<p>Ok, I came into college as a biology major mainly because it was the only science I was intimately exposed to throughout high school. I liked it the most out of all the subjects, math coming in a close second. But I've always had my doubts and reservations about biology and when I finally took an intro physics class (required for pre-med) I absolutely loved it. It was a science that incorporated a lot of math and theory mixed with lots of experimentation. Basically, it was something I've wanted to study all along!</p>
<p>But, it's just too late to switch majors and the absolute best I can do at this point is minor in it (and that's only if I plan it perfectly). I have little to none college mathematics experience (AP BC Calc credit) and I'm pretty sure I have forgotten most of that.</p>
<p>The point of this is that now I want to study physics/engineering but I have no real experience in that field at all (save the intro physics class). So I searched some of the top grad schools and most of them require a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field in order to apply! I feel like I wasted so much time in college studying something that (although I still enjoy) isn't at all what I actually want to do. That requirement pretty much shoots down any chance for me to study physics/engineering, right? Is there anything at all that I can do to get me on the right track?</p>
<p>With all due respect, if you haven't taken any college math up to this point, then either you're not good at it or you're not interested in it. Also, if you took the pre-med physics class, it was most likely not the calculus-based physics class required for all engineering majors. For these reasons, you really aren't in a position to evaluate if engineering is the right major for you. Take calculus and the first physics class (Mechanics) and see where you stand after that. If you still want to do engineering, then just take as much math and physics as you can until graduation and apply to MS programs in engineering. It will take you some time to catch up, but by no means are you ever too far behind to study what you want.</p>
<p>"With all due respect, if you haven't taken any college math up to this point, then either you're not good at it or you're not interested in it. Also, if you took the pre-med physics class, it was most likely not the calculus-based physics class required for all engineering majors. For these reasons, you really aren't in a position to evaluate if engineering is the right major for you. Take calculus and the first physics class (Mechanics) and see where you stand after that. If you still want to do engineering, then just take as much math and physics as you can until graduation and apply to MS programs in engineering. It will take you some time to catch up, but by no means are you ever too far behind to study what you want."</p>
<p>Thank you for your help. I completely understand where your coming from. I'm hitting my forehead on the table for not taking at least a couple of math courses during my college career (yes, i am interested and have a natural knack for it). I was so caught up on the pre-med track and some other random electives that I completely lost sight of this. Horrible planning on my part. As for the physics class I took, I can say that it definitely involved a good amount of calculus though I, as you stated, am in no position to say whether that was a little bit or a lot compared to a 'real' class like Mechanics.</p>
<p>Suppose everything goes as planned and I get the MS in Engineering. Is it then possible to go for a PhD program or am I at a dead end with the MS? I just want to know what my options are at this point.</p>
<p>Secondly, I want to know specifically what physics and math courses I need to take for grad schools to even consider me. I have little time left in college, and need to use that to the fullest (in terms of courses), so any help would be greatly welcome. Most of the grad schools say that they require a "substantial amount" but I have no idea what that entails.</p>
<p>At the minimum, you should take the following classes:
Calculus I (Differential Calculus)
Calculus II (Integral Calculus)
Calculus III (Multivariable and Vector Calculus)
Differential Equations
Physics I (Mechanics)
Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism)
Physics III (Modern Physics)
A couple of electives in some area of engineering, e.g. circuits and signal processing for EE</p>
<p>If you're heading into your senior year, I don't think you have any other option but to delay graduation by a year and take a lot of classes, since applications are due in December or January and would not include your last one or two semesters. A sample schedule could look like this:
The rest of this summer - review all of AP Calculus BC, which shouldn't be too hard
Fall 2005 - Calculus III, Differential Equations, Physics I
Spring 2006 - Physics II, Physics III, intro engineering class
Summer 2006 - 2 intro engineering classes
Fall 2006 - turn in applications for MS programs, take more engineering classes</p>
<p>By the time you turn in your applications, you should have all the basic classes taken (with very high grades) as well as some research experience. Explain in your essay that you're interested in engineering and that you're willing to make up deficiencies in your background. You should be able to get into an MS program, perhaps a weaker one to start with, but you could then apply to top PhD programs after that. Also, try to talking to some engineering faculty at your school, preferably ones that are on their department's graduate admissions committee, and ask for their advice.</p>
<p>What kind of MS in engineering do you want to do. If it's BioE, your biology background will surely help. </p>
<p>Definately get through DiffEQs and Physics I/II ...Mechanics and E&M. </p>
<p>If you can get some Engineering classes, do. Dynamics and then Mechanics of Materials if you are thinking the ME-Mechanics type of route, Thermo and fluids would be great for BioE.
if EE, at minimum a basic circuits class and one other. </p>
<p>DO RESEARCH, try to get into an engineering lab. Which is very possible with your biology background, as research is becoming more and more interdisciplinary. This is huge for grad school. </p>
<p>I'd see if your school has an interdisciplinary type of Engineering degree. I know some do, where basically you have to take a minimum number of Engineering classes, never as many as a strict ME, EE, etc...department. I had many friends wanting to do BioE before my school had an undergrad program, so they'd take 70 credits in engineering and 50 in biology/chemistry/etc...That way maybe in two years you could have an engineering degree.</p>
<p>I would say stay at minimum one extra year, two if you can. Pack as many of these classes in as you can. if you can stay two and get through most of a Junior year of engineering and have research, it would be good.</p>