Biomedical engineers use engineering concepts to solve medical problems. A Bachelor’s degree is the usual first step, followed by a Master’s or PhD for more specialized careers. Specializations include medical instrumentation, computational modeling, and different parts of the human body.
Biomedical engineers apply concepts from fields such as mechanical, electrical, computer, and materials engineering to medical disciplines. They study the human body and use their engineering knowledge to help doctors and scientists come up with solutions to many health problems. Biomedical engineering degrees can lead to careers in research, industry or hospitals. There are several different sub-disciplines of biomedical engineering from which a student can choose.
The usual first step for anyone looking to become a biomedical engineer is to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the subject. At some universities, a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Engineering (BSE) is the equivalent degree. A subsequent Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (EM) degree can offer more career opportunities, especially for people who intend to specialize in a very specific area. Someone wishing to pursue a research career in biomedical engineering will generally need to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in the discipline. Many biomedical engineers also earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, which allows them to provide patient care or conduct clinical research.
Most people who study biomedical engineering choose one area of specialization, although they also gain a basic understanding of other areas. There are several common sub-disciplines in biomedical engineering, which can be divided into disciplines that involve medical instrumentation or computational modeling, and those that work more directly with the human body. These fields overlap most in the areas of orthopedic bioengineering and rehabilitation engineering, both of which involve the creation of artificial biomaterials such as bone, ligaments and tendons, and the design of prostheses and assistive technology.
Biomedical engineering degrees in instrumentation and modeling include bioinstrumentation. This is the design of devices and computers to diagnose and treat disease. Clinical engineers often work in hospitals to ensure that instruments and computer records meet the needs of the hospital.
Computational modeling, which is a large part of the field of systems physiology, uses computers to process experimental data and build mathematical models of physiological responses. It can even build simulations of human organs, which can be used to test new treatments. Bioinformatics and computational biology are used to learn more about genomes, proteins and other cellular components. This is a process that requires enormous amounts of information and is much easier and more efficient through the use of computer programs.
Biomedical engineering degrees can focus on almost any part of the human body. Some specializations include cardiovascular systems, tissue engineering and biomechanics – which focuses on movement in the human body. Molecular, cellular, and genetic engineers focus on the microscopic level and are also active in the field of nanotechnology.
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