Biomedical engineering, also known as bioengineering, is the application of engineering principles to the study of medical and biological problems. The goal of biomedical engineering is to use electrical,chemical, and mechanical engineering principles to conduct studies and develop tools that can aid in the biomedical care of patients. In 1997, the National Institute of Health issued the following expansive defenititon of biomedical engineering/bioengineering."Bioengineering integrates physical,chemical,or mathematical science and engineering principles for the study of biology,medicine,behavior,or health.It advancesfundamental concepts, creates knowledge from the molecularto the organ system levels,and develop innovative biologic naterial impalnts,devices and informatic approaches for the prevention diagnosis,and teratment of disease,for patient rehabilitation,and for improving health."

Description

Biomedical engineering can trace its history to as far back as a hundred years ago, when the first x-ray machines and electrocardiographs dramatically illustrated how technology could be applied towards the diagnosis of disease. Today, the field of biomedical engineering is in full flower, propelled by the momentum of the post-World War II technology boom and the latest molecular, genetic, and computational developments. Having gone beyond its roots in imaging and instrumentation, biomedical engineering now emcompasses at least 13 specialities, according to the 2000 edition of The Biomedical Engineering Handbook.