BE SB Degree Requirements

Biological Engineering offers an undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes engineering analysis, design, and synthesis approaches to modern biology at the molecular to systems level. Completion of the curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering. The program prepares students for careers in industries ranging from pharmaceutical and biotechnology to materials synthesis, microelectronics, biomedical devices, and ecology in both basic research positions and well as project-oriented product development positions. The program also prepares students for graduate study or further professional study.

The required core curriculum includes a strong foundation in biological and biochemical sciences integrated with engineering throughout the entire core. Students who wish to pursue the Biological Engineering SB are required to complete the Biology GIR during the freshman year and may delay completion of Physics II until fall term sophomore year if necessary. Students who wish to pursue the BE SB must also complete freshman chemistry, at least the first term of freshman physics, and both terms of freshman calculus during the freshman year. The optional 6-unit subject "Introduction to Bioengineering" is offered during spring term of freshman year to provide a perspective on the context of bioengineering, and the Biological Engineering SB, within the School of Engineering.

In the sophomore year, students should complete their science foundation courses: Genetics, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry, Differential Equations, and an Introductory Biological Engineering Lab. The sophomore-level subject in Genetics is a collaborative effort between Biological Engineering and the Biology Department, and sophomore-level Thermodynamics is a collaborative effort between BE, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry. At the present time, enrollment in the Biological Engineering SB is limited, and students who wish to pursue the BE SB must complete the sophomore fall term subject 20.110J/2.772J/5.601J Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems with a passing grade in order to apply for enrollment in the BE SB. Students should also take Differential Equations by the end of fall term sophomore year to prepare for spring term sophomore subjects in biological kinetics and programming. The curriculum for spring term of sophomore year also includes an introductory biological engineering laboratory subject that provides context for the lecture subjects and provides a strong foundation for undergraduate research in biological engineering through UROP or summer internships.

The advanced subjects required in junior and senior years introduce additional engineering skills in lecture and laboratory subjects and culminate in a senior design project. All subjects have a theme of molecular-to-systems level analysis, design and synthesis and include a strong integration with biology fundamentals. Advanced subjects also include a range of restricted electives that allow students to develop more advanced expertise in one of four thematic areas: Systems Biology; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Cell and Tissue Engineering; and Microbial Systems. Many of the advanced subjects are jointly taught with other departments in the School of Engineering or School of Science and may fulfill degree requirements in other programs.

Enrollment in the BE SB is initially limited to about 20 students per year. Students who complete 20.110J and the freshmen requirements described above are eligible to apply for admission during fall term of their sophomore year. If the number of applications exceeds the available slots, a lottery will be conducted at the end of fall term to select sophomores for the class and a wait list will be maintained. Students who are not admitted to the BE SB may still take most of the core subjects and earn a BME Minor degree.