Biomedical science, also referred to as biomedicine, is a scientific field that focuses on health care. Scientists in this area research bodily systems including cells and organs using biology and chemistry.
There are many ways to pursue a career in biomedicine. In this article, we will first provide you with a better understanding of what biomedical science entails. Next, we will list several courses, training opportunities, and resources you may use to study the subject.
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What Is Biomedical Science?
Biomedical science combines biology, medicine, social sciences, and chemistry for use in healthcare. This discipline is paramount to the understanding and treatment of diseases. As a student of biomedicine, you will study concepts like immunology, disease, and nutrition to treat human health concerns.
The relationship between medicine and science has a long history. The term biomedicine first surfaced in the early 1900s. But the field took off during World War II.
One of the first institutions for biomedicine, the Institute of Biomedical Science, was founded in 1912 in the U.K. This academy continues to publish work for the advancement of disease treatments.
What Are the Types of Biomedicine and How Are They Used?
There is a wide range of fields within biomedical science. Below is a list of some areas of expertise and what they are geared toward.
- Biomedical science using cell and molecular biology. This field has transformed biomedicine. It has even helped map the human genome. Cell and molecular biology are essential for genetic research of human diseases. Cell biology includes the study of DNA, RNA, and proteins and how these building blocks contribute to health.
Furthermore, this field is used for the improvement of crops and to study forensic science. This specialization is for students interested in careers in pathology, physiology, immunology, and criminal investigations.
- Biomedical science engineering. Biomedical engineering applies engineering concepts to the medical and healthcare field. It includes topics such as natural resources, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
This field uses engineering concepts to build equipment for health care such as artificial organs and surgical tools. Some of the contraptions built by biomedical engineers include kidney dialysis machines and advanced prosthetics.
Biomedical engineering has several different focuses to choose from. Some areas you can explore include computational biology, medical imaging, orthopedic bioengineering, and genetic engineering. You can even earn a biomedical engineering master’s degree online.
- Biomedical veterinary science. Those interested in veterinary biomedicine will learn about the biological processes of animals. The study investigates the cellular and molecular activities of animal systems.
Researchers in this field learn about diseases, genetics, and medicine. Subject areas include animal anatomy and physiology, avian diseases, molecular biology in animals, pathobiology, and nutrition for pets.
Veterinarians that know biomedical science have many career opportunities open to them, including those in animal research, management and nutrition, disease prevention, and technology.
- Biomedical science in mental and social health. Biomedical science includes the area of psychology too. Scientists in this field research mental and social health while implementing biomedicine concepts.
This interesting subject includes genetic counseling, social work, neuropsychology, and the development of pharmaceuticals. It informs the ever-changing world of psychology by taking into account genetic markers for the human psyche.
The goal of many in this area of biomedicine is to diagnose and treat mental illness. Scientists will sometimes use cutting-edge biomedical therapies like psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy.
Learning Biomedical Science
If you want to learn about biomedical science, then you can start by studying fields like biology, chemistry, sociology, and physics. Maybe a biology degree is the right fit for you? If you’re not sure what to study, don’t worry. There are plenty of bachelor of science degrees that will be helpful.
As mentioned above, the biomedical discipline includes a variety of fields. Each area has its own educational requirements. For example, to learn biomedical veterinary science you should study animal biology. Similarly, to learn biomedical engineering you need to take engineering courses such as physics and maths.
If innovation in medicine and biology excites you, then biomedical science could be a great fit. You can watch a video by Atousa explaining the basics and different types of biomedicine to help you narrow down your interest.
There’s also a host of courses and training offered online that will help you begin your journey in biomedicine.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Biomedical Science?
The standard biomedical science undergraduate degree takes about three years to complete. But the amount of time it takes to learn biomedical science depends on your foundation of the required subjects.
A biomedical science major includes subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and math. If you already have a background in these fields then you can complete your studies a lot faster.
Once you have decided to pursue a particular field, there are many courses available to help you. You may even choose to get a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree online. But you don’t have to get an advanced degree to be successful in biomedicine.
There are also courses, videos, and training that range from 15 minutes to a couple of hours per week to complete. It all depends on the speed at which you are comfortable learning.
How to Learn Biomedical Science: Step-by-Step
Begin your journey by using the step-by-step recommendations below.
- Learn the basics. To get started, study the basic subjects used in biomedicine. Those include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Find your field of interest. Research more to find a discipline that interests you. For example, you can choose cell and molecular biomedicine, biomedical engineering, or and forensics.
- Take the courses. Next, take courses relevant to your field of interest. Find some suggestions below
- Do exercises and practice tests. Solve questionnaires and test your knowledge on the subject to make sure you are retaining important knowledge.
