What is biomedical engineering

What Is Biomedical Engineering?

By Jim Lucas published 25 September 14

Biomedical engineering, or bioengineering, is the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology and health care. Bioengineers work with doctors, therapists and researchers to develop systems, equipment and devices in order to solve clinical problems.

Biomedical engineers have developed a number of life-enhancing and life-saving technologies. These include:

The practice of biomedical engineering has a long history. One of the earliest examples is a wood and leather prosthetic toe found on a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy. Before that, even simple crutches and walking sticks were a form of engineered assistive devices, and the first person to fashion a splint for a broken bone could be considered to have been an early biomedical engineer.

Biomedical engineering has evolved over the years in response to advancements in science and technology. Throughout history, humans have made increasingly more effective devices to diagnose and treat diseases and to alleviate, rehabilitate or compensate for disabilities or injuries. One example is the evolution of hearing aids to mitigate hearing loss through sound amplification. The ear trumpet, a large horn-shaped device that was held up to the ear, was the only «viable form» of hearing assistance until the mid-20th century, according to the Hearing Aid Museum. Electrical devices had been developed before then, but were slow to catch on, the museum said on its website.

The works of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison on sound transmission and amplification in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were applied to make the first tabletop hearing aids. These were followed by the first portable (or «luggable») devices using vacuum-tube amplifiers powered by large batteries. However, the first wearable hearing aids had to await the development of the transistor by William Shockley and his team at Bell Laboratories. Subsequent development of micro-integrated circuits and advance battery technology has led to miniature hearing aids that fit entirely within the ear canal.

Some notable figures in the history of biomedical engineering and their contributions include:

Educational requirements

Biomedical engineers design and develop medical systems, equipment and devices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this requires in-depth knowledge of the operational principles of the equipment (electronic, mechanical, biological, etc.) as well as knowledge about the application for which it is to be used. For instance, in order to design an artificial heart, an engineer must have extensive knowledge of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics as well as an in-depth understanding of cardiology and physiology. Designing a lab-on-a-chip requires knowledge of electronics, nanotechnology, materials science and biochemistry. In order to design prosthetic replacement limbs, expertise in mechanical engineering and material properties as well as biomechanics and physiology is essential.

The critical skills needed by a biomedical engineer include a well-rounded understanding of several areas of engineering as well as the specific area of application. This could include studying physiology, organic chemistry, biomechanics or computer science. Continuing education and training are also necessary to keep up with technological advances and potential new applications.

Biomedical engineer salary

Most biomedical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, according to the BLS. Many employers also require state certification as a professional engineer. A master’s degree is often required for promotion to management, and ongoing education and training are needed to keep up with advances in technology, testing and monitoring equipment, computer hardware and software, and government regulations.

What is the future of biomedical engineering?

The BLS projects that employment of biomedical engineers will grow 27 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be strong because an aging population is likely to need more medical care and because of increased public awareness of biomedical engineering advances and their benefits, according to the BLS.

Jim Lucas is a freelance writer and editor specializing in physics, astronomy and engineering. He is general manager of Lucas Technologies.

What Is Biomedical Engineering?

Required coursework, job prospects, and average salaries for graduates

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field that weds the biological sciences with engineering design. The general goal of the field is to improve healthcare by developing engineering solutions for assessing, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions. The field spans a wide range of applications including medical imaging, prosthetics, wearable technology, and implantable drug delivery systems.

Key Takeaways: Biomedical Engineering

What Do Biomedical Engineers Do?

In general terms, biomedical engineers use their engineering skills to advance healthcare and improve the quality of human life. We’re all familiar with some of the products created by biomedical engineers such as dental implants, dialysis machines, prosthetic limbs, MRI devices, and corrective lenses.

The actual jobs performed by biomedical engineers vary widely. Some work largely with computers and information technologies in order to analyze and understand complex biological systems. As one example, genetic analyses conducted in medical laboratories as well as companies such as 23andMe require the development of robust computer systems for number crunching.

Other biomedical engineers work with biomaterials, a field that overlaps with materials engineering. A biomaterial is any material that interacts with a biological system. A hip implant, for example, must be made of a strong and durable material that can survive within a human body. All implants, needles, stents, and sutures need to be made from carefully engineered materials that can perform their designated task without causing a harmful reaction from the human body. Artificial organs are an emerging area of study that depends heavily upon experts in biomaterials.

