/r/bioengineering
A place for experts, engineers, students, and anyone interested in all things bioengineering/biomedical engineering.
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A place for experts, engineers, students, and anyone interested in all things bioengineering/biomedical engineering.
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/r/bioengineering
Hello! I am currently a 3rd year bs ecology major in Texas, it's very similar to biology albeit some minor adjustments. I have been thinking about what I really want to do as of late. Currently I do not think I'd best satisfied with the pay I would manage to get with a simple BS in Ecology, at first I thought I don't mind the pay I'll do what I like. But in the end I asked if it's really all worth it for a low quality of life. My latest interests right now are bioinformatics and bioengineering as they seem to pay real well but also I love the stuff they're seeming to be doing. And I can still somehow work with animals to an extent it seems in this field.
What I'm asking is, is it possible for me to transition into this field for grad school. In the end I do want to do a PhD but I kind of have little to no research experience yet and my gpa is subpar(below 3. But I expect to end above it when I'm all done with undergrad). So it seems a masters is my best bet then do a PhD. But how likely is it that I can swap to this field with my Ecology BS, does anyone have any experience similar to where I am? It does seem to be a more math heavy field but it's stuff I'm willing to put in the effort to learn, currently learning the more computer science side of things on my own right now.
I have the following stats:
* WashU undergrad
* no GRE
* 3.85 GPA
* Mathematics & CS double major
* no pub
* 3 different research experiences, the last two explicitly related to imaging
* 8 grad classes in ML, AI, stats, and math
* graduating one semester earlier
* two conference posters
Applying to UCB-UCSF, Stanford, UCLA, UCSD, UW, WashU, Northwestern, Boston University, Northeastern, Georgia Tech-Emory, Emory (BMI program), Yale, Case Western University.
Im kinda nervous, but can somebody who has gone through a similar process give me an idea
also what is the diffrence anywhere i look there is a diffrent asnwer
I only ever really think of muscle as producing tension forces which means the only thing resisting the compression due to gravity being your skeleton and cartilage. Now that would mean that any increase in body mass (of any kind) directly increases the loading of the spine specifically. So naturally this would be a big problem of obese people (which Im sure it is) but equally of strength athletes. How can a 120+kg human pulling a 500kg deadlift still walk afterwards?
Why does a person sitting badly will end up with backpain but an athlete holding up heavy weights during training all the time will not? Generally it never seems like thin people experience less backpain than broad and big people which you would expect if every wrong sitting loads your spine with mutliples of your own bodyweight. 60kg vs 90kg BW should actually make a big difference - unless the size of our vertebrae really varies a lot between individuals?
hey guys,
so I graduated with a 3.8 GPA in biological sciences from a top science and research school. I studied bio because I thought I wanted to be a doctor (like most bio majors, lol), but very late in my college career, I realized I do not want to be in healthcare at all.
A few months ago I graduated with my BS and now I am thinking career wise, I want to go into biotech. I am mostly interested in the environmental and engineering side of biotech rather than the medical side. I don't have interest in prosthetics and such, I am more interested in biomaterials and products that involve how humans interact with the environment. Anyway, I am thinking I should probably get a MS in Bioengineering, and a part of me wants to get a dual degree with an MBA at the same time, since I want to lead a biotech company one day.
I've taken all the bio, chem, and physics classes, but I haven't taken Calc II, Calc III, or really any other maths besides Calc I and stats. What classes would I need under my belt to get into a Bioengineering MS program? Are there programs that would accept me now and let me take them while in the program? Or do I need to do these classes before?
In general, any help on making this transition would be greatly appreciated.
Hi everyone! I wanted to understand a bit the experience of an MD in biomedical research and some of the limitations in terms of understanding the material and participation in labs.
I know there are several MD's who participate in bioengineering research, but many of them have a phd in it as well. Do you believe it is beneficial to earn some sort of biomedical degree to participate in research or can MDs do enough?
I’ve got a final project in one of my classes that requires that I create a total elbow replacement, I’ve got little experience with Solidworks and idek how to even start creating the model ive got in mind. 😭
I am searching for any resources or citations that would assist me in studying such breakthrough in intricate details, as I am picking digital interference in protein folding as my science fair project. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Hey guys! For my current academic research, I am having some trouble finding mechanical material properties for some of my FEA simulations. Does anyone know of a database like matweb that can be used for mechanical properties of bone, skeletal muscle, asking, cartilag, etc? Thanks for your. Time!
Biodegradable bags, like BioBag, are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch. When composted properly, they break down into water, CO₂, and organic matter, enriching the soil with nutrients that support plant growth.
