Bioengineering

University of California, Berkeley

About the Program

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Rated one of the top 10 Bioengineering undergraduate programs in the country, Bioengineering at Berkeley is a multidisciplinary major intended for academically strong students who excel in the physical sciences, mathematics, and biology. Coursework provides a strong foundation in engineering and the biological sciences, with the freedom to explore a variety of topics and specialize in advanced areas of research. All students benefit from intensive group design work, either through a senior capstone project or through independent research in faculty laboratories. The major features small, specialized upper division courses, and direct interaction with faculty. 

The stimulating environment of Berkeley offers a wealth of opportunity for learning, research, service, community involvement, and provides dedicated students the knowledge and skills to become the next leaders in bioengineering.

Course of Study Overview

The department offers one Bioengineering major, with several concentrations. For detailed descriptions of these concentrations, please see the department's website.

Admission to the Major

Prospective undergraduates of the College of Engineering will apply for admission to a specific program in the college. For further information, please see the College of Engineering's website.

Admission to engineering via a Change of College application for current UC Berkeley students is not guaranteed. For further information regarding a Change of College to Engineering, please see the college's website.

Minor Program

The department offers a minor in Bioengineering that is open to all students who are not majoring in bioengineering and who have completed the necessary prerequisites for the minor. For further information regarding the prerequisites, please see the Minor Requirements tab on this page.

Joint Major

The Department of Bioengineering also offers a joint major with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, for students who have an interest in the field of biomaterials. For further information regarding this program, please see the Bioengineering/Materials Science and Engineering joint major page in this Guide.

Visit Department Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.

General Guidelines

  1. All technical courses taken in satisfaction of major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.

  2. No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student’s major and minor programs.

  3. A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for all work undertaken at UC Berkeley.

  4. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all technical courses taken in satisfaction of major requirements.

For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.

For a detailed plan of study by year and semester, please see the Plan of Study tab.

Students are advised to consult the approved concentrations to identify an appropriate course sequence for bioengineering specialty areas, and may also design their own program that meets with the below requirements with permission from their faculty adviser. Regular consultation with an adviser is strongly encouraged. Recommended courses for each concentration can be found on the department's website.

Lower Division Requirements

BIO ENG 10Introduction to Biomedicine for Engineers 14
BIO ENG 11Engineering Molecules 13
BIO ENG 25Careers in Biotechnology1
BIO ENG 26Introduction to Bioengineering1
MATH 1ACourse Not Available4
MATH 1BCourse Not Available4
MATH 53Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 54Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
PHYSICS 7APhysics for Scientists and Engineers4
PHYSICS 7BPhysics for Scientists and Engineers4
CHEM 1A
1AL
General Chemistry
and General Chemistry Laboratory 2
5
or CHEM 4A General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 3A
3AL
Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
5
or CHEM 12A Organic Chemistry
ENGIN 7Introduction to Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers4
or COMPSCI 61A The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
1

Juniors transfers are exempted from taking BIO ENG 10.

2

CHEM 4A and CHEM 12A are intended for students majoring in chemistry or a closely related field. Note: Prerequisites to CHEM 12A include CHEM 1B or CHEM 4B.

Upper Division Requirements

A total of 24 upper division Bioengineering units, including the following:24
Bioengineering Fundamentals: Choose two courses from list below.
Bioengineering Lab Course: Choose one course from list below.
Bioengineering Design Project or Research: Choose one course from list below.
Technical Topics: a minimum of 36 total upper-division units from list below (includes 24 units of upper division Bioengineering courses).36
A minimum of 48 total units in engineering courses 148
Ethics Requirement: Choose one course from list below.3-4
Six courses (of at least 3 units each) selected to meet the college’s current humanities and social studies requirements18-24
1

Students must complete a minimum of 48 engineering units. See concentrations for recommendations. The 48 units of engineering courses cannot include: any course taken on a P/NP basis; courses numbered 24, 39, 84; BIOENG 100; CHMENG 185; COMPSCI 70, C79; DESINV courses (except DESINV 15, 22, 23, 90E, 190E); ENGIN 125, 157AC, 180, 183 series, 185, 187, 195 series; INDENG 95, 172, 185, 186, 190 series, 191, 192, 195; MECENG 191AC, 190K, 191K. There is no limit to the number of letter-graded research units that can be applied to the 48 engineering units.

