Biomedical Engineering : Introduction
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.
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