Best Engineering Field?

[magomago]

Question:

I'm torn between BME and ChemE. I go to UCI (maybe someone here goes there )

and i'm a first year, but I really like all the dieas and stuff of BME and how pimp it is....but I'm HORRIBLE at physics. Seriously- its such a difficult subject for me. I spent 7 hours and get 4 out of 25 problems done in the homework. However on the same note, Chemistry is fun 2 me, and I raelly enjoy it a lot.

but for a profession I thikn I'd have more "fun" doing stuff that pertains to Biomedical Engineering, but a lot of people have told me it invloves a LOT of physics... :\

What should I do? Do something that is easy for me (like that one post by the phd man is like now i want ChemE!), but something I enjoy (But I abhore physics)

is BME really as physics intensive as its made out to be ? Thanks

 

[GoSharks]

i dont really thing physics has very much to do with BME. where i am at, Johns Hopkins, we only take the standard one year physics course set and nothing else relating to physics. There is a lot of bio and chem related classes that i will need to take though.

Our basic BME courses are:
Soph year:
Molecules and Cells
Signals and Systems (EE kinda stuff)
Junior year:
Physiological Foundations (think slimmed down med school).

everything else is just dependant of what you really want to study in the field of bme.

 

[magomago]

ooh....i wanna see if there are any other BMEs out there to confrim it B/c I keep hearing the opposite, but if its really like this...and i can concenrate on the more chemistry aspect of it...

 

[RabidMongoose]

The BMEs at my undergrad school didn't really take many physics intensive classes either...just the one standard year if you didn't have any AP credit.

They did take several EE classes though.

 

[Jadow]

electrical. Which is basically programming and math...

 

[magomago]

i just took antoerh glance and it seems riddled with physics....here are what the core classes are

http://www.editor.uci.edu/03-04/engr/engr.4.htm

Is it just UCI thats like this with a greater emphasis on physics than other bme programs...or am I reading this completely wrong, and should i go ChemE instead?

LOWER-DIVISION

BME1 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (2) W. Introduction to the central topics of biomedical engineering. Offers a perspective on bioengineering as a discipline in a seminar format. Principles of problem definition, team design, engineering inventiveness, information access, communication, ethics, and social responsibility are emphasized. (Design units: 1)

BME50A-B Cell and Molecular Engineering (4-4) W, S. Physiological function from a cellular, molecular, and biophysical perspective. Applications to bioengineering design. (Design units: 2-2)

UPPER-DIVISION

BME110A Biomechanics I (4) F. Introduction to continuum mechanics of both living and nonliving bodies. The laws of motion and free-body diagrams. Stresses. Deformation. Compatibility conditions. Constitutive equations. Properties of common fluids and solids. Derivation of field equations and boundary conditions. Applications to bioengineering design. Prerequisites: Physics 7D, 7LD, 7E. (Design units: 1)

BME110B Biomechanics II (4) W. Introduction to the mechanics of physiological systems. Application of mechanics to understand the structure/function relationship at gross and microscopic levels. Bioelastic solids. Rigid body biomechanics. Biofluids. Bioengineering and medical design. Prerequisite: BME110A. (Design units: 1)

BME111 Design of Biomaterials (4) S. Natural and synthetic polymeric materials. Materials characterization and design. Wound repair, blood clotting, foreign body response, transplantation biology, biocompatibility of materials, tissue engineering. Artificial organs and medical devices. Government regulations. Patenting. Ethical issues. Prerequisites: BME110A-B. (Design units: 3)

BME120 Quantitative Physiology: Sensory Motor Systems (4) F. A quantitative and systems approach to understanding physiological systems. Systems covered include the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 3D or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Concurrent with BME220. Formerly Engineering E110B. (Design units: 2)

BME121 Quantitative Physiology: Organ Transport Systems (4) W. A quantitative and systems approach to understanding physiological systems. Systems covered include the cardiopulmonary, circulatory, and renal systems. Prerequisite: Mathematics 3D or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Same as CBEMS104. Concurrent with BME221, CBEMS204. Formerly Engineering E110A. (Design units: 1).

BME130 Biomedical Signals and Systems (4) F. Biomedical signal analysis in a vector space of signals: cluster analysis; orthogonal expansions; Fourier Series expansions; linear least squares estimation. Dynamical system models: analysis of forward (system responses) and inverse (system identification and inversion) problems. Class projects on applications. Prerequisites: Mathematics 2J; Mathematics 7 recommended. (Design units: 1)

BME135 Photomedicine (4) F. Studies the use of optical and engineering-based systems (laser-based) for diagnosis, treating diseases, manipulation of cells and cell function. Physical, optical, and electro-optical principles are explored regarding molecular, cellular, organ, and organism applications. Prerequisites: Physics 3A-B-C or 7A-B-D, or ECE10 or consent of instructor. Same as Biological Sciences 130. Formerly ECE175. (Design units: 0)

BME136 Engineering Optics for Medical Applications (3) W. Fundamentals of optical systems design, integration, and analysis used in biomedical optics. Design components: light sources, lenses, mirrors, dispersion elements, optical fibers, detectors. Systems integration: microscopy, radiometry, inteferometry. Optical system analysis: resolution, modulation transfer function, deconvolution, interference, tissue optics, noise. Corequisite: BME136L. Prerequisite: BME135 or ECE170, or consent of instructor. Formerly ECE176. (Design units: 1).

