Major: Bachelor of Science
MajorOverview
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering can specialize in one of five major areas: Biomedical Computation, Engineering Physics, Atmosphere & Energy, Sustainable Architecture & Engineering or Biomechanics Engineering.
Mission of the Undergraduate Subplan in Atmosphere/Energy
The Atmosphere/Energy subplan combines atmospheric and energy sciences with engineering to prepare students to understand and mitigate atmospheric problems through optimal use of natural energy resources, energy efficiency, and energy technologies.
The Atmosphere/Energy subplan bridges a gap within the disciplines of civil and environmental engineering. Atmosphere and energy are strongly linked: fossil-fuel energy use contributes to air pollution, global warming, and weather modification; and changes in the atmosphere are fed back to affect renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and wave resources. The study of atmosphere and energy in this subplan prepares students to find the best ways to mitigate atmospheric problems, such as global warming and air pollution, by optimizing the use of natural energy resources, increasing the efficiency with which energy is used‚ and understanding the effects of energy technologies on the atmosphere.
Mission of the Undergraduate Subplan in Biomedical Computation
Quantitative and computational methods are central to advancing biology and medicine in the 21st century. These methods span analyzing biomedical data, constructing computational models for biological systems, and designing computer systems that help biologists and physicians create and administer treatments to patients. The Biomedical Computation subplan prepares students to work at the cutting edge of this interface between computer science, biology, and medicine. Students begin their journey by acquiring foundational knowledge of biological and computational disciplines. They learn techniques in informatics and simulation and their numerous applications in understanding and analyzing biology at all levels, from individual molecules in cells to entire organs, organisms, and populations. Students then focus on a depth area of their choosing and participate in a substantial research project with a Stanford faculty member. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter a range of disciplines in either academia or industry.
Mission of the Undergraduate Subplan in Biomechanical Engineering
The undergraduate subplan in Biomechanical Engineering aims to help students address health science challenges by applying engineering mechanics and design to the fields of biology and medicine. The subplan is interdisciplinary, integrating engineering coursework with biology and clinical medicine. Research and teaching in this discipline focus primarily on neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and cell and tissue biomechanics. This subplan prepares students for graduate studies in bioengineering, biomechanics, medicine, or related areas.
Mission of the Undergraduate Subplan in Engineering Physics
The undergraduate subplan in Engineering Physics aims to provide students with a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, together with engineering and problem-solving skills. All students in this subplan take high-level math and physics courses as well as engineering courses. This background prepares them to tackle complex problems in multidisciplinary areas that are at the forefront of 21st-century technology, such as aerospace physics, biophysics, computational science & AI, quantum science & engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, electromechanical systems (robotics), renewable energy, and any other engineering field that requires a solid background in physics. Because the subplan emphasizes science, mathematics, and engineering, students are well prepared to pursue graduate studies in engineering, physics, or applied physics.
Mission of the Undergraduate Subplan in Sustainable Architecture and Engineering
Rapid urbanization is one of the defining sustainability challenges of our time. Meeting the demand for new architecture and infrastructure at an unprecedented pace and scale requires new approaches to sustainable design and construction.
The undergraduate Sustainable Architecture and Engineering major provides students with a strong foundation in sustainable architecture and engineering. The major emphasizes the integration of both disciplines, which is essential to advancing more sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient built environments.
This major is not an ABET-accredited engineering degree. For an ABET-accredited degree, please explore the Civil Engineering major.
Requirements
The "School Requirements" found below detail the lists of School of Engineering (SoE) approved courses opens in a new tab that satisfy their requirements.
Required or applicable courses may vary depending on major and/or subplan. Please see the major and/or subplan Bulletin program page for detailed information about your program's approved SoE requirements.
School Requirements
Engineering Fundamentals
This is the list of SoE-approved Engineering Fundamentals courses that can be found at https://ughb.stanford.edu/courses/engineering-fundamentals opens in a new tab.
Required or applicable courses may vary depending on major and/or subplan. Please see your major and/or subplan for detailed information about your program's Engineering Fundamentals requirements.
ENGR 10
Introduction to Engineering Analysis
ENGR 14
Intro to Solid Mechanics
ENGR 15
Dynamics
ENGR 20
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
ENGR 21
Engineering of Systems
ENGR 40M
An Intro to Making: What is EE
ENGR 42
Introduction to Electromagnetics and Its Applications
ENGR 55
Foundational Biology for Engineers
ENGR 60
Engineering Economics and Sustainability
ENGR 76
Information Science and Engineering
EE 65
Modern Physics for Engineers
MS&E 111
Introduction to Optimization
MS&E 111DS
Introduction to Optimization: Data Science
Only one CS 106 course is allowed to count toward Fundamentals requirement.
Mathematics and Statistics
This is the list of SoE-approved Mathematics & Statistics courses that can be found at https://ughb.stanford.edu/courses/math-and-statistics. opens in a new tab
Required or applicable courses may vary depending on major and/or subplan. Please see your major and/or subplan for detailed information about your program's Mathematics requirements.
Approved Mathematics and Statistics
CME 100
Vector Calculus for Engineers
CME 102
Ordinary Differential Equations for Engineers
CME 104
Linear Algebra and Partial Differential Equations for Engineers
CME 108
Introduction to Scientific Computing with Machine Learning Applications
CME 192
MATLAB for Scientific Computing and Engineering
CS 103
Mathematical Foundations of Computing
ENGR 108
Introduction to Matrix Methods
MATH 51
Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Modern Applications
MATH 52
Integral Calculus of Several Variables
MATH 53
Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, Fourier Methods, and Modern Applications
MATH 104
Applied Matrix Theory
MATH 106
Functions of a Complex Variable
MATH 109
Groups and Symmetry
MATH 110
Number Theory for Cryptography
MATH 113
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
MATH 115
Functions of a Real Variable
MATH 120
Groups and Rings
MATH 121
Galois Theory
MATH 131P
Partial Differential Equations
MS&E 111
Introduction to Optimization
MS&E 111X
Introduction to Optimization (Accelerated)
MS&E 121
Introduction to Stochastic Modeling
Or more advanced Mathematics courses via approval of petition to deviate
If MATH 51 and CME 100 are both taken, only 8 units of credit will be allowed toward the SoE major program due to overlapping material.
Many majors need MATLAB. CME 192 is a 4-week, 1-unit MATLAB course
Statistics and Probability
CME 106
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers
STATS 60
Introduction to Statistical Methods: Precalculus
STATS 110
Introduction to Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences
CS 109
Introduction to Probability for Computer Scientists
EE 178
Probabilistic Systems Analysis
MATH 151
Introduction to Probability Theory
MS&E 120
Introduction to Probability
MS&E 125
Introduction to Applied Statistics
CEE 203
Probabilistic Models in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Or more advanced Statistics courses numbered over 100 via approval of petition to deviate
Some major programs allow only specific courses or allow/require courses in addition to those listed above; check your major program sheet footnotes to see what specific courses can be applied toward each major.
Science
This is the list of SoE-approved Science courses that can be found at https://ughb.stanford.edu/courses/science. opens in a new tab
Required or applicable courses may vary depending on major and/or subplan. Please see your major and/or subplan for detailed information about your program's Science requirements.
