Hi, so I need a little guidance on choosing my major. Im stuck between Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering vs Bioengineering. What really interests me is tissue/protein/genetic engineering, or manipulating genes or anything to do with artificial organs. I want a hands on experience and the ability to create new things but I really want to focus on the human side to it. I’m more into computer softwares and graphics than traditional mechanical design and I’m in love with lab coats and laboratories. Though Math doesn’t come naturally to me, I’m able to get through Calculus with some hard work. I don’t like learning about production or selling and I don’t want to create any new lab equipment/devices. Any thoughts on which major I should go for?
(Current BME)
Out of those two majors, BME is more closely aligned to your current interests than ChemBE.
ChemBE is very close to a traditional ChemE degree and focuses more on process analysis, chemical kinetics, dynamics, transport, etc. ChemBEs do take biology courses, but their core coursework is more chemical. BME focuses on applying engineering principles to biological problems - you’d take classes in biological modeling, signal analysis, and systems biology. You can choose to concentrate in cell tissue engineering which allows you to take classes in the stuff you’re interested in.
HOWEVER you can also study genetic engineering by majoring in Biology - you may find that easier since you claim that math doesn’t come easy to you.