Chapter 7 - Bio-Medical Engineering

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and engineering thought to the solution of problems in clinical practice and medical research. Five types of bioengineers can be distinguished: The first, working usually in an academic department, concerns himself or herself with the explanation of biological phenomena in engineering terms. The second type of bioengineer might work in close association with a medical or biological research worker and be responsible for the development of measuring or manipulative techniques required for the research project. The third type, not very different from the second, concerns with the development of instrumentation of all kinds, though perhaps in looser association with the final user. A fourth type, sometimes called a biomechanical engineer, concerns himself or herself with the development of a whole range of orthopaedic devices. The chapter discusses organizations employing biomedical engineers. Even though there are five universities in U.K., one medical school and one polytechnic, which offer undergraduate or postgraduate courses in bioengineering, they usually rely heavily on the staff of other departments and, therefore, offer relatively little employment opportunities.