Biological Systems Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering is the field of engineering that combines biology, chemistry and engineering to solve problems associated with the production, processing and distribution of food, fiber and other biological materials; environmental protection; and conservation of natural resources. The curriculum and areas of specialization offered by the Department differ from other engineering programs in that they focus on biological materials. The curriculum includes a minimum of twenty hours of biology and chemistry, and emphasizes environmentally sound production and utilization of renewable resources. A broad-based engineering education is provided. Alumni consistently report that this diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the program.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Systems Engineering is offered through the College of Engineering and is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). Two areas of limited specialization are emphasized.

  • Land and Water Resources Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering

Land and Water Resources Engineering 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, particularly water, land and air. Traditionally, land and water resources engineers have been heavily involved in environmental protection of rural areas and management of food production systems and natural resources to insure that food and fiber production is accomplished in an environmentally acceptable manner. Today, land and water resources engineers are concerned with environmental protection in both rural and urban areas.

Bioprocess Engineering involves the design and development of equipment and procedures for the environmentally responsible manufacture of food and industrial products from biological materials. Students in this limited specialization combine knowledge of biological, chemical, and engineering principles to produce food, fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, construction materials and other products from biological materials. Bioprocess engineering plays a crucial role in the development of a sustainable and environmentally responsible food and biological engineering industry.

In addition to the above areas of specialization, students can develop limited specialization in additional areas, such as aquacultural engineering, forest engineering, structural engineering with wood products, pre-vet and pre-med, through careful selection of electives. Graduates of the Biological Systems Engineering Department are typically employed by engineering, management, and manufacturing firms, as well as government agencies.

The Biological Systems Engineering program is relatively small, therefore, class sizes are generally less than twenty-five. There is greater faculty-student contact and more personal advising. Many Biological Systems Engineering courses include a laboratory component to provide "hands-on" experience.

The department participates in the five-year Cooperative Education Program through which qualifying students not only obtain valuable industrial experience while working toward their engineering degrees but also help finance their engineering education. The department has more than a dozen scholarships for students majoring specifically in Biological Systems Engineering.

In addition to the undergraduate program, programs of graduate study are available leading to the M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biological Systems Engineering. A combined B.S./M.S. program is also available that allows honors students to obtain both their B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years.