What is Biomedical Engineering?

Professionals who have earned a mechanical engineering degree or a degree in a related discipline combine knowledge of engineering with biology and medicine to create solutions to problems in medicine and human health. Those who choose to specialize in biomedical engineering with their mechanical engineering degree also perform research on the biological systems of humans and animals. In fact, research and development makes up one of the largest activities within the discipline of biomedical engineering.

What Jobs are Available for Biomedical Engineers?

A professional who has earned a mechanical engineering degree online or through some other means may specialize in biomedical engineering to work in a hospital, a research facility, or an industry of some sort. As a clinical biomedical engineer, the professional with a mechanical engineering technology degree may ensure that safety standards are met for hospital medical equipment and may serve as a resource along with the IT department when products malfunction.

Biomedical engineers in research and development test and design any number of products. Some major accomplishments in biomedical engineering that have already been contributed to society are insulin pumps, artificial organs, lasers for eye surgery, and pharmaceuticals. Areas of continuing research include manipulating genes in order to cure various diseases.

Training to Become a Biomedical Engineer

An undergraduate mechanical engineering degree, an undergraduate electronic engineering degree, or an undergraduate biomedical engineering degree can qualify a professional for an entry-level job in biomedical engineering. Core engineering classes are completed first. For example, mechanical engineering degree students at Warren National University may begin with courses such as engineering-math, physics, and vector mechanics. Later courses focus on subjects more specific to biomedical engineering, such as properties and selections of materials and machine design.

Some prospective students with aspirations to work in biomedical engineering are choosing to earn a mechanical engineering BS degree online in order to maintain work and family responsibilities. Advances in technology have made it possible to earn a mechanical engineering degree online with many of the same conveniences of a campus classroom. College-Pages.com, the career and education resource, is one source of information that gives students access to extensive lists of available programs and education resources in a variety of fields, including mechanical engineering.

How Strong is the Job Market for Biomedical Engineers?

As of 2004, there were only 9,700 biomedical engineers working in the industry. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will see job growth of 27% or more through the year 2014. The aging of the American population along with the desire for cost-effective, high-quality medical equipment will increase the demand for biomedical engineers. The only drawback for those considering this specialty with a mechanical engineering degree is the tendency of many positions, especially in research and development, to require a graduate degree as opposed to most of the other 17 engineering specialties.

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What Does a Genetic Counselor Do?

After earning a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Social and Community Service, or a degree in another appropriate discipline, a genetic counselor usually works as a healthcare professional. Families with a birth defect or genetic abnormality in their history will often seek the services of a genetic counselor for advice concerning the risks of conceiving children. Genetic counselors may also provide information and support for patients at risk of inheriting a genetic disease. Scientific testing can determine whether the disease is present, and the genetic counselor can then interpret the results for the patient and provide support as needed.

Prenatal Genetic Counseling

One of the most common reasons patients will seek out the services of a genetic counselor with a Master of Science in Psychology or a Master of Science in Social and Community Service is to undergo testing for an unborn child. Again, scientific testing screens the genes of the fetus for any genetic abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, and Huntington’s Disease. The genetic counselor is responsible for explaining the results to the parents and helping them decide the appropriate course of action when necessary. If the news is bad, the genetic counselor can direct the family to appropriate community resources and offer counseling support.

Genetic Counseling for Adult-Onset Diseases

Another reason patients seek out a genetic counselor is to find out if a genetic condition or a genetic susceptibility to a disease exists that will later emerge in adulthood. The genetic counselor can first help the patient decide whether to be tested at all. In cases where the risk of an incurable disease is high, it can be best not to find out depending on the patient’s preferences and ethical principles. As public awareness of genetic testing increases, the genetic counselor must also be able to explain the concept of genetic susceptibility. Catherine Wicklund, MS, a genetic counselor in the OB/GYN department of the University of Texas Medical School, notes that just because a person is susceptible to a disease, such as Adult-Onset Diabetes, it does not mean that such a person is 100% certain to suffer from the condition.

Steps to Pursuing a Career as a Genetic Counselor

Students who wish to pursue a career in genetic counseling must first be certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. They must also earn a master’s degree in an appropriate discipline. Common degrees include a Master of Science in Psychology or a Master of Science in Social and Community Service. Many aspiring professionals are now choosing to enter distance education programs such as those designed by Capella University. The convenience and sophistication of numerous, innovative distance education programs are allowing students to access quality training anytime and anyplace.

