Biomedical Engineering has a huge impact on the world we live in today. There are now a variety of medical devices and machines that can both improve health, and save lives, thanks to biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering is the fusion of engineering expertise with the field of clinical medicine, developing techniques such as laser systems used in corrective eye surgery and systems for analysing blood.
Biomedical engineering is key in the development and recreation of artificial organs, limbs and skin.
Biomedical engineers play an exciting and critical role at the frontier of technological advances to improve healthcare. They apply engineering expertise and ingenuity to design systems to help prevent, diagnose and treat all types of diseases, injuries and disabilities. The biomedical engineer will work with healthcare professionals including physicians, doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians.
Biomedical engineering is a widely diverse subject and allows the student to specialise in a variety of areas;
Cellular, tissue and genetic engineering - researching biomedical problems at the microscopic level in order to understand disease processes
Biomaterials - researching and selecting the appropriate materials for implantations in the human body such as artificial pacemakers, hips and kidneys
Biomechanics - applying classical mechanics to biological or medical problems in order to develop such devices as the artificial heart and artificial joint replacements
Rehabilitation engineering - enhancing the capabilities and improving the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive impairments through the design and development of prosthetics and assistive technology
Orthopaedic engineering - applying methods of engineering to understand the function of bones, joints and muscles to design artificial joint replacements
Neuroscience - researching into the processes involved in cognitive functions and providing objective diagnostic information for a number of psychiatric disorders
Clinical engineering - specialises in the application lifecycle of medical equipment technologies, from their input and application management to decommissioning and disposal
Biomedical engineers work in industry, government, hospitals, consultancy and research centres.
- As a biomedical engineering graduate you can;
- Design and develop medical instruments and equipment
- Research the engineering aspects of biological systems
- Research new materials for medical products
- Adapt or design computer hardware and software for medical products
- Design technology to assist people with disabilities