Introduction to Biological Engineering:

Biological Engineering is the application of engineering concepts to biological systems. These systems include all living things and Biological Engineers focus on a wide variety of fields. This includes topics such as designing medical devices for animals and humans, creating processes and devices to decontaminate air and water, using microbes to convert waste into energy, and much more to improve these biological systems for all living things.

What kind of Coursework do Biological Engineers take?

Biological Engineers take a wide variety of classes. They take core engineering classes such as physics, statics and mechanics of materials, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and multiple advanced math courses. And as the name suggests, Biological Engineers take many biology courses as living organisms and microbes alike are both very important things in the field of Biological Engineering. Organic chemistry as well as Biochemistry are two important concepts that Biological Engineers need to grasp, as understanding reactions between things helps lead to more thought out solutions. Be prepared to be a critical thinker and develop a problem solving mindset if you are considering becoming a Biological Engineer.

Biological Engineering to Me

This program is important to me as it intertwines two of my favorite fields, biology and engineering. By understanding how the biology of things work, we can get an understanding of how things are completed at the smallest level. This is something I think mixes well with engineering as designs can be made at a cellular level to make very life-like models.

My coursework has given me the knowledge to understand how cells work independently as well as with other cells to perform the processes that allow us to live. The on hands experience I have received in biological labs give me a better understanding on how we can use cells to our advantage. The rigorous engineering coursework has taught me how to approach problems and to look for the solutions at the most basic level, as these are the most overlooked. My mind has been developed by my classes to keep pushing myself to find a solution even when it might not be apparent.

I strive personally to work for a company that uses microbes to benefit other organisms. The coursework here has given me the knowledge I need to obtain a job at one of these companies, and the hands on labs I have been involved with have given me the physical skills to apply microbes to engineering projects. The research I have been involved with at OSU has taught me how to design experiments and to report my findings to others.