals that are naturally occurring or created in the lab for application in medical devices or implants. Thermodynamics and other systems are studied by biomechanics engineers in order to tackle biological or medical difficulties.