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What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineering applies the disciplines of chemistry and biology to solving environmental problems. Environmental engineering science is concerned with the quality of air, water, and land for human health. The effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion on the environment is of particular concern to the professional in environmental engineering. An environmental engineering job may center on concerns such as water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.

Applying Environmental Engineering to Africa’s Water Crisis

As a continent, Africa has many natural lakes and rivers, but the safety of the water for human consumption is of particular concern. Water sources often cross country boundaries within Africa with no integrated system for managing water supply and sanitation procedures. For example, the country of Mali constructed a damn for the irrigation of rice, but no one knows how much water Mali can stop from flowing through the river into Niger without cutting off sufficient water supply to the people of Niger. In addition to political cooperation, use of environmental engineering science would help to create an effective water management system.

Applying Environmental Engineering to Africa’s Food Crisis

The food crisis in Africa is another problem that could be improved through the use of environmental engineering. Political leaders and the population must come up with strategies to combat environmental challenges that occur on a frequent basis. Common challenges include locust invasions of crops as well as crop losses to droughts. A professional with an environmental engineering job can analyze which crops grow best in the region and provide the most nourishment for the population. Environmental engineering is also needed to create more effective irrigation systems.

Required Education to Work in Environmental Engineering

All 50 states require a license to practice environmental engineering. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is required to meet the standards for licensure. Some students are choosing to earn an environmental engineering degree online through schools such as Kennedy-Western University. Courses consist of an environmental engineering introduction class, a thermodynamics course, and a variety of other relevant science and application courses.

Environmental engineering Africa firms exist mostly in South Africa. Other job opportunities for professionals interested in working with the issues facing Africa may also participate in think tanks or perform research. Prospective students may also contact Kennedy-Western University for information on a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, or a PhD in environmental engineering. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and education resources.

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What is Environmental Engineering?

Environmental engineering applies the disciplines of chemistry and biology towards solving environmental problems. Environmental engineering science is concerned with the quality of air, water, and land for human health. The effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion on the environment is of particular concern to the professional in environmental engineering. An environmental engineering job may center on concerns such as water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues.

Potential Career Paths in Environmental Engineering

A professional seeking an environmental engineering job may end up acting as a consultant to help companies and clients adapt to environmental regulations and clean up hazardous sites. Another environmental engineering job possibility is researching to analyze the impact of proposed construction projects. Environmental engineering science is also involved in the development of community water supplies and the effective treatment of wastewater. Finally, an environmental engineering job may apply scientific principles to combustion systems in order to reduce hazardous emissions that are released into the air.

Required Education to Practice Environmental Engineering

All 50 states require a license to practice environmental engineering. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering is required to meet the standards for licensure. Some students are choosing to earn an environmental engineering degree online through schools such as University of Phoenix. Courses consist of an environmental engineering introduction class, a thermodynamics course, and a variety of other relevant science and application courses. Earning an environmental engineering degree online can be a welcome convenience in the midst of a work schedule and family responsibilities.

Job Outlook for Environmental Engineering

Professionals entering the field of environmental engineering can expect to see job growth of 27% or more through the year 2014. The environmental engineering job market will increase in response to the need for compliance with environmental regulations. Environmental engineering will also be needed to clean up existing environmental hazards. The emphasis in the environmental engineering field is predicted to shift more towards prevention of problems rather than focusing solely on existing problems.

Prospective students who are interested in earning an environmental engineering degree online may contact Univesity of Phoenix for more information. University of Phoenix offers programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, a master’s degree in environmental engineering, and a PhD in environmental engineering. College-Pages.com is another valuable source of information with an extensive list of available programs and additional education resources.

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In order to obtain a bachelors degree in the sciences field, a student must already have earned an associates degree in the program of study and also have access to a lab. This is why for the few core sciences, online teaching can only be part of the education package. Some traditional schools offer physics courses online, but there aren’t any that have yet graduated to providing an entire degree program online.

There are online math degrees available as well. Most of them are offered by traditional schools that have developed online affiliates, as distance learning has become widely popular.

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