Information and Policies
Introduction
The biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major includes the biomolecular engineering (BME) and bioinformatics (BINF) concentrations. The BME concentration is designed for students interested in protein engineering, stem cell engineering, and synthetic biology. The emphasis is on designing biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) and cells for particular functions, and the underlying sciences are biochemistry and cell biology.
The BINF concentration combines mathematics, science, and engineering to explore and understand biological data from high-throughput experiments, such as genome sequencing, gene-expression chips, and proteomics experiments. The program builds upon the research and academic strengths of the faculty in the Biomolecular Engineering Department.
In both concentrations, students participate in a capstone experience. Options for the senior capstone experience include
- Senior Design—a three-quarter group project intended to prepare students for work in industry,
- a summer full-time synthetic biology project based on the iGEM competition,
- A three-quarter Senior thesis,
- or an Advanced bioinformatics course series. The last option is the required capstone for students participating in the bioinformatics concentrations.
All capstone options involve working closely with faculty and other researchers at UCSC, analyzing ideas, developing technologies, and discovering new approaches. Application areas include biomolecular sensors and systems, nano-electronic implants, assistive technologies for the elderly and disabled, bioinformatics, microfluidics, nanoscale biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and other areas at the junction between engineering and the life sciences.
More information about bioengineering research and undergraduate research opportunities can be found at Undergraduate Research Opportunities, the Genomics Institute, the Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, the STEM Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, and the STEM diversity programs.
The program has course requirements in mathematics, science, and engineering. Students interested in Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics as a major should contact the School of Engineering advising office (advising@soe.ucsc.edu) before enrolling in any courses at UCSC. Early advising is particularly important before choosing calculus and physics courses.
Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics students may continue their research and studies at UCSC in any of several graduate programs. Information may be found at the Division of Graduate Studies website.
The immense growth of biological information stored in computerized databases has led to a critical need for people who can understand the languages, tools, and techniques of statistics, science, and engineering. A classically trained scientist may be unfamiliar with the statistical and algorithmic knowledge required in this field. A classically trained engineer may be unfamiliar with the chemistry and biology required in the field. Thus, this major strives for a balance of the two: an engineer focused on the problems of the underlying science or, conversely, a scientist focused on the use of engineering tools for analysis and discovery.
Academic Advising for the Program
The Baskin School of Engineering Undergraduate Advising office offers general advising for prospective and declared undergraduates majoring in School of Engineering programs. The office handles major declarations, transfer credits, course substitutions, articulations, and degree certifications. Undergraduate students obtain and submit all paperwork requiring departmental approval to the undergraduate advising office. Transfer students should also refer to the Transfer Information and Policy section.
Baskin Engineering Building, Room 225
advising@soe.ucsc.edu
(831) 459-5840
Getting Started in the Major
Students applying for admission as first-year students proposing to take the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major should have completed four years of high school mathematics (through advanced algebra and trigonometry) and three years of science, including one year of chemistry and one year of biology. Comparable college mathematics and science courses completed at other institutions may be accepted in place of high school preparation. Students without this preparation may be required to take additional courses to prepare themselves for the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
A biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics student completing the program should
- have a broad knowledge of science and engineering disciplines including biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and computer science; those completing the BINF concentration will also have a detailed knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and science; and, those completing the BME concentration will have broader knowledge in biology and chemistry;
- be able to apply their knowledge to identify, formulate, and solve engineering design problems;
- be able to find and use information from a variety of sources, including books, journal articles, online encyclopedias, and manufacturer data sheets;
- be able to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
- be able to communicate problems, experiments, and design solutions in writing, orally, and as posters; and
- be able to apply ethical reasoning to make decisions about engineering methods and solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Major Qualification Policy and Declaration Process
Major Qualification
In order to be admitted into the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major students must be listed as a proposed major within the School of Engineering. Please refer to the School of Engineering's "Proposed Major Retention" and its "Declaring a School of Engineering Major" sections in the catalog and the Undergraduate Affairs website for more information.
In addition to being listed as a proposed School of Engineering major, students must have completed at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.8 or better in courses required for the major. Students with two or more grades of NP, C-, D+, D, D-, or F in these courses are not qualified to declare.
Students wishing to declare the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major after the sixth quarter must appeal, must already have a declared major in which they have completed at least one major requirement course and be making reasonable progress, and must have completed 10 more credits of required courses in the biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major for each additional quarter.
Transfer students should refer to the Transfer Information and Policy section.
Appeal Process
Students who are informed that they are not eligible to declare may appeal this decision by submitting a letter to the undergraduate director within 15 days from the date the notification was mailed. Within 15 days of receipt of the appeal, the Undergraduate Advising office will notify the student, the college, and the Office of the Registrar of the decision.