BIO 81
Introduction to Ecology
BIO 82
Genetics
BIO 83
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
BIO 84
Physiology
BIO 85
Evolution
BIO 86
Cell Biology
BIO 45
Introduction to Laboratory Research in Cell and Molecular Biology
BIO 47
Introduction to Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
BIO 150
Human Behavioral Biology
CEE 63
Weather and Storms
CEE 64
Air Pollution and Global Warming: History, Science, and Solutions
CEE 70
Environmental Science and Technology
CHEM 31E
Chemical Foundations and 21st Century Problems
CHEM 33
Structure and Reactivity of Carbon-Based Molecules
CHEM 121
Understanding the Natural and Unnatural World through Chemistry
CHEM 123
Organic Polyfunctional Compounds
EARTHSYS 2
Chemistry of the Earth and Planets
EARTHSYS 10
Introduction to Earth Systems
EARTHSYS 11
Introduction to Geology
EARTHSYS 110
Introduction to the Foundations of Contemporary Geophysics
HUMBIO 2A
Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution
HUMBIO 3A
Cell and Developmental Biology
HUMBIO 4A
The Human Organism
PHYSICS 21
Mechanics and Fluids
PHYSICS 23
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics
PHYSICS 25
Modern Physics
PHYSICS 22
Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat Laboratory
PHYSICS 24
Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics Laboratory
PHYSICS 26
Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 42
Classical Mechanics Laboratory
PHYSICS 43
Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 44
Electricity and Magnetism Lab
PHYSICS 45
Light and Heat
PHYSICS 46
Light and Heat Laboratory
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 61L
Mechanics Laboratory
PHYSICS 71
Quantum and Thermal Physics
PHYSICS 81
Electricity and Magnetism Using Special Relativity and Vector Calculus
Technology in Society
This is the list of SoE-approved Technology in Society (TiS) courses that can be found at https://ughb.stanford.edu/courses/tech-in-society. opens in a new tab
Required or applicable courses may vary depending on major and/or subplan. Please see your major and/or subplan for detailed information about your program's TiS requirements.
AA 252
Techniques of Failure Analysis
ARCHLGY 151
Ten Things: An Archaeology of Design
BIOE 131
Ethics in Bioengineering
BIOE 177
Inventing the Future
CEE 102A
Legal / Ethical Principles in Design, Construction, Project Delivery
CEE 145E
Equitable Infrastructure Solutions
CLASSICS 168
Engineering the Roman Empire
COMM 154
The Politics of Algorithms
COMM 166
Virtual People
CS 120
Introduction to AI Safety
CS 121
Equity and Governance for Artificial Intelligence
CS 139
Human-Centered AI
CS 152
Trust and Safety
CS 182
Ethics, Public Policy, and Technological Change
CS 182W
Ethics, Public Policy, and Technological Change (WIM)
CS 222
AI Agents and Simulations
CS 256
Algorithmic Fairness
CS 278
Social Computing
CS 329X
Human Centered NLP
DATASCI 154
Data Science for Social Impact
EARTHSYS 125
Shades of Green: Exploring and Expanding Environmental Justice in Practice
ENGR 145
Technology Entrepreneurship
ENGR 148
Principled Entrepreneurial Decisions
ENERGY 177A
Engineering and Sustainable Development: Toolkit
ENERGY 177B
Engineering and Sustainable Development: Implementation
EPS 194
Technology, International Security, and Sustainability
FEMGEN 144
Gendered Innovations in Science, Medicine, Engineering, and Environment
FEMGEN 147
Feminism and Technology
HUMBIO 174
Foundations of Bioethics
MS&E 179
Entrepreneurship for Everyone
NBIO 101
Social and Ethical Issues in the Neurosciences
POLISCI 114S
International Security in a Changing World
PUBLPOL 114
Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence
PUBLPOL 134
Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals
STS 1
Introduction to Science, Technology & Society
STS 115
The Ethics of Developing Life-Saving Technologies for Children
ENERGY 177A & B must both be taken, and taken for 3 units each, in order to satisfy the TiS requirement.
Some courses may also fulfill the following WAYS areas: A-II = Aesthetic/Interpretive Inquiry; CE=Creative Expression; ED=Engaging Diversity; ER=Ethical Reasoning; SI= Social Inquiry
Subplans
RequiredAtmosphere/Energy Subplan
Overview
Subplan Overview
The A/E degree is NOT an ABET-accredited degree, as ABET accreditation is advantageous only for obtaining specific jobs that do not overlap with those that students obtaining the A/E degree would generally consider. The degree is accredited as part of Stanford’s accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The study of atmosphere and energy in this subplan prepares students to find the best ways to mitigate atmospheric problems, such as global warming and air pollution, by optimizing the use of natural energy resources (e.g., wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and marine resources); learning about the electrification of transportation, buildings, and industry; increasing the efficiency with which energy is used; and understanding the effects of energy technologies on the atmosphere.
Objectives and Outcomes
The objective of the A/E major is for students to:
understand the complexities of large-scale air pollution and climate problems as well as clean, renewable, and efficient energy solutions to address the problems.
gain skills and understanding of tools to create and assess new solutions that avoid exacerbating problems and avoid addressing one problem while exacerbating another.
The Curriculum
A/E students take classes in atmospheric sciences, energy sciences and engineering as well as classes that integrate the two fields. The curriculum is flexible in that students interested more in energy or more in atmosphere can take most of their engineering depth classes in their area of choice. Similarly, students desiring to focus more on technology or more on science can select the appropriate depth classes to suit their interests.
Careers
The Atmosphere/Energy undergraduate curriculum prepares undergraduates for careers in industry, research, consulting, government, non-governmental organizations, and academia. Through these careers students influence public policy, guide engineering design decisions, and support the implementation of equitable energy solutions.
Graduate Study
Students with a degree in Atmosphere/Energy are well prepared for graduate studies in our A/E and other CEE coterm (MS) programs as well as in sustainability science and practice, and programs in public policy, business, and law.
Exploring the Atmosphere/ Energy Major
Try one of these recommended introductory courses:
APPPHYS 79N - Energy Options for the 21st Century
CEE 34N - Wind Energy Explained
CEE 63 - Weather and Storms
CEE 64 - Air Pollution & Global Warming: History, Science & Solutions
CEE 70 - Environmental Science and Technology (same as ENGR 90)
ENGR 50E - Introduction to Materials Science, Energy Emphasis
ENERGY 30N: Busting Energy Myths
In addition, the Math, Science, Technology in Society, and Engineering Fundamentals courses required by the A/E major will also count toward most of the other School of Engineering majors (see course lists below; other major programs and their specific requirements are listed elsewhere on this site).
Instructions For Declaring Major in Engineering: Atmosphere/Energy (ENGR-BS)
Enter your major declaration for Atmosphere/Energy in Axess. Select ENGR-BS as your major and A/E as your subplan.
For instructions and guidelines, please go here:
If you have any questions, email the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Degree Progress and Curriculum Management, Rachel Stringari at rstring@stanford.edu
Total Units
A total of 96 units are required, comprised of courses from the requirements below.
Mathematics and Science (45 Units)
Mathematics
Complete 23 units minimum between Groups A and B, completing at least one course from each Group.
Group B
CME 106
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers
DATASCI 112
Principles of Data Science
STATS 110
Introduction to Statistics for Engineering and the Sciences
Math Electives
Complete additional courses from the list of SoE pre-approved Math & Stats course list found in the School Requirements section above to reach the 23-unit minimum of Mathematics coursework.
Students may also use AP credit to fulfill this requirement. Please consult with the School of Engineering and see the Stanford External Test Credit Equivalency Charts for additional information.
Science
Complete 20 units minimum of science coursework, including all of the following Science courses.
CEE 70
Environmental Science and Technology
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 43
Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 81
Electricity and Magnetism Using Special Relativity and Vector Calculus
Students may also use AP credit to fulfill this requirement. Please consult with the School of Engineering and see the Stanford External Test Credit Equivalency Charts for additional information.
