Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering - Molecular, Cell and Tissue Engineering

Biomedical engineering graduate students engage in a rich spectrum of advanced research at the molecular, cellular, tissue, systems, and organism levels, as well as in clinical practice. Students gain advanced knowledge of the modeling of biological systems, and the design of devices and procedures useful for human and veterinary medicine. Students graduate with the qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for professional research and teaching in the integration of engineering with biological and medical sciences. A strong background in mathematics and engineering is highly recommended.

The program of study in biomedical engineering leads to an MS and/or a PhD and is intended to prepare students for professional work in the effective integration of engineering with the biological and medical sciences, including the modeling of biological systems and the design of devices and procedures useful for human and veterinary medicine. The program is designed to provide sufficient flexibility to meet both the needs and interests of individual students and the changes of emphasis in this new and rapidly growing field. While assuring competence in engineering and biological sciences, the program is intended to meet the conflicting demands for flexibility, breadth and depth of training, and limitation of training time. The program is designed to give each student adequate exposure to analysis, design, experimentation, and communication. A minimum core program is required of all students. Various additional course combinations identified in the tracks of study provide breadth and depth of training. Some substitutions to maintain flexibility are permitted, but the resulting program for each student is reviewed to assure that it meets the standards the faculty deem necessary to prepare the student for successful professional endeavors after graduation.

Our faculty in this focus area develop tools and methods to engineer biological systems that mimic, recover or improve biological function. Researchers use a combination of cells, bioactive molecules, biomaterials, mechanical conditioning and tools from molecular and genetic engineering. This research theme is closely associated with biomaterials, which supports new tissue growth and platforms to develop models of disease and development. Training in this field bridges principles of genetic engineering, cell biology, bioelectricity, biomechanics, cellular signaling and medicine with essential elements from biophysics, solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and physical chemistry to provide a rigorous background for application in academic, industrial and government settings. Researchers take advantage of a uniquely interdisciplinary environment that includes the College of Biological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine, numerous Centers of Excellence and a GMP facility to translate regenerative medicine technologies from the bench to animal studies and beyond.

Admission to graduate standing in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group (BMEGG) requires a Bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to biomedical engineering. Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 (out of 4.00) or greater. Applicants whose native language or language of instruction is not English are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency with a score of 100 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test or a score of 8.0 from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A student may apply for admission for either an M.S. or a PhD. The M.S. is not prerequisite to the PhD, and completing the MS requirements does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.
A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) from the institution where you have earned or will earn your bachelor's degree.
Three Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis is 100 for the Internet-based test and 550 for the paper test. Submit scores to School Code 4834, Department Code 45 . The minimum band score required for admission to Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis is 8 on a 9-point scale.