<p>Hi everyone! I am currently in the process of deciding where to go for college and one of the major questions that I am encountering is "what is the difference between biological and biomedical engineering?" I had originally intended to major in biomedical engineering because I have often heard that it serves as a great background for medical school. However, some of the schools which I applied to and have been accepted to do not offer a "biomedical engineering major" (mainly Cornell). </p>
<p>Are these to majors similar enough that what I learn will not be too different or are they entirely different fields? Also, do you think that a major in biological engineering at Cornell with a minor in biomedical engineering is close enough to a strictly "biomedical" program?</p>
<p>Thanks for any input or information, I appreciate it greatly.</p>
<p>The Cornell degree you are speaking of is actually “Biological and Environmental Engineering” which is more akin to biosystems engineering at other schools. This degree deals with water and ag land usage, impact, and how to meet the growing demand of the world’s food supply, as well as housing needs, without having a large environmental impact.</p>
<p>Biomedical, however, focuses on the creation and applications of medical diagnostic and drug delivery devices/methods. Which is probably more inline with the medical school route you are looking for.</p>
<p>IMO, either would be a better education than the normal biology, english, whatever gets me a 4.0 route med student usually take.</p>
<p>Also note, that the Chemical Engineering section of the Cornell website states;</p>
<p>“Students interested in bioprocess engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical processing, and other biologically oriented areas of expertise will find a well-designed curriculum of courses that will satisfy those with career aspirations in the life sciences.”</p>
<p>So, I’m willing to bet you can structure the curriculum within this major to get the education you are looking for.</p>
<p>Thanks Japher, that really helps in clarifying things. So then it would be better to go to Cornell with a Biological engineering major and try to construct a program that’s as close to biomedical engineering as possible rather than going another strictly biomedical program, such as the one offered by Boston University?</p>
<p>Any other comparisons/info are much appreciated and thanks again.</p>
<p>Cornell doesn’t offer a biomedical engineering major for undergraduates, but Cornell offers a biomedical engineering minor. Just visit Cornell’s website for their department of biomedical engineering for more information.</p>
<p>I didn’t say that. I have no idea what is better. However, if you have you heart set on Cornell, but are going to turn it down because of the major, I would look into the ChemE biomedical option and figure out what that is all about first. However, if you could careless about the school and really want the degree I would go to where I could get the degree. In my mind, BU is comparable to Cornell and would be a nice option to have.</p>