Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering is an engineering major that uses life sciences as its main scientific base. With rapid advances in biology and biotechnology, engineers are needed to work side by side with life scientists to bring laboratory developments into commercial production or field application. Industries in food and fiber production, bioenergy, bioprocessing, biotechnology, food processing, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, plant and animal production, natural resource management, and waste reduction all need engineers with strong training in biology. In the first two years, the Biological Systems Engineering major requires sequences of courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering science, and humanities, similar to all accredited engineering programs. In addition to these courses, the major also includes courses in the life sciences and the application to engineering. Exclusive of General Education units, the Biological Systems Engineering major requires a minimum of 163 units (86 units in the lower division, 77 units in the upper division).

Biological Systems Engineering graduates take jobs in biotechnology, energy, food, and medical industries, work for federal, state and local agencies, and pursue graduate work. Students can also use the program as a pathway to professional schools in medicine, veterinary medicine, education, law, or business.

To be considered for freshman admission, you must complete secondary school, earn good grades in academic subjects, and receive a certificate of completion that grants you admission to university-level studies in your country.
prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements.
Score 24 or higher on the ACT English Language Arts (ELA)
Score 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT
Score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition
Score 6 or 7 on an IB Standard Level examination in English (Language A only)
Score 5, 6 or 7 on an IB Higher Level examination in English (Language A only)
IELTS - Score 6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT - Minimum score of 80 or better