<p>Hey,
Im currently going to be a highschool Junior and
I want to take bioengineering in university.</p>
<p>As much as I would like to take biology,chemistry and physics, I can't because I am taking IB.</p>
<p>My problem: I HAVE to take chemistry, but I get to choose between biology or physics. This means I won't take either bio or physics throughout highschool. Which one should I give up if I want to go to bioengineering?
(somebody told me, to my surprise, that I should take physics because physics is hard to catch up to, but taking bio in university is not late)</p>
<p>I would have to agree with that person. I'm assuming that the bioengineering curriculum is filled with engineering courses, which use math and physics a lot, so it's very important that you have build a strong foundation in these areas. Biology courses are mostly about memorizing a bunch of facts and regurgitate on the exam.</p>
<p>Physics for sure. Physics in college is undoubtedly tough, so give yourself the edge and take it in HS. Biology can also be a challenge for some, but it is not mathematical in nature and is more of memorization (you should understand also), as steevee said. The classes bioengineers take are more in line with physics. Biology principles will be littered throughout the classes, but a lot of the work is using equations to solve complex problems, which is what you do in physics.</p>
<p>Some programs may require students to have completed a year of biology, chemistry, and physics. I think it usually is just three years of science. However, they usually say three years of biological/physical sciences meaning you take biology and then chem or physics or geology. You might want to take an online biology course depending on where you're applying.</p>
<p>Note: Don't freak out too much on this decision. Nothing is set in stone. So many people come from varied high school backgrounds to college and they manage. You will too.</p>
<p>I also agree that physics is more important.</p>
<p>Take for example Stanford's Biomechanical Engineering cirriculum. They expect the students to be able to start off by taking Physics 41 which is described as:
PHYSICS 41. Mechanics—Vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics,
work, energy, momentum, angular momentum; conservation laws;
rigid bodies; mechanical oscillations and waves. Discussions based on
use of calculus.</p>
<p>While I'm sure with hard work someone with little physics background could do well most students would have already taken similar things in HS putting you in a disadvantage.</p>
<p>superwizard, biomechanical e != bioe (usually)</p>
<p>Still, physics is more important for an engineer than biology. Especially considering that most of AP Bio (not sure about IB) is useless to any engineer even bioengineer -- only the molecular stuff would be important. Evolution, Ecology, and others are not of a great concern.</p>
<p>Physics is very important to a bioengineer (think of cell mechanics, molecular interactions, thermodynamics, etc...)</p>
<p>I should add that I'm a BME and I took AP Bio and non of it was too useful and general bio was not even required as a course and the AP credits didn't get me out of any class.</p>
<p>If you must learn about bio, you can do it on your own. General biochemistry, metabolism, and replication are some of the things that may be important. I remember wiki having even more information than what I learned in high school.</p>