Last Updated on December 14, 2022
Neural engineering is the hypothesis that it will be possible to interface brains with computers and make people smarter. There are already several groups worldwide working hard on this concept. Having researched extensively for neural engineering requirements, did you discover all you need to know? Don’t worry. We have the information you need on neural engineering graduate programs and how to get into neural engineering.
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neural engineering requirements
The bioengineering field includes many disciplines, each dealing with specific functions of the body and how to manipulate specific systems. Choosing a career path in bioengineering can require specific training and skills, especially in a discipline as technical as neural engineering. Understanding what neural engineering is and how to pursue it as a career path can help you determine if you want to dedicate time to education and training in the field. In this article, we discuss what neural engineering is, describe the duties of neural engineers and explore the basic career requirements for becoming a neural engineer.
What is neural engineering?
Neural engineering, or neuroengineering, is a biomedical engineering discipline that studies and manipulates the body’s nervous system. The nervous system consists of the brain, spine, sensory organs and nerves. Neural engineering applies the fundamentals of engineering to medical science, combining the two disciplines to better understand, repair and manipulate human nervous systems. This might include curing neurological disorders or enhancing the human nervous system with bio-engineered components.
Read more: What Is an Engineer?
What do neural engineers do?
Neural engineers spend a significant amount of time in laboratories researching and developing new tools and treatments. Here are some of the core duties of a neural engineer:
- Study neurological disorders: Neural engineers research the nervous system, nervous system disorders or diseases and neurological enhancements. Their research often supports the development of new medications and provides insight into how the human mind operates.
- Develop robotic systems: Neural engineers help develop robotic systems that mimic the neurological abilities of the human nervous system. This advanced field of study combines technology and biomedical science, requiring advanced education and training in both disciplines.
- Create models of neurological activity: Neural engineers create 3D models of neurological structures and activities using computer software. These models help them study neurological activity without invading a patient’s nervous system and allow them to collect data, predict trends and discover new information about neurological processes.
- Engineer biomedical technology: Engineers help design new biomedical technology and study the link between technology and neurology. For example, a neural engineer might help develop a bionic limb that responds to neurological stimulation.
neural engineering graduate programs
Applications in neural engineering
The field of neural engineering contains many disciplines, each with its own distinct application in medicine and engineering. Here are some common applications and disciplines in neural engineering:
Neural imaging
Neural imaging is a discipline of neural engineering and neuroscience that helps researchers map the brain using 3D images. These images act as references for physicians and researchers to better understand the basic structure of the nervous system and any disorders that might affect it. Using special technology and software, neural engineers can create incredibly accurate images of the brain, spine, nerves and even neurons.
Neural interfaces
Neural interfaces are advanced technological tools that connect neurological pathways with external devices. Engineers help design, test and develop these systems. They also research their efficacy and practicality. Doctors use neural interfaces for patients with special conditions to restore certain motor or cognitive functions. For example, someone with Parkinson’s disease might regain mobility or speech with a neural interface.
Neurorobotics
Neurorobotics is an emerging field that focuses on replicating the neurological systems of humans in robotics. This includes things like muscle memory, reflexes, speech patterns, memory and other neurological functions. Engineers study how the body’s nervous system works and how to transfer those functions into a nonliving machine. Engineers often assist with the design and building processes for these machines and often oversee their maintenance.
Neuromechanics
Neuromechanics is a discipline that focuses on studying the science of movement and how the nervous system controls the musculoskeletal system. Neuromechanics helps physicians and researchers understand locomotion in humans and how certain injuries, disorders or other disruptive behaviors and trauma can affect movement. Engineers may also help develop neuromechanical tools like movement aids or software for tracking and mapping patient movement.
Neural prostheses
Neural prostheses are devices that help restore some level of neurological function to those who have lost it. These can be external or internal pieces of equipment, such as a dorsal column stimulators. These advanced prostheses attach to the spine and allow patients to control their pain levels, tremor, spasticity and rigidity with a remote control. Engineers research, design, create and maintain these devices and teach other medical professionals how to use the device.
Related: The Best Engineering Jobs
Neural enhancement
Neural enhancement is the targeted augmentation of specific neurological functions, such as cognitive abilities, movement or biochemical processes. Engineers study how the nervous system benefits from enhancements, how patients respond and what enhancements are outside the realm of current technology. For example, engineers might develop a hearing aid that relies on electrical impulses from the brain to enhance a person’s hearing.
how to get into neural engineering
Common neural engineering career requirements
The following are important career requirements for neural engineering:
Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or engineering
Nearly all neural engineers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, engineering or similar disciplines. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college allows you to build foundational knowledge in engineering and biomedical sciences. Many engineers hold a master’s degree or higher in their field, but an advanced degree requirement may vary according to the position. In order to gain an internship, volunteer work or the FE and PE licenses, engineers must hold a bachelor’s degree or be currently studying in a bachelor’s program.
Advanced education
Neural engineering positions often have a higher educational requirement than other biomedical engineering positions. As an emerging applied science, this field requires a significant depth of specialized education. Universities are quickly developing programs in the field, and a Master of Science in neural engineering can give you the appropriate education and credentials. If you’re interested exclusively in research positions, however, you may want to pursue a doctorate in neural engineering.
Internship
Many employers in neural and biomedical engineering require some industry experience. Internships provide a good opportunity to gain this initial experience. These may be paid or unpaid, but they all provide direct, practical engineering experience and the chance to work alongside an experienced engineer. The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) offers many internship and volunteer programs for gaining experience in the industry.
FE license
Engineers typically hold an FE, or Fundamentals of Engineering license from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) also offers licensure. A Fundamentals of Engineering license proves you have foundational knowledge of engineering and can practice the discipline in a work environment. Prospective engineers take a written exam to get their FE license, but each state has different licensing requirements for engineers. Be sure to check local guidelines.
Related: FAQ for Engineering Technicians
PE license
Engineers return to their place of licensure after meeting specific criteria to complete the PE, or Principles of Engineering exam. This exam requires a four-year degree, completion of the FE exam and at least four years of training under a licensed PE. The exam determines your proficiency in engineering principles and tests your industry knowledge. Passing this exam allows you to apply for an engineering license and practice in your state.