If you have further questions concerning the appeal process, please contact the Undergraduate Advising office at (831) 459-5840 or email advising@soe.ucsc.edu.
More information regarding the appeal process can be found here: https://undergrad.soe.ucsc.edu/appeal-your-major
How to Declare a Major
Instructions for declaring a major in the Baskin School of Engineering are at https://undergrad.soe.ucsc.edu/declare-your-major.
Transfer Information and Policy
Transfer Admission Screening Policy
Transfer students need to complete the equivalents of eight courses from the following list with a GPA in those courses of 2.8 or better:
| BME 80G
/PHIL 80G
| Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society | 5 |
| CHEM 1A | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 1C | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 8A | Organic Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 8B | Organic Chemistry | 5 |
| BIOL 20A | Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| MATH 19A | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| MATH 19B | Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics | 5 |
| AM 10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
Although not required for admission, transfer students are strongly recommended to complete at least ten courses from the above list if they wish to graduate in two years. Students with fewer than 10 transferable courses may find it difficult to complete the major in only two more years.
Prospective students are encouraged to prioritize required and recommended major preparation, and may additionally complete courses that articulate to UC Santa Cruz general education requirements as time allows.
Transferring to Biomolecular Engineering
Students transferring into the biomolecular engineering concentration may also count any of the following:
| PHYS 5A | Introduction to Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 5B | Introduction to Physics II | 5 |
| BME 21L | Introduction to Basic Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
| AM 20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
Transferring to Bioinformatics
Students transferring into the bioinformatics concentration may also count any of the following:
| CSE 16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE 13S | Computer Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
Transfer students may use courses articulated to PHIL 22, PHIL 24, or PHIL 28 in place of BME 80G, if these courses are taken prior to registering at UC Santa Cruz.
Getting Started at UCSC as a Transfer Student
Transfer students should declare their major in their first quarter at UCSC. Instructions for declaring a major in the Baskin School of Engineering are at https://undergrad.soe.ucsc.edu/declare-your-major.
Letter Grade Policy
The Baskin School of Engineering requires letter grades for all courses in an engineering major.
Course Substitution Policy
Please refer to the Undergraduate Affairs course substitution website for Baskin School of Engineering policies about taking courses at other institutions after enrolling at UCSC.
Double Majors and Major/Minor Combinations Policy
Double majors with other biology-related majors are permitted for the bioinformatics concentration, but not for the biomolecular engineering concentration.
The BMEB major cannot be combined with a bioinformatics minor.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to investigate studying for short periods of time (a summer or a quarter) at other institutions, to broaden their education.
The BME Department has established an exchange program with Danish Technical University (DTU), which makes study there for one semester relatively easy, particularly for the bioinformatics concentration. Proposed plans of study should still be cleared with the undergraduate director.
Other exchange programs are also being developed.
Honors
Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors are considered for "Honors in the Major" and "Highest Honors in the Major" based on their GPA and on results of undergraduate research. Students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher receive "Highest Honors in the Major." Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher, but lower than 3.7, receive "Honors in the Major." Students with particularly significant accomplishments in undergraduate research may receive honors or highest honors with a lower GPA. Students who have been found guilty of academic misconduct are not eligible for either honors or highest honors.
Because of the enormous breadth of requirements, biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors are urged to take honors courses or sections whenever possible to get as much as possible out of the courses they take in each field.
Biomolecular Engineering Concentration
The biomolecular engineering concentration focuses on wet-lab work, but with a modern appreciation for the statistics and computational tools needed for high-throughput experimentation.
Course Requirements
Biomolecular engineering concentration majors must complete the following courses:
Lower-Division Courses
Biology
All of the following courses:
Biology laboratory course
Either of the following courses:
| BIOL 20L | Experimental Biology Laboratory | 2 |
| BME 21L | Introduction to Basic Laboratory Techniques | 3 |
BME 21L is strongly preferred. This requirement is waived for transfer students with biotechnology or molecular biology lab experience—students can request the waiver from the undergraduate director.
Bioethics
| BME 80G
/PHIL 80G
| Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society | 5 |
Chemistry
All of the following courses:
Laboratory courses
One of the following options:
Mathematics
Choose one of the following options:
MATH 19A and MATH 19B are the recommended sequence. Credit for one or both can be granted with adequate performance on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement examination.
Students may substitute MATH 21 for AM 10, and MATH 24 for AM 20, if they can show MATLAB proficiency at the level of students in the AM class that they are replacing.
