BioE 98/198 - Breaking Down BioE
Enrollment Info
For Freshman and Sophmores interested search 28996 in CalCentral's Enrollment Center. For Transfers, Juniors, and Seniors interested, enroll in 29010.
If there are any issues email bdbdecal@gmail.com and we can help!
The class is also searchable on the DeCal website berkeleydecal.com, where you can view the syllabus and some additional information on the class.
Read the Fall 2026 BDB Decal Syllabus Here
Overview
Purpose
This course is designed to serve students who:
- Intend on majoring in bioengineering and want to explore concentrations
- Are undecided in their major choice and would like an introduction to the engineering disciplines through a biological lens
- Have declared a major other than bioengineering and would like to explore applications of their major to solve problems in biology and medicine.
By exploring each application of Bioengineering, we help you discover the BioE concentration/engineering major that best simulates your interests. We enhance course and career planning by helping you select electives, and develop your repertoire of professional and academic skills. By providing access to advice and guidance from our course instructor, Professor Dorian Liepmann, and BioEHS alumni/upperclassmen, we relate the classes in your intended discipline to your goals and passions.
Description
Bioengineering is a highly interdisciplinary field that applies various fields of engineering to biological systems. Historically, Bioengineering was first merged with Chemical Engineering to understand the structure and function of molecules including DNA, RNA, and proteins. Since then, various science and engineering disciplines have applied their principles to solve problems in biology such as of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, and more. Breaking Down BioE will explore bioengineering through the lens of these various engineering disciplines applied to biological systems through speaker series, group discussions, journal clubs, and hands-on projects. These activities include building your own smart garden through principles of Electrical Engineering, touring laboratories within academia and industry, and learning to build your resume with professional development workshops.
Decal Facilitators
Maya Van
Maya is the lead facilitator of BDB. She grew up in the Bay Area and is now in her final semester at Berkeley. She is majoring in bioengineering and is interested in cell and tissue engineering along with gene therapy. In her free time (which is unfortunately is not much), she enjoys playing video games or DMing her Dungeons and Dragons campaign with her friends.
Rihana Abdulvahid
Rihana is an assistant facilitator of BDB, and a sophomore BioE major at Berkeley. Her research interests are in computational biology and genomics, alongside precision medicine and wearable tech. She is passionate about diversifying the healthcare industry and expanding access to biotechnology education and usage. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, browsing bookstores, and exploring Berkeley's live music scene.
Jack Langhoff
Jack is an assistant facilitator of BDB, and a Senior BioE major as well as being a Transfer from NVC to UC Berkeley. Jack grew up in both the Bay Area and the Pacific North West. Jack's research and career interests are with wearable medical devices and gene therapy/treatments. In his free time he enjoys music production, playing Pokemon GO, and playing with my dogs!
Here's what previous students had to say about BDB!
"I learned so much through the diverse speaker set and journal club project through industry advice, the do's and don'ts of research, and overall presentation skills on detailed scientific topics which is something I'd never done before."
"When I was looking for research, the people I met through this DeCal helped me through the process. Now, I'm extremely thankful to learn from a great grad student, and I'm excited to work on a project that I am truly passionate about."
"As a freshman, it was difficult to find my place in the BioE Community, overwhelmed by the number of resources, people ,extracurricular opportunities, but having a tight-knit community through the DeCal was helpful in making the first semester transition easier."
"I'm so glad I took a chance on this DeCal because the sheer amount of love, effort, and support that went into creating it truly translated to success and growth for the students."