Biomolecular Engineering
Baskin School of Engineering
335 Baskin Engineering Building
(831) 459-2158
https://www.soe.ucsc.edu/departments/biomolecular-engineering
Program Description
The Department of Biomolecular Engineering is an interdisciplinary department that combines expertise from biology, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering to train students and develop technologies to address major problems at the forefront of biomedical and bio-industrial research. Students trained in the Department of Biomolecular Engineering can look forward to careers in academia, the information and biotechnology industries, public health, or medical sciences.
The department offers an undergraduate minor in bioinformatics, a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics, and graduate master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics. The department co-sponsors the B.S. in bioengineering program, described elsewhere in this catalog, with the departments of Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Molecular, Cell, and Developmental (MCD) Biology. The department co-sponsors the Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering (PBSE), a doctoral training program, with the departments of MCD Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology.
Departmental faculty advise undergraduate and graduate researchers enrolled in the biomolecular engineering, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and related degree programs. Members of the Department of Biomolecular Engineering actively collaborate with faculty from other Baskin School of Engineering departments, such as Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering; and with the Physical and Biological Sciences departments of MCD Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Ocean Sciences.
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics Major
The biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major includes the biomolecular engineering (BME) and bioinformatics (BINF) concentrations. The BME concentration is designed for students interested in protein engineering, stem cell engineering, and synthetic biology. The emphasis is on designing biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) and cells for particular functions, and the underlying sciences are biochemistry and cell biology.
The BINF concentration combines mathematics, science, and engineering to explore and understand biological data from high-throughput experiments, such as genome sequencing, gene-expression chips, and proteomics experiments. The program builds upon the research and academic strengths of the faculty in the Biomolecular Engineering Department.
In both concentrations, students participate in a capstone experience. Options for the senior capstone experience include:
- Senior Design—a two- or three-quarter group project intended to prepare students for work in industry, a summer full-time synthetic biology project based on the iGEM competition,
- A three-quarter Senior thesis,
- or an Advanced bioinformatics course series. The later option is the required capstone for students participating in the bioinformatics concentrations.
All capstone options involve working closely with faculty and other researchers at UCSC, analyzing ideas, developing technologies, and discovering new approaches. Application areas include biomolecular sensors and systems, nano-electronic implants, assistive technologies for the elderly and disabled, bioinformatics, microfluidics, nanoscale biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and other areas at the junction between engineering and the life sciences.
More information about bioengineering research and undergraduate research opportunities can be found at Undergraduate Research Opportunities, the B.S. in bioengineering program, the Genomics Institute, the program in biomedical sciences and engineering, the STEM Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, and the STEM diversity programs.
The program has course requirements in mathematics, science, and engineering. Students interested in Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics as a major should contact the School of Engineering advising office (advising@soe.ucsc.edu) before enrolling in any courses at UCSC. Early advising is particularly important before choosing calculus and physics courses.
Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics students may continue their research and studies at UCSC in any of several graduate programs. Information may be found at the Division of Graduate Studies website.
The immense growth of biological information stored in computerized databases has led to a critical need for people who can understand the languages, tools, and techniques of statistics, science, and engineering. A classically trained scientist may be unfamiliar with the statistical and algorithmic knowledge required in this field. A classically trained engineer may be unfamiliar with the chemistry and biology required in the field. Thus, this major strives for a balance of the two: an engineer focused on the problems of the underlying science or, conversely, a scientist focused on the use of engineering tools for analysis and discovery.
Program Learning Outcomes
A biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics student completing the program should:
- have a broad knowledge of science and engineering disciplines including biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and computer science; those completing the BINF concentration will also have a detailed knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and science; and, those completing the BME concentration will have broader knowledge in biology and chemistry;
- be able to apply their knowledge to identify, formulate, and solve engineering design problems;
- be able to find and use information from a variety of sources, including books, journal articles, online encyclopedias, and manufacturer data sheets;
- be able to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- be able to communicate problems, experiments, and design solutions in writing, orally, and as posters; and
- be able to apply ethical reasoning to make decisions about engineering methods and solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Courses for Nonmajors
Biomolecular Engineering 5, Introduction to Biotechnology, presents a broad overview of the impact of biotechnology on the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Biomolecular Engineering 18, Scientific Principles of Life, covers the principles of life as it exists on this planet and how they generalize. Discusses Darwinian evolution, genomes, scientific theories of life (mechanistic, thermodynamic, information theoretic), and future of life (Internet, machine learning and adaptation, artificial intelligence, genome editing, fully artificial life).
