2002-2003 Edition
Texas A&M University Undergraduate CatalogTexas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog
Catalog Contents
Academic Calendar
Board of Regents and System Administrative Officers
TAMU Administrative Officers
General Information
International Programs for Students
University Honors Program
Environmental Program
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Architecture
Lowry Mays College and Graduate School of Business
College of Education
Dwight Look College of Engineering
College of Geosciences
College of Liberal Arts
College of Science
College of Veterinary Medicine
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School of Military Sciences
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Graduate Studies
Graduate Studies
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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.

The Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department provides quality education, research and outreach in engineering and technology for the world's agricultural, biological, environmental and food systems. Our undergraduate programs provide a high quality education for engineering and systems management students to fulfill the needs of industries we serve and advance our reputation as a world leader in engineering and systems management education.

The biological systems engineering program develops graduates who can pursue engineering careers in industry, academia, consulting or government. The curriculum is designed:

  • to produce graduates to serve the engineering needs of clientele in food processing, bioprocessing, bioenvironmental applications, and bioproduction systems;
  • to produce graduates who are successfully employed in engineering jobs in industry, government or academia;
  • to maintain our national and international reputation for program excellence; and
  • to produce graduates who continue to be engaged in professional development.

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
   CHEM 107 Chemistry for Engrs.
(3-3)
4
AGLS 101 Modern Ag. Systems
(1-0)
1
   ENGR 112 Foundations of Engr. II
(1-3)
2
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric
(3-0)
3
   MATH 152 Engineering Math. II
(3-2)
4
ENGR 111 Foundations of Engr. I
(1-3)
2
   Biology elective 6
3
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 213 Principles of Materials Engr.
(2-2)
3
   ENGR 212 Conserv. Prin. in Thermal Sci.
(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 340 Fluid Mech. and Hydrology
(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 required 6 hours from international and cultural diversity may be met by courses satisfying the visual and performing arts, social and behavioral sciences, and the political science and history requirements if they are also on the approved list of international and cultural diversity courses (see the International and Cultural Diversity table).

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.

6. Biology elective is to be selected from the departmental approved list.

The Systems Safety Engineering specialty is available for students pursuing this degree. Click here for detailed information.

* See Kinesiology requirements.