Neuroscience -> Biomedical engineering?

[pterosaur]

I am currently a junior studying neuroscience, and the focus of my research - which I would like to continue in graduate school - is motor neuroscience (human motor learning and control). I was looking at just PhD programs in neuroscience, but my undergrad research advisor suggested that I also consider bioengineering/biomedical engineering programs as well. After having done some research, it looks like there are a lot of BME programs that would be a good fit in terms of the research I would like to do.

However, I am concerned about coming from a non-engineering background. I feel that with my background, I am a very strong applicant for neuroscience programs, but I am less certain about BME programs. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I could make myself a strong applicant without having an engineering degree? Also, more generally, what do such programs look for? The websites only seem to provide a vague sense of this (i.e. have an engineering degree or "engineering background").

Edited February 6, 2014 by pterosaur

[jeffleung1992]

Hi pterosaur,

 

I think you should be able to apply to BME programs with specific interests in neural/neuro-engineering. I think they generally just want you to have taken the basic engineering math classes (linear algebra, differential equations, vector calculus, probability/statistics). I think it also helps if you have taken computer science or programming (basic knowledge of java, c++, or matlab). But beyond that I don't think having a neuroscience degree puts you at a disadvantage. I think they just want to make sure that you can handle the BME coursework, which tends to be quantitative. If you get interviews for PhD programs in BME, you will just need relevant research experience, and that will matter the most. 

 

If I were you I would try to take some of the math classes or programming that I mentioned if you haven't, and show a strong performance on the GRE quantitative (at least 160/170). After that if you have strong/relevant research experience/papers, then you should be good to go.

 

Hope that helps! 

[pterosaur]

Thanks for the response!  That's kind of a relief.  I have a CS minor and have taken/am taking all the math classes that you mention.  My first practice GRE quant score was also 164, so I'll probably be OK on that front.  It seems like more of a challenge is deciding whether I want to go for bioengineering or neuroscience...

 

The thing that concerns me, though, is something like this (from the Tufts BME admissions page): Requirements include a basic knowledge of biology, math through ordinary differential equations, and some basic engineering courses (for example, fluid mechanics, properties of materials, thermodynamics, circuit theory).

I don't have that sort of background, and I'm worried it will put me at a disadvantage.  I am also looking at doing an engineering (mechE or BME) type co-op for my third and final co-op in the fall.  Do you think that would help fill in any perceived gaps?

[jeffleung1992]

Thanks for the response!  That's kind of a relief.  I have a CS minor and have taken/am taking all the math classes that you mention.  My first practice GRE quant score was also 164, so I'll probably be OK on that front.  It seems like more of a challenge is deciding whether I want to go for bioengineering or neuroscience...

 

The thing that concerns me, though, is something like this (from the Tufts BME admissions page): Requirements include a basic knowledge of biology, math through ordinary differential equations, and some basic engineering courses (for example, fluid mechanics, properties of materials, thermodynamics, circuit theory).

I don't have that sort of background, and I'm worried it will put me at a disadvantage.  I am also looking at doing an engineering (mechE or BME) type co-op for my third and final co-op in the fall.  Do you think that would help fill in any perceived gaps?

I think research experience (i.e., the co-op you mentioned) is an excellent way to demonstrate your experience in the area. I honestly think with a CS minor, and all those math classes, you will be fine. If you REALLY want, you can take a basic circuits class next semester -- might be interesting to you actually; there is a lot of research in analyzing brain circuits similar to analyzing traditional electrical circuits. I think you should be fine though. 

 

Best wishes!! 

[kjkabk]

I was in a very similar situation myself this application season. I was a biochemistry major in undergrad, but applied primarily to biomedical engineering programs. I have a lot of research experience, but nothing directly in BME (nor have I taken any programming classes, but I have taken calculus  + diff eq). I have been accepted and/or interviewed at every program I applied to, and none of the POIs I spoke to seemed very concerned about my not being a BME major. In fact, I feel that coming from a different background--granted you have taken some quantitative classes--can actually be a plus as it sets you apart from other applicants. BME is very interdisciplinary, so I think there is definitely some demand for people who don't come from a traditional engineering background.