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
General Academic Programs
School of Military Sciences
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Graduate Studies
Graduate Studies
Course Descriptions
Faculty
Appendices
Section ContentsPrevious PageNext Page
 

Curriculum in
Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineers apply their knowledge of physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and engineering principles to the production and processing of food and fiber and to the preservation of environmental quality. Agricultural engineering graduates are sought by a wide variety of employers, both those involved directly or indirectly in agriculture and those involved with non-agriculture areas. Recent employers include environmental consulting firms, equipment manufacturers, crop storage and handling industries, the cotton and forest products industries, feed processing industries, electric utility companies, chemical companies, and governmental agencies. Agricultural engineers contribute to meeting society needs such as maintaining food quality, quantity and safety; improving environmental quality; and enhancing the quantity and quality of our water resources.

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 agricultural 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 environmental and natural resources, machine systems, and agricultural production and processing;
  • 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 affecting soil, water, and air resources.
  • Agricultural Process Engineering --design and management of systems for handling and processing agricultural products.
  • Machine Design --design and development of machines and machine systems for food, feed and fiber production and processing.

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 agricultural engineering program is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Dwight Look College of Engineering, and the curriculum is fully accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission 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.
 

  CHEM 107 Chemistry for Engineers
(3-3)
4
Engineering Design
(0-2)
1
   ENGR 112 Foundations of Engr. II
(1-3)
2
AGLS 101 Modern Ag. