Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
Biological Systems Engineering
The Department of Biological Systems Engineering develops and disseminates engineering knowledge and practices that protect natural resources and improve sustainable production, processing, and utilization of biological materials. BSE is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering.
Undergraduate Program – Bachelor’s Degree
The BSE undergraduate program provides students with an opportunity to combine their interest in biological sciences and engineering. Students may choose from one of two focus areas: Bioprocess Engineering and Land and Water Resources Engineering.
Land and Water Resources Engineering - This option is designed for students with an interest in environmental and natural resources management and protection. Biological, chemical, ecological, and engineering principles are applied to the wise use, conservation, and protection of natural resources and the environment.
Bioprocess Engineering - This option involves the design and development of procedures for the environmentally responsible manufacture of food and industrial products from biological materials. Students in this option combine knowledge of biological, chemical, and engineering principles to produce food, fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other products from biological materials.
Graduate Program
The Department of Biological Systems Engineering offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Opportunities exist to specialize in a wide variety of research areas such as bioprocessing, food engineering, physical properties of biological materials, land and water conservation engineering, watershed engineering, nonpoint source pollution control, surface water and groundwater quality modeling, knowledge-based systems, geographic information systems, ecological engineering, and waste management.
Research
Research in the department is focused into two major areas Bioprocess Engineering and Land and Water Resources Engineering.
Extension
Biological Systems Engineering provides outreach support through Virginia Cooperative Extension to address environmental concerns about water quality, waste management, energy use, and safety, as well as production agriculture.
Contact Information:
Saied Mostaghimi, Department Head
200 Seitz Hall (0303)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
(540) 231-6615
Fax: (540) 231-3199
smostagh@vt.edu