Bioengineering can be a somewhat confusing term because it appears to imply a focus on biology and biological manipulation. However, it is very much interdisciplinary - combining the principles and technologies of conventional engineering fields such as materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering as well as electrical and electronic engineering to solve biological problems.

Because bioengineering has become central to the medical sector, its applications manifest in projects relating to physiology, biotechnology, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation and the likes.

If you’re thinking that this makes for a rather broad-based degree programme, you’re right.

As a discipline, bioengineering requires a foundation in the not only the engineering sciences but in the medical and biological sciences.


During the course of your studies in Bioengineering programmes, you will be exposed to modules and subject areas such as biomechanics, bioelectricity, anatomy and physiology, neurology, biotransport. It is likely that the degree course will call for lab-work and practical research.

Career-wise, the options are as varied as the discipline is broad, so you could choose to work in research centres, think-tanks, pharmaceutical companies or hospitals.

If you have a desire to improve healthcare and the quality of life through biomedical innovation and the application of engineering principles to bio-scientific progress through the development of new devices and systems, consider pursuing a degree in Bioengineering.

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