Bioengineering

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to biological systems. Students in the Bioengineering major study math, physics, chemistry, and biology, in addition to computer sciences, electrical and mechanical engineering, and/or materials sciences.

They bring these skills together in bioengineering courses where they learn to analyze, understand, repair, and alter biological materials and systems. Collaboration and interdisciplinary perspectives are key skills we encourage in all of our students, and we prize cooperation over competition whenever possible. BioE graduates pursue successful careers in industry, further study in medical school, and/or graduate studies in bioengineering and related disciplines at top universities.

The Future of Biology. The Future of Engineering. 

Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in engineering and the biological sciences, with the freedom to explore a variety of topics and specialize in advanced areas of research. All students take bioengineering fundamentals courses in areas such as biomechanics, instrumentation, and computational biology, and choose from a growing list of bioengineering topics for specialized advanced coursework. In addition, students will take BioE laboratory courses and complete a design or research project under faculty supervision.

Students can pursue a concentration in Biomedical Devices; Biomedical Imaging; Cell & Tissue Engineering; or Synthetic & Computational Biology.

Amplify Your Major

Bioengineering faculty care about my learning and success both as a student and as a future professional.
Bioengineering Student

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • Meet other bioengineers at events and student groups like BioEHS and BMES.

  • Go to office hours and study groups (SLC, ESS).

  • Seek out mentorship from upper division students.

  • Get help if you need it and respect your limits.

Discover Your Passions

  • Read about faculty research in Bioengineering, but don’t worry about joining a lab your first year.

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Interested in studying abroad later? Check out the requirements now.

  • Explore volunteering opportunities on campus.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

  • Finish lower division courses.

  • Talk with adviser(s) and use the multi-year teaching plan to plan your prereqs and classes.

  • Considering a minor or summer minor? Sketch out how it’ll fit into your 4-year plan.

  • Attend the BioE Town Hall.

Connect and Build Community

  • Keep going to office hours and study groups to build your connections.

  • Get to know faculty and grad students at professor lunches, Town Hall, research exhibitions, etc.

  • Gain leadership experience in student organizations and ESS.

Discover Your Passions

  • Plan for research. Make a resume, talk to faculty.

  • Into health entrepreneurship? Apply for the Fung Fellowship

  • What kind of problems do you want to solve? Start thinking about how they relate to potential careers and what skills you’ll need.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

  • Choose classes from your concentration that will build the career skills you need.

  • Check in with a major adviser and college adviser on degree progress.

  • Plan time for non-major courses on your bucket list.

  • Attend the BioE Town Hall.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Doing research? Present your work whenever possible (CoE poster session, Cal Day) and apply for the Dr. Budinger Award

  • Narrow your careers list and make a plan to get there. Faculty advisers can help.

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Find opportunities to pursue your passions that go beyond campus, such as a Berkeley Global Internship, community volunteering, or independent project.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Apply for fellowships available to recent Berkeley graduates.

  • Explore gap year opportunities prior to embarking on your next academic or career adventure.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Clinical Research Coordinator, UCSF
  • Engin. Tech., Verily Life Sciences
  • Junior Specialist, UC Berkeley
  • Optometric Asst., Golden Gate Optom.
  • Process Engineer, Illumina
  • Research Asst., Innovative Genomics
  • Research Fellow, ETH Zurich
  • Scientific Lab Asst., Adv. Clinical
  • Software Developer, IBM
  • Software Engineer, Capital One
  • Software Engineer, Google
  • System Engineer Assoc., IRhythm
  • Systems Engineer, Bio-Techne
  • Technical Services, Epic Systems
  • Wireless Engineer Intern, Kaiser

Graduate Programs

  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Genetics
  • Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Natural Resources Mgmnt & Policy
  • Neurobiology

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey and Astro Exit Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Cal Day

Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more. BioE’s Cal Day website

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit bioeng.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

Set an appointment or drop-in to meet with a Bioengineering undergraduate adviser.

Advising Appointments available:

Tuesday - Friday, 9:30 - 11:30am

Tuesday - Thursday, 1:15 - 4:00pm 

Advising appointments will primarily meet via Zoom. In-person advising available on Thursdays or by appointment, when needed.

Appointments can be made via email at mariselal@berkeley.edu. It is strongly recommended you email to schedule an appointment.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.