Biomolecular Engineering 80G, Bioethics in the Twenty-First Century: Science, Business, and Society, is particularly appropriate to all students interested in the societal issues surrounding the revolutions in bioinformatics and biotechnology.
Biomolecular Engineering 80H, The Human Genome, covers principles of human inheritance and techniques used in gene analysis and discusses the evolutionary, social, ethical, and legal issues associated with knowledge of the human genome.
Biomolecular Engineering 110, Computational Biology Tools, provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of bioinformatics from a user's view. It is intended for biologists and biochemists who need to use bioinformatics tools, but are not primarily interested in building new bioinformatics tools.
Biomolecular Engineering 130, Genomes, teaches the principles of genome-scale analysis to answer biological questions.
Biomolecular Engineering 155, Biotechnology and Drug Development, examines the science and process of discovering, testing, and manufacturing new drugs within the pharmaceutical industry.
Biomolecular Engineering 160, Research Programming in the Life Sciences, introduces programming using Python to analyze and transform biological data.
Biomolecular Engineering 163, Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data, extends this life-science data focus with an emphasis on understanding and presenting that data.
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics Policies
Declaration of the Major
In order to be admitted into the Bioinformatics major students must be listed as a proposed major within the School of Engineering. Please refer to the School of Engineering section under “Proposed Engineering Major Status" for more information.
In addition to being listed as a proposed School of Engineering major, students must have completed at least 50 credits with a GPA of 2.8 or better in all attempts from courses required for the major.
Students wishing to declare the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major after the sixth quarter must appeal, already have a declared major, and have completed 10 more credits of required courses in the major for each additional quarter.
Appeals for major declaration may be filed with the Baskin School of Engineering Office of Undergraduate Affairs, according to the procedures given in the Baskin School of Engineering Program Statement.
Courses Taken Elsewhere
Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog for policies about taking courses at other institutions after enrolling at UCSC.
Honors in the Major
Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors are considered for "Honors in the Major" and "Highest Honors in the Major" based on their GPA and on results of undergraduate research. Students with a GPA of 3.7 receive "Highest Honors in the Major." Students with a GPA of 3.3 receive "Honors in the Major." Students with particularly significant accomplishments in undergraduate research may receive honors or highest honors with a lower GPA. Students who have been found guilty of academic misconduct are not eligible for either honors or highest honors.
Transfer Students
Transfer students need to complete eight transferable courses required for the major with a GPA in those courses of 2.8 or better. Students with fewer than 10 transferable courses may find it difficult to complete the major in only two more years.
School of Engineering Policies
Please refer to the School of Engineering section of the catalog for additional policies that apply to all School of Engineering programs.
Preparation for the Major
Students applying for admission as freshmen proposing to take the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major should have completed four years of high school mathematics (through advanced algebra and trigonometry) and three years of science, including one year of chemistry and one year of biology. Comparable college mathematics and science courses completed at other institutions may be accepted in place of high school preparation. Students without this preparation may be required to take additional courses to prepare themselves for the program.
Requirements for the Concentration in Biomolecular Engineering
Because of the enormous breadth of requirements, biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors are urged to take honors courses or sections whenever possible to get as much as possible out of the courses they take in each field.
Biomolecular engineering concentration majors must complete the following courses:
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 131, Introduction to Probability Theory
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 132, Statistical Inference
Biology
Biology (BIOL) 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology (BIOE) 20B, Development and Physiology
Biology (BIOL) 20L Experimental Biology Laboratory
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry 100A, Biochemistry (first in three-part sequence)
Biochemistry 100B, Biochemistry (second in three-part sequence)
Biomolecular Engineering
Biomolecular Engineering 51A and 51B, Applied Electronics for Bioengineers I and II
Biomolecular Engineering 80G, Bioethics in the Twenty-First Century: Science, Business, and Society or Biomolecular Engineering 18, Scientific Principles of Life
Biomolecular Engineering 105 or Biology 105, Genetics
Biomolecular Engineering 110, Computational Biology Tools
Biomolecular Engineering 160/L, Research Programming in the Life Sciences and Laboratory
Biomolecular Engineering 163, Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data
One of the following: Biomolecular Engineering 128, Protein Engineering, or Biomolecular Engineering 140, Bioinstrumentation, or Biomolecular Engineering 177, Engineering Stem Cells
Chemistry
Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N, General Chemistry/Laboratory
Chemistry 8A and 8B, Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 8L and Chemistry 8M, Organic Chemistry Labs
Mathematics
Either Mathematics 20A-B, Honors Calculus or Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
(Credit for one or both can be granted with adequate performance on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement examination.)
