A Guide on Everything About Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering has been one of the instrumental factors in improving healthcare for humans by combining the application of engineering principles with methods to solve medical and biological problems. But what is biomedical engineering exactly? Popularly referred to as bioengineering, it focuses on developing new healthcare systems and technologies by integrating mechanical, electrical, chemical, and life science principles. 

Read on to know more about pursuing a career in biomedical engineering– subject brief, top universities, and job prospects.

Biomedical Engineering: Subject Brief

Biomedical engineering is here to stay in the long run, given its array of research applications such as medical imaging, wearable technology, implantable drug delivery systems, and prosthetics. 

As a subject, it is a combination of biological sciences and intricate engineering design. The main goal of teaching biomedical engineering is to develop practical engineering solutions for assessing, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions.

Levels in Which Biomedical Engineering is Offered

Like other major degrees, biomedical engineering courses can also be studied on multiple levels. Top universities in the field offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. The biomedical engineering eligibility for an undergraduate degree is that students should have completed their 12th with science subjects like biology, mathematics, and chemistry.

If they wish to go for a doctoral or master level degree program in biomedical engineering, they should have a bachelor’s degree in the same or related field.

Top 10 Universities Offering Biomedical Engineering

Students wishing to pursue a career in biomedical engineering should do so at a top-ranking university to maximize their chances of carving out a successful career and reaching their goals. Here are the top 10 biomedical engineering universities offering a degree in biomedical engineering with approximate tuition fees, subject rankings, the country they are situated in, and course names.

Academic Cycle: Intakes and Deadlines for Biomedical Engineering

Academic cycles and intakes for biomedical engineering programs depend on the universities. Generally, most universities offer admission for biomedical engineering in three intakes – Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Curriculum Across Levels

The curriculum across different levels of study in biomedical engineering will include chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology fundamentals. In mathematics, students are expected to learn about the use of multivariable calculus and differential equations, along with their implications for finding solutions. 

The significant difference from other engineering fields is that the coursework will also have more biological courses. While the curriculum varies across universities, some of the common modules include:

1. Molecular Biology
2. Fluid Mechanics
3. Biomaterials
4. Organic Chemistry
5. Biomechanics
6. Cell and Tissue Engineering
7. Biosystems and Circuits
8. Qualitative Physiology

Job Prospects with Salaries in Biomedical Engineering

Upon completing a program in Biomedical Engineering, graduates will be open to a world of opportunities– both in research and development and academia. They can aim to earn an average of USD 69,125 as a biomedical engineer in the USA. On the other hand, the average pay of a biomedical engineering technician is around USD 58,910.

Future Application of the Subject

The biomedical engineering scope and demand for biomedical engineers is experiencing a surge and is predicted to rise by 23 percent from 2014 to 2024. 

Biomedical engineering all over the globe is working to devise painless procedures for medical issues and even tests. In fact, post-pandemic, their vitality is bound to rise. Here are some of the areas in which biomedical engineering is making a mark.

• Printing human organs with biomaterials 
• Inventing bioengineered clothing
• Controlling prosthetics with one’s brain
• Fighting obesity with a drug delivery patch
• Combating diseases with nanorobots
• Medical virtual reality
• Robotic surgery
• Miniaturization and 3D Printing