Biology

The undergraduate option in bioengineering, previously administered by the Division of Engineering and Applied Science, provides a foundation for graduate studies in the application of engineering principles to the design, analysis, construction, and manipulation of biological systems, and in the discovery and application of new engineering principles inspired by the properties of biological systems.Instruction in both undergraduate programs is offered in the form of participation in the ongoing research programs of the division, as well as in formal course work. Course work emphasizes the more general and fundamental properties of living organisms, and areas of current research interest, rather than the traditional distinct fields within the life sciences.The division encourages undergraduate participation in its research program and believes that research participation should be a part of each student's program of study. Students may elect to prepare an undergraduate thesis. Research opportunities may be arranged with individual faculty members, or guidance may be obtained from a student's individual faculty adviser in the division or from the biology undergraduate student adviser.

Course Content

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biology and Evolution
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology and Evolution
• Neurobiology
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Organismal Biology
• Cell Biology

Requirements

TOEFL paper-based test score 550

TOEFL iBT® test 80

• Common Application with Caltech Questions
• $75 application fee or fee waiver (Common App waiver or Caltech-specific waiver)
• SAT with writing or ACT with writing
• SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
• 1 SAT science subject test: biology (ecological), biology (molecular), chemistry, or physics
• 1 math or science teacher evaluation
• 1 humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation
• Secondary School Report
• Academic transcripts

In addition to the two required teacher evaluations, you are welcome to submit an evaluation from a mentor or supervisor who knows you in a different context. If you have published a scientific research paper, you may submit the full paper to Caltech. Instructions on how to submit these papers will be included in your application confirmation email.

No work experience is required.

All undergraduate financial aid is awarded based on need. Annually, nearly 60 percent of undergraduates receive aid under Caltech's policy to provide all U.S. citizens and permanent residents with the support required to meet 100 percent of their families' demonstrated need.