As with all technologies, advancements in biomedical engineering are often linked to creating smaller medical devices. Bionanotechnology is a growing field as engineers and medical professionals work to develop new methods for delivering medicines and gene therapy, diagnosing health, and repairing the body. Nanorobots the size of a blood cell already exist, and we can expect to see significant advancements on this front.

Biomedical engineers frequently work in hospitals, universities, and companies that develop products in the health field.

College Coursework in Biomedical Engineering

To be a biomedical engineer, you will need a minimum of a bachelors degree. As with all engineering fields, you’ll have a core curriculum that includes physics, general chemistry, and mathematics through multi-variable calculus and differential equations. Unlike most engineering fields, the coursework will have a significant focus on the biological sciences. Typical courses include:

The interdisciplinary nature of biomechanical engineering means that students need to excel in several STEM fields. The major can be a good choice for students with broad interests in math and the sciences.

Students who want to advance into engineering management would be wise to supplement their undergraduate education with courses in leadership, writing and communication skills, and business.

Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is a growing field that is projected to keep expanding as populations increase in both number and age. For this reason, more and more schools have been adding biomedical engineering to their STEM offerings. The best schools for biomedical engineering tend to have large programs with a talented faculty, well-equipped research facilities, and access to area hospitals and medical facilities.

Biomedical Engineering: What is it and what are the career opportunities?

Forbes calls Biomedical Engineering “The High-Paying, Low-Stress STEM Job You Probably Haven’t Considered”. So what is a Biomedical Engineer, and what are the career opportunities? Read on to find out more.

Biomedical Engineering, also referred to as Bioengineering, BioMed or BME, is a multidisciplinary STEM field that combines biology and engineering, applying engineering principles and materials to medicine and healthcare.

The increasing demand for Biomedical Engineers is linked to society’s general shift towards everyday utilisation of machinery and technology in all aspects of life. The combination of engineering principles with biological knowledge to address medical needs has contributed to the development of revolutionary and life-saving concepts such as:

New pharmaceutical drugs

Biomedical Engineering is a broad field with different areas of focus, and the exact nature of the work you can find yourself doing will vary depending on the specifics of your role. A few examples of some of the subdivisions of Biomedical Engineering include:

Cellular, Tissue and Genetic Engineering

In order to become a Biomedical Engineer, you will need to study an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as:

Biomedical Science or Engineering

Electrical or Electronic Engineering

You could then go on to study a Masters or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, although Jennifer Amos, Bioengineering Lecturer and Chief Academic Advisor at the University of Illinois says “many at her university go straight into the industry through medical or prosthetic design” (as reported on the website of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers).

To become a Biomedical Engineer you don’t necessarily have to study or major in Biomedical Engineering specifically; you can study a related field such as those listed above, but you should be sure to pursue your interest in Biomedical Engineering where possible, for example selecting relevant modules when given the option.

If you do opt for a Biomedical Engineering degree, Bachelor’s Portal warns you to “prepare for the whole lot of natural sciences and something extra”. They provide the following list of core subjects:

You should also consider opportunities to gain relevant work experience, both prior to starting your degree and during. Your university may offer routes into internships to help you gain industry experience, so be sure to ask / research as necessary. In the US, for example, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering runs a Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (BESIP).

In the UK, Biomedical Engineers will often find work for the National Health Service and as such will be paid according to the Agenda for Change (AfC) Pay Rates. Prospects.ac.uk provides the following estimates for Biomedical Engineers in the UK:

They estimate salaries in the private sector as comparable to those in the NHS, ranging from £21,000 to £45,000 dependent on experience and level of responsibility.

Bachelor’s Portal give a few career options for Biomedical Engineers with average salaries according to statistics in the US as:

Learn More about the Field of Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering, sometimes known as bioengineering, can be defined as a discipline that is concerned with developing scientific and technological innovations aimed at the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pathologies that can improve the quality of life and safety of people’s care. In this sense, biomedical engineering essentially integrates the knowledge of engineering sciences with biomedical sciences and clinical practice.

Medical Informatics is an area of ​​biomedical engineering and its purpose is to collaborate in health through informatics using technology to automate the processes of collection, storage, processing and communication of information for use in the expansion of knowledge as a basis in appropriate and timely decision-making.

This area seeks the above by focusing its work on various specialties such as Computer Communication Standards in the area of ​​Health, integration of Information Technology, signal processing and biomedical images, communications and health equipment, databases and Computer Networks among others.

Bioinstrumentation is another essential part of biomedical engineering. Bioinstrumentation covers the knowledge of the application and operation of almost all the equipment and systems used in health institutions, clinical laboratories, and imaging in all its modes.

