Is Computational Systems Biology a Good Major for Engineering Grad School?

[accioquote]

I was wondering what are the general opinions on the field? I am a freshman physics major planning to switch to this major. I can basically pursue an emphasis on neurosystems, CS, molecular biology or bioinformatics. If I do end up majoring in CSB, I will probably double major with math or applied math. Would it still be possible to get into good graduate programs for engineering(EE/CS/BioE or even MechE?) Or would it be better to play it safe with a physics major? Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[TheKracken]

This sounds just like UCLA's program. Is it? If so, it looks like a very interesting program. You get a mixture of programming, engineering and math classes. You will also have a dose of chem, bio and organic chemistry. I am interested in hearing more of what others have to say. I suggest you inform others a little more of the curriculum, so they have an idea if it will prepare you or not.

 

[jedishrfu]

This is an emerging and very exciting field. It may be difficult at first to find a job because of its cross-disciplinary and specialized nature. However, I would go for it but ultimately the decision is yours to make.

 

[accioquote]

Yep, it is UCLA's program! It's actually a couple of decades old apparently. Well basically, you pretty much have almost the same lower div prereqs as physics, math, chem, life science and CS majors(lower div programming, o chem, upper div linear algebra, a bit of EE, basically all the classes without labs). The five pathways to pick subsequently are systems bio(bio heavy), bioinformatics(CS heavy), neurosystems(EE heavy), computers and biosystems(CS heavy) and biomedical systems(bioengineering/stats/math heavy). A senior year project is required.

Would it put me on level playing ground with other applicants for engineering grad school? I really am not very sure about my plans though unfortunately(what to do with life after undergrad). I would like to keep as many options open though. Like I mentioned though, I will probably be double majoring in applied math or math, depending on the time.

 

[accioquote]

^ Any thoughts on this?

 

[Pythagorean]

It depends on entirely what engineering grad school you apply to and whether you've contacted faculty and have research experience that fits their current research agenda.