The discussion centers around the differences between biological sciences and biomedical sciences, including their focus areas and potential undergraduate study paths. Participants explore the scope of each field, the relevance of various biological topics, and the structure of academic programs related to these disciplines.
Participants generally agree on the broad distinctions between biological sciences and biomedical sciences, but there is no consensus on the best approach to undergraduate study or the adequacy of programs that attempt to cover both fields.
Some participants note that the terminology and structure of biology programs can vary significantly between institutions, which may affect course selection and depth of study.
Students considering undergraduate studies in biological or biomedical sciences, as well as those interested in understanding the distinctions and overlaps between these fields.
Is there a field that I could study at undergraduate level that teaches both biological sciences and biomedical sciences/engineering?Andy Resnick said:I think that's generally correct: biology is concerned with all living things and their environment; biomedical science/engineering typically focus on those biological systems with relevance to humans (either health or technology, like biofuels)
That is probably a little too broad of a subject. Any program that covered [or attempted to cover] all of that couldn't go into any useful depth. Depending on what you find interesting, you can probably find a good program nonetheless.Priyadarshini said:Is there a field that I could study at undergraduate level that teaches both biological sciences and biomedical sciences/engineering?
Thank you!artfullounger said:Any general biosciences course will probably have some scope for various aspects of human biology and pathology. You will probably also have to study general mammalian and plant biology, and some ecological and evolution based topics on a general scale.
Biomedsci is just a specific subset of biosci. Generally if you're interested in human biology and medicine, a general biosciences course will end up having too much unrelated stuff (like I think most require at least 1 course in ecology in the US, although I don't know if this is an accreditation thing or just a common theme).
You'll probably end up doing more chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology in a biomedsci course (possibly specifically revolving around human biology and medicine bu not necessarily) whereas these would probably be somewhat more ancillary topics in a general biosciences course.
Consider why you're interested in any courses in the biological regime in the first place, and you'll probably find your answer quite quickly.
Do colleges offer biology as a course? Most places I've looked at have biochemistry, molecular biology, biological sciences and biomedical sciences.Choppy said:Typically it's best to start general and then get more specific as you refine your interests and recongize your own skills. So you might want to look for a biology program that allows for various streams of specialization in your upper years.
Priyadarshini said:Do colleges offer biology as a course? Most places I've looked at have biochemistry, molecular biology, biological sciences and biomedical sciences.
I meant a biology "program". Thanks, I'll look into it!Choppy said:First year biology is a fairly common course. It's commonly required for medical school admission, so about 95% of first year science students tent to take it.
Or do you mean a biology "program?" In that case, the label may vary, but again, I would imagine that it's fairly common. Start by looking through the course requirements of the programs that you're interested in. Despite different program names there will be a lot of overlapping coursework. Then you can make choices based on the courses that you would be taking.
epenguin said:Purpose of question? General or maybe you are thinking of your not distant future choices?
If latter tell us whether you have a wide choice of University or similar Institutions to apply to.
How soon? Do you have to make choices of Course/Department etc. soon and how much flexibility to switch around later?
Thanks!artfullounger said:you'd prob want to start in biosciences of those 4, but assuming you're in the US, you can always just start taking biology classes in freshman/sophmore years then make up your mind after when you have a better idea anyway (and access to the university/department advisors)