The equipment of the different medical specialties such as Cardiology, Physiatry, Neonatology, Anesthesia, Audiology, Neurology, Renal dialysate, Gynecoobstetrics, Radiology, Ultrasound, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Nuclear Medicine are considered.

Also, in Bioinstrumentation, intelligent prosthetic systems, the equipment, and the application of psychophysiological systems, the principles of telemedicine, and medical robotics are studied.

Thanks to the knowledge imparted in this area, biomedical engineers can choose, compare, install, calibrate, repair, and design medical equipment.

What exactly does a biomedical engineer do?

Biomedical engineers basically develop life-saving and life-enhancing technologies. Some such technologies that have been designed till now include prosthetics such as artificial limb replacements and dentures, implanted devices like pacemakers, insulin pumps and artificial organs, surgical systems and devices, and much more.

Physical therapy devices and wearable tech are also some innovations of biomedical engineering.

The concept of biomedical engineering goes back thousands of years. The prosthetic toe made of wood and leather is a great example that was found on an Egyptian mummy, 3000 years old. Even before that, walking sticks and simple crutches were quite common and were used as engineered assistive devices by early biomedical engineers.

Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that biomedical engineering has evolved by leaps and bounds through the advances in science and technology.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that the basic work of biomedical engineers includes designing and developing medical equipment, systems as well as devices. This work requires in-depth knowledge and know-how of the operational principles of all the equipment being used, irrespective of whether it is mechanical, biological, or electronic.

What does a biomedical engineer do?

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What is a Biomedical Engineer?

Aspects of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and engineering are all intertwined with human biology in biomedical engineering to improve human health.

A biomedical engineer analyzes and designs solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care. There is an increasing demand for biomedical engineers, due largely because of the general shift towards the everyday use of machinery and technology in all aspects of life.

In this article:

What does a Biomedical Engineer do?

Biomedical engineering is now considered a field in itself (it is no longer an interdisciplinary specialization) and has recently emerged as its own study in engineering.

A biomedical engineer will typically do the following:
— Design systems and products
— Install, adjust, maintain, repair, or provide technical support for biomedical equipment
— Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment
— Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of equipment
— Work with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists
— Research the engineering aspects within the biological systems of humans and animals

Biomedical engineering (BME) takes engineering principles and design concepts and combines those principles and concepts with medicine and biology. By closing the gap between engineering and medicine (combining design and problem solving skills with medical biological sciences), this field of work attempts to advance both diagnostic and therapeutic health care treatment.

Biological knowledge combined with engineering principles to address medical needs has greatly contributed to the development of both life-changing and life-saving concepts and products such as: artificial organs; pacemakers; artificial hips; surgical robots; advanced prosthetics; kidney dialysis; MRIs; EKGs; ECGs; pharmaceutical drugs; and therapeutic biologicals.. There are now even more futuristic technologies available such as stem cell engineering and the 3-D printing of biological organs.

Also included under the umbrella of biomedical engineer is the keeping of current medical equipment in hospitals within current industry standards. This may include periodic testing, maintenance, new equipment recommendations and acquisitions, and even equipment disposal.

The work of these engineers spans many professional fields. For example, although their expertise is based in engineering and biology, they often design computer software to run complicated instruments, such as three-dimensional x-ray machines.

In industry, they may create products where an in-depth understanding of living systems and technology is essential. Some biomedical engineers design electrical circuits, software to run medical equipment, or computer simulations to test new drug therapies. Some also design and build artificial body parts to replace injured limbs. In some cases, they develop the materials needed to make the replacement body parts. They also design rehabilitative exercise equipment.

Alternatively, many of these engineers use their knowledge of chemistry and biology to develop new drug therapies. Others draw heavily on mathematics and statistics to build models, in order to understand the signals transmitted by the brain or heart.

Some biomedical engineers prefer to stay in academia and become professors.

Are you suited to be a biomedical engineer?

Biomedical engineers have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if biomedical engineer is one of your top career matches.

What is the workplace of a Biomedical Engineer like?

A biomedical engineer can work in a variety of settings. Some work in hospitals where therapy occurs, and others work in laboratories doing research. Still others work in manufacturing settings where they design biomedical engineering products. Additionally, these engineers also work in commercial offices where they make or support business decisions.