Applied Math
Both of these applied math courses:
| AM 10 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers I | 5 |
| AM 20 | Mathematical Methods for Engineers II | 5 |
Physics
Choose one of the following options:
Upper-Division Courses
Statistics
Two statistics courses:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
All of the following courses:
Biomolecular Engineering
Choose one of the following courses:
Plus all of the following courses:
| BME 110 | Computational Biology Tools | 5 |
| BME 160 | Research Programming in the Life Sciences | 6 |
| BME 163 | Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data | 3 |
Plus one of the following Modeling/Design sequences:
Technical Writing (one of the following courses)
| BME 185 | Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers | 5 |
| CSE 185E
/CSE 185S
| Technical Writing for Computer Science and Engineering | 5 |
Elective
One of the following (the course taken to satisfy this elective cannot be used to satisfy other requirements of the major):
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors satisfy the DC requirement by completing one of the following courses:
| BME 185 | Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers | 5 |
| CSE 185E
/CSE 185S
| Technical Writing for Computer Science and Engineering | 5 |
Comprehensive Requirement
All biomolecular engineering concentration students must complete a senior capstone project as a group project, as a series of Advanced Bioinformatics courses, or as an individual senior thesis doing research in a faculty laboratory.
Note that the Technical Writing requirement is a prerequisite for all the capstone options, including the senior thesis. Students pursuing the senior thesis option must write a two-page thesis proposal and seek approval of their project from the undergraduate director in the quarter preceding the independent study courses, typically spring quarter of the third year. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the prerequisites for whichever capstone they choose.
To complete the senior capstone requirement, Biomolecular Engineering concentrations students must complete one of the following:
The thesis option consists of 12 credits of Independent Study (BME 198). Field Study (BME 193), or Senior Thesis Research (BME 195) in biomolecular engineering; and BME 123T, Senior Thesis Presentation, 5 credits.
Students pursuing the senior thesis option must write a two-page thesis proposal and seek approval of their project from the undergraduate director in the quarter preceding the independent study courses, typically spring quarter of the third year.
Students spend three or more quarters working on their thesis projects. Thesis students must enroll in BME 123T, Senior Thesis Presentation, before completing their thesis.
Exit Requirements
Students are required to submit a portfolio, exit survey, and attend an exit interview.
The portfolios must be turned in electronically as PDF files by the last day of the quarter of graduation, and will be reviewed quarterly by the undergraduate director.
Portfolios must contain the following:
- A substantial written report on a modeling/design project. This is typically satisfied by a senior thesis, or a written capstone project report.
- Slides from a substantial verbal presentation. This is typically satisfied by a capstone design presentation, Stem Cell Engineering, or other design courses.
- A research poster. This is typically satisfied by a senior thesis poster or a capstone design project poster, presented at the undergraduate poster symposium.
The three parts of the portfolio should represent at least two different design projects. If a senior thesis is completed, it must be provided as the written report. If a capstone project is completed, it must be provided as one (or more) of the three submissions.
Exit interviews are scheduled during the last week of the quarter by the Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) advising office, generally as small group interviews.
Planners
Every biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major must have a faculty adviser, assigned by the Baskin School of Engineering undergraduate advising office, and with that adviser must formulate a program of proposed coursework that meets the major requirements. The choice of capstone and electives should be made early, so that the plan can be tailored to fit in the chosen courses.
As in all engineering and science programs, it is recommended that students spread their general education requirements out over all 12 quarters. Delaying a general education requirement is safer than delaying a major requirement.
It is recommended that students reserve the summer after the junior year for undergraduate research.
Curriculum charts for the major are available on the BSOE website.
Sample Plan: Biomolecular Engineering Concentration
Students who can take Organic Chemistry (CHEM 8A and CHEM 8B, or transferable equivalents) in summer after their first year can take BIOC 100A in their second year and be ready to join a research lab a year earlier. Here is an alternative plan for students who do organic chemistry in summer.
Sample Plan: Biomolecular Engineering Concentration (CHEM 8A & CHEM 8B In summer after first year)
General education requirements:
CC, ER, and IM are not met by any courses in the program.
MF, SI, SR and PE are met by required courses.
TA can be met by several electives: BME 122H, BME 132, BME 177, or BME 178.
PR-E can be met by some capstone options: BME 129C or BME 180.
C is not met by courses in the program, but is a prerequisite for the required BME 185 or CSE 185E course.
Transfer planner
This transfer planner assumes that a student has completed the equivalent of CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B, CHEM 1M, CHEM 1C, CHEM 1N, CHEM 8A, CHEM 8B, MATH 19A, MATH 19B, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5L, BIOL 20A, AM 10, a molecular biology lab, and all general education courses before coming to UC Santa Cruz. Students are also expected to have completed all the general education requirements, except those covered by the required courses. This planner is only a proof-of-concept that the major can be completed in another two years; each student will need to work with an adviser to tailor their own schedule.
Bioinformatics Concentration
The bioinformatics concentration focuses on dry-lab (computational) techniques.