Bioengineering Fundamentals

Choose two courses from the approved Bioengineering Fundamentals Course list.

Bioengineering Lab

Choose one course from the approved Bioengineering Lab Course list.

Technical Topics

  • Students must complete a minimum of 36 units of upper division Technical Topics courses. Choose courses from the approved Technical Topics list.  See concentrations for recommendations. Up to 8 units of research (BIO ENG H194 and/or BIO ENG 196) can be included in this total. The 36 units of upper division Technical Topics cannot include BIO ENG 100, 153, 253, or any other seminar-style courses or group meetings, or any course taken on a P/NP basis.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 24 units of upper division Bioengineering courses, including at least two Bioengineering Fundamentals courses, one Bioengineering Design Project or Research course, and one Bioengineering Lab course. See concentrations for recommendations. Up to 4 units of research (BIO ENG H194 and/or BIO ENG 196) can be included in this total. The 24 units of upper division Bioengineering courses cannot include BIO ENG 100, 153, 253, or any other seminar-style courses or group meetings, or any course taken on a P/NP basis.
  • COMPSCI 70 will not count towards the required 48 Engineering units.
  • Students should take BIO ENG 103 instead of MCELLBI C100A. Credit applied for those who have already taken MCELLBI C100A before Fall 2017.

Bioengineering Design Project or Research

Choose one course from the approved Bioengineering Design Project Course list.

Ethics

Choose one course from the approved Bioengineering Ethics Course list. All Ethics courses of 3 units or more fulfill one Humanities/Social Sciences requirement. 

Minor Requirements

Minor programs are areas of concentration requiring fewer courses than an undergraduate major. These programs are optional but can provide depth and breadth to a UC Berkeley education. The College of Engineering does not offer additional time to complete a minor, but it is usually possible to finish within the allotted time with careful course planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their ESS adviser to discuss the feasibility of completing a minor program.

All the engineering departments offer minors. Students may also consider pursuing a minor in another school or college.

Applicants can apply after second semester sophomore year and up to first semester senior year. Applicants who have completed more than two of the courses prior to applying will not be accepted into the minor; students must apply first.

General Guidelines

  1. All minors must be declared no later than one semester before a student's Expected Graduation Term (EGT). If the semester before EGT is fall or spring, the deadline is the last day of RRR week. If the semester before EGT is summer, the deadline is the final Friday of Summer Sessions. To declare a minor, contact the department advisor for information on requirements, and the declaration process.

  2. All courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be taken for graded credit.

  3. A minimum technical grade point average of 3.0 (math, science & engineering courses) is required for acceptance into the minor program.

  4. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.

  5. No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student’s major and minor programs.

  6. Completion of the minor program cannot delay a student’s graduation.

  7. Please see more details at the department website.

Procedure

  • Students should apply first, before taking courses. Applications are available in 306 Stanley Hall or on the department website. Completed applications should be returned to 306 Stanley Hall. Please include an unofficial copy of your transcript with the application.
  • The department will review all applications and students will be notified by email of the decision.
  • Upon completion of the requirements for the minor, the student should complete the Confirmation of Completion form. Please submit the form along with an unofficial transcript to 306 Stanley Hall.
  • The department will verify the completion of the minor and send the original form to the Office of the Registrar. (Note: for graduating seniors, this must be done no later than two weeks after the end of the term.)
  • A notation in the memorandum section of the student’s transcript will indicate completion of the minor.

Recommended Preparation

The upper division requirements for the BioE minor require competency in subject matters covered in the following recommended courses. 

CHEM 3AChemical Structure and Reactivity3
MATH 53Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 54Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
PHYSICS 7APhysics for Scientists and Engineers 14
PHYSICS 7BPhysics for Scientists and Engineers 14
1

Students who have already taken PHYSICS 8A and PHYSICS 8B may substitute them for these courses.

