Undergraduate Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering Program

The undergraduate interdisciplinary program Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (QBE) provides rigorous training with an interface between biology and mathematics, computer sciences, and chemistry; establishing a new hallmark for Colorado School of Mines.

Students in this major will complete a core course program that includes the general Mines core plus a set of additional required courses identified as important components needed to educate an individual in quantitative bioscience and engineering. These courses are coupled with an approved stream of biology electives that fortify a student’s understanding of key areas, leading to a BS degree.

Electives are designed to support students with an interest in a particular area of biology (e.g., pre-med, ecology, systems, molecular) along with critical quantitative skills. Enhanced skill development and research opportunities through independent study credit will be offered in partnership with several research labs across campus.

Degree Expectations and Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, the QBE curriculum should prepare students to be able to:

  • Explain and apply foundational biological concepts in the areas of 1) evolution, 2) structure-function relationships, 3) biological networks and systems, 4) information storage and transfer, and 5) transformations of energy and matter
  • Explain and apply core skills and concepts in mathematical, physical, and data sciences including basic programming, working with biological datasets, modeling biological processes, and visualizing data
  • Conduct rigorous experimental biological research through hypothesis testing, experimental design, use of research equipment, data collection, data analysis, and written and oral communication of results to diverse audiences
  • Work in diverse teams using technical expertise, multidisciplinary skills, effective communication, and entrepreneurship to establish goals, plan tasks, and solve problems
  • Evaluate the ethical and cultural impacts of modern biology and data science on local communities, worldwide society, and the environment
  • Obtain a position in quantitative biosciences in industry, government, or graduate/professional school
4-Year Plan

Review detailed information by downloading the 4-Year Plan

Notes:
The above 4-year plan is a general recommendation for a student with no transfer or other credits outside Mines and not incorporating ASI, minors, or other academic pursuits. Other paths will be possible with the note that some courses will be easier to move than others. You are encouraged to work with an advisor to develop a custom plan for your goals.

* Denotes course that is currently under development. Please monitor your emails for communications/updates and work closely with an advisor, as these courses may be subject to change. ​

** QBE technical elective options are published in the catalog. Special topics courses may not appear on the list. Please consult with an advisor for approval for any course not appearing in catalog. As a new major, there are a number of courses being considered for addition to the TECH elective list.  ​

*** The list of courses that qualify for this requirement are revised yearly and posted in the Catalog. At least one of the courses must be at the 400-level; at least one must have an HASS prefix.

Additional Program Information

Student Success (M.I.N.E.S.)

Mining Biological Databases and Biological Systems​
Interrogating Biological Data Sets Using Computational Modeling​
Natural Systems Exploration​
Engineering and Evaluating Biological Systems ​
Synthesizing New Ideas and Products

More information on how M.I.N.E.S. can facilitate student success, coming soon!

Research Opportunities

MINES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (MURF)
The objective of this program is to enhance the education of undergraduate students with an opportunity to work as research assistants on faculty-led research projects. This will broaden and deepen the educational experience of students by exposing them to the research enterprise. Engaging in research could turn into a journey of self-discovery for students as it may help them identify their own career or research aspirations.
See the MURF website for details.

FIRST-YEAR INNOVATION & RESEARCH SCHOLAR TRAINING
The First-Year Innovation and Research Scholar Training (FIRST) Fellowship offers an opportunity for select, highly motivated first-year students to participate in original research experiences coupled with a focus on innovation. FIRST fellowship recipients are awarded up to a $1000 stipend, disbursed hourly, to compensate for their time spent on research.
See the FIRST website for details.

More Information

Apply Now!

Questions?
Email: uqbe@mines.edu