CEE 70 can count as science or as ENGR Fundamental, but not both.
Science Electives
Complete additional courses from the list of SoE pre-approved Science course list found in the School Requirements section above to reach the 20-unit minimum of Science coursework.
Technology in Society
Complete at least one course from the list of SoE pre-approved Technology in Society course list found in the School Requirements section above.
The course the student uses to satisfy the TiS Requirement must be on this list the academic year in which the student took the course.
BIO 131 can satisfy both the Writing in the Major (WIM) and Technology in Society requirement.
Writing in the Major (WIM)
BIOE 131
Ethics in Bioengineering
CEE 102W
Technical and Professional Communication
CEE 100
Managing Sustainable Building Projects
EARTHSYS 191
Concepts in Environmental Communication
BIO 131 can satisfy both the Writing in the Major (WIM) and Technology in Society requirement.
CEE 102W, CEE 100, or EARTHSYS 191 can count for both WIM and Skills Course requirement.
Engineering Fundamentals
ENGR 50E may be used as an Engineering Fundamentals course, or toward Depth requirements, but cannot be used in both areas.
Engineering Depth
Of the 42 units required below, 30 units minimum must be School of Engineering coursework. One of CEE 176A, 176B, 162I, or 199 must be taken to satisfy the Capstone requirement.
Required Courses
Complete a total of 2 courses, one from each set below (one from CEE 63, CEE 64, or CEE 172, and one from CEE 107A or CEE 107S) for a total of 6-8 units.
Skills Courses
No more than 5 units from the list below may count toward the 42 units of Depth. Complete 0-5 units from the following:
CEE 102W
Technical and Professional Communication
CEE 100
Managing Sustainable Building Projects
CEE 199
Undergraduate Research in Civil and Environmental Engineering
EARTHSYS 191
Concepts in Environmental Communication
EARTHSYS 194A
Environmental Justice Colloquium
Courses outside the School of Engineering do not count toward the 30-unit engineering minimum in Fundamentals and Depth categories but can count toward the 42-unit Depth total.
Students may count no units from the list to the 42 units of Depth. However, students would still separately need a WIM class.
Elective Courses
Complete at least 29-36 units from Groups A and B, with at least 4 courses of 3 or more units from each group.
Group A: Atmosphere
Complete at least 4 courses of 3 units or more.
AA 100
Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics
ANTHRO 103
The Archaeology of Climate
CEE 63
Weather and Storms
CEE 64
Air Pollution and Global Warming: History, Science, and Solutions
CEE 162I
Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: the Ocean Circulation
CEE 172
Air Quality Management
EARTHSYS 2
Chemistry of the Earth and Planets
EARTHSYS 116A
Climate Perspectives: Climate Science, Impacts, Carbon Markets, Decarbonization Models and Projects
EARTHSYS 123A
Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions
EARTHSYS 144
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS)
ECON 155
Climate change and global inequality
ESS 102
Scientific Basis of Climate Change
GEOPHYS 115
Taking the Pulse of the Planet
ME 133
Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
SUSTAIN 101C
Climate 101
Courses outside the School of Engineering do not count toward the 30-unit engineering minimum in Fundamentals and Depth categories but can count toward the 42-unit Depth total.
Group B: Energy
Complete at least 4 courses of 3 units or more.
CEE 107R
E^3: Extreme Energy Efficiency
CEE 108X
Explore Energy Seminar: Propel
CEE 130B
Quest for an Inclusive Clean Energy Economy
CEE 130R
Racial Equity in Energy
CEE 156
Building Systems Design & Analysis
CEE 173S
Electricity Economics
CEE 176A
Energy Efficient Buildings
CEE 176B
100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything
CEE 176C
Energy Storage Integration - Vehicles, Renewables, and the Grid
CEE 176M
Spatial Planning for Gigascale Renewables & Transmission
CEE 263G
Energy Policy in California and the West
EARTHSYS 101
Energy and the Environment
EARTHSYS 102
Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes
ECON 156
Energy Markets and Policy
EE 116
Semiconductor Devices for Energy and Electronics
EE 153
Power Electronics
ENERGY 134
Sustainable Energy for 9 Billion
ENERGY 153
Carbon Capture and Sequestration
ENERGY 191
Optimization of Energy Systems
ENGR 50E
Introduction to Materials Science, Energy Emphasis
GEP 130
Environmental Economics: Models, Data, and Policy Design
MATSCI 144
Thermodynamic Evaluation of Green Energy Technologies
Courses outside the School of Engineering do not count toward the 30-unit engineering minimum in Fundamentals and Depth categories but can count toward the 42-unit Depth total.
Capstone Requirement
To fulfill the Capstone, 3 units of one of the following courses must be taken.
CEE 161I is an Atmosphere-focused course.
CEE 176A and 176B are Energy-focused courses.
CEE 199 is a Skills-focused course.
Atmosphere/ Energy Honors Program
Honors Program Overview
The A/E honors program allows eligible students to engage in guided original research or project design over an academic year. Interested students must adhere to the following requirements:
Prospective honors students write up and submit a 1-2 page letter applying to the honors program in A/E describing the problem to be investigated. The student, the current primary advisor, and the proposed honors advisor, if different, must sign the letter. The student must submit the letter to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) student services office. The application must include an unofficial Stanford transcript. Applications must be received in the fourth quarter before graduation. It is strongly suggested that prospective honors students meet with the proposed advisor well before applying.
Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.
Students must complete an honors thesis or project over three quarters. The typical length of the written report is 15-20 pages. The deadline for submission of the report is to be decided by the honors advisor but should be no later than the end of the third week in May.
The student’s honors advisor and another reader must read and evaluate the report. The student’s responsible for finding and obtaining both the advisor and the reader. At least one of the two must be a member of the Academic Council in the School of Engineering.
Students must present the completed work in an appropriate forum, e.g., in the same session as honors theses are presented in the advisor’s department. All honors programs require some public presentation of the thesis or project.
Two copies of the signed thesis must be provided to the CEE student services office no later than two weeks before the student’s graduation quarter ends. A pdf of the thesis, including the signature page signed by both readers, should be submitted to the student services officer by May 15. Students will be emailed instructions on archiving a permanent electronic copy in Terman Engineering Library.
REQUIRED Directed Writing Projects Courses
Students must take Directed Writing Projects or its equivalent.
Units for the writing class are beyond those required for the A/E major.
ENGR 202S
Directed Writing Projects
OPTIONAL Thesis Research Support Course
Up to 10 units of CEE 199H - Undergraduate Honors Thesis may be taken to support the research and writing (not to duplicate ENGR 202S).
Units for this course are beyond those required for the A/E major.
CEE 199H
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Suggested Course Concentration and Sequences
Subject to the requirements outlined above, students have flexibility in selecting their depth electives and other courses to best suit their interests. If you would like to see two suggested programs outlined, one with an emphasis on energy studies and the other on atmospheric studies, go to the 4-Year Plans page and open the A/E plans. Either approach provides the necessary preparation for the master’s degree program in Atmosphere/Energy.
Biomedical Computation Subplan
School of Engineering Requirements
Mathematics
MATH 19/20/21 (or equivalent with placement via SU exam) are required and prerequisite to the CME 100/102 and MATH 50/53 series.
*Up to 10 units of AP credit (with placement into MATH 51/CME 100) may be used as long as at least 20 math units are taken. SoE Dean’s Office (in 135 Huang) must approve AP credit.
