Bioengineering Broad Overview and Techniques (BE-BOAT)

The Bioengineering Broad Overview and Techniques (BE-BOAT) courses provide students with a comprehensive introduction to core scientific and engineering principles in bioengineering, complemented by hands-on experience using custom lab kits, pre-lab planning, data analysis, and post-lab discussions. These courses not only build foundational skills in experimental design and interpretation but also serve as preparation for advanced research opportunities through the Bioengineering Research (BE-ROW) course.

BE-BOAT COURSES

Students must successfully complete ONE BE-BOAT course in order to proceed to BE-ROW. Below are the BE-BOAT courses offered.

BioImaging & 3D Printing (BI3DP)

Winter and Summer 2027

BioMechanics & MechanoBiology (BMMB)

Summer 2027

Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC)

Fall 2026 and Summer 2026

Quarter Dates, Schedules, and Deadlines

Mammalian Cell and Tissue Culture (MCTC) - Live Online - Fall 2026 - APPLICATION CLOSED

This course is part of the BE-BOAT series. Students must take a BE-BOAT course prior to moving forward with BE-ROW.

Dates: October 3, 2026 - November 21, 2026
Units: 3.00 Pre-College units, 90000 level
Open to: 9th-12th grade students
Application: CLOSED
Application Deadline: September 26, 2026
Course Delivery: Live Online
Tuition: $2,700 (Online)
Location: Zoom (Online)
Disclaimer: Zoom sessions are subject to being recorded. Recorded Zoom sessions will not be shared with students outside the course.
Schedule: 2 hour lecture and discussion* 
- Saturday, 9 – 10 a.m. PST
- Sunday, 5 – 6 p.m. PST
- * days and times are preliminary, and to be finalized based on student availability.
Students can expect:
- 2 - 1-hour lecture and discussion
- 1-2 office hours
- 3-6 hours of homework

In this course, students will engage in hands-on training within their home-based laboratory environment to develop foundational skills in mammalian cell and tissue culture, alongside a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and applications underlying these techniques. Specifically, students will learn to:

Plan, prepare, and administer solutions to support the propagation of mammalian cells and the cultivation of tissues.
Visualize and capture digital microscopy images of cultured cells and tissues.
Interpret biochemical assays to quantify cellular and tissue growth.
Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data using an integrative approach.

Participants will gain experience with standard laboratory equipment commonly used in academic and industry settings, including micropipettes, serological pipettes, culture plates, and digital light microscopes. Through this training, students will acquire core competencies in mammalian cell and tissue culture, which are essential for investigating the mechanisms and potential treatments for diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, myocardial infarction, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Moreover, these skills form a critical foundation for further study in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, as well as Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

BioImaging & 3D-Printing (BI3DP)  - Live Online - Winter 2027 - APPLICATION AVAILABLE NOW!

This course is part of the BE-BOAT series. Students must take a BE-BOAT course prior to moving forward with BE-ROW.

Dates: January 9, 2027 to February 27, 2027
Units: 3.00 Pre-College units, 90000 level
Open to: 9th-12th grade students
Application: CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Application Deadline: December 18, 2026
- Last Call Applications - Students will still have the opportunity to submit their application after the deadline through Sunday, January 3rd. Please note that during the holiday closure, we would not be able to send information on how to enroll. If accepted, payment will be due within 1 to 2 business days to ensure that we can ship the loaner lab kit by the time the course starts.
- International students for last call applications: Additional shipping fees will be required for loaner lab kits. Depending on your location, we may not be able to accept you into the program if we are unable to ensure timely delivery of the kit.
Payment Deadline: Payment is due within two weeks of acceptance. Payment will be due sooner if accepted closer to the program dates.
Course Delivery: Live Online
Tuition: $2,700 
Location: Zoom (Live Online)
Disclaimer: Zoom sessions are subject to being recorded. Recorded Zoom sessions will not be shared with students outside the course. 
Schedule:  
- 2 hour lecture and discussion *
  - Saturday 9am - 10am
  - Sunday 9am - 10am
  - * days and times are preliminary, and to be finalized based on student availability.
- 1-2 office hours
- 3-6 hours of homework 
Instructor: Professor Robert L. Sah

The fields of biomedical imaging and 3D printing are undergoing rapid advancement, transforming both research and clinical applications. In this course, students will acquire:

Practical, hands-on skills in biomedical imaging and 3D printing.
Foundational knowledge of how these technologies are applied within the biological sciences and biomedical engineering.

