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Biomedical Engineering Option
The Biomedical Engineering Option is a specific group of
courses that can be completed by students who are enrolled
in bachelor’s degree programs in the College of Engineering. It
is designed for undergraduates who plan to pursue graduate
work in biomedical areas or seek employment in selected medical-related
areas. The option is administered by the College of
Engineering and upon completion, will be noted on the final
transcript.
How do you define biomedical engineering?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Biomedical
engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical
and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine
with engineering principles and practices. Many do research, along with life scientists,
chemists, and medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products
such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing
body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management
and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers may also design devices
used in various medical procedures, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling
body functions. Most engineers in this specialty need a sound background
in another engineering specialty…in addition to
specialized biomedical training...
How do you decide which major to declare if interested in
biomedical engineering?
At MSU, typical majors combining the Biomedical Engineering
Option include Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering,
Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering,
and Mechanical Engineering. Each one emphasizes areas
most closely aligned with its own curriculum. Below
is a brief sketch of ways in which these majors may contribute
to biomedical engineering fields:
Biosystems Engineering
Biosystems engineers identify and solve problems at the interface
of engineering and biology. In the biomedical area,
biosystems engineering students have opportunities for
undergraduate research in areas such as microbial modeling
and biosensors for rapid detection of pathogens. In
this application area, biosystems engineers find employment
with pharmaceutical/healthcare companies, medical supply
companies, and federal agencies, as well as continuing
their studies in medical, veterinary, and graduate school.
Chemical Engineering
Historically, chemical engineers have designed devices, pharmaceutical
processes, and artificial organs (such as the artificial
kidney). Now chemical engineers are making significant
contributions in computational and functional genomics,
biosensors, cell and tissue engineering, biomolecular engineering,
gene therapy, metabolic engineering, high-throughput drug
screening, and drug formulation and delivery.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer
Engineering students can take courses in the areas of bio-imaging
and biomedical applications of signals and systems, and are
given opportunities to conduct independent research with
faculty in the areas of biomedical engineering. With the
department's focus on developing physical systems and data
analysis methods for biomedical applications, some of the
current research includes: modeling of physiological
systems, cardiovascular physiology, biomedical ultrasonics,
medical imaging, neural engineering, development of implantable
devices and biomedical signal processing.
Materials Science and Engineering
Biomedical materials engineers seek to create new materials
and devices that are used to treat diseases and repair damaged
tissues by combining their knowledge and skills in engineering
materials design with biology and chemistry. They may
conduct research in areas such as tissue engineering (creating
new tissues like bone and muscle), and implant development
(like total knee and hip replacements), as well as design devices
used in various medical procedures (such as screws and plates
used in orthopedics). Some will specialize in orthopedics and
sports medicine, while others will work in areas such as implant
design and manufacturing.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers combining biomedical engineering are trained
in biomechanical engineering and find employment designing, for
example, prosthetics, artificial joints, automotive safety equipment,
robotics for telemedicine, heart valves, left ventricle assist
devices, and the whole range of medical devices. Research by
biomechanical engineers includes studying the strength of bones
and soft tissues, the motion of cells, the kinematics of human
motion, and the flow of blood.
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