Upper Division Minor Requirements

  • One course from the BioE Fundamentals List.
  • Two upper division courses from the Technical Topics List.
  • Two upper division bioengineering courses.  The following courses cannot be used: BIO ENG 100, 198, 199, H194, and 196.

College Requirements

Students in the College of Engineering must complete no fewer than 120 semester units with the following provisions: 

  1. Completion of the requirements of one engineering major program of study. 
  2. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 (C average) and a minimum 2.00 grade point average in upper division technical coursework required of the major.
  3. The final 30 units and two semesters must be completed in residence in the College of Engineering on the Berkeley campus.
  4. All technical courses (math, science, and engineering) that can fulfill requirements for the student's major must be taken on a letter graded basis (unless they are only offered P/NP). 
  5. Entering freshmen are allowed a maximum of eight semesters to complete their degree requirements. Entering junior transfers are allowed five semesters to complete their degree requirements. Summer terms are optional and do not count toward the maximum. Students are responsible for planning and satisfactorily completing all graduation requirements within the maximum allowable semesters. 
  6. Adhere to all college policies and procedures as they complete degree requirements.
  7. Complete lower division technical courses before enrolling in upper division technical courses. 

Humanities and Social Sciences (H/SS) Requirement

To promote a rich and varied educational experience outside of the technical requirements for each major, the College of Engineering has a six-course Humanities and Social Sciences breadth requirement, which must be completed to graduate. This requirement, built into all the engineering programs of study, includes two Reading and Composition courses (R&C), and four additional courses within which a number of specific conditions must be satisfied. See the humanities and social sciences section of our website for details.

Class Schedule Requirements

  • Minimum units per semester: 12.0
  • Maximum units per semester:  20.5
  • Minimum technical courses: College of Engineering undergraduates must include at least two letter graded technical courses (of at least 3 units each) in their semester program. Every semester students are expected to make normal progress in their declared major. Normal progress is determined by the student's Engineering Student Services Advisor. (Note: For most majors, normal progress will require enrolling in 3-4 technical courses required of your current major each semester.) Students who are not in compliance with this policy by the end of the fifth week of the semester are subject to a registration block that will delay enrollment for the following semester. 
  • All technical courses (math, science, engineering) that satisfy requirements for the major must be taken on a letter-graded basis (unless only offered as P/NP).

Minimum Academic Requirements

  • Students must have a minimum overall and semester grade point average of 2.00 (C average). Students will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the University if during any fall or spring semester their overall UC GPA falls below a 2.00, or their semester GPA is less than 2.00. 
  • Students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C average) in upper division technical courses required for the major curriculum each semester.
  • A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 and a minimum 2.00 grade point average in upper division technical course work required for the major are required to earn a Bachelor of Science in the College of Engineering.
  • Students must make normal degree progress toward the Bachelor of Science degree and their officially declared major.

Unit Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, students must complete at least 120 semester units of courses subject to certain guidelines:

  • Completion of the requirements of one engineering major program of study. 
  • A maximum of 16 units of special studies coursework (courses numbered 97, 98, 99, 197, 198, or 199) is allowed to count towards the B.S. degree, and no more than 4 units in any single term can be counted.
  • A maximum of 4 units of physical education from any school attended will count towards the 120 units.
  • Passed (P) grades may account for no more than one third of the total units completed at UC Berkeley, Fall Program for First Semester (FPF), UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), or UC Berkeley Washington Program (UCDC) toward the 120 overall minimum unit requirement. Transfer credit is not factored into the limit. This includes transfer units from outside of the UC system, other UC campuses, credit-bearing exams, as well as UC Berkeley Extension XB units.

Normal Progress

Students in the College of Engineering must enroll in a full-time program and make normal progress each semester toward their declared major.  Students who fail to achieve normal academic progress shall be subject to suspension or dismissal. (Note: Students with official accommodations established by the Disabled Students' Program, with health or family issues, or with other reasons deemed appropriate by the dean may petition for an exception to normal progress rules.)