Additional Required Math Coursework
CS 103
Mathematical Foundations of Computing
CS 109
Introduction to Probability for Computer Scientists
STATS 141
Introduction to Statistics for Biology
MS&E 120
Introduction to Probability
MS&E 220
Probabilistic Analysis
EE 178
Probabilistic Systems Analysis
MATH 151
Introduction to Probability Theory
CME 106
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Science
17 units minimum
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 43
Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 45
Light and Heat
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 81
Electricity and Magnetism Using Special Relativity and Vector Calculus
BIO 81
Introduction to Ecology
BIO 82
Genetics
BIO 83
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
BIO 84
Physiology
BIO 85
Evolution
BIO 86
Cell Biology
HUMBIO 2A
Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution
HUMBIO 3A
Cell and Developmental Biology
HUMBIO 4A
The Human Organism
Plus one additional biology, chemistry, or physics course from those listed in the Science section.
Technology in Society
Complete one course from the SoE-approved Technology in Society course list found in the School Requirements section above.
The course the student uses to satisfy the TiS Requirement must be on this list the academic year in which the student took the course.
Engineering Fundamentals
Programming Methodology
Classes may not be double-counted within the program. Therefore, CS 106B may not be counted toward both the Engineering Fundamentals and BMC Core requirements. If student wishes to count CS 106B toward the Engineering Fundamentals requirement, another course must be petitioned and pre-approved to be substituted in its place in the BMC Core.
CS 106A
Programming Methodology
*Students may use AP/IB credit in place of CS 106A. Please consult the SoE UGHB for more information.
Engineering Fundamentals Elective
Complete at least one course of at least 3 or more units from the list of SoE pre-approved Engineering Fundamentals course list found in the School Requirements section above.
BMC Informatics Depth
Complete a minimum of 42 units, with at least 30 units of Engineering coursework.
Capstone Course
CS 270
Modeling Biomedical Systems
CS 274
Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
CS 275
Translational Bioinformatics
CS 278
Social Computing
CS 279
Computational Biology: Structure and Organization of Biomolecules and Cells
CME 209
Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems
Research
Every BMC student must complete 6 units of directed research under a Stanford faculty member. This requirement is fairly unique to BMC among majors at Stanford. It allows our students to work on cutting-edge projects as a part of their undergraduate curriculum. This research typically occurs during the junior or senior year. The main requirement is that students must be doing actual, hands-on biomedical computation as a part of the research project (>50% computational).
Students must have their research approved by the BMC Program Directors before undertaking their research project, and previous research credit cannot be retroactively applied. Please submit your project proposal at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the quarter during which you are starting your research. Visit our BMC Research Requirement page opens in a new tab for more information, including our Project Request Form and applicable deadlines.
Writing in the Major (WIM)
BMC students may satisfy their WIM requirement independently of research (CS 272, BIOE 131) or concurrently with research (CS 191W, ENGR 199W). Some of the above options may require additional steps (e.g., class application, project proposal), so please review our BioE Intranet opens in a new tab for all relevant information and deadlines.
Engineering Depth Concentration
Select one of the following concentrations:
Cellular/Molecular Concentration
Complete 3 courses total: one BIO course, one CHEM course, and one additional from the list.
Informatics Concentration
Complete 3 courses total: one of CS 145 or 147, one of CS 121, 221, 228, or 229, plus one additional course from the list.
Concentration Electives
Complete at least 5 unique courses total - at least two courses from each of the concentrations electives lists below, plus one additional course from either list.
Organs/Organ Systems or Cellular/Molecular Electives
APPPHYS 294
Cellular Biophysics
BIO 160
Developmental Biology
BIO 183
Theoretical Population Genetics
BIO 214
Advanced Cell Biology
BIO 230
Cellular and Molecular Immunology: An Introductory Course
BIOC 241
Biological Macromolecules
BIOE 51
Anatomy for Bioengineers
BIOE 209
Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems
BIOE 222
Physics and Engineering Principles of Multi-modality Molecular Imaging of Living Subjects
BIOE 285
Computational Modeling in the Cardiovascular System
CHEM 141
The Chemical Principles of Life I
CHEM 143
The Chemical Principles of Life II
CHEM 171
Linking the Molecular to the Macroscopic: Foundations of Physical Chemistry
CHEMENG 150
Biochemical Engineering
CHEMENG 174
Environmental Microbiology I
CS 272
Introduction to Biomedical Informatics Research Methodology
CS 274
Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
CS 279
Computational Biology: Structure and Organization of Biomolecules and Cells
DBIO 210
Developmental Biology
GENE 211
Genomics
ME 281
Biomechanics of Movement
SURG 101
Regional Study of Human Structure
Informatics/Simulations Electives
APPPHYS 205
Introduction to Biophysics
APPPHYS 294
Cellular Biophysics
BIOE 101
Systems Biology
BIOE 103
Systems Physiology and Design
BIOE 123
Bioengineering Systems Prototyping Lab
BIOE 209
Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems
BIOE 222
Physics and Engineering Principles of Multi-modality Molecular Imaging of Living Subjects
BIOE 285
Computational Modeling in the Cardiovascular System
BMDS 215
Data Science for Medicine
BMDS 260
Computational Methods for Biomedical Image Analysis and Interpretation
CHEM 171
Linking the Molecular to the Macroscopic: Foundations of Physical Chemistry
CME 364A
Convex Optimization I
CS 145
Intro to Modern Data Systems
CS 147
Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Design
CS 148
Introduction to Computer Graphics and Imaging
CS 221
Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques
CS 223A
Introduction to Robotics
CS 228
Probabilistic Graphical Models: Principles and Techniques
CS 229
Machine Learning
CS 270
Modeling Biomedical Systems
CS 272
Introduction to Biomedical Informatics Research Methodology
CS 273B
Deep Learning in Genomics and Biomedicine
CS 274
Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
CS 275
Translational Bioinformatics
CS 279
Computational Biology: Structure and Organization of Biomolecules and Cells
CS 348C
Computer Graphics: Animation and Simulation
EE 263
Matrix Methods: Singular Value Decomposition
GENE 211
Genomics
ME 281
Biomechanics of Movement
MS&E 152
Introduction to Decision Analysis
MS&E 252
Foundations of Decision Analysis
STATS 202
Statistical Learning and Data Science
STATS 206
Applied Multivariate Analysis
STATS 315A
Modern Applied Statistics: Learning
STATS 315B
Modern Applied Statistics: Learning II
Honors Program
The Biomedical Computation program offers an honors option for qualified students, resulting in a BS with Honors degree in Engineering (ENGR-BSH, Biomedical Computation). An honors project is meant to be a substantial research project during the later part of a student’s undergraduate career, culminating in a final written and oral presentation describing the student’s project and its significance. There is no limit to the number of majors who can graduate with honors; any BMC major who is interested and meets the qualifications is considered.
Students apply by submitting the Honors Program Application Webform found on the BMC website and should be prepared to upload a 1-2 page proposal describing the problem the student has chosen to investigate, its significance, and the student’s research plan. This plan must be endorsed by the student’s research and academic advisors, one of whom must be a member of the Academic Council. In making its decision, the department evaluates the overall scope and significance of the student’s proposed work.
Students must maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Students must complete three quarters of the research. All three quarters must be on the same project with the same advisor. A summer quarter counts as one quarter of research.
Ideally, funding should not be obtained through summer research college sources but rather through the UAR’s Student Grants Program. In no case can the same work be double-paid by two sources.
Students must complete a substantial write-up of the research in a publishable research paper format. This research paper is expected to be approximately 20-30 pages and must be approved by the student’s research advisor and a second reader.
Students submit an electronic pdf of their thesis, including the signature page signed by both readers, to Bioengineering student services. Students should review deadlines on the BMC website opens in a new tab. Students are emailed instructions on archiving a permanent electronic copy in Terman Engineering Library.
