What is the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering?
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering are two fields of science in which there are many job opportunities for graduates. The need for skilled personnel in these two areas is growing in the undeveloped countries of the world as well as in the developed nations. People trained in these areas help fill a need in technological and medical fields.
What is bioengineering?
Bioengineering is the study of medicine and engineering. In order for students to be admitted to this type of program in university, they must have a background in science and have successfully complete prerequisite courses in the areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. The goal of the program is to teach students to build systems that take all living things into consideration, even if the structures and systems they build are artificial. The major focus is on providing facilities for the care of humans while still caring for the surrounding areas.
There are many universities all over the world that offer a bioengineering degree program, which gives students many options in deciding where they would like to apply. This field of science combines knowledge of the medical sciences and medical techniques with the technical side of engineering sciences and tools. In this way, those who work in this area concentrate on providing services and products that make peoples’ lives much easier. However, it is not just related to humans because its basis lies in the theories, principles and research on all living things. Those who work in bioengineering earn an average annual salary of $40,000 to $70,000.
What is biomedical engineering?
In biomedical engineering the concepts of science are integrated into the study of medicine. The scope of this field is huge because there is a minimum of difference between the two fields. Students who graduate with a degree from a biomedical engineering program work in labs, preventative medicine, dialysis and in diagnostics. Ultrasound and X-Ray are two of the main techniques used in the field. Students can further their studies beyond a Bachelor’s degree an take courses leading to advanced degrees such as a Masters or PhD. There are many career opportunities in this field and salaries average about $70,000 per year.
Summary
- Bioengineering is a broader field of study and biomedical engineering is one branch of that field.
- Students in both programs study life sciences that have human aspects, but physiology is not part of the courses in bioengineering.
- Bioengineering focuses on treatment, research, diagnosis, modeling and hybridization processes. Biomedical engineering focuses on the diagnostic, imaging, dialysis and preventative medicine.
- Bioengineering is concerned with improving the quality of life, whereas biomedical engineering is a career in which you assist medical professionals.