<p>Anyone out there who is currently or already did pursue a biological/biosystems engineering major? Can you tell me what the courseload is like and in your opinion how difficult it is. I am a highschool senior and this major is very interesting too me but I am unsure about its difficulty.</p>
<p>well first 2 years of engineering is the same. You’ll need calc 1, 2,3, linear algebra, stats for engineers, calculus based physics, differential equations and a year of general chem. </p>
<p>Those two years are the gateway years, meaning those who survive are more likely to become engineers then those who dont Although the success rate for engineers is low in general because its hard. Since youre a bioE you’ll need to take ochem too. </p>
<p>After that, it depends on your programs because different schools have different reqs. I suggest that you do BioE for your masters though. Its a small market right now, so you may not find a job as easily as other engineers after graduation. </p>
<p>@ninjex
Is BioE more like Biotechnology?? Different than Biomedical Engineering , right?
And how can mam do BioE in masters(what bachelor program?) probably ChemE? </p>
<p>@Yahya123
Yes BioE involves more of the environmental side than the medical side. Things like hydrology, biofuels, pollution remediation… At least that is what it mainly involves at the few schools I’m looking at such as Clemson and UGA</p>
<p>@ninjex what would you suggest as a good undergrad degree other than ChemE because It really just doesn’t seem like something I want to do</p>
<p>@Yahya123 There is a lot of overlap between the two. The biggest difference is BiomedE specializes in medicine, while BioE is more of a general approach that can go into different things. Which one is better for medicine? Neither. You aren’t at a significant (dis)advantage either way since some the major is poorly defined. The program may be BioE but has the course prep similar to BiomedE. It depends on the school. </p>
<p>@supersmartgenius That depends on what you want to do. If you want to work with viruses, dna chips etc… ChemE can be a good route.</p>
<p>If you want to make prosthetics and the like, MechE is a good choice.</p>
<p>If you want to build devices like Mri machines, etc… ElecE and MechE are a good choice. </p>
<p>This is not to say another a different discipline couldn’t do the same things. These are just some things graduates in the respective field do. </p>
<p>One school I’m looking at offers a dual degree program awarding a B.S in biological engineering and environmental health science. Would that be an employable combination without getting a masters degree?</p>
<p>In the industry? Generally no. It might get you a job in a NPO though, but they don’t pay to well. </p>
<p>The largest challenge is the lack of specialization of BioE. In many schools, BioE majors take a hodgepodge of classes from various majors. They take some upper div biochem, Mech E, ChemE and Elec E courses. So while they know a little of each, they are too generalized to be employable. An employer would rather have a specialist. And that’s what Graduate school does, specializes. </p>
<p>This is not to scare you away from BioE, just be aware of the reality that awaits. </p>
<p>Here’s a good thread that does just that. </p>
<p><a href=“Avoid bioengineering, if you can! - Engineering Majors - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/222845-avoid-bioengineering-if-you-can.html</a></p>
<p>Albeit an old thread (first post was 7 years ago) It still has a lot of accuracy. </p>
<p>Biological engineering can be very different from biomedical. Many old agricultural engineering departments in universities have rebranded themselves as agricultural and biological engineering. Biological engineering is also called bioengineering by some colleges and biomedical engineering is called bioengineering by others. It can be very confusing. </p>
<p>In general, “Biological” engineers don’t have the same issues with employment with only a BS, as does a Biomedical engineer, if your looking at agricultural production, land and water resources, etc., and not medical.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thanks @Gator88NE that is the type of program I was looking at and as interesting as it is, I’ve decided I won’t be able to handle the math of engineering </p>
<p>@supersmartgenius </p>
<p>Than a degree in Agricultural and Life Sciences (for example, a BA or BS in Environmental Science) could be a better fit. Far less math. :)</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>