Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering alias BME is an emerging and exciting discipline of engineering that has got tremendous potential for research, development and employment. Biomedical engineering may be defined as the study and application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. It is a combination of technical knowledge in biology and medicine to improve life quality. This interdisciplinary field that bridges life science and engineering has an important role in prevention, therapy and rehabilitation, as it combines the principles of two dynamic professions, medicine and engineering. It is an apt career for those who have a keen interest in medicine and healthcare. BME is concerned with the development and manufacture of prostheses, medical devices, diagnostic devices, drugs and other therapies. This unique field encompasses bio-instrumentation, bio-materials, bio-mechanics, medical imaging, genetic engineering, orthopedic surgery, cellular and tissue engineering. the combination of Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Sciences with Computers for communication and control led to the emergence of interdisciplinary courses such as Mechatronics, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Geographical Information System (GIS), Bio Technology, Bio Mechanics, Bio Medical Instrumentation and Bio Medical Engineering. Biomedical Engineering is getting more popular because of the increase in the growing complexity of medical technology around the world. And as a result, there is a huge demand of trained professionals to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and applied medical technology. These professionals are termed as bio-engineers or biomedical engineers. A Biomedical engineer has to be an expert in engineering sciences, biological sciences and medical sciences. They must be capable of defining a medical problem in engineering terms and find a solution that satisfies both engineering and clinical requirements. They usually design and develop devices and systems ranging from cardiac monitors to clinical computers, artificial hearts to contact lenses, wheel chairs to artificial tendons. They are also integral in the management of technology in hospitals and health care delivery. Eligibility To become a Biomedical Engineer, one should hold a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering (B.E./ B.Tech in BME). The basic eligibility criteria for a B.E is higher secondary or its equivalent examination in the science stream. The course is of 4 years duration and the candidates have to appear for the entrance examination conducted by the respective institution. After +2, one can directly do B.E. in Biomedical Engineering, Or B.E in other branches of engineering such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering or Chemical Engineering and then become a Bio medical professional by completing a postgraduate course in Biomedical engineering. Otherwise, one can do B.E in any branch of Engineering and go for a postgraduate course in Medical Technology, which is considered equivalent to a postgraduate course in Biomedical Engineering. One could also take up this career after completing an MBBS degree and then opt for a postgraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering/ Medical Engineering/ Medical Technology. A flair for research coupled with excellent academic records enables a candidate to obtain a doctorate degree from India or abroad. Course Content The main objective of Biomedical Engineering is to bring an improvement in the overall quality of healthcare. A course in Bio Medical engineering includes study of biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, biotech, principles of design, materials science, biomechanics and life sciences. The course enables a candidate to gain technical expertise in biology and medicine simultaneously and contribute effectively in the development and improvement of healthcare solutions. Biomedical engineers apply the concepts of biology, physics as well as chemistry to develop products and devices for diagnosis and treatment Personal skill: A Biomedical professional should be a good engineer and have aptitude for life science systems as well as terminology. They must have a sound knowledge in the basic engineering field. Good communication skills both written and verbal and a keen interest in biology as well as mathematics is a must. Ability to work as part of a team, creativity, an analytical bend of mind are some of the other personal skills counted for this career. They must have exceptional skills in observation, concentration, investigation, critical thinking and record keeping. Since the medical technology is changing so fast, it is very important to keep abreast of this changing technology. So the candidate should be dexterous and alert. Administrative skills, computer knowledge and high-level software development skills will be an added advantage.