Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering degree: Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Washington

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with an Option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering (NME) at the University of Washington combines engineering, biology, chemistry, medicine, and molecular science, with a focus on developing solutions at the nano and molecular level. It is a great fit for students interested in areas such as biomaterials, drug delivery, biotechnology, molecular engineering, regenerative medicine, and advanced biomedical technologies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building a strong foundation in mathematics and the natural sciences through courses such as MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, along with CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 and PHYS 121. These courses develop the calculus, chemistry, physics, and analytical skills needed for more advanced bioengineering study.

Year 2: Students begin connecting biological sciences with engineering through courses including BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220, and CHEM 223 or CHEM 237. They also develop computational and bioengineering skills through courses such as AMATH 301 Scientific Computing, BIOEN 315 Biochemical and Molecular Bioengineering, and BIOEN 316 Biomedical Signals and Sensors.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes more advanced, with students studying subjects such as BIOEN 325 Biotransport I, BIOEN 326 Solid and Gel Mechanics, BIOEN 335 Biotransport II, BIOEN 336 Bioengineering Systems and Control, and BIOEN 345 Failure Analysis of Human Physiology. Students can also select the NME option during their junior year and begin directing their studies toward nanoscience and molecular engineering.

Year 4: Students focus more closely on nanoscience and molecular engineering through NME 220 and at least 18 credits of approved 400-level or higher BIOEN nanomolecular engineering courses. They also complete BIOEN 401 and BIOEN 402 as their senior capstone, with the project focused on an NME-related topic, giving them an opportunity to apply their knowledge to an advanced research or design challenge.

Focus Areas

Nanoscience, Molecular Engineering, Biomaterials, Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, Drug Delivery, Biomedical Devices, Biotechnology, Biomedical Research, Nano-Bio Interfaces, Tissue Engineering, Medical Technologies

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to combine engineering, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and statistics to solve biomedical challenges; analyze biological and physiological systems; design and evaluate biomedical materials, devices, systems, and processes; conduct experiments and interpret results; use quantitative and computational approaches; work effectively in multidisciplinary teams; communicate technical ideas clearly; and apply nano- and molecular-level engineering concepts to healthcare and medical technology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Bioengineering at the University of Washington is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The NME option is completed within the B.S. in Bioengineering, allowing students to combine specialized nanoscience and molecular engineering study with an ABET-accredited bioengineering education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Washington Bioengineering department states that its undergraduate program consistently ranks highly among the nation's biomedical engineering undergraduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report. The department also has a strong research and innovation environment, with reported research outputs including 1,025 inventions, 2,163 patents filed, 561 patents issued, 166 active licenses, and 50 startup companies resulting from faculty and student research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Bioengineering with an Option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering gives students a hands-on way to explore how engineering can be used at the nano and molecular level to address healthcare challenges. Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, engineering design, independent research, and specialized seminars, while having access to the University of Washington's wider bioengineering research environment. The senior capstone is especially valuable because NME students complete a research project with a required nano- or molecular-engineering focus and work with a faculty laboratory.

Students can develop practical experience through:

