Bioengineering

The Bioengineering program at the University of California offers an innovative and comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for a dynamic career at the intersection of biology, engineering, and medicine. This interdisciplinary program integrates foundational principles from biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics to develop solutions for healthcare, biotechnology, and related industries. Students engaged in this program gain a deep understanding of biological systems, biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical devices, and systems biology, empowering them to contribute to advancements in medical technology, diagnostics, therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, research opportunities, and collaborative projects to foster practical skills and innovative thinking. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, students learn to design, analyze, and improve biomedical devices and systems. The curriculum also includes courses on bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology, systems engineering, and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded education that balances technical expertise with societal impact considerations. The program encourages interdisciplinary teamwork and critical problem-solving skills essential for addressing complex biomedical challenges. Graduates of the Bioengineering program are well-prepared for careers in research and development, medical device industry, biotechnology firms, healthcare institutions, or pursuing advanced studies in graduate or professional schools. The university's strategic location provides opportunities for internships, collaborations with leading healthcare providers, and participation in cutting-edge research projects. Overall, the UC Bioengineering program is committed to developing innovative leaders who will shape the future of healthcare and improve lives through engineering solutions rooted in scientific excellence and societal responsibility.

Core Courses

All BIG students are required to take at least three courses from the following Bioengineering courses. Other courses may be substituted but must be approved by the Bioengineering Graduate Advisor. Students from non-engineering backgrounds are also required to take BIEN 264 or BIEN 270 in addition to the courses stipulated here. M.S. and Ph.D. students alike are expected to complete the course requirements for the programs within their first year of residence.

• BIEN 223 - Engineering Analysis of Physiological Systems
• BIEN 224 - Cellular and Molecular Engineering
• BIEN 242 - Advanced Biomedical Optical Imagining
• BIEN 245 - Optical Methods in Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering
• BIEN 249 - Integration of Computational and Experimental Biology
• BIEN 264 - Biotransport Phenomena
• BIEN 270 - Transport with Reactions in Biological Systems

Other Requirements

Other required courses: One bioscience class chosen from:

• BCH 210 - Biochemistry of Macromolecules
• BCH 211 - Molecular Biology
• BCH 212 - Signal Transduction and Biochemical Regulation
• BIOL/CMDB 200 - Cell Biology
• BIOL/CMDB 201 - Molecular Biology
• BIOL 203 - Cellular Biophysics
• BIOL 221 - Microbial Genetics
• NRCS 200A - Fundamentals of Neuroscience
• Equivalent Selections from Biomedical Sciences Medical School Courses

Requirements

• The nonrefundable $100.00 application fee ($125.00 for M.B.A./M.P.Ac./M.Fin./Flex M.B.A. applicants only) must be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover) prior to submission of your application.
• Applicants are required to submit an official copy of transcripts and degree certificates (in original language accompanied by certified English translations) from each academic institution attended after secondary school. These records should be sent directly from the Registrars Office of the academic institutions you have attended to the academic department to which you are applying. If this service is not available, applicants may also request official copies and send them in the institutions' original sealed and certified institution envelopes. Official records are original documents issued by the institution which bear the actual signature of the registrar in ink and the original wet ink stamp/seal of the issuing institution. The institution envelope must also bear that institution's appropriate authenticity indicator (original wet ink stamp and/or signature, etc.) from the appropriate department at that institution to consider the provided certified transcripts and degree certificates provided by the institution as official. Notarized documents are not acceptable. Credential evaluations by WES (World Education Services) or similar credential evaluation services are also not acceptable.
• Statement of Purpose/Personal History Statement
• Graduate programs require three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants will be able to enter their recommenders' information directly into their electronic application. Recommenders will be notified electronically and provided instructions on how to submit a letter online. All letters of recommendation must be received electronically so they are attached to the applicants file for review.
• The GRE general test is required of all applicants with the exceptions noted below. Some programs also require applicants submit scores from the Subject Test of the GRE. Consult the program to which you are applying for its requirements. Although current scores are preferred, some graduate programs will accept scores from tests taken within the last five years. 
• All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an advanced degree at an institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service and offered in nearly every country abroad. This exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: 550 for the written exam; 213 for the computer-based exam, and 80 for the internet-based exam (iBT). We strongly advise you to be aware of the deadline for the program to which you are applying. Dates and information for TOEFL may be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at the address below, by calling 1-877-863-3546, or by consulting the TOEFL Web site. Fellowship applicants should take the exam in time to meet the program deadline. Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks for test scores to reach us from ETS.
• Beginning with the Fall 2011 application cycle, UCR will accept scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System IELTS) which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The exam must be taken within two years of the time you intend to enroll at UCR. The minimum acceptable scores are: overall band score of 7 with no individual section score less than 6. Please request an official Test Report Form (TRF) of your IELTS. 

Applicants will need to have completed coursework in chemistry, physics, math, biochemistry and biology, and engineering. Students without an undergraduate engineering degree should have excellent training in mathematics and the physical sciences.

Specific recommendations for students without an undergraduate engineering degree are:

• Two years of mathematics
• One year of physics
• One year of inorganic chemistry including lab
• One year of organic chemistry including lab
• One course in biochemistry
• One course in molecular biology

Scholarships

• Fellowships
• Teaching and Research Assistantships

The Bioengineering program at the University of California offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates principles from biology, engineering, and medicine to develop innovative solutions to challenges in healthcare, biotech, and related fields. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, development, and application of biomedical technologies, including medical devices, tissue engineering, and genetic engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and collaborative research opportunities with faculty members who are leading experts in areas such as biomaterials, regenerative medicine, biomechanics, and systems biology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute to advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery. Students also have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and participate in internship programs to gain industry experience. The program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Ph.D. options, allowing students to tailor their education according to their career goals. Through interdisciplinary coursework and research, students learn to apply engineering principles to biological systems, develop innovative medical devices, and contribute to the understanding and treatment of diseases. The program collaborates with affiliated hospitals and research centers to foster a translational approach, moving discoveries from the laboratory to clinical application. Graduates of the Bioengineering program at UC are prepared for diverse careers in academia, industry, and healthcare, including roles in biomedical research, product development, regulatory affairs, and healthcare entrepreneurship. The university actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program, encouraging a collaborative environment where students from varied backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the advancement of biomedical science. Advanced coursework in areas such as nanoengineering, systems biology, and bioinformatics complements fundamental studies, providing students with a broad yet specialized skill set. Overall, the Bioengineering program at UC aims to nurture innovative thinkers and problem-solvers dedicated to improving human health through technological innovation and scientific discovery.