Physics
Physics 5A/L or 6A/L, Introduction to Physics I or Introductory Physics I
Technical Writing
Either Computer Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Computer Engineers; or Biomolecular Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers
Elective
One of the following (courses satisfying an elective cannot be used to satisfy other requirements of the major):
Biology 115, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 119, Microbiology
Biochemistry 100C (third in three-part sequence)
Biomolecular Engineering 122H, Extreme Environment Virology
Biomolecular Engineering 128, Protein Engineering
Biomolecular Engineering 128L, Protein Engineering Lab
Biomolecular Engineering 130, Genomes
Biomolecular Engineering 132, Evolutionary Genomics
Biomolecular Engineering 140, Bioinstrumentation
Biomolecular Engineering 155, Biotechnology and Drug Development
Biomolecular Engineering 170, Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery
Biomolecular Engineering 177, Engineering Stem Cells
Biomolecular Engineering 178, Stem Cell Biology
or any 5-credit, biomolecular engineering graduate course
Senior Capstone Requirement
All biomolecular engineering concentration students must complete a senior capstone project, either as a group project, a series of three Advanced Bioinformatics courses or as an individual senior thesis doing research in a faculty laboratory.
Note that the Technical Writing requirement is a prerequisite for all the capstone options, including the senior thesis. The group project courses all have additional prerequisites that may not be met with just the required courses in a concentration. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the prerequisites for whichever capstone they choose.
To complete the senior capstone requirement, Biomolecular Engineering concentrations students must complete one of the following:
Biomolecular Engineering 129A-C, Bioengineering Project
Biomolecular Engineering 180, Professional Practice in Bioengineering (2 credits), and BME 188A/B, Synthetic biology—mentored research (10 credits)
Biomolecular Engineering 205 Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms, and Biomolecular Engineering 230A
Twelve credits of independent study (198), Field Study (193), or senior thesis research (195), in biomolecular engineering; and Biomolecular Engineering 123T, Senior Thesis Presentation (5 credits).*
Students pursuing the senior thesis option must seek approval of their project one year before graduation, typically spring quarter of the third year. Students spend three or more quarters working on their thesis projects. Thesis students must enroll in Biomolecular Engineering 123T, Senior Thesis Presentation, before completing their thesis.
* Revised: 10/08/18
Requirements for the Concentration in Bioinformatics
Because of the enormous breadth of requirements, biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors are urged to take honors courses or sections whenever possible to get as much as possible out of the courses they take in each field.
Bioinformatics concentration majors must complete the following courses:
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 131, Introduction to Probability Theory
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 132, Statistical Inference
Biology
Biology (BIOL) 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology (BIOE) 20B, Development and Physiology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry 100A, Biochemistry (first in three-part sequence)
Biomolecular Engineering
Biomolecular Engineering 80G, Bioethics in the Twenty-First Century: Science, Business, and
Society or Biomolecular Engineering 18, Scientific Principles of Life
Biomolecular Engineering 105 or Biology 105, Genetics
Biomolecular Engineering 110, Computational Biology Tools
Biomolecular Engineering 160/L, Research Programming in the Life Sciences and Laboratory
Chemistry
Chemistry 1A, 1B/M, and 1C/N, General Chemistry/Laboratory
Chemistry 8A and 8B, Organic Chemistry
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering 16, Applied Discrete Mathematics
Computer Science
One of the following series:
Computer Science 12A/L, Introduction to Programming/Laboratory (accelerated)
Computer Science 5J, Introduction to Programming in Java, and
Computer Science 11, Intermediate Programming
Computer Engineering 12/L, Computer Systems and Assembly Language/Laboratory, and
Computer Engineering 13/L, Computer Systems and C Programming/Laboratory
and
Computer Science 12B/M, Introduction to Data Structures/Laboratory
Computer Science 101, Algorithms and Abstract Data Types
And either
Computer Science 182, Introduction to Database Management Systems, or
Computer Science 180, Database Systems
Mathematics
Either Mathematics 20A-B, Honors Calculus or Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. (Credit for one or both can be granted with adequate performance on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement examination.)