Independent research capstone: Students complete BIOEN 401 and BIOEN 402, with their senior capstone required to include nano- or molecular-engineering content. They identify a suitable Bioengineering faculty member and work with that faculty laboratory on their research project.
Nano- and molecular research: Students can explore areas such as biomaterials, molecular engineering, drug delivery, molecular and cellular engineering, and biomedical nanotechnology through the department's research environment.
Specialized research facilities: NESAC-BIO (National ESCA and Surface Analysis Center for Biomedical Problems) provides advanced surface-analysis capabilities that are particularly relevant to students interested in biomaterials and molecular-level biomedical research.
Biomaterials research: UWEB-21 (University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials) brings together engineers, scientists, physicians, researchers, and industry partners to develop biomedical innovations involving engineered biomaterials.
Laboratory-based learning: Students gain hands-on experience through courses such as BIOEN 317 Biomedical Signals and Sensors Laboratory, BIOEN 327 Fluids and Biomaterials Lab, and BIOEN 337 Mass Transport and Systems Lab.
Engineering design: BIOEN 400 Fundamentals of Bioengineering Design helps students develop practical design skills that they can apply to their senior research and design work.
Computational tools: Students can develop computational skills through BIOEN 217 MATLAB Fundamentals and approved computing coursework, supporting quantitative analysis and engineering problem-solving.
Specialized NME seminars: Students take NME 321 and NME 421, giving them opportunities to explore nano- and molecular-engineering topics and engage with the research community.
Research exploration through BioExplore: BioExplore helps undergraduate students discover research opportunities through talks, panels, workshops, laboratory tours, and research-focused activities. Previous research experience is not required to participate.
Computing and collaborative facilities: Students have access to computer labs, a student-only drop-in computing lab, an advanced computing lab, collaborative spaces, conference and seminar rooms, presentation equipment, and video-editing equipment.
Additional research experience: The department offers opportunities such as BIOEN 499 Undergraduate Research, allowing students to gain further experience working on research alongside their academic studies.
Interdisciplinary research environment: Students can benefit from research across areas including engineered biomaterials, surface analysis, molecular imaging and therapy, molecular and cellular engineering, and biomedical technologies, helping them connect nano- and molecular engineering with real healthcare applications.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Bioengineering with an Option in Nanoscience and Molecular Engineering prepares students for careers that combine bioengineering, biotechnology, biomaterials, medical technology, and molecular research. With its strong engineering foundation, specialized NME coursework, and research-focused capstone, the program gives graduates a solid platform for entering industry, pursuing research, or continuing to advanced study.

Typical career paths include Bioengineer, Biomedical Engineer, Biomaterials Engineer, Biotechnology Engineer.

Students can build their professional future through:

Career and internship support: The University of Washington provides students with career resources through the Career & Internship Center, while Bioengineering also connects students with opportunities through BioEngage, the UW College of Engineering Internship Program, and Handshake.
Industry connections: BioEngage works to connect UW Bioengineering students with companies and professionals in the biomedical industry. Students can benefit from opportunities for internships, employment, networking, and professional development.
Industry mentorship: Junior and senior students can participate in the Industry Mentorship Program through BMES at UW and BioEngage, giving them an opportunity to connect with professionals working in biomedical engineering and biotechnology.
Internship opportunities: BioEngage supports undergraduate internship opportunities, particularly during the summer following the junior and/or senior year, allowing students to gain relevant professional experience before completing their degree.
Research-to-career experience: NME students complete an NME-focused BIOEN 402 capstone project with a Bioengineering faculty laboratory. This experience can help students develop research and technical skills relevant to careers in biomaterials, biotechnology, medical devices, and molecular engineering.
Graduation outcomes: Across University of Washington–Seattle undergraduate programs, the Class of 2024 achieved an 85% positive outcome rate, covering employment, continuing education, and volunteer service. This is a university-wide figure and should not be interpreted as the specific employment rate for the NME option.
Employer reach: The University of Washington reports that its graduates work for more than 1,000 different employers each year, reflecting the broad range of career opportunities available to UW graduates.
Salary information: The university provides graduate career and outcome information, but no official program-specific average salary was identified for graduates of the B.S. in Bioengineering NME option. Therefore, a specific salary figure should not be assumed.
Long-term accreditation value: The B.S. in Bioengineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Because NME is an option within the B.S. in Bioengineering, students complete their specialized nano- and molecular-engineering studies within an ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering degree.
Strong research environment: Students benefit from UW Bioengineering's research environment across areas such as biomaterials, molecular and cellular engineering, biotechnology, biomedical devices, imaging, and regenerative medicine. This can provide valuable preparation for both research-focused careers and further academic study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into master's or doctoral study in areas such as bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biomaterials, biotechnology, nanotechnology, molecular engineering, or related disciplines. At the University of Washington, relevant options include the M.S. in Bioengineering, Master of Applied Bioengineering, and Ph.D. in Bioengineering. Eligible students can also pursue the combined B.S./M.S. in Bioengineering pathway, allowing them to continue directly into graduate-level study and develop deeper research and technical expertise.