Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering

The Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering major at UC Merced provides students with a solid foundation in biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, and biochemical and biomolecular process engineering. Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineers apply chemical engineering principles and knowledge in molecular and cell biology and biochemistry to design, develop, and operate processes, products, and devices involving biological systems. Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineers produce biologically derived products, industrial and consumer chemicals of application in health (vaccines and biologics, drug-delivery components, bio-diagnostics), in food processing and conservation (enzymatic processes and industrial enzymes), in agriculture, and in the environment (biosensors and bioremediation products).

The Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering program educates students in critical thinking and engineering design, communication effectiveness, in the benefits of collaborative and cooperative work, and provides strong ethical and professional considerations to prepare students for careers in industry, academia, and the government. B.S. graduates in Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering pursue careers in pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology industries, launch their startups, and continue their studies in different fields such as medicine and other engineering disciplines.

The Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering program at UC Merced seeks accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, our graduates demonstrate:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Programs

• Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering, B.S.