<p>How possible would it be to switch from biology to biomedical engineering?</p>
<p>We were told that it’s much easier to switch out of engineering than into it, because the vast majority of courses in engineering occur in a sequence and it’s hard to catch up if you didn’t start that sequence as a freshman. It may depend on the courses you’ve already taken.</p>
<p>Why not contact the engineering school and find out?</p>
<p>This is true everywhere. For example, at Brown, one of the few major universities with even fewer mandatory requirements, you’re told up front that engineers have a lot of requirements and that these start in freshman year.</p>
<p>As the previous posters have said, it’s much easier to switch out of BME instead of in to it.</p>
<p>The biggest barrier to switching is the required math. BMEs are required to take the full calculus/linear analysis sequence (4 courses starting freshman year) and to take calculus-based physics during their freshman year. Until you’ve completed the math & physics classes, you can’t take the BME cores like Fluid Dynamics, Thermo, System & Circuits, Advanced Computation, etc.</p>
<p>Bio majors have no math requirements and generally don’t take physics until their junior year–and then take non-calculus physics.</p>
<p>One option you may want to look at is the Biotechnology Certificate:</p>
<p>[University</a> of Rochester: UPBM Certificate Program in Biotechnology](<a href=“http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/UPBM/majors/upbmcertificate.htm]University”>http://www.rochester.edu/College/BIO/UPBM/majors/upbmcertificate.htm)</p>
<p>offered by the Biology Dept. It combines microbiology with computer science to give special training to those getting a Bio degree.</p>
<p>Another option is to get your Bio degree, then do a MS program in BME. There are some graduate programs that do take non-engineering students. But you will have to have the math and calc-based physics completed before applying. And because you have coursework to make up, your program will take 1-2 years longer than normal.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I would be starting in th fall as a freshman. Can I switch into it before I attend?</p>
<p>You don’t have to declare your major until the end of your sophomore year, so of course you can switch! </p>
<p>During Freshman Orientation (a week during the end of August), you will be assigned an Academic Advisor. He or she will help you choose courses that will go towards a BME major. Additionally, students can eventually get an advisor who works in their department of interest. I believe engineering students are matched with an engineering faculty member early on…</p>
<p>If you’re starting in the fall, you don’t pick classes until you get there, so …</p>
<p>
That may not be true, though, since Rochester does have a School of Engineering, and the OP has been accepted to Arts & Sciences.</p>
<p>I suggest that you call the admissions office, and perhaps the dean at the engineering school, and ask them. That way you will have a definitive answer.</p>
<p>Good point. Spoke without thinking about the different schools. </p>
<p>Most places allow transfers pretty easily, especially before school begins.</p>
<p>Generally, transfers are pretty easy before school begins, but I’d be concerned about a major like BME - some schools (like Johns Hopkins) require separate applications for it.</p>
<p>redsoxfan, call the school on Monday and ask.</p>