Bioengineering
Extensive new fields have evolved from discoveries in engineering and biology, particularly in molecular and cellular biology. Genomics, proteomics, inhibitory RNA technology, pharmacodynamics, regenerative medicine, biomicrofabrication, advanced computer systems, novel materials, nanotechnology, and robotics and other automated manufacturing processes and devices are just a few. With the synergy of these disciplines, students in bioengineering have the option to enter careers within biotechnology, biomedical engineering, medicine, and others yet to be named. The number of biomedical engineering jobs alone will increase by 31% through 2010, twice as fast as all others combined! Interest in specific areas within bioengineering will drive further specialization that will fuel exciting new occupations and careers.
Representative Job Titles and Area of Specialization
| Bioengineer |
| | Biomedical Engineer & Specialties: |
| | Bioinstrumentation | Medical Imaging | | Biomaterials | Orthopedic Surgery or Bioengineering | | Biomechanics | Rehabilitation Engineering | | Cellular, Tissue and Genetic Engineering | Systems Physiology | | Clinical Engineering | | | Bioenvironmental Engineer |
| | Professor/Teacher |
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Nature of the Work
Bioengineers apply their knowledge of molecular and cellular biology to make a wide variety of medical products, such as antibiotics, insulin and other hormones, vitamins, detergent enzymes, and vaccines.
Biomedical engineers perform functions that may be life saving, commonly working with other health care professionals within specialty areas. Bioinstrumentation specialists, for example, design and develop devices for diagnostics and treatment of disease, using computer microprocessors and microcomputers to process volumes of information in a medical imaging system. Implanting compatible living tissue and artificial materials in the living body is the challenge within the biomaterials specialty. Biomechanics engineers apply statics, fluids, solids, thermodynamics, and other classical mechanics, and produce critical, replacement body parts as an artificial heart, blood vessels and joints. The cellular, tissue and genetic engineer can manipulate genes and cellular processes to inhibit or stimulate disease resistance. Working in hospitals as a health care team member, clinical engineers may customize software, developing and maintaining databases of records from medical instruments and equipment. Within the specialty of orthopedic surgery or orthopedic bioengineering, knowledge and methods of engineering and computational mechanics are utilized to analyze the musculoskeletal system and develop biomaterials for replacement of discs, bones, ligaments, and tendons, often in sports medicine, and in concert with other specialists. Involved in the design and development of assistive devices, rehabilitation engineers improve the quality of life for persons with physical and cognitive disabilities. These specialized bioengineers also may write hardware and software programs for prosthetics and modified transportation, home and workplace equipment. Biomedical engineers specializing in physiologic systems employ computer modeling in renal analyses, biochemistry of metabolism, limb movements, auditory neural circuits, and other functions. Since specialty areas overlap, bioengineers collaborate, coordinate and interface with each other, as well as health care and other professionals, technicians and aides.
Places of Employment
| Biotechnology Companies | Hospitals | | Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Firms | Consulting Firms | | Medical Device Companies | Public and Private Research Institutions, | | Diagnostic Laboratories | as The National Institutes of Health | | Food Industry | Universities And Colleges | | NASA and Other Aerospace Facilities | Local/State/Federal Governmental Agencies |
Training
The bioengineering curriculum provides the core courses for entry into most medical schools, and specialization in interdisciplinary fields, such as bioinformatics, biophysics, computational molecular biology, genetic engineering, and other technically complex areas. Training bioengineers is particularly important in California, where biotechnology and specifically biomedical device companies are prime employers. Depending on the complexity of the job, specialization and an advanced degree, masterÕs or doctorate, may be required. Expertise in environmental regulations is expected and GIS, GPS and computer hardware and modeling software skills are advantageous.
In addition to related work experience through an internship and strong technical expertise in engineering and knowledge of environmental law, cellular and molecular biology and the physical sciences, employers also look for technical writing, speaking and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as a team member and independently. A Ph.D. is usually required to work in research and particularly in teaching and research at the university level. Many biomedical engineers earn Ph.D. and M.D. degrees, opening opportunities for interdisciplinary, collaborative research.
For further information and/or career counseling contact the Career Center, Veitch Student Center, Northwest Wing, University of California, Riverside, 951.827.3631.
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