cell manipulation

Bioengineering

Bioengineering (or Biological Engineering) is the application of methods and concepts of biology to help solve real world problems related to the life sciences while using engineering’s own synthetic and analytical methodologies and also its sensitivity to the practicality and cost of the solution or solutions arrived at. Bioengineering uses molecular biology to advance and study applications of living organisms.

Program Information

Georgia Tech has one of the best Bioengineering programs in the country. The program’s graduates are able to demonstrate expertise in science, engineering, and mathematics fundamentals, allowing them to take leadership roles in the field. They have an ability to foster communication across disciplinary and professional boundaries with the highest ethical and professional standards. A total of 129 semester hours plus 2 wellness hours are required, and a minimum of a C grade is necessary to pass each course. The University website lays out a semester by semester course recommendation which is extremely helpful. Johns Hopkins University also has an excellent Bioengineering program. The Bioengineering courses address 6 core knowledge fields: What do biomedical engineers do, Thermodynamics, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Analysis of Linear Systems, Statistical Physics, Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems from Molecules to Organs, and Creating a System Model of a Biological System. Other requirements include courses in computing, physics, chemistry and math, for a total of 129 credits. The University website offers a Generic Sample Program guide to help plan out each semester to ensure you take each required course and meet all the requirements.

bioengineering student

Pros & Cons

Bioengineers are expected to have a job growth of 62% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. Bioengineers also have a higher than average salary (an average of around $85 000). There are jobs available in various industries and various settings from which you can choose to work in. For example, some fields for bioengineers include manufacturing, medical and education, while some settings include universities, hospitals, and research facilities. There are also several specializations from which you can choose from, including biomechanics, biomaterials, and bioinstrumentation. This wide range of career options is a big asset to people with a Bioengineering degree. There are some downsides, however. The coursework will be difficult, as you will have to take courses in all the sciences as well as many math courses. While a bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions, a graduate degree may be required for advancement, which means more schooling time and more tuition money. Additional hours of work may sometimes be required. The large employment increase does not translate to a large number of new jobs because it is a small field. Lastly, bioengineers may be exposed to potential hazards like noxious fumes and radiation, either in the field or in the lab.

Graduate School & Career

According to U.S. News, John Hopkins University, Georgia Tech, and the University of California-San Diego are the top 3 schools for a graduate degree in Bioengineering. There are many types of bioengineers, and many fields they can work in. Biomedical engineers work primarily in hospitals and in the medical field. Bioengineers can also work in agriculture or for environmental industries. They may also work for government agencies dealing with climate change and public health. Other careers include a Sales Engineer (where bioengineer graduates can combine their technical knowledge with communication skills to sell products) or a Medical Scientist (who focus on investigative research methods to help prevent and treat diseases, and also analyze patient data and conduct drug trials).