One of the following:
Mathematics 21, Elementary Linear Algebra
Mathematics 22, Calculus in Several Variables
Mathematics 23A, Vector Calculus
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 10, Mathematical Methods for Engineers 1
Technical Writing
Either Computer Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Computer Engineers; or
Biomolecular Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers
Elective
One of the following (courses satisfying an elective cannot be used to satisfy other requirements of the major):
Biomolecular Engineering 122H, Extreme Environment Virology
Biomolecular Engineering 128, Protein Engineering
Biomolecular Engineering 128L, Protein Engineering Lab
Biomolecular Engineering 130, Genomes
Biomolecular Engineering 132, Evolutionary Genomics
Biomolecular Engineering 140, Bioinstrumentation
Biomolecular Engineering 155, Biotechnology and Drug Development
Biomolecular Engineering 170, Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery
Biomolecular Engineering 177, Engineering Stem Cells
Biomolecular Engineering 178, Stem Cell Biology
or any 5-credit biomolecular engineering graduate course
Senior Capstone Requirement
The senior capstone is fulfilled by completing Biomolecular Engineering 205, Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms, and Biomolecular Engineering 230A, Introduction to Computational Genomics and Systems Biology.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors satisfy the DC requirement by completing Computer Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Engineers, or Biomolecular Engineering 185, Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers.
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics Major Planners
Every biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major must have a faculty adviser, assigned by the Baskin School of Engineering undergraduate advising office, and with that adviser must formulate a program of proposed coursework that meets the major requirements.
As in all engineering and science programs, it is recommended that students spread their general education requirements out over all 12 quarters. Delaying a general education requirement is safer than delaying a major requirement.
Four-year plans require individual design to fit in the desired electives. It is recommended that students reserve the summer after the junior year for undergraduate research. One popular plan involves taking organic chemistry and the associated laboratories in the summer after completing general chemistry, so that biochemistry may be started in the junior year.
Biomolecular Engineering 205, Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms, should be taken after Biomolecular Engineering 110, Computational Biology Tools and Biomolecular Engineering 160, Research Programming in the Life Sciences.
Sample Plan: Biomolecular Engineering Concentration
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
MATH 19A |
MATH 19B |
BIOL 20A |
|
CHEM 1A |
CHEM 1B/M |
CHEM 1C/N |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2nd |
BME 80G |
Physics 5A/L |
BME 105 |
|
BIOE 20B/20L |
BME 51A |
BME 51B |
|
|
CHEM 8A/L |
CHEM 8B/M |
BME 160/L |
|
|
3rd |
BIOC 100A |
BIOC 100B |
Elective |
|
AMS 131 |
AMS 132 |
BME 163 |
|
|
BME 110 |
BME 185 |
|
|
|
4th |
BME 195 |
BME 195 |
BME 195 |
|
|
BME 123T |
|
|
|
|
BME 128 |
|
Sample Plan: Bioinformatics Concentration
|
Year |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|
1st |
MATH 19A |
MATH 19B |
BIOL 20A |
|
CHEM 1A |
CHEM 1B/M |
CHEM 1C/N |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2nd |
BIOE 20B |
CMPS 12A/L |
|
|
CHEM 8A |
CHEM 8B |
BME 105 |
|
|
BME 80G |
BME 160/L |
CMPE 16 |
|
|
3rd |
BIOC 100A |
CMPS 101 |
CMPE 185 |
|
AMS 131 |
AMS 132 |
BME 163 |
|
|
CMPS 12B/M |
BME 110 |
|
|
|
4th |
BME 205 |
BME 230A |
BME 230B |
|
Elective |
|
CMPS 182 |
|
Requirements for the Bioinformatics Minor
The bioinformatics minor is intended primarily for bioinformatics tool users who are majoring in a biological or chemical specialty. The bioinformatics minor is also appropriate for computer science or computer engineering majors who are considering graduate work in bioinformatics. The bioinformatics minor cannot be combined with the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major.
