Biomolecular Science and Engineering

Program Description:

The Biomolecular Science and Engineering undergraduate program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering as they relate to the study and manipulation of biological molecules and systems. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields by providing a strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and engineering principles. Students will gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, research projects, and internships, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, fostering a deep understanding of biomolecular interactions, genetic engineering, and molecular design. Additionally, students will learn about cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, protein engineering, and bioinformatics. The program encourages collaboration across disciplines, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in academia, industry, and healthcare sectors. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and faculty engaged in pioneering research, students are well-supported to develop both technical skills and a broad scientific perspective. Graduates of the program will be equipped to contribute to advancements in personalized medicine, sustainable bio-manufacturing, and environmental biotechnology. The University of California’s Biomolecular Science and Engineering program aims to foster innovative thinking and lifelong learning in its students, equipping them to be leaders in the rapidly evolving field of biomolecular science.

BMSE Core Curriculum

Ph.D. students in the program are required to demonstrate competency in the fundamental areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and bioengineering, normally by completing a total of 15 units of core module coursework, and by demonstrating a depth of knowledge in at least two advanced topics. Program students will elect an emphasis in either Biochemistry & Molecular Biology OR in Biophysics & Bioengineering. Core module courses in each emphasis are listed to the right in the first box.

Competency in the chosen emphasis is normally demonstrated by completion of 10 units of modular coursework from that emphasis with grades of B or better. Competency in the other emphasis is normally demonstrated by completion of 5 units of coursework from that emphasis with grades of B or better.

Additional Coursework

BMSE 592-BMSE Lab Rotations

2 or 4 units each quarter of first year of study only with faculty approval. Students in the BMSE program normally complete three one-quarter laboratory rotations during the first year of study and are encouraged to rotate through laboratories in more than a single academic department.

BMSE 595 - Advanced Topics Seminars

2 units; A critical review of research in selected areas available from participating faculty in the departments of Chemistry, MCDB, Materials, and Physics.

BMSE 596 - Directed Reading & Research

Variable unit credit for research performed in one's permanent research laboratory. Students are expected to begin research for their dissertation in the spring or summer following their first year in the program. Research directors may be selected from any of the faculty affiliated with the interdepartmental program or outside the program with prior approval.

BMSE 599 - Ph.D. Dissertation Preparation

Variable units & register for only after advancing to candidacy and typically in the last quarter enrolled as a doctoral candidate. Unit credit for writing the PhD dissertation.

Seminar Courses

BMSE 262 - Research Progress in BMSE

1 unit each quarter & required every quarter during entire academic study; Research presentations by advanced PhD students on research progress in BMSE & MCDB.

BMSE 265 - Seminar Discussion Group

1 unit each quarter & required for non-advanced graduate students; Review of literature of invited guest speakers for BMSE's weekly seminar series which is not an official seminar course.

Teaching Assistant Courses

All BMSE students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least two quarters during their entire course of study at UCSB.

MCDB 500 - Teaching Assistant Orientation

1 unit, Offered Fall quarter only; Register for only once prior to or concurrent with first TA assignment.

MCDB 501 - Practicum in Instruction

1-4 units; Credit for actual TA assignment; Register in quarter assigned a TAship; Units depend on teaching load (50% TAship = 4 units of MCDB 501 enrollment).

MCDB 502 - Teaching Assistant Training

1-2 units; Offered Fall & Winter quarters; Register for only once prior to or concurrent with first TA assignment. Group discussion of TA related issues and practical critique of TA teaching by other TA's.

Examinations

In order to qualify for advancement to doctoral candidacy, students must complete all required core coursework and form a doctoral thesis committee. A doctoral thesis committee consists of a minimum three BMSE ladder faculty with the chosen research advisor serving as the Thesis Committee Chair. For the student's qualifying exam, the Faculty Graduate Advisor appoints an Exam Chair from within BMSE to replace the Thesis Committee Chair as the research advisor is not allowed to be present during the exam process.

The advancement to candidacy exam is normally taken towards the end of the second year of graduate study (spring or summer) and is based on the student's thesis research. The qualifying examination consists of a written research proposition followed by an oral defense of the proposition.

After advancement to candidacy, students are expected to present a formal seminar annually in BMSE 262 (Progress in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Seminar series), and are encouraged to meet annually with their thesis dissertation committee until completion. The final requirement for the Ph.D. degree is a written dissertation and its oral defense, which can be waived with approval, in lieu of a final program seminar.

Requirements

• Online application: https://www.graddiv.ucsb.edu/eapp
• Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or CV (submitted in the online application)
• Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (submitted online)
• GRE General test scores
• TOEFL scores 630 Paper-Based Test (PBT), 109 Internet-Based Test (IBT) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Overall Band score of 7 or higher (if applicable)
• Final/Official transcripts will be required for all applicants who are admitted and have indicated their intent to enroll at UC Santa Barbara by submitting a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR). UC Santa Barbara reserves the right to require official transcripts at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission made if discrepancies between uploaded and official transcript(s) are found.

Scholarships

All Ph.D. students in good academic standing and progressing normally are fully supported during their graduate studies by a teaching assistantship, graduate student research assistantship or fellowship. Current support packages include a living stipend of $28,000 annually pre-candidacy and $30,000 annually advanced to candidacy, plus payment of tuition, fees, and comprehensive student health insurance during the academic quarters.

During teaching assistantship quarters, graduate students receive employment compensation as TA's from the department offering the course, along with payment of fees and health insurance.

Fellowship support provided to outstanding first year graduate students is made possible by the following generous gifts and endowments: the George & Joy Rathmann Fellowship, Carbon-Clarke Fellowship, and the A. Edward Protio Biomedical Engineering Graduate Fellowship. Qualified incoming students also are nominated for centrally administered Graduate Division recruitment fellowships such as the Chancellor's Fellowships, Regents Special Fellowships, Small Department Fellowships, Eugene Cota Robles Fellowship, Graduate Opportunity Fellowships, and UC Santa Barbara Graduate Fellowships.

Many BMSE students may also be eligible for extramural predoctoral fellowships from the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UC Discover and Biotechnology Research Programs, and other agencies.

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. This interdisciplinary major equips students with the skills necessary to understand and manipulate biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. The curriculum typically includes coursework in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, thermodynamics, kinetics, and systems biology, complemented by training in engineering principles and laboratory techniques. Students gain practical experience through laboratory work, research projects, and possibly internships in biotechnology companies or research institutes. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in research, biotech industry, pharmaceutical development, or for further study in graduate or professional schools. Interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are emphasized, fostering a scientific environment that encourages problem-solving and technological advancement in the biomedical field. Students also have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements in genome editing, drug development, biomaterials, and bioinformatics. The program supports a robust community of faculty and students committed to scientific discovery and technological innovation, making it a highly competitive and dynamic field of study at the University of California.