BME136L Engineering Optics for Medical Applications Laboratory (1) W. Optical system design and data analysis: microscopy, imaging, spectral analysis, interferometry, tomography, radiometry. Corequisite: BME136. Prerequisites: BME135 and ECE170 or consent of instructor. Formerly ECE176L. (Design units: 0)

BME 140 Design of Biomedical Electronics (4) W. Analog and digital circuits in bioinstrumentation. Biomedical signals in continuous and discrete systems. Sampling and digital signal processing. MRI; CT; ultrasound; bioelectromagnetics; electrokinetics. Applications to bioengineering design. Prerequisite: BME130. (Design units: 3)

BME 150 Biological Mass Transfer (4) S. Mass transfer in gas, liquid and solid with application to biological systems. Free and facilitated diffusion, active transport, convective mass transfer, diffusion-reaction phenomena, biological mass transfer coefficients, steady and unsteady transport, and flux-force relationships. Applications to bioengineering design. Prerequisites: BME110A-B. (Design units: 1)

BME160 Tissue Engineering (4) S. Quantitative analysis of cell and tissue functions. Emerging developments in stem cell technology, biodegradable scaffolds, growth factors, and others important in developing clinical products. Applications to bioengineering design. Prerequisites: BME50A-B, BME121. (Design units: 2)

BME170 Biomedical Engineering Laboratory (4) F. Laboratory experiments involving living systems with the emphasis on biophotonics, nanoscale systems, and physiological systems. Five laboratories are planned including image processing, Optical Computed Tomography, dynamic cooling, respiratory gas exchange, and electroosmotic transport phenomena. Study of possible errors. Prerequisites: BME111, BME120, BME121, BME130, BME140. (Design units: 1)

BME180 Biomedical Engineering Clinical Design (4) W. Design strategy and concepts commonly encountered in biomedical engineering such as reliability, safety, ethics, economic analysis, and marketing. Bioethical issues are discussed. A cardinal feature of this course is a clinical experience at the UCI Medical Center and Beckman Laser Institute. (Design units: 4)

BME181 Biomedical Engineering Industrial Design (4) S. Design strategy and concepts commonly encountered in biomedical engineering. A cardinal feature of the course is an industrial design project developed in partnership with the Center for Biomedical Engineering's industrial sponsors and Corporate Advisory Board. Prerequisites: BME111, BME120, BME121, BME140, BME150. (Design units: 4)

BME195 Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering (1 to 4) F, W, S. Prerequisites vary. May be repeated for credit. (Design units: varies)

BME196 Biomedical Engineering Thesis (4) F, W, S. Preparation of final presentation and paper describing individual research in biomedical engineering in one or more quarters of individual study (i.e., BME199). Prerequisites: satisfactory completion of lower-division writing requirement, completion of at least four units of BME199, and consent of BME199 instructor. (Design units: varies).

BMEH196 Biomedical Engineering Honors Thesis (4) F, W, S. Preparation of final presentation and paper describing individual research in biomedical engineering. Prerequisites: BMEH199 and consent of instructor. Open only to members of the Campuswide Honors Program who are Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering: Premedical majors. (Design units: varies)

BME199 Individual Study (1 to 4) F, W, S. Independent research conducted in the laboratory of a Biomedical Engineering core faculty member. A formal written report of the research conducted is required at the conclusion of the quarter. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 194S and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Design units: varies)

BMEH199 Individual Study for Honors Students (1 to 4) F, W, S. Independent research conducted in the laboratory of a Biomedical Engineering faculty member for participants in the Campuswide Honors Program. A formal written report of the research conducted is required at the conclusion of quarter. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences 194S and consent of instructor. Open only to members of the Campuswide Honors Program who are Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering: Premedical majors. May be repeated for credit. (Design units: varies)

 

[magomago]

bump

 

[eigen]

Mathematics pwns all.... Goes back to existence theorem.

Random joke: What did the PH.d in math with a job say to the PH.d in math without a job. Do you want paper or plastic with that.

I really just wanted to say not to overlook the applied math field.

 

[GoSharks]

magomago, your best bet would to go ask somebody in the UCI BME program, be it the advisors, professors, or even upperclassmen.

 

[Buickbeast]

^ for an old topic that has some good info.

 

[Horus]

Go with the fields which are going to be more used in the future:

Chemical Engineer(Polymers)
Computer Engineer

 

[miniMUNCH]

Chemical Engineering...very versatile.