But here’s the catch: not all “biodegradable” bags are truly compostable. Look for certifications like ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to avoid bags that leave behind harmful microplastics.
Certified compostable bags are a great way to divert organic waste from landfills and support healthy soil. Have you tried them? Share your experience!
Which field is most in demand in the industry or medical field? What are the main differences between the two? Which concentration is better for industry professions (non-academia) right now?
As a sophomore biomedical engineering student, I dont know what I want to study, so any advice which will help me differentiate and pick a track would help a lot. Thank you!
AlphaFold established the relationship between (primary) protein sequence and its 3d structure. We already know the transition between DNA to protein sequence (via RNAs) so we currently have a functional pipeline from DNA to protein structure. Research is already exploring the relationship between protein structure and function: which will need to account for immunological impact, protein-protein interactions, and modifications. The ideal end goal being a complete pipeline connecting DNA space to the engineering of human health.
This would be very useful, but it's still in the realm of biotechnology. Going a step further we could conceivably engineer organelles to receive nm-scale signals from outside the body in the vein of light-activated transcription factors in optogenetics to turn specific genes on or off. Once the antennae was designed it could be "installed" using CRISPR to modify existing organelles. Our immune system would need to be upgraded to avoid biological hacking of this system. At this point though we'd be able to fully integrate with technology which is the only way (imho) that biology will be able to compete with its evolution. But don't take my word for it... 📚🌈
(I hate living in the past. 😮💨)
Biomedical engineers, how do you see the integration of engineering and biological science in the development of new cancer screening tests by Thermo Fisher and Mainz Biomed?
Hello, this is my first post here. I'm in my first year of university in a biomedical sciences program, which I'm trying to switch out of into some form of engineering. I've been trying to research online what careers use biomedical engineering (NOT sciences) degrees, and what they specifically do, but also what degrees are required for careers concerning artificial limb and organ development. A lot of what I've read on reddit from biomedical engineers centers around how those involved with designing and developing these kinds of products is done by mechanical or electrical engineers, rather than biomedical engineers (many of whom end up working in the medical industry, but in completely unrelated positions). On the other hand, YouTube videos by biomedical engineering postgrad students seem to indicate that these students conduct research within their universities in wet or dry labs, but don't really do a lot of design work or work involving the development of these products, just gathering and processing bio signals. Alternatively, job-searching websites like Indeed or Glassdoor seem to show an abundance of hospital-based biotechnician jobs, where you maintain and repair biomedical technology in hospitals. The problem is, while all these results are interesting in their own right, I don't want to any of these for my whole life, and every result on google or university program description about biomedical engineering describes it as exactly what it doesn't seem to be.
So, my question is this: What degree should I try to get in order to design and develop (or help developing) actual prosthetic-type products (artificial limbs, organs, biocompatible tissues, etc.), as opposed to extensively researching the body, maintaining hospital tech, or working in corporate positions at medical companies?
EDIT: THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE VERY INSIGHTFUL RESPONSES!!!!!!!! I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys this is very specific but does anyone know of a tissue engineered product that has all its (specific) manufacturing information disclosed? Or at least most of it (either in clinical trials or market)
Can someone explain to me how getting and applying for a masters degree works?
I'm a first year here, and I'm looking into possible options after graduation. My final goal is to work in the biomedical sector of engineering. I could go straight into an undergrad in biomedical engineering, since we have a general 1st year, but I was told by a lot of profs and alumni who told not do this. Our BME program is relatively new and "has the breadth but not the depth."
My current skillset is more geared towards bme(I have a good amount of wet lab experience), but I just started university, and I can work hard to learn all the mechanical engineering skills I need.
I’ve completed one semester of university so far, and I’m not happy with the path I’m on. I initially chose biology because I wanted to pursue medical school. However, after learning more about the realities of med school and the limited career prospects with just a biology degree, I’ve realized that this path doesn’t inspire me anymore.
I’ve always been passionate about computer science, math, and biology, and after researching, I discovered that biomedical engineering could be the perfect fit for me because it integrates all of these fields. Unfortunately, I can’t switch to a college that offers biomedical engineering until next year, as I’m an international student on a budget.
In the meantime, I’m hoping to take courses that align with biomedical engineering so I can make a smooth transition next year. This semester, I’m taking general biology with a lab, statistics, English composition, and a biology seminar. For next semester, I’m planning to take General Biology II, Calculus, Human Anatomy, and a required first-year program course.