A bioinformatics minor consists of the following 16 courses:
Lower-division (6 courses)
Biology (2)
Biology 20A, Cell and Molecular Biology
Biology 20B, Development and Physiology
Chemistry (1)
Chemistry 1A
Single-Variable Calculus (2)
One of the following:
Mathematics 19A and 19B (preferred); or
Mathematics 11A and 11B; or
Mathematics 20A and 20B
Bioethics (1)
Biomolecular Engineering 80G or BME 18, Scientific Principles of Life
Upper-division (6 courses)
Genetics (1)
Biomolecular Engineering 105 Genetics (recommended) or Biology 105 Genetics
Programming (2)
Biomolecular Engineering 160/L, Research Programming in the Life Sciences and Laboratory
Biomolecular Engineering 163, Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data
Statistics (2)
Applied Mathematics and Statistics 131 and 132
Bioinformatics (1)
Biomolecular Engineering 110
The bioinformatics minor requirements may satisfy the requirements of other majors or minors under the campus policy discussed under Major and Minor Requirements. Majors with substantial overlap include biochemistry, all biology majors, chemistry, computer science, and computer engineering. Students pursuing one of these majors are particularly encouraged to consider the bioinformatics minor.
Contiguous Five-Year Bachelor’s (B.S.)/Master’s (M.S.) Degree Path
Because the bioinformatics concentration of the Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics B.S. provides excellent preparation for a graduate program in bioinformatics, we offer a contiguous B.S./M.S. degree pathway that allows those students to complete the M.S. somewhat sooner than students with a less-tailored preparation.
The current B.S. and M.S. requirements have three courses in common:
Biomolecular Engineering 80G, Bioethics in the 21st Century*
Biomolecular Engineering 205, Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms*
Biomolecular Engineering 230A, Intro to Computational Genomics and Systems Biology*
*These courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better to meet the M.S. requirements.
In accordance with UCSC Graduate Council guidelines for contiguous five-year Bachelor’s / Master’s programs, students are required to complete 35 credits during the Master’s phase of the program. Since Biomolecular Engineering 205 and Biomolecular Engineering 230A are taken in the undergraduate phase, the credits cannot be counted towards the overall credits required by the M.S. degree.
Classes should be chosen in consultation with the BME Graduate Advising Committee. Per UCSC Graduate Council policy, up to 15 credits may be upper-division undergraduate courses not already counted towards the B.S. Typically, these courses are selected to address specific interests, cover topics specific for the capstone project, or address specific deficiencies of each student.
Biomolecular engineering graduate courses suitable for fulfilling the 35-credit requirement include, but are not limited to:
Biomolecular Engineering 215, Applied Gene Technology
Biomolecular Engineering 230B, Advanced Computational Genomics and Systems Biology
Biomolecular Engineering 232, Evolutionary Genomics
Biomolecular Engineering 263, Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data
The combined B.S./M.S. degree pathway does not make any changes to the undergraduate program nor the graduate program, except that students must pass the overlapping courses listed above for a grade of B- or better.
To apply for the combined pathway, students apply to the M.S. program through the normal graduate admission process in the fall of their senior year. If admitted into the graduate program, they are automatically included in the combined B.S./M.S. pathway.
Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics Graduate Program
The Department of Biomolecular Engineering offers interdisciplinary M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics and accepts students from a wide-variety of backgrounds. A typical cohort includes incoming students from molecular biology, genetics, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. The unifying theme of our research training program is using quantitative approaches to addressing fundamental questions in biology and biomedical science. The Ph.D. program prepares students to lead independent research programs in academic or industry settings. The M.S. program is designed to prepare students for careers in contemporary biomedical research settings in the biotechnology industry.
Program coursework is designed to provide the technical skills in programming and other technical skills required for independent and advanced scientific discovery. Incoming students undertake rigorous core coursework, conduct laboratory rotations (Ph.D. only), and are exposed to a rich environment of regular seminars and group meetings. Students interact closely with biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics faculty members while undertaking their dissertation research (Ph.D.) or capstone projects (M.S.), and have first-hand access to state-of-the-art computation tools and laboratory facilities throughout their training, including cluster computing and high-throughput sequencing facilities.
M.S. students must complete a total of at least 41 credits as described below.
Ph.D. students must complete a total of at least 55 credits as described below
Course Requirements
M.S. students must complete a total of at least 41 credits as described below.
Ph.D. students must complete a total of at least 55 credits as described below.