 

[Buickbeast]

The semiconductor field would be under EE correct? Is that a pretty limited market? I would assume only a couple area's of the country would have jobs available.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Originally posted by: rgwalt
Part of it depends on what you are good at. Me, I was never good with eletricity or circuits. I was best in physics, math, and chemistry. I went into chemical engineering (#2 starting salary for a BS behind computer engineering Link) and I'm quite happy. You will have to endure a lot of math and chemistry, though the basic concepts are quite easy.

It also depends on what you plan on doing. Chemical engineers hold jobs in a very wide set of areas. Most BS chemical engineers become process engineers in a chemical plant or other manufacturing facility. They are responsible for taking care of a processing unit or a set of units, and if something happens to a piece of equipment, they have to diagnose and recommend a fix for the problem. Some BS engineers end up in HR, and some end up working for small (or large) firms that do plant design or consulting. Typically you can expect to work in a plant environment for around 5 years before you go into management. As far as types of jobs go... refineries and other chemical plants are the typical location for chemical engineers. These plants include making anything from laundry detergent to paint to ammonia. Some ChemE's end up in the semiconductor business, too. Not designing semiconductors, but in managing and developing processing techniques. EE's can design and build semiconductors, but ChemE's are much better at scale up as a lot of the processes are chemical in nature.

Now, this is information that I've gathered from various sources over the years. I've never worked in industry, and I'm working towards my PhD in chemical engineering. My recommendation to you would be to look at a few schools that have strong programs across the board in engineering. If a school lets you select your engineering preferrence in your second year, say after taking a broad intro course your first year, then that is even better. If in doubt, talk to profs in the department. See if they are taking any classes on a plant trip, and if so, see if you can go along to find out if ChemE is really what you want to do with your life.

In my opinion, the best part about a ChemE degree is the versatility it offers. When you are done, you can go into a wide range of fields. You've proven that you have the ability to learn and master some of the most difficult material in an undergrad program. If you want to get away from the chemical industry when you are done, you can easily transition into materials engineering, the semiconductor industry, etc.

Good luck with your decision. Remember, don't be afraid to change majors. However, I do not recommend dropping a major in the middle of a semester. The middle to end of any semester, when you are neck deep in difficult classes, is not easy, and it isn't going to be any easier in any other program. Tough it out (unless you are in danger of failing), and think about switching between semesters if it is that important.

If you want to know more, please drop me a PM.

Ryan

Don't forget biotech and pharmaceutical...biotech and pharma hire chemE's big time.

I'm also studying for my PhD in Chemical Engineering and I love it.

For instance, right now I'm taking an Optimization and Dynamic Simulation class which is kicking my butt BTW (hopelessly difficult) but very fun. We covered contrained and unconstrained linear and non-linear optimization, integer and mixed-integer linear/non-linearoptimization, global nonconvex opt. (About 1000 of reading material) in the first 8 weeks. Now were covering systems of linear/non-linear differential equations and numerical methods of solving them (LSODE, CVODE, linear multi-step, predictor-corrector, etc.) and differential algebraic equations, etc. The professor is dragging us kicking and screaming through this material way too fast but it's serving as a great introduction...I'll be able to go back and really learning all the nitty gritty on my own this summer and later on in my studies.

Also taking a course in advanced Chemical Kinetics. Covering stuff like: rehashed the reaction enigineering basics, then covered high order reactive systems and systems of reactions, catalytic cycles, transition state theory, intro. quantum mechanics (the infamous particle in a box), use of ab-initio codes and functional density theory codes to predict chemical bond lengths, vibrational freqs, etc.

Finally, taking a course in Surface Science and Adsorption -- basic intro to solid state physics, more quantum mechanics, some statistical mechanics, adsoprtion theory and a lot stuff of all the spectroscopies and microscopies used in the analysis of solid state samples, surfaces.

 

[simms]

I need a Co-op job, I'm in first year UToronto Chem Eng.

Oh, about waterloo...

UT > UW for ChemEng, otherwise I believe that UW > UT for other Engineerings. UW isn't really a Chem Eng School... I got into Engineering at UW and I rejected them. If I had gone into another dicipline in Engineering, I would've gone to UW before UT, just not for Chem Eng.

 

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: Buickbeast
The semiconductor field would be under EE correct? Is that a pretty limited market? I would assume only a couple area's of the country would have jobs available.

Yes, it's EE.

 

[Buickbeast]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms

Originally posted by: Buickbeast
The semiconductor field would be under EE correct? Is that a pretty limited market? I would assume only a couple area's of the country would have jobs available.

Yes, it's EE.

Do you know how big the market is? Would a BS in EE be enough?

 

[radioouman]

mechanical gives you lots of different areas to get into. pay is decent, but some aspects of the job are reaaaalllly annoying. (Drawings, CAD data, etc.)