Given my situation, I’m wondering:
Registration opens on Monday, and I have academic advising in two hours. Any guidance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
I am a senior at my high school and a member of my school's engineering pathway. This year we were encouraged to venture on our own and explore topics that interest us. I found the medical side of engineering to be interesting, and as such, decided to look into medical devices and diagnostics. I finally decided to focus on Valley Fever, as the number of reported cases in California have only been increasing. I want to create a proof-of-concept for a Valley Fever self-diagnostic. I have developed a few initial design concepts, which are shown in the survey I have provided below. Please, if you have time, consider filling out the survey and providing any feedback you may have on these designs. Your responses will help me gather valuable data, which will go a long way in helping me complete this project.
I'm did my bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India and currently have two years of work experience in hardware design. I'm preparing to apply for Master's in BME in Europe or the US. Is it a good bet? What are the career prospects? I'm primarily intrested in medical devices design, and something related to Neuroengineering if possible, as a career.
One of my statements for my graduate application is due tomorrow(Boulder); I could use some help and if you have a personal statement would really love to exchange notes/feedback and rip apart each others.
My writing isn't as sharp as it once was, and I am kind of spinning in circles.
Any biomedical engineering/STEM/neuro and Lit/english majors are welcome and appreciated.
Please let me know if you're interested <3
I am a Senior in bioengineering taking 2 bioengineering classes, biophysics and Organic chemistry. I currently am stuggling in all of these classes, by GPA is not the best (2.5) and i haven't gotten an internship yet despite me searching everywhere. I am trying to desgin and make projects on my own to showcase my skills outside of academia so i can substitute the bad grades, although i don't know if it will help me that much. I know Bioengineering is a niche field and requires you to preform academically and encourage to go to a grad school for better paying jobs.
However, i don't know what to do at this point, I feel academically challenged, but i really love this major so i don't want to drop and switch to something else (especially since tis too late to do so). So, i was wondering if there's any hope if you guys can give some advice, or the next few steps i could take post-graduation?
I want to prove myself and others that i am more than just my grade.
Hi, do you know how to define the term carbon footprint and explain how it can be calculated?
Sincerely, me
Hi, I missed my offer from Imperial college London, and decided to not redo my A-Levels and applied to the University of Queensland in Australia. I received a excellence scholarship for a 25% per year from Queensland, which were said only to be given to a few students each year. Going in to a top university was my dream since childhood and I worked really hard for it, however during preperation for my A-Level finals after receiving an offer my head went in the clouds and I didn't do enough work. I've been feeling pretty bad recently, regret, and lost. Here are some questions I have: Some family members told me the ranking of the uni doesn't really matter, is that true? Will I still be able to do good in the engineering field and get into top companies with Queensland written on my cv? Is the first degree (undergraduate) always more important than the later ones (masters, phd)? Do I still have a chance. Are engineering degrees in Australia good, practical? What about compared to the UK or US? Did I make the wrong choice and should have redone my A-Levels and go through UCAS again? Is Imperial a better choice? Is it hard to transfer from Australia uni to UK/US? And is it worth doing? Is their any advice for how I should walk my future path? Like what country should i go for a masters and phd in biomedical engineering? Should i get a degree in some other engineering field to broaded my knowledge span? What skills should i concentrate more on, that would help to thrive in the biomedical enginnering/ engineering in general field?
I am a senior in high school and am finalizing my major for university. I want to become a doctor, but for fear that this goal could change, I decided to go into biomedical engineering, so that I could support myself adequately even if I decided to not become a doctor in the future.
However, the people around me are telling me its an awful idea and I won't get a job after I graduate or that I'll have a hard time doing so. I have been told numerous times by the people around me including my family to pursue something in business or in computer science where I am much more likely to get a job after university.
Please provide me with advice and if you don't think I should major in biomedical engineering what do you think I should major in that will get me a job after university.
i really want to do research and pursue a phd. i have had summer internships, at relatively renowned universities. however, i do not have any publications and i'm not sure if my profile is good enough to get accepted for a funded phd. i am scared to apply for a phd and not getting any acceptance T.T
that's why i'm thinking of maybe applying for masters instead of phd. i know both degrees are quite different, but i just don't know what to do. and applying for both degrees at a university would probably not reflect well on my profile.
does anyone have any advice :(
I am graduating in December 2024 with a BSc and MSc in biomedical engineering and have 2 prior internships in process engineering in the food industry. I want to steer my career into process engineering or somewhere in that direction. Right now, I am struggling to find a job (I have applied to over 80 positions that I fit most of the qualifications) and would like to ask for advice on the job hunting, specifically what industries I should aim for and other job titles besides process engineering.
I know that I probably will not be able to secure an offer before I graduate, but I would ideally want one a few months after graduation. (Also, first time using reddit.)
I am currently studying biochemical engineering and want to do biomedical engineering as MSc. Is it a good choice or would it be smarter to go for something else?
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