Where and how biomedical engineers work is often determined by others’ specific needs. For example, a biomedical engineer who has developed a new device designed to help a person with a disability to walk again might have to spend hours in a hospital to determine whether the device works as planned. If the engineer finds a way to improve the device, the engineer might have to then return to the manufacturer to help alter the manufacturing process to improve the design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specialty areas within biomedical engineering?

The following are examples of specialty areas within the field of biomedical engineering:

Bioinstrumentation
Bioinstrumentation is an application of biomedical engineering and is a new and upcoming field (electrical engineering and computer science are also related to bioinstrumentation). The majority of innovations within bioinstrumentation have taken place within the past two decades.

This specialty focuses on treating diseases and bringing together the engineering and medical worlds. It uses electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to develop devices, instruments, and mechanics used in the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems and biological systems.

This specialty is also focused on using multiple sensors to keep a close eye on physiological characteristics of a human or an animal (bioinstrumentation was first developed by NASA during early space missions to understand how humans were affected by space travel). The sensors convert signals found within the body into electrical signals.

Presently, with over 40,000 health and fitness tracking apps available on our smartphones and wrist-worn fitness tracking devices measuring our heart rate and oxygen levels, bioinstrumentation has also been assimilated into our everyday lives.

Biomaterials
As a science, biomaterials is about fifty years old (the study of biomaterials is called biomaterials science or biomaterials engineering), and encompasses elements of medicine, biology, chemistry, tissue engineering, and materials science. Biomaterials is the study of naturally occurring or laboratory-designed materials that are used in medical devices or as implantation materials.

Biomaterials can be taken either from nature or synthetically made in a laboratory using metallic components, polymers, ceramics, or composite materials. Biomaterials are often used for medical applications, such as heart valves, or may have more interactive uses, such as hydroxy-apatite coated hip implants. Biomaterials are also used everyday in dental applications, surgery, and drug delivery.

Biomechanics is the science of movement of a living body, and studies how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to produce movement. Biomechanics includes not only the structure of muscles and bones and the movement they are able to generate, but also the mechanics of blood circulation and other bodily functions.

Biomechanics also includes the study of animals, plants, and the mechanical workings of cells. Specialties within biomechanics include: Biological Science; Exercise and Sports Science; Health Sciences; Ergonomics and Human Factors; and Engineering and Applied Science.

Clinical Engineering
A clinical engineer is defined by the ACCE as «a professional who supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology.»

Clinical engineering is a speciality that applies and implements medical technology in order to improve healthcare delivery. Clinical engineers serve as tech consultants for physicians and administrators, work with governmental regulators on hospital inspections and audits, advise the makers of medical devices regarding design improvements, and redirect hospital acquisitions based on clinical experience.

These types of engineers are focused more towards redesigning and reconfiguring, rather than researching and developing. However, they form a useful link between product makers and end-users because they are trained in product and process design but are also familiar with point-of-use.

Rehabilitation Engineering
Rehabilitation engineering is the study of engineering and computer science to design, develop, test, and evaluate devices that assist people who are recovering from or adapting to physical and cognitive disabilities.

Rehabilitation engineers develop technological solutions and devices to aid in the recovery of physical and cognitive functions lost because of disease or injury. Individuals with mobility, communication, hearing, vision, and cognition issues, as well as individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, ALS, West Nile, spinal cord injury, brain trauma, or any other debilitating injury or disease can be assisted. Specifically designed devices can help with activities associated with independent living, education, integration into a community, and with employment.

Rehabilitation engineers may observe how individuals perform tasks, and then make changes or accommodations in order to reduce or eliminate future injuries and discomfort. On the opposite side of the spectrum, rehabilitation engineers can help to design and develop intricate brain computer interfaces that have the ability to enable a severely disabled person to use computers and other devices simply by thinking about the function they want to perform.

Ongoing research in rehabilitation engineering has given us some very innovative technologies and techniques that can greatly help people. For example:

Systems Physiology
Systems physiology uses engineering tools to understand how systems within living organisms, from bacteria to humans, function and respond to changes in their environment.

In the context of biomedical engineering, it refers to the use of mathematical, scientific and engineering principles to predict the behaviour of systems (these systems include the entire human body, organs or organ systems, tissues, and medical devices).

Biomedical engineering is used to gain an all-inclusive understanding of the function of living systems as well as the interaction of medical devices with these systems. Two examples are: the prediction of glucose in normal and diabetic individuals, and the development of drug releasing skin patches.

Biomedical Engineers are also known as:
Biomedical Technician Biomedical Equipment Technician Biomedical Engineering Technician BioMed Engineer BioMed Technician