Comparative Analysis: Biomedical vs. Biotechnology Engineering

Biomedical vs. Biotechnology Engineering: Course Duration

The undergraduate (UG) programmes in Biomedical Engineering are namely Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Biomedical Engineering and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Biomedical Engineering.  The duration of the UG courses is 3-4 years across all institutions in India.  Moreover, one can pursue their postgraduate (PG) degree in the same field by opting for a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Biomedical Engineering, Master of Engineering (M.E) in Biomedical Engineering and Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Biomedical Engineering. The duration of the PG courses is 2 years across all institutions in India.

The UG programmes in Biotechnology Engineering are namely B.Sc in Biotechnology Engineering, B.E in Biotechnology Engineering and B.Tech in Biotechnology Engineering.  The duration of the UG courses is 3-4 years across all institutions in India. Moreover, one can pursue their postgraduate (PG) degree in the same field by opting for an M.Sc in Biotechnology Engineering, an M.E in Biotechnology Engineering and an M.Tech in Biotechnology Engineering. The duration of the PG courses is 2 years across all institutions in India.

Biomedical vs. Biotechnology Engineering: Course Curriculum

Both the fields of biomedical and biotechnology engineering are distinct from each other and consist of a well-defined curriculum that focuses on teaching medical technology, healthcare innovation, biological applications and industrial processes respectively. Let us understand the core subjects that are taught in each curriculum:

The Biomedical Engineering course curriculum consists of subjects such as Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, Medical Instrumentation and Devices, Biomaterials and Biocompatibility, Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, Medical Imaging and Signal Processing, Physiology and Anatomy, Biomedical Electronics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Ethics and Regulations, Clinical Engineering and Healthcare Technology Management, Biomedical Product Design and Development, Medical Robotics and Automation, Biomedical Data Analysis and Machine Learning, and Biomedical Research Methods.

The Biotechnology Engineering course curriculum consists of subjects such as Introduction to Biotechnology, Cell Biology and Microbiology, Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Enzyme Technology, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioreactors and Fermentation Technology, Downstream Processing and Separation Techniques, Immunology and Biotechnology, Biopharmaceuticals and Drug Development, Plant and Animal Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Food and Agricultural Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Biotechnology Regulations and Ethics, and Biotechnology Research and Innovation.

Biomedical vs. Biotechnology Engineering: Career Opportunities

Biomedical engineering has made significant development in India across different industries such as medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology, imaging systems, and prosthetics. Similarly, biotechnology engineering has played a vital role in supporting different industries such as healthcare, agriculture, environment, genetic engineering, and vaccination. The immense growth and development in both fields open diverse career opportunities for professionals seeking higher education in these domains. Let us see some of the high-demand career roles that one can hone after completing their degree in biomedical and biotechnology engineering:

Career Prospects in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers often work to improve medical technologies, enhance patient care, and develop innovative solutions for medical challenges. These professionals apply their domain knowledge and skills to work in medical device companies, hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare-related industries. Following are some lucrative career opportunities in biomedical engineering:

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical equipment, devices, and technologies to enhance patient care and diagnostics. Clinical Engineers collaborate with medical professionals to ensure the safe and effective use of medical equipment in clinical settings. Biomechanical Engineers analyse and model human movement and mechanics to design solutions for orthopaedic devices and rehabilitation. Medical Imaging Specialists are responsible for reviewing lab and imaging results, query assessment and providing clinical support to the lab managers. Clinical Research Coordinators oversee clinical trials to test the safety and efficiency of medical devices and their treatments.

Career Prospects in Biotechnology Engineering

Biotechnology engineers contribute towards developing new drugs, creating biofuels, designing efficient bio-production processes, and finding ways to harness biological systems for diverse applications. They can find diverse career opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, bio-manufacturing, agricultural biotech firms, research organisations, and environmental agencies. Following are some lucrative career opportunities in biotechnological engineering:

Biotechnologists apply biological principles to research, develop, and optimise processes for the production of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other products. Genetic Engineers manipulate and modify genetic material to develop organisms with desired traits for various applications. Bioprocess Engineers use biological systems to design, supervise, and troubleshoot equipment and processes for the bioprocessing and biotechnology industries. Agricultural Biotechnologists develop genetically modified crops to improve yield, enhance plant resistance to pests, and promote environmental sustainability. Pharmaceutical Research Scientists use biotechnological techniques to research and develop new drugs and therapies for mankind.

Way Forward

In conclusion, biomedical engineering utilises engineering principles to design, develop, and innovate medical equipment and technologies.  On the other hand, biotechnology has a broader spectrum exploring genetic modifications, waste disposal management, understanding environmental impacts, and many more. Each field is distinct from each other and offers great career opportunities to students in the fields of science and engineering. However, one must align their career aspirations and area of interest to make the final decision about choosing their field for higher education.

FAQs

Q1. Does biotechnology require NEET?

A1. No, biotechnology courses do not require clearing the NEET. The eligibility criteria for various biotechnology programmes vary from institute to institute.
However, the minimum requirement to pursue this programme is passing the 12th grade in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB) as core subjects, and achieving at least a 50% aggregate from a recognised board.
Students should note that some colleges offer admission to these programmes on a merit basis, while others accept scores from various biotechnology entrance exams, such as CUET, CUET-PG, ICAR AIEEA, and others.

Q2. Is biotechnology better than biomedical engineering?

A2. Promising career possibilities are offered by both biotechnology and biomedical engineering; the best choice for you will depend on your objectives and areas of interest.
Design and development of healthcare technologies, diagnostics, and medical devices are the main areas of concentration for biomedical engineering. Biotechnology, on the other hand, uses biological systems to improve environmental research, genetics, healthcare, and agriculture.

Q3. Can biotechnology become a doctor?

A3. A degree in biotechnology does not lead to a medical qualification and cannot be used to become a doctor. Regardless of whether the students have a biotechnology degree or not, they must clear the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission into MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) to become a doctor.

Q4. Which field is best in biotechnology?

A4. The best field in biotechnology depends on your interests and career goals. However, some high-demand and well-paying specialisations include:

Q5. Are biomedical engineers in demand?

A5. Yes, biomedical engineers are in high demand both in India and abroad. They can explore various employment opportunities in healthcare, research and development, medical device manufacturing, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Common roles include biomedical research scientists, clinical engineers, medical imaging specialists, etc.
The average salary range of biomedical engineers in India is:

• INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA - entry-level positions
• INR 6 LPA to INR 9 LPA - mid-level positions
• INR 10 LPA to INR 15 LPA and above - senior-level positions

Q6. Does biomedical engineering have scope in future?

A6. Yes, biomedical engineering has a strong and expanding future scope.

• The biomedical industry in India is growing fast, with the medical device market expected to reach INR 88,320 crore in coming years. This growth is creating exciting opportunities, especially for biomaterials engineers who are working on artificial organs and tissues, which could significantly improve organ transplants and healthcare.
• According to a report by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, about 14,000 new jobs for biomedical and bioengineering professionals are expected to open every year between 2023 and 2033.

Q7. Can I become a biomedical engineer with a biotechnology degree?

A7. No, you cannot become a biomedical engineer with a degree in biotechnology. A biotechnology degree can be a stepping stone, but generally, not sufficient to become a biomedical engineer. To become a biomedical engineer, you must gain a degree in biomedical engineering.