Bioinformatics concentration majors must complete the following courses:
Course Requirements
Lower-Division Courses
Biology
Biomolecular Engineering
| BME 80G
/PHIL 80G
| Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society | 5 |
Chemistry
All of the following courses:
Computer Science and Engineering
All the following courses
| CSE 13S | Computer Systems and C Programming | 7 |
| CSE 16 | Applied Discrete Mathematics | 5 |
| CSE 30 | Programming Abstractions: Python | 7 |
| CSE 101 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 5 |
Mathematics
Choose one of the following options:
MATH 19A and MATH 19B are the recommended sequence. Credit for one or both can be granted with adequate performance on the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement examination.
Students may substitute MATH 21 for AM 10, if they can show MATLAB proficiency at the level of students in the AM class.
Upper-Division Courses
Statistics
Two statistics courses:
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biomolecular Engineering
Plus one of the following courses:
Plus all of the following courses:
| BME 110 | Computational Biology Tools | 5 |
| BME 160 | Research Programming in the Life Sciences | 6 |
| BME 163 | Applied Visualization and Analysis of Scientific Data | 3 |
Plus one of the following Modeling/Design sequences:
Students may substitute MATH 24 for AM 20, and MATH 22 or MATH 23A for AM 30 , if they can show MATLAB proficiency at the level of students in the AM class that they are replacing.
Technical Writing
Choose one of the following courses:
| BME 185 | Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers | 5 |
| CSE 185E
/CSE 185S
| Technical Writing for Computer Science and Engineering | 5 |
CSE 185E is recommended, as it has more focus on writing about computer programming and includes some LaTeX instruction.
Elective
One of the following (courses satisfying an elective cannot be used to satisfy other requirements of the major):
Database management
The following course is required:
| CSE 182 | Introduction to Database Management Systems | 5 |
CSE 180 may be substituted for CSE 182, but additional prerequisites would be required, and students have no registration priority.
Disciplinary Communication (DC) Requirement
Students of every major must satisfy that major's upper-division Disciplinary Communication (DC) requirement. Biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics majors satisfy the DC requirement by completing one of the following courses:
| BME 185 | Technical Writing for Biomolecular Engineers | 5 |
| CSE 185E
/CSE 185S
| Technical Writing for Computer Science and Engineering | 5 |
Comprehensive Requirement
The senior capstone is fulfilled by completing all of the following courses:
| BME 205 | Bioinformatics Models and Algorithms | 5 |
| BME 230A | Introduction to Computational Genomics and Systems Biology | 5 |
Exit Requirements
Students are required to submit a portfolio, exit survey, and attend an exit interview.
The portfolios must be turned in electronically as PDF files by the last day of the quarter of graduation, and will be reviewed quarterly by the undergraduate director.
Portfolios must contain the following:
- A substantial written report on a modeling/design project. This is typically satisfied by a senior thesis, or a written capstone project report.
- Slides from a substantial verbal presentation. This is typically satisfied by a capstone design presentation, Stem Cell Engineering, or other design courses.
- A research poster. This is typically satisfied by a senior thesis poster or a capstone design project poster, presented at the undergraduate poster symposium.
The three parts of the portfolio should represent at least two different design projects. If a senior thesis is completed, it must be provided as the written report. If a capstone project is completed, it must be provided as one (or more) of the three submissions.
Exit interviews are scheduled during the last week of the quarter by the Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE) advising office, generally as small group interviews.
Planners
Every biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics major must have a faculty adviser, assigned by the Baskin School of Engineering undergraduate advising office, and with that adviser must formulate a program of proposed coursework that meets the major requirements. The choice of capstone and electives should be made early, so that the plan can be tailored to fit in the chosen courses.
As in all engineering and science programs, it is recommended that students spread their general education requirements out over all 12 quarters. Delaying a general education requirement is safer than delaying a major requirement.
It is recommended that students reserve the summer after the junior year for undergraduate research.
Curriculum charts for the major are available on the BSOE website.
Sample Plan: Bioinformatics Concentration
General education requirements:
CC, ER, IM, and PR-E are not met by any courses in the program.
MF, PE-T, SI, and SR are met by required courses.
TA can be met by several electives: BME 122H, BME 132, BME 177, or BME 178.
C is not met by courses in the program, but is a prerequisite for the required BME 185 or CSE 185E course.
Transfer planner
This transfer planner assumes that a student has completed the equivalent of CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B, CHEM 1M, CHEM 1C, CHEM 1N, CHEM 8A, CHEM 8B, MATH 19A, MATH 19B, BIOL 20A, CSE 16, and CSE 13S and all general education requirements, except those covered by the required courses. This planner is only a proof-of-concept that the major can be completed in another two years; each student will need to work with an adviser to tailor their own schedule.