University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The programme blends core chemical engineering fundamentals with life-sciences subjects and hands-on laboratory and design experience. Early years focus on mathematics, physics, general chemistry and introductory engineering principles. Core engineering topics include transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering and process control, taught with examples relevant to biological systems.

Life-sciences components introduce cell and molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and biochemical kinetics. Upper-division modules typically cover bioprocess engineering, bioreactor design and scale-up, bioseparations and downstream processing, metabolic and protein engineering, biomaterials and bioinstrumentation. Laboratory practicals and unit operations labs emphasise experimental design, data analysis and safety in working with biological materials.

Program features commonly include a team-based capstone design project addressing a realistic industrial or societal problem, opportunities for semester-long research placements with faculty, and elective choices that let you specialise in areas such as synthetic biology, environmental biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing or computational systems biology.

Typical modules and topics you can expect:

• Calculus and differential equations for engineers
• General and organic chemistry; analytical methods
• Physics for engineers
• Material and energy balances; process dynamics and control
• Transport phenomena (momentum, heat, mass transfer)
• Chemical reaction engineering with biochemical kinetics
• Cell and molecular biology; microbiology and virology fundamentals
• Bioprocess engineering and bioreactor design
• Bioseparations and downstream processing
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering electives
• Laboratory courses and safety; computational tools and modelling
• Senior capstone design project integrating technical, economic and regulatory considerations

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate engineering programmes at the University of Colorado Boulder typically requires a strong high-school academic record with emphasis on maths and sciences. Competitive applicants usually present:

• High performance in mathematics (calculus-preparatory) and chemistry; biology is highly recommended for biochemical streams
• Solid grades in physics where available
• SAT/ACT test scores if submitted (policies on standardized testing may vary; check the university for current guidance)
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required and academic credentials should be equivalent to U.S. secondary-school completion

Additional factors considered include personal statements, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities demonstrating interest in science and engineering, and any relevant laboratory or internship experience. Transfer applicants must meet department-specific coursework and GPA requirements; prospective students should consult the College of Engineering and Applied Science for precise transfer criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates with a biochemical engineering background move into roles across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, energy and environmental sectors. Typical entry-level positions include process engineer, bioprocess development engineer, quality control/assurance engineer, manufacturing engineer in biopharmaceutical plants, and technical roles in food processing or fermentation industries.

With experience, biochemical engineers progress to process development, project engineering, production management, regulatory affairs, validation and scale-up leadership positions. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study (MSc, PhD) or professional schools to move into research, academic careers or specialised areas such as synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and biomedical device development. The degree also provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship in biotech startups and for careers in technical consulting.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder offers this discipline within an engineering school known for interdisciplinary research and strong links between engineering and the life sciences. Students benefit from access to research centres and shared facilities that foster collaborations in synthetic biology, bioengineering and sustainability. The campus environment supports undergraduate research, internship placements and industry partnerships with local and regional biotech companies in the Boulder–Denver metro area.

Hands-on learning is emphasised through laboratory courses, capstone design projects and opportunities to work alongside faculty on active research. The College of Engineering and Applied Science provides advising, career services and student organisations tied to biochemical and biomedical engineering, helping students build technical skills, professional networks and practical experience sought by employers and graduate programmes.