Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices. Many do research, along with medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design devices used in various medical procedures, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging, and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in this specialty need a sound background in another engineering specialty, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering are biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.

Major advances in Bioengineering include the development of artificial joints, magnetic resonance imaging, the heart pacemaker, arthroscopy, angioplasty, bioengineered skin, kidney dialysis, and the heart-lung machine.

What will studens learn?

The undergraduate curriculum provides students with rigorous training in engineering, mathematics, and the basic sciences. It incorporates a strong interdisciplinary component that combines the quantitative aspects of engineering analysis and design with the full spectra of biology and physiology, from the molecular and cellular levels to entire systems and organisms. All premedical requirements can be satisfied in this program of study.

The undergraduate program begins with a broad foundation in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Foundational work is followed by more advanced engineering coursework and laboratory experiences. During studying years, students complete courses in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, and probability), physics, chemistry, and biology. This work is complemented by parallel training in engineering computing and introductory courses in electric circuit theory and engineering mechanics. In the junior year, the foundation is used to study electronics, physiology, signals, systems, controls, biomechanics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. The junior year also incorporates two design-oriented laboratory experiences. The senior year includes a two-semester capstone senior project. Advanced electives allow opportunities for specialization in instrumentation, sensory and neural systems, mechanics, signal processing, and biomolecular engineering.

The basic state institutions for practical training at Kharkiv:

Regional Clinical Hospital, Girshman Regional Ophthalmologic Hospital, Regional Military Hospital, joint-stock companies – manufacturers of medical electronic equipment, certificated service centers, etc.

Career oportunities

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles and materials technology to healthcare.

This can include researching, designing and developing medical products, such as joint replacements or robotic surgical instruments, designing or modifying equipment for clients with special needs in a rehabilitation setting, or managing the use of clinical equipment in hospitals and the community.

Biomedical engineers are employed by health services, medical equipment manufacturers and research departments/institutes.

Job titles vary depending on the exact nature of the work. As well as biomedical engineer, other terms that are used include:

• Bioengineer;
  
• Design Engineer;
  
• Clinical Engineer or Scientist (in a hospital setting/clinical situation).