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!
Thank you for the advice, this really helps! I'll be keeping it in mind as I go through the process
Ryan
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!
Thank you, I'll be looking into those
Ryan