As the culmination of the honors project, each student presents their results in the Bioengineering Honors Poster Fair in spring quarter of their senior year.
See the Handbook for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (UGHB) for additional information and sample programs.
Biomechanical Engineering Subplan
Biomechanical Engineering Subplan Overview
The Biomechanical Engineering major integrates biology and clinical medicine with engineering mechanics and design.
Research and teaching in the Biomechanical Engineering Group are primarily focused on neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular biomechanics, and cell and tissue mechanics. Research in other areas such as hearing, vision, ocean and plant biomechanics, biomaterials, biosensors, and imaging informatics are also conducted in collaboration with associated faculty in medicine, biology, and engineering.
The Biomechanical Engineering major provides a fundamental understanding of mechanics in the fields of biology and medicine. However, it is not normally recommended as a terminal degree. This major is well-suited for those interested in future graduate studies in bioengineering, medicine, or related areas. The course of study allows students to satisfy many pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-paramedical fields.
General Major Requirements:
All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade if that option is offered by the instructor.
All courses taken for the major must be included under one category.
Minimum required grade for each course taken for the major is a C, and the minimum weighted GPA is 2.5 for courses taken for the major.
Please see the Handbook for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (UGHB) opens in a new tab for additional information and materials.
Mathematics
A minimum of 24 mathematics units are required. The CME offerings of mathematics courses are strongly preferred for the BME major. Students who take the MATH sequence are strongly encouraged to take CME 192 before encountering courses that expect MATLAB experience.
Calculus
10 units of AP Calculus BC, with placement into MATH 51/CME 100, is equivalent to MATH 19/MATH 20/MATH 21 and acceptable in any engineering major. If 6-8 units of AP or IB credit are given, must be taken regardless of the Math Diagnostic Placement results. If 6-8 units of AP or IB credit are given, MATH21 opens in a new tab must be taken regardless of the Math Diagnostic Placement results.
Vector Calculus and Differential Equations
Statistics
Science
A minimum of 22 science units is required. Must include 2 quarters of Bio or HumBio Side A Core. AP Credit may be used if placed into Chemistry or Physics courses via the Diagnostic Placements.
Chemistry
Biology or Human Biology
Physics
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
AP Credit may be used for Physics if placed into higher-level Physics courses via the Diagnostic Placements.
Additional Math & Science Coursework
Complete additional courses from the list of SoE pre-approved Math/Stats and/or Science course lists found in the School Requirements section above to reach the 46-unit minimum of Math and Science coursework.
Technology in Society
Complete at least one course from the list of SoE pre-approved Technology in Society course list found in the School Requirements section above. The course must be on the list the year that it is taken.
ENERGY 177A and ENERGY 177B are a 2-course series that should be taken for a total of 3 units.
Students choosing the research capstone should take BIOE131 to satisfy both TiS and WIM requirements. Students choosing the Biomechanical Engineering capstone may use any TiS course listed above.
Engineering Depth
The Engineering Depth requirements for the BME major include a core set of introductory mechanical engineering courses, a set of more advanced mechanical engineering courses selected from a prescribed list, and a set of BME depth courses (generally taken during the senior year).
BME course offerings vary somewhat from year to year. As most BME depth courses are intended for advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students, some courses have implicit expectations for prerequisite knowledge. Students should be aware of expected prerequisites and plan their schedules accordingly. Note that more advanced (300-level) BME courses may be used with the permission of the instructor and the student’s advisor.
Mechanical Engineering Depth
ENGR 105
Feedback Control Design
ME 102
Foundations of Product Realization
ME 103
Product Realization: Design and Making
ME 104
Mechanical Systems Design
ME 131
Heat Transfer
ME 133
Intermediate Fluid Mechanics
ME 152
Material Behaviors and Failure Prediction
ME 161
Dynamic Systems, Vibrations and Control
Biomechanical Engineering Depth
BIOE 260
Tissue Engineering
CME 209
Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems
ME 234
Introduction to Neuromechanics
ME 249
Designing Biomaterials
ME 281
Biomechanics of Movement
ME 283
Introduction to Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
ME 285
Computational Modeling in the Cardiovascular System
ME 287
Mechanics of Biological Tissues
Capstone Experience
Research Capstone
The research capstone is fulfilled by taking 8 units of ME191 over 3 quarters under the supervision of a Biomechanical Engineering faculty member. Completion of the research capstone requires submission of a thesis, which will be evaluated by BME faculty. Students choosing the research capstone should take BIOE131 to satisfy both TiS and WIM requirements. Note that research for the capstone cannot overlap with research for the honors thesis.
ME 191
Engineering Problems and Experimental Investigation
Additional Math, Science, or Engineering Courses
Take additional math, science, or engineering courses at or above the level of listed courses (e.g., excluding lower-level physics courses, statistics courses not based on calculus, IntroSems, seminar courses, etc.) only as needed to bring the unit total to 99 units. Math or Science courses must be on the SoE-approved list.
Honors Program
The School of Engineering offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering with Honors. This program allows qualified BME majors to conduct independent study and research related to biomechanical engineering at an advanced level with a faculty mentor.
Honors Criteria:
GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major
Arrangement with an ME faculty member (or a faculty member from another department who the BME Undergraduate Program Director approves) who agrees to serve as the honors advisor, plus a second faculty member who reads and approves the thesis. The honors adviser must be a member of the Academic Council in the School of Engineering.
Apply to the ME student services office no later than the second week of the term two quarters before the anticipated conferral (e.g., Autumn for Spring conferral, Spring for Autumn conferral). An application consists of:
A one-page written statement describing the research topic, with signatures indicating approval of both the thesis advisor and thesis reader on a cover page
An unofficial Stanford transcript;
Applications are subject to review and final approval by the BME Undergraduate Program Director. Applicants and thesis advisors receive written notification when a decision has been made.
To graduate with honors:
Declare ENGR-BSH (honors) program in Axess
Maintain 3.5 GPA
Submit a completed thesis draft to the advisor by the third week of the quarter the student intends to confer. Further revisions and final endorsement by the advisor and reader are to be finished by week six when two bound copies are to be submitted to the Mechanical Engineering student services office. A pdf of the thesis, including the signature page signed by both readers, should also be submitted to the student services officer. Students are emailed instructions on archiving a permanent electronic copy in the Terman Engineering Library.
Present the thesis at the Mechanical Engineering Poster Session held in mid-April. If the poster session is not not offered or the student does not confer in the spring, an alternative presentation will be approved on a case-by-case basis with the advisor and BME Program Director’s approval.
Note: Students may not use work completed toward an honors degree to satisfy BME course requirements
Engineering Physics Subplan
Program Core and Depth
In addition to completing the set of required courses described immediately below, each Engineering Physics major completes a course satisfying the Writing in the Major requirement, the Capstone requirement, and an additional three courses in one of seven defined specialties described below: Aerospace Physics, Biophysics, Computational Science, Electromechanical System Design, Materials Science, Quantum Science & Engineering, Renewable Energy.
See the Engineering Physics section of the Handbook for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (UGHB) major section opens in a new tab for the Engineering Physics course plan and other information relevant to the major.
At least 35 of the units in Engineering Fundamentals, Required Depth Classes, Required Depth Electives, and other electives must be School of Engineering units. Up to 3 research units (e.g., ENGR 199 opens in a new tab or a departmental research course such as ME 191 opens in a new tab) may be counted toward the 35-unit requirement. The following courses cannot be used to satisfy the 35-unit requirement: ENGR 1, Introductory Seminar and Sophomore College courses, Technology in Society (TiS) courses, and student-initiated courses. Unless otherwise noted, a course may only be counted toward one requirement; units may not be double-counted.