Core courses (5-credit) six are required
Biomolecular Engineering 205, Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms
Biomolecular Engineering 230A, Intro to Computational Genomics and Systems Biology or
Biomolecular Engineering 229, Protein and Cell Engineering
*Graduate level quantitative science course
Ethics Course: **Biomolecular Engineering 80G, Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society or Sociology 268A, Science and Justice: Experiments in Collaboration
Two Biomolecular Engineering graduate-level, 5-credit courses to be selected in consultation with faculty adviser
*Suitable courses for quantitative science and biomolecular engineering graduate electives are to be selected in consultation with the Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Advising Committee, the student, and the student’s faculty mentor.
**Biomolecular Engineering 80G can be taken to meet the ethics requirement, however, the credits will not be counted toward the overall credit requirement for the M.S. or Ph.D. since it is a lower-division course.
Other Curriculum Requirements
Bootcamp activity: Entering graduate cohorts are strongly encouraged to participate in the hands-on “bootcamp” just before the start of the fall quarter. Bootcamp activities include program orientation, laboratory safety training, teaching assistant (TA) training, fellowship advice, cohort building activities, practical advice for navigating graduate school, and a hands-on research project. Biomolecular Engineering 201, Scientific Writing, 3 credits (Ph.D. only). Typically taken as a second-year Ph.D. student in winter quarter.
No further courses are required. However, with faculty guidance students often choose to take upper-division undergraduate courses or graduate courses outside the department to make up for deficiencies in background areas of particular importance.
With consent of the graduate director, variations in the composition of the required courses may be approved.
Seminars
M.S. students: a minimum of three seminar courses, including at least one quarter of the 2-credit Biomolecular Engineering seminar, 280B
Ph.D. students: a minimum of six seminar courses, including at least two quarters of the 2-credit Biomolecular Engineering seminar, 280B
Before and after advancement, full-time Ph.D. students are required to enroll in at least one seminar course each quarter (e.g., 280 or 281), and must present the results of their ongoing research at least once each year. Because the intent of the seminar requirement is to ensure breadth of knowledge, laboratory group meetings (Biomolecular Engineering 281 courses) do not count for the seminar requirement.
Research Experience
M.S. students: one quarter of independent study (Biomolecular Engineering 297).
Ph.D. students: three research laboratory rotations (Biomolecular Engineering 296 - must enroll in fall and winter quarters of their first year) with different supervisors. Laboratory rotations for Ph.D. students are generally completed in the first two quarters (three 7-week rotations). One of the laboratory rotations must be with a faculty supervisor who does wet-lab research, though the students rotation project may be purely computational.
Qualifying Examinations
Ph.D. students are required to pass the qualifying examination and advance to candidacy by the end of their second year.
Adequate Progress
Graduate students receiving two or more U (unsatisfactory) grades or grades below B- in courses relevant to the program are not making adequate progress and will be placed on academic probation for the next three quarters of registered enrollment.
Graduate students who fail (unsatisfactory or lower than B-) a relevant course while on probation may be dismissed from the program. Students may appeal their dismissal. Graduate students who fail a relevant course after being removed from probation are immediately returned to academic probation.
Graduate students experiencing circumstances that may adversely affect their academic performance should consult with their adviser and the graduate director.
Master’s Capstone Requirement
M.S. students must complete a one-quarter research project with written report to fulfill the capstone requirement. In consultation with the faculty adviser, the student forms a Master’s capstone reading committee of at least two faculty members (including the adviser), each of whom is provided a copy of the project report. The final project report must be signed by the reading committee before the award of the Master of Science Degree.
Doctoral Dissertation Requirements
Ph.D. students must select a faculty research adviser by the end of the first year. A qualifying examination committee is then formed in the second year, which consists of the adviser and three additional members, and which is approved by the graduate director and the campus graduate dean. At least two of the four must be members of the Department of Biomolecular Engineering. The student must submit a written dissertation proposal to all members of the committee and the graduate program adviser one month in advance of the examination. The dissertation proposal is publicly and formally presented in an oral qualifying examination given by the qualifying committee.
Ph.D. candidates will submit the completed dissertation to a reading committee at least one month prior to the dissertation defense. The reading committee, formed upon advancement to candidacy, consists of the dissertation supervisor and two readers appointed by the graduate director upon the recommendation of the dissertation supervisor. At least one of the three must be a member of the Department of Biomolecular Engineering. The candidate will present their research in a public seminar. The seminar will be followed by a defense of the dissertation to the reading committee and attending faculty, who will then decide whether the dissertation is acceptable or requires revision.
Transfer Limitations
Up to two courses may be transferred from other graduate institutions with the approval of the faculty adviser and the graduate director.
Revised: 07/15/18
