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Biochemical engineers apply the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to produce useful commodities through biotechnology. Biochemical engineering includes such areas of interest as cell culture processes and separation processes for pharmaceutical production, food processing and biological waste treatment. As a biochemical engineering major at UC Davis, you'll learn to grow plant, animal, and microbial cells in bioreactors and to separate their products from solutions using the most up-to-date processes and equipment available. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in independent research projects under the supervision of some of the most highly regarded researchers in the nation.
Real World
Majors in Biochemical Engineering are ideally prepared to enter emerging industries in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields. Students learn how to grow both natural and genetically modified organisms in cell culture bioreactors and how to separate and purify the active products from those cell cultures. They also learn how to operate processes in compliance with the good manufacturing practices required by regulatory agencies. The products they produce promise to cure many of humankind's most serious health problems. Graduates are also well prepared to make contributions to food processing and environmental remediation.
Major Requirements
As a biochemical engineering major, you will begin your study with an extensive series of foundation courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. At the upper division level, you will take advanced courses in specific topics in biochemical and chemical engineering. These courses will include subjects such as applied biology, applied chemistry, applied mathematics, food process engineering and computers and automation.
Major Adviser
Name: Brad Horton
Contact: bhorton@ucdavis.edu, (530) 752-2504
A Student Perspective
In this program, I'm benefiting from the close relationship between students, faculty members and advisers. My favorite class, Chemical Engineering Laboratory, has allowed me to develop hands-on experimental techniques which will be important in an industry career. In addition to learning technical skills, I've also had the chance to meet frequently with my professors to discuss class topics and to collaborate with other students in close-knit groups. The interpersonal techniques I've learned through working closely with others will be a boost to my future career in teaching.
~ Alison Hong, senior
A Faculty Perspective
Our biochemical engineering program is one of the few in the nation accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). We train engineers for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, helping them to develop strong foundations in chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics and engineering. Graduates from our program are now successful engineers at biotechnology companies around the country such as Genentech, Chiron, Amgen, Alza and Affymetrix, to name a few. My hope is that the training students receive in our program will lead to new applications of biotechnology and to safer, more effective and more affordable human therapeutics.
~ Dr. Karen McDonald, associate dean
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