All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade (if that option is offered) and must be completed for a grade of C- or better. (CR or S grades are acceptable for classes completed in the six quarters between spring 2020 and summer 2021).
The minimum combined GPA for all Engineering Fundamentals and Depth courses is 2.0.
Mathematics
MATH 19
Calculus
MATH 20
Calculus
MATH 21
Calculus
MATH 51
Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Modern Applications
MATH 52
Integral Calculus of Several Variables
MATH 53
Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, Fourier Methods, and Modern Applications
PHYSICS 111
Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics
CME 204
Partial Differential Equations in Engineering
MATH 131P
Partial Differential Equations
MATH 173
Theory of Partial Differential Equations
MATH 21 is an enforced prerequisite for MATH 51. Credit for MATH 21 can also be obtained via a score of 5 on the BC-level AP calculus exam, earning a suitable score on certain international exams, or transferring credit from a suitable course at another post-secondary institution. See this website for more information: Why must MATH 21 be taken before MATH 51? opens in a new tab
Either the Math 50 or 60CM series is allowed and are enforced co-requisites for PHYSICS 61, 71, 81.
Science
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 43
Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 61L
Mechanics Laboratory
PHYSICS 71
Quantum and Thermal Physics
PHYSICS 79L
Introduction to Data Analysis, with Python and Jupyter
PHYSICS 81
Electricity and Magnetism Using Special Relativity and Vector Calculus
PHYSICS 81L
Introduction to Experimental Practice
Students may be able to place out of Physics 41 and/or 43 based on advice from the Physics Placement Diagnostic.
Students may replace PHYSICS 79L with PHYSICS 89L.
Students may replace PHYSICS 81L with PHYSICS 71L.
Technology in Society
Complete one course from the list of SoE pre-approved Technology in Society course list found in the School Requirements section above.
The course the student uses to satisfy the TiS Requirement must be on this list the academic year in which the student took the course.
Engineering Fundamentals
Complete at least two courses minimum from the list of SoE pre-approved Engineering Fundamentals course list found in the School Requirements section above.
CS 106A or 106B is recommended, but only one CS course may count toward the Engineering Fundamentals requirement. PHYSICS104 may be used in place of ENGR 40M.
Fundamentals courses acceptable for the core program may also be used to satisfy the fundamentals requirement as long as 35 unduplicated units of Engineering are taken.
Engineering Physics Depth (core)
Advanced Mathematics:
EE 261
The Fourier Transform and Its Applications
PHYSICS 112
Mathematical Methods for Physics
CS 109
Introduction to Probability for Computer Scientists
CME 106
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Also qualified are EE263, any Math or Statistics course numbered 100 or above, and any CME course numbered 200 or above, except CME206.
Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
Take one course sequence.
PHYSICS 120
Electromagnetism
PHYSICS 121
Electrodynamics
EE 142 and EE 242 may not be offered every year.
Numerical Methods
CME 108
Introduction to Scientific Computing with Machine Learning Applications
CME 206
Introduction to Numerical Methods for Engineering
MATH 118
Mathematics of Computation
PHYSICS 113
Computational Physics
Electronics Lab
EE 101A
Circuits I
EE 101B
Circuits II
ENGR 40M
An Intro to Making: What is EE
PHYSICS 104
Introduction to Electronic Techniques for Physics Research Instrumentation
APPPHYS 207
Laboratory Electronics
Quantum Mechanics
EE 222
Applied Quantum Mechanics I
PHYSICS 130
Quantum Mechanics I
Statistical Mechanics
MATSCI 310
Statistical Mechanics for Materials & Materials Chemistry
PHYSICS 170
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics I
ME 346A
Introduction to Statistical Mechanics
MATSCI 310 and ME 346A may not be offered every year.
Design Course
One course required
AA 236A
Spacecraft Design
CS 108
Object-Oriented Systems Design
EE 133
Analog Communications Design Laboratory
EE 134
Introduction to Photonics
ME 103
Product Realization: Design and Making
ME 210
Introduction to Mechatronics
PHYSICS 106
Experimental Methods in Quantum Physics
PHYSICS 108
Advanced Physics Laboratory: Project
CS 107E
Computer Systems from the Ground Up
CS 140E
Operating systems design and implementation
CS 230
Deep Learning
CS 248A
Computer Graphics: Rendering, Geometry, and Image Manipulation
See the recommended Design course for each Specialty Area listed below.
Specialty Areas
Complete three courses from one of the following seven specialties or work with an advisor to create an Individually Designed Specialty to be reviewed by the Engineering Physics Co-Directors.
Aerospace Physics Specialty Area
In Aerospace Physics, students develop a deep background in physics and mathematics and apply it to understanding the space environment and the dynamics, design, and control of space vehicles.
AA 203
Optimal and Learning-based Control
AA 242A
Classical Dynamics
PHYSICS 110
Advanced Mechanics
AA 244A
Fundamentals of Plasmas I
AA 244B
Fundamentals of Plasmas II
AA 251
Introduction to the Space Environment
AA 279A
Space Mechanics
ME 161
Dynamic Systems, Vibrations and Control
Additional recommended courses: AA 100; AA 190 for WIM; AA 236A for Design.
Biophysics Specialty
Biophysics prepares students to employ methods in physics to the study of biological systems. Students have the opportunity to learn about the physical biology of systems on a broad range of scales, techniques developed in biophysics for imaging, measuring, and manipulating biological systems, and the application of quantitative analysis techniques to topics in biology and genomics.
APPPHYS 205
Introduction to Biophysics
BIO 132
Advanced Imaging Lab in Biophysics
BIOE 102
Physical Biology
BIOE 44
Fundamentals for Engineering Biology Lab
BIOE 101
Systems Biology
BIOE 103
Systems Physiology and Design
BIOE 123
Bioengineering Systems Prototyping Lab
BIOE 214
Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
BIOE 221
Physics and Engineering of Radionuclide-based Medical Imaging
BIOE 222
Physics and Engineering Principles of Multi-modality Molecular Imaging of Living Subjects
BMP 251
Medical Physics and Dosimetry
EE 369B
Medical Imaging Systems II
Additional recommended courses: BIOE 131 for WIM/TiS; EE 261 for Advanced Math; BIOE 123 for Design or Electronics Lab (may not also be used as an elective if used for one of these); BIOE 80 for Engineering Fundamental.
Computational Science, Machine Learning and AI Specialty
Computational Science prepares students to apply modern computational techniques to problems in engineering and applied science, and to the analysis of data. Students have the opportunity to study computational theory and algorithms, as well as applications in modeling, data analysis, data science, AI and machine learning.
CS 103
Mathematical Foundations of Computing
CS 154
Introduction to the Theory of Computation
CS 161
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CS 205L
Continuous Mathematical Methods with an Emphasis on Machine Learning
CS 221
Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques
CS 228
Probabilistic Graphical Models: Principles and Techniques
CS 229
Machine Learning
CS 230
Deep Learning
CS 231N
Deep Learning for Computer Vision
STATS 202
Statistical Learning and Data Science
May also use any CME course greater than CME 300 and less than 390.
Additional recommended courses: CS 182W for WIM/TiS; CS 109 for Advanced Math; CS 107E, 108, 140E, 230, or 248A for Design; CS 106A or B for Engineering Fundamental.
Electromechanical Systems Design Specialty
Electromechanical Systems Design provides the opportunity for students to explore the process of design, analysis, and realization of modern electromechanical systems, including “smart products” and robotic systems with embedded sensing and actuation.
