Where do Researchers get the knowledge to do what they do?

[tjfloyd]

I have looked at the faculty of many Biomedical Engineering programs, and I have noticed that there are many professors that do research in like, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Biomechanics.. stuff like that.. But they have degrees in things like Biophysics and physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and even Aerospace Engineering. Most of them are just plain old physics Ph.D's.. Very few actually have Ph.D's in Biomedical Engineering. I know that the equations you learn in the Engineering and Phyiscs are different for medical applications than what is initially learned.. How do they get the knowledge to apply what they know to Biomedicine? For example.. Tissue Engineering.. How does a physicist know what to apply and how to apply it to Tissue Engineering? Do they take courses in it, or do they have to figure it all out themselves? Many biophysics programs have no classes that actually teach Biomaterials Science, or Biomechanics, or electrophysiology.. Biomedical Engineering programs do.. so what do the researchers do? Major in physics and minor in the engineering and take courses in the bioengineering? I am in a Biophysics program, and it says that it prepares the student for a career in biomedical engineering, yet it offers very little courses that can actually be used to advance into graduate biomedical engineering courses. How does this work? When you take classes, do you usually learn what the professors are researching?

 

[eyeofdivine]

Well I would have thought there is a set curriculum which you learn that gives you the basic knowledge you need to advance yourself further in that field.

As for a research post you would need further education i.e. masters or phd on the area you wish to research often many who do their masters disertations have to do a research project I can only tell you from a nuring aspect to be honest, that when you do a masters there you are expected to get ethical approval to conduct a research project in your choosen field of interest.

hope my post helps a bit sorry if it doesn't

 

[Choppy]

It can come from different sources.

Often, when doing interdisciplinary work, one begins by collaborating with others that have an expertise in areas of weakness. It also comes from reading a lot.

Alos, when you know how to solve a particular problem in one field, a similar approach can be used to solve a different problem in a different field.

 

[fasterthanjoao]

You teach yourself, and pick things up as you go along. If you see a physics PhD hired for a biomedical engineering position then it's extremely likely that their expertise is of some use in bioengineering. That's why they're of initial value to the department. Other than that, it's always possible to collaborate with people that do know about certain things - and you'll learn bits and pieces when you're writing papers together. You can then use that knowledge in future projects, when you're collaborating with others who can teach you about a further different area.

Any field of research is a real learning process: learning for the rest of your career, even if you stick to the 'one subject'.

 

[Matrix0]

Researchers in the field of biomedical engineering come from a variety of backgrounds, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. While they may not have a specific degree in biomedical engineering, they have gained the necessary knowledge and skills through a combination of education, research experience, and collaboration with other experts in the field.

Many researchers in biomedical engineering start with a strong foundation in a related field, such as physics or materials science, and then apply their knowledge and skills to the specific challenges and applications in biomedicine. They may also take courses or attend workshops and conferences to learn about the latest developments and techniques in the field.

In addition, researchers often collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines, such as biology or medicine, to gain a deeper understanding of the biological and medical aspects of their work. This interdisciplinary approach allows researchers to combine their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex problems and develop innovative solutions.

As for how researchers in biomedicine know what to apply and how to apply it, it is a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and trial and error. They may also consult with experts in the field, read research papers, and attend conferences to stay updated on the latest advancements and techniques.

In terms of coursework, researchers may take classes that are directly related to their research, but they also gain knowledge and skills through hands-on experience in the lab. It is not necessary to have a specific degree in biomedical engineering to conduct research in the field, as long as one has a strong foundation in a related field and is able to apply their knowledge to the specific biomedical challenges they are working on.

In summary, researchers in biomedical engineering gain their knowledge and skills through a combination of education, research experience, collaboration, and staying updated on the latest advancements in the field. They may also take courses and attend workshops to supplement their knowledge and skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the field allows researchers to apply their expertise to a wide range of biomedical applications.