IDDD: Biomedical Engineering

What is the IDDD Biomedical Engineering program at IIT Madras?

Biomedical engineering is a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to develop medical solutions. It involves designing medical devices, diagnostic tools, and prosthetics, as well as advancing tissue engineering and imaging systems. Biomedical engineers collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and improve medical treatments, contributing to advancements in healthcare and quality of life.

The Interdisciplinary Dual Degree program in Biomedical Engineering is designed to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of biomedical engineering by integrating multiple engineering disciplines with biomedical sciences. The program aims to prepare graduates to immediately contribute to the industry while also fostering the development of new knowledge and leadership in biomedical engineering research and entrepreneurship.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any B. Tech student from IIT Madras, regardless of their discipline (not limited to Biotech department), is eligible to enroll in this program, given they meet specific academic criteria. The selection process involves evaluating applicants based on their academic performance and conducting interviews to assess their aptitude for the program. The CGPA cutoff is usually 8, but may vary with the number of students applying.

Curriculum and Courses

The program spans a period of the last two years of a five-year dual degree program. Five out of seven theory courses are flexible, in order to enable the students to choose from four major streams of biomedical engineering such as biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, image and signal processing and medical physics. This curriculum enables the students to explore diverse fields of biomedical engineering matched to the skills acquired as part of their UG curriculum. The interdisciplinary lab sessions in the curriculum range from circuit building exercises to cutting edge research-oriented experiments at various participating laboratories.

Some of the courses offered are:

• Physiology for Engineers
• Biomechanics
• Medical Materials
• Advanced BME Lab

A total of 157 credits have to be completed. The courses also involve 3 projects including a Summer Internship. Students can choose from various internship opportunities, including industry internships, international internships facilitated by exchange programs, and internships within Institute labs specifically designed for final-year projects. Industry collaborations primarily aim to advance indigenous products within the healthcare sector.

Collaborations

Several renowned universities have strong biomedical engineering research programs, some of whom collaborate with IIT Madras. Some of them are:

• Queensland University of Technology

• RWTH Aachen

Future prospects

A Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering offers promising future prospects. Graduates can pursue careers in medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, hospitals, and government agencies. With advancements in healthcare technology, there is a growing demand for professionals who can develop innovative solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering also allows for collaboration with experts from various fields. The field is expected to continue expanding, providing diverse and rewarding opportunities for Master's graduates.

To get more information on the program, visit here