Additional recommended courses: ENGR 102W or PHYSICS 191 for WIM (or ENGR 199W for students pursuing an independent research project); ME 103 for Design; ENGR 40M or PHYSICS 104, and CS 106A or B for Engineering Fundamentals.
Materials Science Specialty
In Materials Science, students learn how to design and synthesize materials with particular structures at the nanometer and micrometer scale that provide special electrical, optical, magnetic, or mechanical properties. Students can learn to use these materials to make integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, fuel cells, microelectromechanical systems, and other advanced devices.
Required Course
PHYSICS 171
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics II
PHYSICS 172
Solid State Physics
Electives
MATSCI 142
Quantum Mechanics of Nanoscale Materials
MATSCI 143
Materials Structure and Characterization
MATSCI 144
Thermodynamic Evaluation of Green Energy Technologies
MATSCI 145
Kinetics of Materials Synthesis
MATSCI 151
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
MATSCI 152
Electronic Materials Engineering
MATSCI 156
Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution
MATSCI 160
Nanomaterials Design
MATSCI 161
Energy Materials Laboratory
MATSCI 162
X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory
MATSCI 163
Mechanical Behavior Laboratory
MATSCI 164
Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory
MATSCI 165
Nanoscale Materials Physics Computation Laboratory
MATSCI 166
Data Science and Machine Learning Approaches in Chemical and Materials Engineering
MATSCI 170
Nanomaterials Design
MATSCI 171
Energy Materials Laboratory
MATSCI 172
X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory
MATSCI 173
Mechanical Behavior Laboratory
MATSCI 174
Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory
MATSCI 175
Nanoscale Materials Physics Computation Laboratory
MATSCI 176
Data Science and Machine Learning Approaches in Chemical and Materials Engineering
MATSCI 181
Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria
MATSCI 182
Rate Processes in Materials
MATSCI 183
Defects and Disorder in Materials
MATSCI 184
Structure and Symmetry
MATSCI 185
Quantum Mechanics for Materials Science
MATSCI 190
Organic and Biological Materials
MATSCI 195
Waves and Diffraction in Solids
MATSCI 198
Mechanical Properties of Materials
MATSCI 199
Electronic and Optical Properties of Solids
PHYSICS 172
Solid State Physics
Additional recommended courses: MATSCI 161 or 164 for WIM; ENGR 50/50E/50M for Engineering Fundamental; CHEM 31A/B or 31M.
Quantum Science & Engineering Specialty
Quantum Science & Engineering provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of quantum systems – including atoms, lasers, and quantum devices – and investigate potential applications, such as timing and navigation, quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and tests of fundamental physics.
Required Course
EE 223
Applied Quantum Mechanics II
PHYSICS 131
Quantum Mechanics II
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 134
Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics
PHYSICS 230
Graduate Quantum Mechanics I
PHYSICS 231
Graduate Quantum Mechanics II
Electives
APPPHYS 203
Atoms, Fields and Photons
APPPHYS 228
Quantum Hardware
CS 254
Computational Complexity
CS 259Q
Quantum Computing
EE 236C
Lasers
PHYSICS 106
Experimental Methods in Quantum Physics
PHYSICS 182
ULTRACOLD QUANTUM PHYSICS
Additional recommended courses: EE 134, ENGR 102W, or PHYSIS 191 for WIM; EE 134 or PHYSICS 106 for Design.
Renewable Energy Specialty
In Renewable Energy, students explore energy conversion and storage technologies that are relevant in renewable energy systems, such as solar cells, wind turbines, batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen production and storage.
CEE 176B
100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything
CEE 161I
Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics: The Atmospheric Circulation
EE 153
Power Electronics
EE 157
Electric Motors for Renewable Energy, Robotics, and Electric Vehicles
EE 218
Power Semiconductor Devices and Technology
EE 293B
Fundamentals of Energy Processes
MATSCI 156
Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution
MATSCI 303
Principles, Materials and Devices of Batteries
Additional recommended course: EE 153 or MATSCI 161 for WIM.
Individually Designed Specialty Area
Choose set of three courses in one area of concentration with the approval of the advisor and program Co-Directors.
Capstone
To satisfy the capstone requirement, students must complete the capstone requirement in Physics or in a department closely aligned with the specialty the student is pursuing. See lists of eligible courses below.
Students should choose one option from one of the lists below. Note that some options require one course, and while others require two courses to complete.
An Honors Thesis can satisfy the Capstone requirement with approval from the student's advisor and the program Co-Directors.
CEE Course Options
CME Course Options
CME 209
Mathematical Modeling of Biological Systems
CS Course Options
CS 173A
Foundations of Computational Human Genomics
CS 194H
User Interface Design Project
CS 210B
Industry Innovation Lab
CS 270
Modeling Biomedical Systems
CS 274
Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
CS 275
Translational Bioinformatics
CS 279
Computational Biology: Structure and Organization of Biomolecules and Cells
EE Course Options
EE 109
Digital Systems Design Lab
EE 133
Analog Communications Design Laboratory
EE 134
Introduction to Photonics
EE 153
Power Electronics
EE 168
Introduction to Digital Image Processing
EE 191W
Special Studies and Reports in Electrical Engineering (WIM)
EE 264W
Digital Signal Processing (WIM)
EE 267W
Virtual Reality (WIM)
ENGR Course Options
ENGR 199W
Writing of Original Research for Engineers
Complete a research project and document it in a capstone paper for ENGR 199W. ENGR 199W requires approval from the student's advisor and the UG Directors.
MATSCI Course Options
MATSCI 161
Energy Materials Laboratory
MATSCI 163
Mechanical Behavior Laboratory
MATSCI 165
Nanoscale Materials Physics Computation Laboratory
Physics Course Options
Choose one of the following 3 Physics Course Capstone options.
Course-Only Option
Note that PHYSICS 100 and PHYSICS 108 may have limited enrollment, so students planning to use one to fulfill their Capstone requirement should have a backup plan in case they cannot enroll in one of these courses.
PHYSICS 100
Introduction to Observational Astrophysics
PHYSICS 108
Advanced Physics Laboratory: Project
PHYSICS 171
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics II
Senior Thesis + Course Option
Complete a Senior thesis and at least 3 units in PHYSICS 205; see Honors section of PHYS-BS: Physics (BS) for Senior thesis requirements. To fulfill the Capstone requirement using this option, it is not necessary to meet the other requirements for Honors (e.g., GPA requirements). Thus, a student can complete the Capstone requirement with this option even if they are not graduating with Honors.
PHYSICS 205
Senior Thesis Research
Research Project + Course Option
Students carry out a physics-related research project, which can be pursued at Stanford or another institution during the summer quarter or the academic year. During their junior or senior year, the student submits a proposal describing the topic of their Capstone paper based on their research project and identifying their research advisor. The Director must approve the proposal for Undergraduate Studies. After this approval, the student writes a Capstone paper. This paper can be written for either PHYSICS 191 (WIM) or PHYSICS 192. If the student chooses to write the paper in Physics 191, it will be written for one of the assignments in the style of a journal article (e.g., Physics Review Letters). If the student chooses instead to write the paper in Physics 192, then the student enrolls in that course with the official research advisor as the instructor. If the project is carried out with an advisor at another institution, the student must identify an official advisor who is a faculty member in the Physics Department at Stanford to write their Capstone paper. If the project is carried out with a faculty member at Stanford who is not in the Physics department, then that advisor can serve as the instructor for Physics 192.
PHYSICS 191
Scientific Communication in Physics
PHYSICS 192
Physics Capstone Paper
Honors Program
The School of Engineering offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering: Engineering Physics with Honors.
Honors Criteria
Minimum GPA of at least 3.5 in courses that count toward the major.
