DNA of Biological Engineering: An Engineering Discipline?*

A fundamental question is whether biological engineering will become a science-based engineering discipline (like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, etc.) or be a subject area where engineering is applied to biological systems. My conclusion, which is presented in this paper, is that biological engineering has the ‘DNA’ and rational structure to be a well grounded engineering discipline with a mature industry to support its graduates. Also, it is essential that biological engineers adopt a definition of biological engineering and use it consistently in all communications. To do otherwise will add to the confusion about biological engineering and continue to contribute to fragmentation.