Bioengineering Emphasis | Department of Bioengineering

Credit: Brian Wolf

Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Wellness

In alignment with the core mission of the University of California, the Biological Engineering Program at UC Santa Barbara aims to foster an academic climate that not only celebrates diversity but also actively dismantles institutional and systemic barriers to diversity. As a department, we are committed to reform on individual and institutional levels.

The optional PhD bioengineering emphasis is open to all doctoral students currently enrolled at UCSB in one of the 13 participating engineering and/or science departments and programs (see list below). The new emphasis includes structured curriculum aimed at teaching biology to physical scientists at several levels (molecular, cellular, and tissue) as well as both a student-run and invited seminar series aimed at providing a community for students engaged in bioengineering related research on campus. The new courses are open to all graduate students interested in bioengineering.

Rapidly Growing Discipline

The optional Bioengineering Graduate Emphasis prepares current doctoral students to undertake research at the interfaces of engineering, physical science, biology, and medicine. The emphasis is designed to complement student's home department/program studies. It features a structured set of core lecture courses that are taught collaboratively be multidisciplinary faculty engaged in bioengineering related research. Additionally the emphasis provides a community of support and a vehicle for exchange of ideas for enrolled students via two seminar series and a student-led series fostering research exchange and professional development.

Who Can Petition

Doctoral Students from any department within the College of Engineering (Chemical Engineering; Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Materials; and Mechanical Engineering) or from the following departments or programs within the MLPS Division of the College of Letters and Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry; Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology; Mathematics; Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology; Physics, Psychological and Brain Sciences; Statistics and Applied Probability; and the Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program) may petition to add an emphasis in Bioengineering to their current doctoral degree program. Candidates pursuing the Bioengineering Emphasis must also fulfill the departmental and University requirements related to their home degree program. Note, some departments and programs already approve the BGE courses towards their departmental requirements, and in other cases BioE works with the student and home department to support new petitions.

Participating Departments