Best Undergrad degree for Biomedical engineer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the best undergraduate degree for pursuing a career in biomedical engineering, particularly for a student currently majoring in civil engineering. Participants explore the implications of different engineering disciplines on future research opportunities within various subfields of biomedical engineering, including interests in biochemistry and biomechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to switch from civil engineering to a major that aligns more closely with biomedical engineering, specifically mentioning an interest in chemical engineering despite their current school not offering it.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of major should align with the specific subfield of biomedical engineering that interests the individual, noting that mechanical engineering can lead to specializations like orthopedic biomechanics.
  • A participant inquires about the best undergraduate degree for specific areas within biomedical engineering, such as neuroengineering and genetic engineering.
  • One response encourages the original poster to consider their interest in chemistry-related bioengineering fields and suggests pursuing that path if it aligns with their goals.
  • Another participant advises looking into graduate program requirements, indicating that taking relevant electives in biology and chemistry could be beneficial.
  • A participant shares their background in mechanical engineering and a PhD focused on biomechanics, indicating a successful transition into a biomedical engineering-related field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best undergraduate major for biomedical engineering, with no consensus on a single path. Some emphasize the importance of aligning the major with specific interests, while others suggest flexibility in course selection to meet graduate program requirements.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of subfield alignment and elective courses, but there are unresolved questions regarding the impact of different undergraduate degrees on specific research opportunities within biomedical engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition to biomedical engineering from other engineering disciplines, particularly those interested in the intersection of engineering and biological sciences.

Mddrill
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Hi, I am currently a junior in college majoring in civil engineering. I want to switch my major so I can get into a ph.d program for biomedical engineering. I've read the three best majors to get into biomedical engineering are electrical, mechanical, and chemical. Chemical engineering sounds very interesting and I think as a biomedical engineer I would be more interested in projects involving biochemistry vs making AED's or prosthetic limbs, but my school (Florida Atlantic University) does not offer chemical engineering as a major, so I would have to transfer to a different school where I wouldn't know anybody, and I don't think I would be able to get in until next spring so I don't know what I would do until then.

Will the undergraduate degree I choose have a large effect on what type of research I am able to do as a Biomedical engineer?
Should I look into transferring to a different school? or just go with mechanical or electrical engineering for my undergrad degree?

Thank You
 
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There are different subfields of biomedical engineering. Some are closer to mechanical or electrical or chemical. Choose a major closest to the subfield that seems most interesting to you. My wife has a Mech E undergrad degree and specializes in orthopedic biomechanics. Google up some biomechanics journals, it's a lot more than artificial limbs.
 
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What would be the best undergraduate degree for neuroengineering? What about genetic engineering?
 
To me, you seem to be interested in the more chemistry-related bioengineering fields, so why not go for that?
 
Look into graduate programs to see if they list their requirements. You may be able to take some biology and chemistry courses as electives and satisfy the requirements.
 
My degree is mechanical engineering, but my PhD focused on biomechanics.
 

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