2 answers
Ryan
Student
Roseville, California
1
Question
Updated
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If my dream career is to be in a science lab building brains, what should my AA-T degree, as well as Bachelor's, be?
I'll be starting community college this upcoming fall
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2 answers
Karthick Natarajan
Postdoctoral Researcher at NYU Langone Health
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karthick’s Answer
Step 1: Community College (AS-T, not AA-T)
Your Goal: Earn an AS-T in Biology (Associate in Science for Transfer).
Remember: You need the AS-T in Biology, not the AA-T in Arts.
Important Courses: Excel in Calculus 1 & 2 and Organic Chemistry. These subjects are essential for understanding biological systems.
Helpful Tip: If your community college offers Physics for Scientists/Engineers with Calculus, choose that over General Physics. It strengthens your application for engineering transfers.
Step 2: The Transfer (University Major)
Your Major: Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering.
Your Focus: Tissue Engineering or Regenerative Medicine.
Why? While Neurobiology explores brain function, Bioengineering teaches you how to create neural networks on chips or grow mini-brains from stem cells.
Target Schools in California:
- UCSD: A key center for Neural Engineering.
- UC Berkeley: Leading in Synthetic Biology.
- UCI / UCLA: Known for strong Stem Cell research.
The Strategy
Building brains uses a technology called iPSCs (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells).
Action: Once you transfer to a UC or CSU, join a lab focused on Neural Organoids or Stem Cell Engineering. That’s where brain-building happens.
Summary:
- Community College: Aim for an AS-T in Biology. Focus on Math and Physics.
- University: Pursue a B.S. in Bioengineering, with a focus on Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering.
Aim high and achieve those grades. Engineering transfers in California are competitive, but you can do it!
Your Goal: Earn an AS-T in Biology (Associate in Science for Transfer).
Remember: You need the AS-T in Biology, not the AA-T in Arts.
Important Courses: Excel in Calculus 1 & 2 and Organic Chemistry. These subjects are essential for understanding biological systems.
Helpful Tip: If your community college offers Physics for Scientists/Engineers with Calculus, choose that over General Physics. It strengthens your application for engineering transfers.
Step 2: The Transfer (University Major)
Your Major: Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering.
Your Focus: Tissue Engineering or Regenerative Medicine.
Why? While Neurobiology explores brain function, Bioengineering teaches you how to create neural networks on chips or grow mini-brains from stem cells.
Target Schools in California:
- UCSD: A key center for Neural Engineering.
- UC Berkeley: Leading in Synthetic Biology.
- UCI / UCLA: Known for strong Stem Cell research.
The Strategy
Building brains uses a technology called iPSCs (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells).
Action: Once you transfer to a UC or CSU, join a lab focused on Neural Organoids or Stem Cell Engineering. That’s where brain-building happens.
Summary:
- Community College: Aim for an AS-T in Biology. Focus on Math and Physics.
- University: Pursue a B.S. in Bioengineering, with a focus on Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering.
Aim high and achieve those grades. Engineering transfers in California are competitive, but you can do it!
Mrinalini K
Project manager
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mrinalini’s Answer
Hi Ryan,
You can pick a strong foundation like Biology, Biotech, Chemistry, or Natural Science. Good luck!
You can pick a strong foundation like Biology, Biotech, Chemistry, or Natural Science. Good luck!