Learn biomedical engineering with online courses
What is biomedical engineering?
Biomedical engineering merges two dynamic disciplines — engineering and biological sciences — to develop transformational solutions in healthcare. Biomedical innovations such as antibiotic production technology, electrocardiograms, blood analysis and processing, and computer assisted tomography emerged in the post World War II era.Footnote 1 Biomedical breakthroughs in recent years include stem cell therapy, 3-D printed organs, AI-driven drug discoveries, diagnostic expert systems, neural engineering, and more.
Thanks to biomedical engineering, clinicians and researchers have been able to make discoveries about the human body and diseases, personalize treatments for a wide range of medical conditions, tackle public health challenges, and expand the frontiers of medical research with the overall goal of improving the quality of life for people around the world.
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Why learn biomedical engineering
Leaning on emerging technologies and research, bioengineers build a career around discovery. For instance, they use biomechanics to push the boundaries of prosthetics or develop functional tissue substitutes to restore, maintain, or improve damaged tissues or organs. Studying biomedical engineering can position you to effect real-world change and help connect siloed spaces within medicine.
Discover how to apply the rigors of engineering thinking to human health and wellbeing with online biomedical engineering courses delivered through edX.
Biomedical engineering course curriculum
The knowledge and skills acquired in an online biomedical engineering course draw on both the clinical aspects of the healthcare industry and problem-solving of engineering practice. Generally, biomedical engineering course material provides an overview of the fundamentals of this interdisciplinary field as well as the multifunctional technologies used in it. Lessons in calculus, statistics, quantitative methods of biology, computational models, clinical reasoning, clinical microbiology, biology of cell tissues, endocrinology, genetics, virology, organic chemistry, and more may be included in a biomedical engineering course curriculum. Depending on the course, lab simulations may be incorporated into classes.
Other areas explored may include the systems and design thinking that goes into developing new therapies and treatments. For those seeking advanced knowledge, there may be niche course offerings in such areas as cardiac imaging, mechanical ventilation, and more.
If you’re interested in this practice and profession, a bachelor’s degree in a related field may help set the foundation. You may also consider pursuing a biomedical engineering degree online, such as a biomedical engineering master’s program.
Explore biomedical engineering jobs
Wondering what jobs you can get with a biomedical engineering degree? Maybe you hope to build a career in neural engineering or better diagnostic expert systems. The choice is yours.
Different types of biomedical engineering jobs include:Footnote 2
Bioinstrumentation engineers use electronics, computer science, and measurement principles to create tools for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Biomaterials engineers study the naturally occurring and laboratory-designed substances used in medical devices and implants.
Biomechanics engineers are experts in the study of thermodynamics and related systems, and use this knowledge to solve biological and medical problems.
Clinical engineers focus on using medical technology to improve healthcare systems and advance patient care.
Genetic engineers are trained to alter the genetic makeup of organisms through recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) technology, to aid in the development of innovations that help prevent diseases in humans.
Rehabilitation engineers design and create devices that support people recovering from or adapting to physical or cognitive impairments.
Systems physiologists use engineering tools to gain an understanding of how biological systems work and respond to changes in their environment.
How to become a biomedical engineer online
Now that you know what roles you can pursue with a background in biomedical engineering, figuring out how to get there may be top of mind. There is no set pathway to becoming a biomedical engineer. The field is an expansive one, so areas of specialization vary among professionals. Many biomedical engineers earn an undergraduate or advanced degree in biological sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or another related subfield of engineering.Footnote 3
Newcomers to the field, industry veterans, and career transitioners may all benefit from an online course in biomedical engineering. With a self-directed online course, learners can fit coursework into their busy schedules and apply new skills on the job. When deciding on an online course, be sure to look out for biomedical engineering course requirements, as they vary from one program to another.
Get started with your biomedical engineering education and enroll in an online course today. edX offers a variety of learning opportunities on many different subjects, ranging from specialized boot camps to full degree programs that can enable you to earn a master’s degree. Find the right educational pathway for you.