B is for Bioengineering
Now that we have covered A for aeronautical engineering, it’s time to move onto B. The career we will be exploring is bioengineering. Bioengineering is a field that combines engineering with medicine and biology. In addition, bioengineering draws on knowledge from a variety of engineering fields, such as electrical, chemical, and mechanical [2]. Since it covers such a wide range of knowledge, bioengineers are able to solve problems in the human body, agriculture, and more.
Many people get confused about the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering. Simply put, bioengineering has a broader scope, meaning it encompasses more topics while biomedical engineering is more focused on medicine. Despite their slight differences, bioengineers and biomedical engineers are required to take similar classes and obtain a similar degree. In high school, people who want to become bioengineers should take a variety of science and math classes including chemistry, physics, and calculus. Since bioengineering puts a greater emphasis on biology compared to other fields of engineering, it is important to also take biology classes in high school and college to prepare you. Additionally, it can be helpful to take classes such as drafting and computer programming [3]. At the college level, students will take courses in mechanics, circuit design, physiology, and biomaterials [4]. Another important part of becoming a bioengineer is gaining both research and technical experience. This can be accomplished through working in a lab or pursuing an internship.
Bioengineers should start with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biological engineering, biomedical engineering, or another related field. Many students continue on to earn a master’s or PhD in one of these fields because this will most likely open up more job opportunities. In addition, having an advanced degree allows bioengineers to lead a team of other engineers.
Once bioengineers have received a degree, they are able to specialize in different fields, including biomedical engineering, agricultural engineering, bionics, biochemical engineering, human-factors engineering, environmental health engineering, and genetic engineering. Biomedical engineers work to create medical devices, and they can also research tissues and cells to find ways to replace organs. Agricultural engineers focus on applying biological principles to fixing problems in an agricultural environment. Bionics is the study of living systems, and bioengineers that work in the bionics field can apply this knowledge to other systems. Biochemical engineering combines chemistry with biology; bioengineers in this field are able to study chemical processes and utilize them to create new materials. Human-factors engineering focuses on combining engineering with physiology and psychology to study the human body and mind. Environmental health engineering applies engineering principles to improving conditions in the environment [5]. Lastly, genetic engineers study DNA and the ways that it can be modified. As you can see, there are a lot of opportunities within bioengineering!
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bioengineers and biomedical engineers earn an average annual salary of $91, 410 [6]. Although most bioengineers will earn somewhere close to this number, the top 10% can earn $148,210, and the lowest 10% can earn $55,280 [7]. This variation is a result of having varying degrees and working in different industries. For example, some bioengineers might work at a manufacturing company while others may work for a university. In terms of job outlook, the employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is predicted to grow five percent in the next ten years [8]. This is slightly higher than the average for other similar occupations. One reason why there is an expected increase in the employment of bioengineers is because of new technologies. Bioengineers will be needed in a variety of fields to create more efficient technologies that solve leading problems.
Overall, bioengineers utilize knowledge in biology and engineering to solve problems in many fields. They are able to specialize in industries ranging from agricultural engineering to genetic engineering once they obtain a bachelors’ degree or higher degree. In terms of pay and job outlook, bioengineers earn a high salary, and there is an expected growth in the field. Bioengineering is an up-and-coming field that will make a huge difference in the coming years!
References
[1] Bioengineering. Northeastern University. Retrieved November 2, 2020, from https://phd.northeastern.edu/program/bioengineering/.
[2] [5] The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. Bioengineering. Retrieved November 2, 2020, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/bioengineering
[3] [4] How to Become a Biomedical Engineer. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved November 2, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-4
[6] [7] Biomedical Engineers Pay. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved November 3, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-5
[8] Biomedical Engineers Job Outlook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved November 3, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm#tab-6