UC and Campus Requirements

University of California Requirements

Entry Level Writing

All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). The UC Entry Level Writing Requirement website provides information on how to satisfy the requirement.

American History and American Institutions

The American History and Institutions (AH&I) requirements are based on the principle that a US resident graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.

Campus Requirement

American Cultures

The American Cultures requirement is a Berkeley campus requirement, one that all undergraduate students at Berkeley need to pass in order to graduate. You satisfy the requirement by passing, with a grade not lower than C- or P, an American Cultures course. You may take an American Cultures course any time during your undergraduate career at Berkeley. The requirement was instituted in 1991 to introduce students to the diverse cultures of the United States through a comparative framework. Courses are offered in more than fifty departments in many different disciplines at both the lower and upper division level.

 

Plan of Study

For more detailed information regarding the courses listed below (e.g., elective information, GPA requirements, etc.), please see the College Requirements and Major Requirements tabs.

For plans of study specific to bioengineering area concentrations, see the department website.

Freshman
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MATH 1A4MATH 1B4
BIO ENG 10114PHYSICS 7A (taken Sophomore year in Synthetic Biology concentration)4
CHEM 1A
1AL1
5CHEM 3A
3AL1
5
BIO ENG 2621BIO ENG 2521
Reading & Composition Part A Course34Reading and Composition Part B Course34
 18 18
Sophomore
FallUnitsSpringUnits
MATH 534BIO ENG 113
PHYSICS 7B4MATH 544
ENGIN 7 or COMPSCI 61A4Engineering Course43-4
Humanities/Social Sciences Course2,33-4Humanities/Social Sciences Course2,33-4
 15-16 13-15
Junior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
Bioengineering Fundamentals Course54Bioengineering Fundamentals Course53-4
Upper Division Technical Topics Course63-4Upper Division Technical Topics (also an Engineering Course)4,66-8
Engineering Course43-4Humanities/Social Sciences course2,33
BIO ENG 100 (or Humanities/Social Sciences course with Ethics content)2,33Free Elective3
 13-15 15-18
Senior
FallUnitsSpringUnits
Bioengineering Lab course74Free Electives107
Upper Division Technical Topics Course4,63-4Bioengineering Upper Division Courses98
Bioengineering Design Project or Research83-4 
Free Electives103-4 
 13-16 15
Total Units: 120-131
1

CHEM 4A and 12A may be substituted for CHEM 1A and 3A. 4A and 12A are intended for students majoring in chemistry or a closely related field. Note: Prerequisites to CHEM 12A include CHEM 1B or CHEM 4B.

2

This requirement may be completed at any time in the program.

3

The Humanities/Social Sciences (H/SS) requirement includes two approved Reading & Composition (R&C) courses and four additional approved courses, with which a number of specific conditions must be satisfied. R&C courses must be taken for a letter grade (C- or better required). The first half (R&C Part A) must be completed by the end of the freshman year; the second half (R&C Part B) must be completed by no later than the end of the sophomore year. The remaining courses may be taken at any time during the program. See engineering.berkeley.edu/hss for complete details and a list of approved courses. Consult the Ethics Content List for a list of approved courses with ethics content.

4

Students must complete a minimum of 48 engineering units. See concentrations for recommendations. The 48 units of engineering courses cannot include: any course taken on a P/NP basis; courses numbered 24, 39, 84; BIO ENG 100; CHM ENG 185; COMPSCI 70, C79; DES INV courses (except DES INV 15, 22, 23, 90E, 190E); ENGIN 125, 157AC, 180, 183 series, 185, 187, 195 series; IND ENG 95, 172, 185, 186, 190 series, 191, 192, 195; MEC ENG 191AC, 190K, 191K. There is no limit to the number of letter-graded research units that can be applied to the 48 engineering units.

5

Choose courses from the approved Bioengineering Fundamentals list. See concentrations for recommendations.

