What branch of engineering is this?

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>I just finished my first semester in mechanical engineering at a state university, and I'm looking to transfer for next semester for several reasons, with the biggest reason being that I'd like to be in a city. </p>

<p>For the most part, I liked my studies this past semester, especially the physics part of it. At this time in the game I'm not sure what in engineering I would like to focus on in the future, but today I read a really interesting article in Time Magazine about a doctor by the name of Dr. Mani Menon, who pioneered many accomplishments in robotic surgery. If stuff like this interests me - stuff like the use of robotics and engineering to directly help lives, would a major in mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics be what I should pursue? Would a minor in robotics (or is this more related to biomedical engineering?) be what I'm looking for? </p>

<p>I guess I'm just not really sure what I'd like to focus on in engineering, and I'd like to have an idea of where I'm headed as early as possible (although of course you can't rush these things!). The biggest purpose I want to serve with my education is to help people, whether at the individual level or as a whole. I've been thinking about looking into sustainability and clean energy, but lately I've been having second thoughts. This article about Dr. Menon's techniques in robotic surgery really heightened an interest in me that I didn't know I had. </p>

<p>So the underlying question is: does anybody have any input as to how robotics and biomedical engineering are related and how they are different? Based on what I've said, which seems to be a better fit for me? Is a major in mech E and a minor or a focus in one of these two fields a good decision that will open up many opportunities for me (in case my interests vary in the future)? Or should I just major in mech engineering without a minor because it is so broad, and then focus in on what I want later on? What is the smart combination of major and minor for somebody with these interests? </p>

<p>Also, I am looking at possibly transferring to Northeastern University or Boston University. The campus and co-op at NU is striking to me, but on the other hand, would the medical school at BU be very handy for a biomedical engineer? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance! I welcome any input you guys have! And sorry for the lengthy post!</p>

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<p>Robotics, a.k.a, (as I should really address it more broadly) artificial intelligence, is extremely broad and deep.</p>

<p>Don’t limit yourself seeing robots (or again, I am referring to A.I.) mechanical and physical.
First, it’s great that would like to do something in future meaningful, rather than just doing it for money. </p>

<p>IMO, if you want to get into the biomedical side of A.I, it’s better to background in either computer engineering or mechanical engineering, and then pursue bio-related at graduate level. </p>

<p>I have mentioned this several times on this forum about me reading the ACM magazine. I am a computer engineering student. ACM is an organization for CS and CpE majors. Anyway. I read their magazines, especially the student edition (XRDS, I think), and in the last two volumes they mentioned bio-related A.I. One is about converting cells such as E. coli into robots. Throughout the discussion you will see basic logic terminology such as AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR gate, just to name a few. </p>

<p>Of course, if you decide to pursue BME, you probably will study logic (switch / digital system) and circuit class. In our school it’s called Bioelectrical Circuits with Laboratory. I haven’t look into BME programs from other famous schools yet. </p>

<p>As far as minor, if it takes an extra semester or two, try to convince yourself that you are probably better off with a graduate program to further your knowledge. </p>

<p>I think the real advantage of having a traditional engineering major as a background is to have a backup. You might not like the bio-study in a year or two, but it would be quite late to switch to another major unless you want to spend extra few semesters. I know people tell you that majority switch major at least once. But consider that if you are already a junior, and you want to switch major? Ha… and plus, program varies from school to school. For some schools switching majors are very difficult.</p>

<p>Also, having a solid background in ME / CpE probably can open more jobs (and roles) in the future even if you continue with the BME path. This means higher potential salary.</p>

<p>Just my student-bigot point of views. I am sure the engineers have better ideas.</p>

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<p>stay with basic engineering. be it EE or ME
If you are interested then be sure that you can do some machining/fabrication, programing, and electronics. DS does bio robotics. Never taken a college course in biology or bioengineering. He really dislikes biology and blood; but give him some wires, metal and parts then he’s got a contraption. If none available, then he’ll make it.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input guys! I think I will stick with a ME undergrad, so I can have a wide spectrum of options after graduating. And I do intend on pursuing graduate school, so I’ll definitely narrow down the scope of my studies at that time because by then I will definitely know what I want to do.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Hmm, probably the more electronics and computer stuff you study the better. If you don’t happen to land a job in a company that specializes in this, you may need a graduate degree (with projects/research/etc.) in this area.</p>