2002-2003 Edition
Texas A&M University Undergraduate CatalogTexas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog
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Board of Regents and System Administrative Officers
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Curriculum in Biological Systems Engineering

Biological Systems Engineers apply their knowledge of physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering principles to biological systems and processes, e.g., processing of food, design of fermentation and enzyme processes, ecological processes, and design of greenhouse and animal housing systems. Because of their broad general engineering background, biological systems engineering graduates are sought by a wide variety of employers including food processing industries, nursery and greenhouse industries, concentrated animal production industries, biotechnology companies, environmental consulting firms, and governmental agencies.

Educational Objectives

The biological systems engineering program develops graduates who can pursue engineering careers in industry, academia, consulting or government. Our comprehensive education is designed to give students the opportunity to

  • develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals of engineering and relevant sciences for successful biological systems engineering careers;
  • develop the knowledge and skills to perform their work in a professional and ethical manner and accept responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their work;
  • develop a sense of confidence in their ability to apply engineering principles in the design of systems, components and processes to meet the engineering needs of the clientele they serve; and
  • develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective participation on multi-disciplinary teams.
Educational Outcomes

Students learn to apply fundamental knowledge of biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering principles to formulate and solve engineering problems. Engineering design is integrated throughout the curriculum, along with opportunities to develop communication, learning, and teamwork skills, culminating in a capstone design experience. Electives in the curriculum allow the student to specialize in

  • Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering--design and management of systems and biological processes affecting soil, water, and air resources.
  • Food Engineering--design and management of systems for production, processing, packaging, storing and distribution of food.
  • Bioprocess Engineering--design and development of processes involving cells, enzymes, or other biological components.

Students select courses with the assistance of faculty advisors in an individualized advising system. Faculty members also assist with professional development and job placement for students.

The biological systems engineering program is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Dwight Look College of Engineering, and the curriculum has been designed to meet accreditation requirements of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The department is one of the largest in North America and is consistently ranked as one of the top two in the nation.

Freshman Year
First Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr

 

Second Semester

(Th-Pr)

Cr
AGEN 150 Intro. to Biol. and Ag. Engr. Design

(0-2)

1

 

BIOL 113 Introductory Biology

(3-0)

3
AGLS 101 Modern Ag. Systems

(1-0)

1

 

CHEM 107 Chemistry for Engrs.

(3-3)

4
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric

(3-0)

3

 

ENGR 112 Foundations of Engr. II

(1-3)

2
ENGR 111 Foundations of Engr. I

(1-3)

2

 

MATH 152 Engineering Math. II

(3-2)

4
MATH 151 Engineering Math. I 1

(3-2)

4

 

University Core Curriculum elective 2

 

3
PHYS 218 Mechanics

(3-3)

4

 

* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity

(0-2)

1
* KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity

(0-2)

1

 

 

 

17
 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 
Sophomore Year
ENGL 210 Sci. and Technical Writing

(3-0)

3

 

BSEN 265 Inv. Tech. for Biol. and Ag. Engr.

(1-6)

3
ENGR 211 Conserv. Prin. in Engr. Mech.

(2-2)

3

 

CHEM 222 Elements of Organic and Biological Chemistry

(3-0)

3
ENGR 212 Conserv. Prin. in Thermal Sci.

(2-2)

3

 

ENGR 213 Principles of Materials Engr.

(2-2)

3
MATH 251 Engineering Math. III

(3-0)

3

 

ENGR 214 Conserv. Prin. of Cont. Mech.

(2-2)

3
PHYS 208 Electricity and Optics

(3-3)

4

 

MATH 308 Differential Equations

(3-0)

3
 

 

16

 

 

 

15
 
Junior Year
AGEN 350 Hydrologic Princ. in Ag.

(3-0)

3

 

AGEN 370 Meas. and Control of Bio. Sys. and Ag. Processes

(2-2)

3
AGEN 375 Des. of Ag. Mach. and Struc.

(3-0)

3

 

BICH 303 Biochemistry

(3-0)

3
BSEN 354 Engr. Properties of Biological Materials

(2-3)

3

 

BSEN 365 Unit Ops. for Biol. and Ag. Engr.

(2-3)

3
ENGR 215 Principles of Electrical Engr.

(2-2)

3

 

BSEN 366 Transport Processes in Biological Systems

(3-0)

3
Microbiology elective 3

 

4

 

Mathematics elective 4

 

3
 

 

16

 

 

 

15
 
Senior Year
BSEN 479 Biol. and Ag. Engr. Des. I

(1-2)

2

 

BSEN 480 Biol. and Ag. Engr. Des. II

(0-6)

3
ENGR 482 Ethics and Engineering

(2-2)

3

 

BSEN 481 Seminar

(1-0)

1
Engineering elective 5

 

3

 

Engineering electives 5

 

6
University Core Curriculum electives 2

 

9

 

University Core Curriculum electives 2

 

6
 

 

17

 

 

 

16

NOTES:
1. Entering students will normally be given a placement test in mathematics. Test results will be used in selecting the appropriate starting course which may be at a higher or lower level.

2. To be selected from the University Core Curriculum. Of the 18 hours shown as University Core Curriculum electives, 3 must be from visual and performing arts, 3 from social and behavioral sciences, 6 from U.S. history, and 6 from POLS 206 and 207. The University Core Curriculum includes a requirement for 6 hours of international and cultural diversity courses. This requirement may be met by courses satisfying the visual and performing arts and social and behavioral sciences requirements if they also are on the approved list of international and cultural diversity courses.

3. Microbiology elective is to be selected from an approved list in consultation with the academic advisor to develop a cohesive career emphasis.

4. Mathematics elective is to be selected from the departmental approved list.

5. Engineering electives must include at least 6 hours of biological systems engineering and are to be selected from an approved list in consultation with the academic advisor to enhance the chosen career emphasis.

The Systems Safety Engineering specialty is available for students pursuing this degree.

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