In addition, students will explore:

The acquisition and storage of two-dimensional and three-dimensional biological image data.
Methods for visualizing this data.
Techniques for manipulating digital images.
Processes for converting both simple designs and complex biomedical images into 3D printable models.

Working within a home-based “lab” environment, students will complete guided exercises, including the remote 3D printing of anatomical plates and medical models. Each laboratory session will be accompanied by instruction in the fundamentals of image analysis, as well as opportunities for students to discuss and present their findings, fostering both technical competence and scientific communication skills.

Students will need:

Computer and a cell phone, each with internet access, camera, microphone, audio output, web browser, and Zoom software.

Other Program Information

Students will need:

Computer and a cell phone, each with internet access, camera, microphone, audio output, web browser, and Zoom software.

Fees, Eligibility, and Laboratory Kit Requirements for Remote Participants:

UC San Diego Research Scholars Bioengineering program is a self-supported program that does not receive any State or Federal funding. As a result, we are unable to offer financial aid, grants, or scholarships to our program participants currently.

Students enrolled in the home lab (online) format will receive laboratory kits shipped directly to their designated address; these kits are included in the tuition fee and may be provided on a loan basis. To remain in good standing and maintain eligibility for future UC San Diego Research Scholars programs, all loaned materials must be returned promptly upon course completion. Students should also anticipate an estimated out-of-pocket cost of approximately $50 for locally sourced miscellaneous supplies.

International applicants are advised that additional shipping fees may apply. Furthermore, due to customs regulations in certain countries, some students may encounter restrictions that prevent the delivery of required materials. Nevertheless, all interested applicants are encouraged to apply, as individual circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility Criteria – Grade Level and Age Requirements:

Applicants must be current high school students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. For enrollment in online courses, students must be at least 14 years of age by the start date of the course. Students must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program for in-person courses, though 14- year olds may apply for the MCTC in-person course. For exceptions please email us at precollege@ucsd.edu.

Fall, Winter and Spring Cancellation/Refund Policies:

Fall, Winter and Spring Cancellation/Refund Policies:

Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason must be requested 15 business days BEFORE the course start date will receive a full refund
Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason WITHIN 5-15 business days to the start date will receive 50% refund 
Refunds for cancellation or withdrawal up 5 business days of the course start date will only be issued for serious illness (doctor's certificate is required) or extenuating circumstances only. Tuition is not refunded for students who are dismissed from the program or who leave because of homesickness, behavioral issues, or failure to comply with covid policies. 
For courses with pre-requisites of a prior course and/or instructor permission, a full refund will be provided if continuation is not allowed.

You must submit an official drop request through your Triton Student System account. Notifying your instructor, emailing an administrative office, or not attending is not an official drop.

Please note: You are required to submit a written drop request if the class has not posted to your student account. You will receive a confirmation of your request. Refunds will take approximately 4-6 weeks to process. Refunds are issued in the same method of payment (check or charge) of payment to UC Regents.

Summer Cancellation/Refund Policies:

Summer Cancellation/Refund Policies

Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason 6 weeks prior to the start date will receive a full refund
Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason 4 weeks prior to the start date will receive 50% refund 
Refunds for cancellation or withdrawal within 4 weeks prior to the start of the program  will only be issued for serious illness (doctor's certificate is required) or extenuating circumstances only. Tuition is not refunded for students who are dismissed from the program or who leave because of homesickness.
For courses with pre-requisites of a prior course and/or instructor permission, a full refund will be provided if continuation is not allowed.

You must submit an official drop request through your Triton Student System account. Notifying your instructor, emailing an administrative office, or not attending is not an official drop.