Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers develop biosignal analysis devices, sensors for emergency diagnosis and triage, as well as precision equipment for advanced diagnosis and surgery.
What is biomedical engineering?
Where do they work? Who will employ me?
Biomedical engineering bridges clinical medicine and the
technology that supports it by providing solutions that can
enhance and improve the lives of people affected by medical
conditions.
Biomedical engineers can work in multidisciplinary teams
with other professionals including surgeons, physiotherapists,
medical researchers and other healthcare specialists.
By applying engineering techniques and analysis to healthcare,
biomedical engineers can find solutions to a wide range of
problems. Examples include developing a system that allows
a person with a disability to use a computer to communicate
or creating artificial tendons to improve mobility.
Major breakthroughs in medical equipment, including the
Cochlear (bionic) ear, artificial hearts and machines to treat
sleep apnoea, are all the result of biomedical engineering.
What do biomedical engineers do?
Biomedical engineers design a wide range of systems and
devices that have a big impact on the medical world. They
design cardiac monitors and clinical computers to improve
patient care, build artificial hearts, contact lenses and
wheelchairs that help people live, see and move.
As one of the largest industries in Australia, the health and
medical sector is well supported through government
funding and strong research.
The industry offers lots of potential for biomedical engineers
who may find work in a range of areas, including:
»» Hospitals: responsible for the operation and optimisation
of equipment for monitoring patients and diagnosing
conditions, including CAT scanners, pacemakers and
kidney machines. They may also be involved in working
with surgeons to design and fit artificial limbs.
»» Universities or government departments undertaking
research.
»» Private medical and pathology laboratories.
Opportunities also exist for biomedical engineers in the
nanotechnology, biotechnology and manufacturing fields.
Working with doctors and medical scientists, biomedical
engineers are able to define a medical problem in
engineering terms.
What does it take?
What abilities and qualities do I need?
They also play an integral part in managing the technology
that is vital in providing cutting edge and everyday healthcare
to the community.
»» are interested in studying a range of areas and combining
medical science with engineering
Biomedical engineers use lasers and micro-computers to
create new equipment to diagnose or monitor medical
conditions. This equipment can include laser technology and
micro-computers.
They combine specialist skills in medical electronics, clinical
engineering, biomaterials and rehabilitation engineering with
engineering expertise from more traditional disciplines such
as electrical engineering and computer engineering.
A career as a biomedical engineer may be for you if you:
»» enjoy tackling complex engineering and medical situations
and want to produce efficient, helpful products and systems
»» want to learn different ways to approach problem solving
»» want to use technology in new and innovative ways to
improve people’s lives.
Find out more
www.rmit.edu.au/eleceng
www.engineersaustralia.org.au
www.ewb.org.au
Biomedical engineering at RMIT
RMIT’s biomedical engineering degree combines engineering and medical
science to give graduates an edge.
A tradition of producing engineering graduates with practical skills and
theoretical knowledge ensures RMIT graduates are work-ready. The
hands-on approach to teaching and learning ensures you will get lots
of practical experience with project-based work and 12 weeks of work
experience before graduating.
Designed in consultation with industry, RMIT’s degree also draws on
combined expertise from the schools of applied science, medical sciences,
health sciences, electrical and computer engineering, aerospace, mechanical
and manufacturing engineering, computer science and information technology.
The result is a well-rounded degree providing you with a broad range of courses
while you study and a wide range of opportunities when you graduate.
In first year, students participate in the Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
challenge. This challenge aims to address a pressing need in a real community.
Students work in teams to develop conceptual designs for projects identified
by EWB’s community partners that contribute towards the sustainable
development of disadvantaged communities.
Each year electrical and computer engineering students have the opportunity
to participate in student retreats during semester breaks. In the past these
have involved subsidised trips to Mt Buller skiing and to the Grampians. This
is a great opportunity for students to have some fun and meet fellow students.
Bonnie Howe
Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering)
‘I have always had an interest in the medical industry,
and I wanted a career that would allow me to apply
technology and practical skills to facilitate medical
research, enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve
treatment options. I also wanted to be able to go home
at the end of the day feeling like I had made a contribution.
‘I was lucky enough to be one of 24 graduates selected to take part in the
ANSTO Graduate Development Program at the Australian Nuclear Science
and Technology Organisation. There were more than 460 applicants for the
program and I feel extremely lucky to have secured a spot.
State-of-the-art laboratories ensure you gain practical
experience with industry standard equipment.
‘I work in the life sciences division. My position involves creating automated
devices that radiochemists can use in their work, which help limit their
exposureto radiation and chemicals.
‘Growing up in the Northern Territory, I really wanted to come to Melbourne
to study and RMIT offers engineering programs with a strong focus on
technical skills. The CBD location helped too!
‘My degree helped me develop an understanding of the fundamentals of
programming, electronics and design, all of which I use on a day-to-day
basis in my work. I also gained valuable skills in research and project
management.
Register for more information about
biomedical engineering at:
www.rmit.edu.au/eleceng/bioeng
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
11830 0711
‘I love what I do because my job is very hands-on and I have a lot of
freedom to experiment with my design ideas. Also, the novelty of telling
people I work at a nuclear reactor will never get old!’