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
🎓 Graduate Degrees
Explore our graduate degree offerings:
- Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering – Research-focused, emphasizing fundamental knowledge in BSE.
- Doctor of Engineering (D.Engr.) – Applied engineering practice.
- 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.
➡️ For detailed information, see our Graduate Degrees page.
📚 Coursework & 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.
Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are available on the Graduate Coursework page.
🧑🏫 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 how to effectively communicate with and schedule meetings with your advisors on the Graduate Mentorship page.
📅 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
For a comprehensive timeline and requirements, refer to the Graduate Student Milestones page.
💰 Graduate Funding
Explore funding opportunities to support your graduate studies, including Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions, fellowships, and assistantships.
For detailed information on funding options, visit the Graduate Funding & Degree page.
📚 Teaching Assistants & Readers
Interested in teaching? Learn about eligibility, application procedures, and responsibilities for TA and Reader positions within the department.
Access the application process and requirements on the Teaching Assistants and Readers page.
📝 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 and submission guidelines on the Graduate Forms page.
🧑🎓 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:
- Student Health & Counseling Services (SHCS) – Medical, mental health, and UC SHIP insurance.
- Services for International Students & Scholars (SISS) – Immigration, visas, OPT/CPT, and family support.
- Internship & Career Center (ICC) – Jobs, internships, faculty panels, and career fairs.
- Community & Student Centers – Including AB540 & Undocumented Center, Veterans Success Center, and more.
➡️ Explore more on the Graduate Studies Resources page.
📬 Need Help?
For additional assistance or questions, contact our Graduate Program Coordinator:
📧 BAEadvising@ucdavis.edu (please allow 3–5 business days for a response).
- Quarterly Registration/Courses
- Please check our registration and courses page which contains information about MAE courses, including descriptions, suggested core courses and sample plans of study by research area. It also contains information on registering for courses, receiving unit credits for research and frequently asked questions.
NOTE:
Timely and accurate enrollment is the responsibility of each student. Missed deadlines can impact funding, course availability and degree progress. We encourage putting a reminder/setting your calendar accordingly.
The graduate calendar can be accessed here.
Department Resources
MAE Graduate Student Handbook
The MAE Graduate Student Handbook (PDF) is a useful document that gives specific information about departmental policies such as employment, use of facilities, safety information, computer resources and reimbursement for out-of-pocket purchases and travel. It also contains information about University-wide policies such as admission, registration, grading policies, withdrawal, leaves and readmission.