The advantage of using the Bioengineering Option course lists is twofold. Our two proposals are realistic in the sense that no new courses have to be created and the number of credit hours required to graduate does not increase. ABEN sponsors a concentration in biology engineering. The research talents in the College, the Division of Biological Sciences, and the Departments of Chemistry and Physics are well-known nationally. The issue is whether the mix of these great ingredients is working to produce graduates who can help direct the megatrend of biology and engineering in the 21st century.
Outside perceptions are important.
No minor or major but an M.Eng. At the undergraduate level we think that it is intellectually sound to promote classical degree programs that are biology-flexible. This point of view must be communicated to the outside world in practical terms and with force if we are to competitive. Each of our undergraduate fields must create paths for its biologically-inclined majors, paths that can lead to medical school or to a position with a biotechnology firm, or to graduate study in the biological sciences. The fields must be explicit about this in their literature.