Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree
Shape Your Future Today
The Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (QBE) bachelor’s degree at Colorado School of Mines is designed for students interested in pre-med and a host of new and emerging biological fields. Uniquely designed to help students harness and respond to the data revolution, students will receive quantitative training. This includes hands-on training not only in biology, chemistry and physics, but also mathematics and computer science.
Upon earning their BS in Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering, students will be prepared for careers in the thriving biotechnology fields. Our innovative undergraduate program includes electives designed to support students with interests in pre-med, ecology systems and molecular biology. Graduates will stand out from general biology majors and graduate fully prepared to work in research and development, and applied technical laboratories, in most science and engineering fields—or to continue their studies in medical school or other advanced academic disciplines.
Learn more about our innovative program here: Quantitative and Biosciences and Engineering website.
Experiential major menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering at a glance
Hands-on interdisciplinary research
Student ambassadors to support incoming students
Diverse undergraduate community
4+1 QBE program to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years
Program Objectives
A degree in quantitative biosciences and engineering will explore the interface between biology and mathematics, computer sciences, physics and chemistry. These studies will proved the necessary background needed for careers in bioenergy, biomaterials, bioengineering, biomechanics, biomedical, bioenvironmental and biophysical engineering. The QBE program will prepare a new generation of researchers for quantitative challenges, new discoveries and fulfilling careers at the interface of the physical, mathematical, computational, chemical and biological sciences.
Quantitative Biosciences & Engineering Curriculum
Suggested careers for QBE majors:
- Medical school (pre-med)
- Imaging scientist
- Quantitative biologist
- Microbiologist in bacteriology, virology and immunology
- Environmental bioscientist
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Biomedical engineer
- Research scientist
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. John Spear
Dr. John Spear, a professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, teaches courses in our QBE program and the McBride Honors Program. With decades of research experience, Dr. Spear currently focuses on the study of microbes and the emerging field of Geobiology.
Dr. Spear is an advocate for including both undergraduate and graduate students in his research and provides his students with hands-on research opportunities. A distinguished professor and researcher, Dr. Spear has received numerous honors and awards, including the Martin Luther King Award for Diversity and Inclusion and multiple Faculty of the Year awards for CEE from the Senior Class.
Making Mines more affordable
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
Why study quantitative biosciences and engineering at Mines?
The Quantitative Biosciences and Engineering (QBE) program is one of the newest at Mines, graduating our first class in 2023. However, we’re also rapidly growing. Already the 7th largest department on campus, the undergraduate QBE program provides students with rigorous, hands-on training in an emerging interdisciplinary field. Engage in research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer sciences to shape your future.
Why do so many students choose Mines?
- Hands-on field sessions, such as using next-generation sequencing technology to study samples from real mines.
- Access to advanced research facilities with lab courses using PCR, CRISPR CAS-9 and more
- Renowned faculty dedicated to your success
- Student ambassadors to help integrate new students and provide tutoring and community opportunities
Career Outcomes
As an emerging, interdisciplinary field, students have an array of professional career paths upon graduation. While some students may choose to obtain a position in quantitative biosciences in business or government positions, many may also choose to continue their education and pursue graduate school.
Rounding out our core curriculum, our QBE undergraduate program includes diverse electives designed to support and encourage student interests in particular fields of biology. These may include pre-med, systems, ecology and more.
With an eye on the future, we’ve also designed our program to ensure that students have the skillset, hands-on experience and foundational knowledge to thrive in a variety of professional fields and industries. With access to top-tier research labs across campus and support from our renowned faculty, QBE students graduate from Mines prepared to take that next step in their academic or professional lives.