Bachelor of Science (Applied Bioengineering)

Description of the Programme

Bioengineering involves using the principles of engineering to develop solutions for health-related products and techniques that improve the quality of life. The National Institutes of Health defines bioengineering as “the application of the life sciences, mathematics and engineering principles to define and solve problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and other fields.” Bioengineering has been vital in developing products that help people combat disease and disability including:

• Artificial hips, knees and other joints
• Ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and other medical imaging techniques
• Engineered organisms for chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Artificial heart valves, pacemakers, dialysis machines and diagnostic equipment
• Computer-assisted tomography
• Digital hearing aids,
• Implantable defibrillators
• Advanced therapeutic and surgical devices such as a laser system for eye surgery and a device that regulates automated delivery of insulin.

Bioengineering is not confined to designing and producing medical devices only. It can include any situation in which technology interacts with a living system. Applied Bioengineering has advanced to include areas of genetic engineering, processing, medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology which are presently playing a significant role in research directed towards the provision of alternative sources of food and medicine. Some of the courses covered include microbial molecular genetics, cell and molecular immunology, plant and animal tissue culture techniques, bioengineering techniques, gene therapy and nanotechnology and a number of courses in chemical, electrical or mechanical engineering.

Minimum Entry Requirements