Independent research conducted at an advanced level with a faculty research advisor and documented in an honors thesis. The honors candidate must identify a faculty member who will serve as their honors research advisor and a second reader who will also be asked to read the thesis and give feedback before endorsing it. One of the two must be a member of the Academic Council and the School of Engineering.
Application: The application deadline is November 1 in autumn quarter of the senior year. The application documents should be submitted to the Student Services Officer. A subcommittee of the faculty advisors for Engineering Physics majors reviews applications. Applicants and thesis advisors receive written notification when the application is approved. An application consists of three items:
A one-page description of the research topic
The Honors Application form, which is available on the Engineering Physics opens in a new tab page of the Undergraduate handbook. The Honors thesis advisor must sign the form.
Unofficial Stanford transcript
Requirements and Timeline for Honors in Engineering Physics:
Declare the honors program in Axess (ENGR-BSH, Subplan: Engineering Physics)
Download the application form opens in a new tab
Apply to the honors program by November 1 in autumn quarter of the senior year
Maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 in courses that count toward the major
Optional: Under the direction of the thesis advisor, students may enroll for research units in ENGR 199W opens in a new tab Writing of Original Research for Engineers or in departmental courses such as AA 190 opens in a new tab Directed Research and Writing in Aero/Astro or ME 191H opens in a new tab Honors Research
Submit a completed thesis draft to the research advisor and second reader by April 15
Present the thesis work in an oral presentation or poster session in an appropriate forum (e.g., an event that showcases undergraduate research and is organized by the Physics department, the department of the advisor, the school of the advisor, or the university)
Incorporate feedback, which the advisor and second reader should provide by April 30, and obtain final endorsement signatures from the thesis advisor and second reader by May 15
Submit a PDF of the thesis, including the signature page signed by both readers, to the student services officer by May 15; students are emailed instructions on archiving a permanent electronic copy in the Terman Engineering Library
Sustainable Architecture and Engineering Subplan
Subplan Overview
General completion requirements:
General information on the subplan is outlined on the Sustainable Architecture + Engineering dedicated page. This page outlines the degree requirements.
Students must complete a minimum of 62 units required from Engineering Fundamentals, Core, Breadth Focus Options & Other Electives
A course may only be counted toward one elective or core requirement; it may not be double-counted.
All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade if that option is offered by the instructor, and a grade of ‘C-‘ or better must be received.
The minimum combined GPA for all courses in Engineering Fundamentals, Core, Breadth Focus Options & Other Electives is 2.0.
Mathematics and Science (32 units minimum)
Required Math and Science Courses
MATH 19
Calculus
MATH 20
Calculus
MATH 21
Calculus
PHYSICS 41
Mechanics
PHYSICS 41E
Mechanics, Concepts, Calculations, and Context
PHYSICS 61
Mechanics and Special Relativity
PHYSICS 43
Electricity and Magnetism
PHYSICS 45
Light and Heat
Students may also use AP credit to fulfill this requirement. Please consult with the School of Engineering and see the Stanford External Test Credit Equivalency Charts for additional information.
PHYSICS 41/41E is needed as a prerequisite for ENGR 14. If you want to take PHYSICS 21 instead, see SA+E major advisor before enrolling.
Additional Math/Science Coursework
Complete additional courses from the following to reach the 32-unit minimum of Math/Science coursework.
Technology in Society
CEE 102A
Legal / Ethical Principles in Design, Construction, Project Delivery
Engineering Fundamentals (2 courses minimum)
Solid Mechanics
Required Solid Mechanics course
ENGR 14
Intro to Solid Mechanics
Engineering Fundamentals Elective
Complete at least one course from the list of SoE pre-approved Engineering Fundamentals course list found in the School Requirements section above.
Core Requirements
Required Core Courses
CEE 133B
Studio 2: Architecture - Architectonics and Urbanism
CEE 133C
Studio 3: Integrated Architecture and Engineering
CEE 133F
Studio 6: Integrated Design Capstone
CEE 31B
Making and Modeling Fundamentals
CEE 33E
A Global History of Architecture and Engineering
CEE 100
Managing Sustainable Building Projects
CEE 120A
Building Modeling for Design & Construction
CEE 134A
Sustainable Design Practice
CEE 176A
Energy Efficient Buildings
Focus Options
Choose at least two courses each from two Focus areas. Courses taken for Core Requirements cannot be counted toward a Focus area. Some courses are offered in alternating years.
Building Performance & Energy
CEE 131F
Building Envelope Design & Construction
CEE 156
Building Systems Design & Analysis
CEE 161C
WindWise: CFD for civil engineers and architects
CEE 226
Life Cycle Assessment for Complex Systems
CEE 226E
Techniques and Methods for Decarbonized and Energy Efficient Building Design
Studio/Design/Build
Design History & Theory
Structures and Construction
CEE 101A
Mechanics of Materials
CEE 131F
Building Envelope Design & Construction
CEE 141A
Infrastructure Project Development
CEE 141B
Infrastructure Project Delivery
CEE 180
Structural Analysis
CEE 182
Structural Design
CEE 241
Managing Fabrication and Construction
Sustainable Cities
Other Electives
Students must take at least 62 units of Engineering Fundamentals, Core Requirements, Focus Options, and Other Electives to satisfy the degree program requirements and graduate.
To reach a total of 62 units, students may choose from the following elective options:
Additional electives may be selected from the Engineering Fundamentals and Focus areas above. Note that a course may only be counted towards one core, focus, or elective requirement; it may not be double counted.
Additional Elective courses (listed below)
Up to 4 units of non-engineering Elective courses (listed below)
Up to 4 units of CEE 199/199L (listed below)
Courses counted toward other requirements cannot also be counted as electives.
Additional Engineering Elective Courses
CEE 31C
Computation & Generative Design
CEE 32V
Architectural Design Lecture Series Course
CEE 101B
Mechanics of Fluids
CEE 101C
Geotechnical Engineering
CEE 101D
Computations in Civil and Environmental Engineering
CEE 120B
Advanced Building Modeling Workshop
CEE 120C
Parametric Design and Optimization
CEE 132E
SA+E Externship
ME 102
Foundations of Product Realization
ME 103
Product Realization: Design and Making
Non-Engineering Elective Courses
The following additional non-engineering Elective courses may count up to 4 units:
ARTSTUDI 140
Drawing I
ARTSTUDI 145
Painting I
ARTSTUDI 151A
Sculpture I
ARTSTUDI 153
Ecology of Materials
ARTSTUDI 161
Constructing Color
ARTSTUDI 165A
Intro to Art & Technology
URBANST 110
Introduction to Urban Studies
URBANST 113
Introduction to Urban Design: Contemporary Urban Design in Theory and Practice
URBANST 163
Introduction to Land Use Policy and Planning
Verify other related electives with your major advisor.
Sustainable Architecture+Engineering Honors
The Sustainable Architecture+Engineering Honors program offers eligible students the opportunity to engage in guided original research, or project design, over the course of an academic year. For interested students, the process and requirements are:
The student must submit a letter applying for the Honors option endorsed by the student's major advisor and honors advisor and submitted to the student services office in CEE. Applications must be received in the fourth quarter prior to graduation. It is strongly suggested that students meet with their degree program advisor well in advance of submitting an application.
The student must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.
The student must complete an honors thesis or project. The timing and deadlines are to be decided by the major or honors advisor. At least one member of the evaluation committee must be a member of the Academic Council in the School of Engineering.
The student must present the work in an appropriate forum, e.g., in the same session as honors theses are presented in the department of the advisor. All honors programs require some public presentation of the thesis or project.

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