Departments
The College of Engineering's eight academic departments house the various research centers and administer degree programs offered to students. In addition, interdepartmental centers, laboratories, and programs, which involve the College's faculty and research staff, provide opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to undertake collaborative research and engage in educational programs dealing with many interdisciplinary applications of importance to society. For more information on each department, visit their Web site at the following links or see the Contact Information.
Applied Science
Chair: Yin Yeh
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Department of Applied Science is to foster the use of fundamental mathematical and scientific knowledge to improve the quality of life. We provide the profession and academia with outstanding computational applied science and optical science and engineering graduates who advance both engineering practice and fundamental knowledge.
We challenge students to develop attributes that lead to professional growth throughout their careers: a sense of community, a sense of ethical responsibility, an expectation for lifelong learning and continuing education, the ability to think independently and perform creatively and effectively in teams, and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written media.
Upon graduation, we challenge our students to understand the fundamentals and the application of mathematics and sciences, to have an ability to design, conduct, and understand experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; to have a proficiency in the design of components and systems to meet desired performance specifications; an ability to function effectively on multi disciplinary teams; a proficiency in the use of techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools to identify, formulate, and solve scientific and engineering problems; an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; a proficiency in oral and written communication; the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context; an ability to engage in graduate education and life-long learning; and a knowledge of contemporary issues that have an impact on society and the profession.
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Chair: Michael Delwiche
Mission Statement:
The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering is dedicated to the advancement of engineering for biological systems. Specifically, our goals are to advance the science, teach the principles and application, and disseminate the knowledge of engineering needed to efficiently produce, distribute, and process biological products, such as food, feed, and fiber, while conserving natural resources, preserving environmental quality, and ensuring the health and safety of people.
Biomedical Engineering
Acting Chair: Kyriacos Athanasiou
Mission Statement:
Biomedical Engineering advances fundamental medical concepts; creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems levels; and develops innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices, and informatics approaches. These approaches are applied to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The mission of the educational programs at UC Davis is to provide an innovative, interdisciplinary, biomedical engineering education to our students. Our overall aim is to produce high-quality engineers who are well-prepared for careers in academia or industry.
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Chair: Bob Powell
Mission Statement:
To advance, through teaching and research programs, the frontiers of chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, and materials science and engineering; to educate students with a sense of professionalism and community; and to serve the public of California through outreach efforts.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Chair: Sashi Kunnath
Mission Statement:
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering integrates research, education, and professional service in areas related to civil infrastructure and the environment. We provide the profession and academia with outstanding graduates who advance both engineering practice and fundamental knowledge.
Computer Science
Chair: Prasant Mohapatra
Mission Statement:
Our mission is:
- to advance the research frontiers of computer science
- to produce outstanding computer science professionals
- to disseminate computer science knowledge to students in other disciplines
- to reach out both within and beyond the university community to apply computing principles to the solution of important technical and societal challenges
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Chair: Rick Kiehl
Mission Statement:
Under its land grant status, the University of California has a mission to provide the state with the trained workforce it needs and to advance knowledge and research in directions that contribute to the general welfare of the state and the nation. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering contributes to the mission of the University in three ways: First, its undergraduate and graduate education programs seek to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of electrical and a computer engineering, the skills needed to solve the complex technological problems of modern society and the ability to continue to learn and develop throughout their careers. Second, through its research programs, the department contributes to the development and progress of electronics, communications, and research results to the industry through publication, public service and professional activities.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Chair: Jean-Jacques Chattot
Mission Statement:
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is committed to educating future engineers so they may contribute to the economic growth and well-being of both the state and the nation and to the advancement of knowledge in the mechanical and aeronautical sciences.