6

Students must complete a minimum of 36 units of upper division Technical Topics courses. Choose courses from the approved Technical Topics list. See concentrations for recommendations. Up to 8 units of research (BIO ENG H194 and/or BIO ENG 196) can be included in this total. The 36 units of upper division Technical Topics cannot include BIO ENG 100, 153, 253, any other seminar-style courses or group meetings, or any course taken on a P/NP basis.

7

Choose course from the approved Bioengineering Lab list. See concentrations for recommendations.

8

Choose course from the approved Bioengineering Design Project or Research list. See concentrations for recommendations.

9

Students must complete a minimum of 24 units of upper division Bioengineering courses, including at least two Bioengineering Fundamentals courses, one Bioengineering Design Project or Research course, and one Bioengineering Lab course. See concentrations for recommendations. Up to 4 units of research (BIOENG H194 and/or BIOENG 196) can be included in this total. The 24 units of upper division Bioengineering courses cannot include BIOENG 100, 153, 253 any other seminar-style courses or group meetings, or any courses taken on a P/NP basis.

10

Free electives can be any technical or non-technical course, any course of your interest offered by any department; there are no restrictions. Free electives may be necessary in order to obtain the minimum 120 units for graduation.

11

Junior transfer admits are exempt from completing BIO ENG 10.

Student Learning Goals

Mission

Since our founding in 1998, the BioE faculty have been working to create an integrated, comprehensive program. Much thought has been put into the question, “What does every bioengineer need to know?” The faculty have been engaged in considerable dialogue over the years about what needs to be included, in what order, and how to do so in a reasonable time frame. Balancing depth with breadth has been the key challenge, and we have reached a point where the pieces have come together to form a coherent bioengineering discipline.

Learning Goals for the Major

  1. Describe the fundamental principles and methods of engineering.
  2. Understand the physical, chemical, and mathematical basis of biology.
  3. Appreciate the different scales of biological systems.
  4. Apply the physical sciences and mathematics in an engineering approach to biological systems.
  5. Effectively communicate scientific and engineering data and ideas, both orally and in writing.
  6. Demonstrate the values of cooperation, teamwork, social responsibility, and lifelong learning necessary for success in the field.
  7. Design a bioengineering solution to a problem of technical, scientific. or societal importance.
  8. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized field of bioengineering.

Major Map

Major maps are experience maps that help undergraduates plan their Berkeley journey based on intended major or field of interest. Featuring student opportunities and resources from your college and department as well as across campus, each map includes curated suggestions for planning your studies, engaging outside the classroom, and pursuing your career goals in a timeline format.

Use the major map below to explore potential paths and design your own unique undergraduate experience:

View the Bioengineering Major Map.

 

Advising

Bioengineering provides an array of programmatic and individual advising services. Each student is strongly encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor each semester. Our dedicated Bioengineering undergraduate affairs officer is available through appointments or drop-in times to consult on topics such as course selection, degree requirements, concentration selection, and achieving personal and academic goals. Further advising support is available from staff in the Engineering Student Services Office.

Please see more information on advising on the department website.

Advising Staff

Undergraduate Advisor:
Marisela Adler
Phone: 510-642-5860
mariselal@berkeley.edu
306C Stanley Hall

Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Research

We believe it is essential for undergraduates to experience the hands-on application of skills to prepare them for a career in bioengineering. Every student is required to complete at least one semester of research or design before graduation, although most do more. This can be accomplished through our outstanding senior capstone design course, or through other independent study options and research in faculty laboratories. A recent survey shows that 86% of our senior students have undertaken extracurricular research, usually starting in their sophomore year. For research resources, please visit the department website.

Student Organizations

There are several active student organizations related to bioengineering, focusing on academics, research, global healthcare, local outreach, social life, career planning, and other worthy efforts. For further information, please see the Student Life page on the department website.

Courses

Bioengineering

Contact Information

Department of Bionegineering

306 Stanley Hall

MC 1762

Phone: 510-642-5833

Fax: 510-642-5835

bioeng@berkeley.edu

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Phillip Messersmith

218 Hearst Memorial Mining Building

philm@berkeley.edu

Department Major Adviser

Marisela Adler

306C Stanley Hall

mariselal@berkeley.edu

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