Bioengineering degree without learning bio before

coldzero SG

I'm quite interested in a Bioengineering degree. However, I never take bio in my life before. I got As in H2 math and chem. May I know if its still recommended if I take bioengineering?

UltimaOnline SG

As long as the University allows you to take the course, feel free to do so. You won't be significantly disadvantaged, as Biology is much easier to pick up without prior background, compared to Chemistry or Physics.

coldzero SG

But may i know for bioengineering, is it better than those more common engineering like EEE and mechanical? In terms of job prospects and starting salary?

eagle SG

My sis is aiming for Bio Engineering as well in NUS. I know the requirement is only having H2 Chem.

Let me share my research:

1) There's lots of physics involved, especially in the modules EG1108 Electrical Engineering, EG1109 Mechanics, PC1431 and PC1432. People who took only Chem and Bio (no physics) will die here first. This is coming from me who took an engineering major in NUS.

2) You need to be very strong in maths as well to get through PC1431 and PC1432 in addition to MA1505 and MA1506. Your calculus skills have to be damn power... I'm training my sis in old syllabus C maths and F maths Mechanics now. Calculus will be used for physics. This is also coming from me who took an engineering major in NUS.

3) The later year modules, although sounding very bio, still have a lot of relevance to physics.

You will not be significantly disadvantaged if you didn't take H2 Bio as UltimaOnline said. But in my opinion, you will be significantly disadvantaged if you didn't take H2 Maths and H2 Physics. There's a lot of relevance in the first year of engineering, and it's a path that all engineers (perhaps with the exception of Chem Engineering) have to go through.