The Best Biomedical Science Courses and Training
There are several resources available to learn biomedical science. You can use books, video tutorials, and more to learn. Listed below are some online courses and training you can choose from.
Free Online Biomedical Science Courses
There are plenty of online biomedical science courses for you to choose from. We have compiled a list of some of the best free online courses you can take.
Introduction to Biomedical Imaging
- Provider: edX
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
- Length: 12 weeks
This is an introductory course on biomedical imaging technologies and modern imaging modalities. This course is great if you want to learn about X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.
This course consists of video lectures and can be taken at your own pace. The course recommends dedicating four to five hours per week to your studies. You will be given short quizzes after every episode.
You can get a verified certificate upon completion of this course for $99.
Biomedical and Biological Sciences
- Provider: Youtube
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
- Time: Self-paced
Biomedical and biological science Youtube channels offer a collection of videos about biological techniques and principles. Those interested in biotechnology should especially check out this channel.
There are 21 videos that discuss the general principles of biomedicine. They cover topics like mitosis and the cell cycle as well as explanations of telomerase. Use these channels to test yourself about biomedicine.
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
- Provider: Coursera
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
- Time: 16 Hours
This course is aimed at people with engineering backgrounds interested in modern research and development. It teaches the basics and practical requirements of biomedical engineering and human-robotic systems. Concepts that are taught include engineering skills like MATLAB, microcontrollers, control theory, and electronics.
After the course, you will be able to design and analyze electrophysiology and electro-mechanical systems. Furthermore, you will learn how to code in Arduino. The course includes quizzes for you to test your knowledge.
You can also earn a course certificate. For that, you need a passing grade on each assignment and quiz.
Introductory Human Physiology
- Provider: Coursera
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
- Time: 16 Hours
This is an introductory course about human physiology. It covers concepts around body function like cells, tissues, and organs. The course has 10 independent units consisting of assigned readings, video lectures, and problem sets.
It is recommended that you spend five to seven hours per week on the course. You can earn a paid course certificate after passing.
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Introduction to Biomedical Research
- Provider: Alison
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
- Time: 6 -10 Hours
This is an introductory course to health research, measurement of disease frequency, clinical trials, and the ethics of research studies. It is meant for anyone interested in starting their career in biomedical research.
It will cover the key concepts and principles used in biomedical research. The course consists of video lectures and assessments. You can earn a paid certification if you score 80 percent or higher in each assessment.
Best Biomedicine Science Books
Another way to add to your knowledge about biomedicine is to read up on the issue. Below are Career Karma’s top book suggestions.
Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology– Russell K. Hobbie and Bradely J. Roth
This book is aimed at those with a background in physics and calculus. It covers advanced topics like biophysics, physiology, medical physics, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering. The course falls between introductory physics and applications of physics to life and biomedical science.
Understanding the Human Machine – Max E Valentinuzzi
This book answers the question, “What is bioengineering all about”? It consists of topics on physiology, signals, signal pickup, and biological amplifiers. You can practice what you learn through the provided exercises.
Biodesign: The Process of Innovating Medical Technologies– Paul G. Yock, Stefanos Zenios, Josh Makower, Todd J. Brinton. Uday N. Kumar, F.T. Jay Watkins, Lyn Denend, Thomas M. Krummel and Christine Q. Kurihara.
This book is a step-by-step guide to the field of innovation in medical technology. The authors are experts in the fields of medicine, engineering, and business. You can also learn about the recent trends of industry globalization and value-conscious health care. This will further help you get a better understanding of possible career opportunities.
Biomaterials: The Intersection of Biology and Materials Science– Johnna Temenoff and Antonios Mikos
This is an introductory biomaterials book taught in biomedical engineering. If you want to learn more about concepts regarding biomedical applications, biocompatibility, and tissue engineering, then this book is for you.
Best Online Biomedical Science Resources
There are many online resources you can use to further master biomedicine. Below are two of our favorite resources.
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
IBMS is a great online resource that offers a plethora of free journals on biomedicine. You can access many articles for some excellent professional guidance.
Malta Association of Biomedical Scientists (MABS)
MABS offers plenty of free resources you can use to learn biomedicine. They offer links to journals with their membership. You can also gain access to networking events and workshops.
Should You Learn Biomedical Science?
It is no secret that biomedical science programs have made significant contributions to the advancement of our health industry. Now you can help in the study of diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and diabetes by pursuing biomedicine.
Moreover, the field covers many life and natural science areas. So, it provides a wide range of career options. You may opt to work in forensics, the health profession, immunology, or various research labs.
Attending graduate school in biomedical science isn’t a must. Start your journey in biomedicine with a university-level of knowledge and experience.
Biomedicine will give you a chance to be a part of important research and innovations for the betterment of our species. What are you waiting for?
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Great article! Thanks for the kind words about our book.