Current Graduate Students

Current Graduate Students – Biological Systems Engineering (GBSE)

Welcome to the GBSE Graduate Student Portal at UC Davis. This centralized hub is designed to support you throughout your graduate journey—from orientation to career placement. Below, you'll find essential resources organized by category to help you navigate your academic and professional development.

Jump to: Graduate Degrees | Registration | Advising | Milestones | Funding | TAs | Forms | Involvement | Resources

📢 Announcements 

🎓 Graduate Degrees

Explore our graduate degree offerings:

  • Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering – Research-focused, emphasizing fundamental knowledge in BSE.
  • Master of Science (M.S.) – Two plans:
    - Plan I (Thesis) – Research culminating in a thesis.
    - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) – Coursework with comprehensive exam.
  • Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) – Professional, practice-oriented program.

➡️ Learn more about the different degrees.

📚 Coursework & Quarterly Registration

Understand the coursework requirements and available classes that align with your degree plan.

Plan your classes and degree requirements:

  • Course descriptions, suggested core courses, and sample study plans
  • Research credits (298/299/396)
  • Registration FAQs

Note: Timely enrollment is the student’s responsibility. Missed deadlines may impact funding, course availability, and degree progress.

Learn more about course descriptions and prerequisites. 

Access the graduate calendar here.

🧑‍🏫 Graduate Mentorship & Advising

Graduate mentorship is central to success. Engage with your Major Professor and Graduate Faculty Advisor for guidance on research, coursework, and professional development.

Learn more about graduate mentorship.

📅 Graduate Student Milestones

Track your academic progress with key milestones:

  • Program of Study (Ph.D. & M.S.)
  • Qualifying Examination (Ph.D.): Prepare for and understand the expectations of the GBSE Qualifying Examination, a critical component in your doctoral journey. Detailed guidelines and procedures can be found on the GBSE Qualifying Examination page.
  • Advancement to Candidacy
  • Exit Seminar
  • Graduation

Learn more about key graduate student milestones. 

💰 Graduate Funding

Explore funding opportunities to support your graduate studies, including Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions, fellowships, and assistantships.

Learn more about funding options.

📚 Teaching Assistants & Readers

Interested in teaching? Learn about eligibility, application procedures, and responsibilities for TA and Reader positions within the department.

Learn more about TA and Reader opportunities.

📝 Graduate Forms

Access essential forms for your graduate journey, including:

  • Ph.D. & M.S. Program of Study
  • Advancement to Candidacy
  • Petition for Exception (PEP)
  • Filing Fee Application
  • Other Graduate Studies petitions
  • Graduate Program Bylaws
  • Graduate Program Handbook
  • BAE Graduate Student Handbook
    • Includes department policies, facilities, safety, reimbursements, and University-wide policies.
  • Degree Requirement Documents (M.S. & Ph.D.)

Find all necessary forms.

🧑‍🎓 Graduate Student Life & Involvement

Engage in the vibrant graduate community through events, social gatherings, and student organizations.

  • Graduate Student Organizations – Build community through student-led groups and events.
  • BAE Graduate Student Directory – Connect with peers in the program.

Discover opportunities to get involved on the Graduate Student Life page.

📘 Department Resources

For additional resources, including computer labs, tutoring, and facilities access, visit our Resources page.

🌐 Campus Resources

UC Davis offers a wide range of resources to support graduate student success, wellness, and belonging:

➡️ Explore more on the Graduate Studies Resources page.

📬 Need Help?

For additional assistance or questions, contact our Graduate Program Coordinator:
📧 [email protected] (please allow 3–5 business days for a response).