Biotechnology Vs. Biomedical Engineering: Top Differences

• Biotechnology is more focused on life sciences and develops products to be used in the medical, food, and agricultural industries.
• It is an applied biological science using chemistry to create new biological products.
• Biotechnology leverages organic systems and biology for problem-solving. 
• It has a broader application, covering everything from waste disposal to genetic modification, environmental impact, and so on. 

• Biomedical engineering focuses more on medical problems and their solutions. 
• It uses engineering and principles and applies the same to medicine. 
• Biomedical engineering also takes this route but uses inorganic materials for technological advancement. 
• It concentrates on the management, diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, and prevention of disabilities and diseases of the masses. 

The criteria vary across institutions for biotechnology programs (can also be country-specific). Here are some general requirements at leading institutions: 

• AAA-AAB grades or equivalent, including two out of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. 
• Two core sciences should have AA grades. 
• Practical skills assessments and experience are sometimes necessary. 
• English language proficiency
• Any other criteria deemed suitable by the university. 

The criteria may differ across universities (can be country-specific as well). Yet, here are some general entry requirements: 

• AAA grades with grade A in Physics and Mathematics or equivalent. 
• Equivalent 38 points for an IB Diploma and a total of 18 points in three higher level subjects, including grade 6 in Physic and Mathematics. 
• English language proficiency. 
• Indian students have to either provide Year 12/CISCE/CBSE/equivalent marks with five subjects and specific marks (this changes across universities)
• Some institutions alternatively accept completion of one year of a bachelor’s degree at a recognized Indian institution with the grade being the same as the UK Upper Second Class. 

Some of the core Biotechnology subjects include the following: (may vary across institutions):  
 

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Laboratory Science
• Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Microbes, Humankind, and the Environment 
• Health & Safety
• Genome Maintenance & Regulation 
• Fundamentals of Bacteriology
• Omic Technologies & Resources
• Science Communication 
• Microbiology 
• Plants for the Future
• Post-Genome Biology
• Green Biotechnology
• Gene Regulation & Disease

Some of the key modules in Biomedical engineering may include the following (may differ across institutions): 
 

• Design and Professional Skills
• Engineering Challenges
• Medical Imaging
• Materials and Mechanics
• Cardiac Engineering
• Physics of the Human Body
• Medical Instrumentation 
• Anatomy and Physiology with Biomedical Applications
• Mathematical Modelling and Analysis
• Clinical Engineering 
• Biomechanics
• Solid Biomechanics
• Computing in Medicine
• Medical Electronics and Neural Engineering 
• Bio Fluid Mechanics 

As per PayScale reports ,the salaries for Biotechnology professions are as follows: 
 

• Research Scientist- $59,000-124,000 
• Research Associate- $48,000 to  $83,000 
• Senior Research Scientist- $82,000- $148,000 
• Senior Research Associate- $63,000- $104,000 
• Associate Research Scientist- $50,000- $95,000
• Principal Scientist- $97,000- $159,000 

As per PayScale reports, the salaries for Biomedical Engineering professions are as follows: 
 

• Biomedical Engineer- $80,148
• Senior Biomedical Engineer- $1,00,888
• Principal Biomedical Engineer- $91,789 
• Biomedical Technician- $52,011
• Clinical Engineer- $96,288
• Biomechanical Engineer- $78,983