What courses/major to get involved with genetic engineering?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

Hey,

I am currently a 1st year undergrad at UVa. I just declared as a BME major. I started to think about my minor, and realized, I hadn’t really considered what my BME focus would be as my major. I am most interested in tissue engineering (which UVA has a predetermined focus for so I do not have any questions about that focus) and genetic engineering, which there is not really much information on for my school. I wanted to ask anyone who might know anything about working in the field, if a masters is required and what courses best prepared you for that career. Honestly, any opinions or anecdotes about this field would be great.

Also, if you care to know, I am interested in this field because I truly believe genetic modification is among the top five most pressing issues to humanity.

THANKS FOR ANY AND ALL HELP !!

2

Genetic engineering might have “engineering” in its name, but it isn’t engineering in the traditional academic sense. Genetic engineering refers to, as you know, the modification of genes and genomes. It is an aspect of molecular/cell biology and biochemistry, not engineering. If you really want to be involved in genetic engineering, the best way to go about it is a degree in molecular/cell biology or biochemistry.

That said, some areas of BME also involve genetic engineering.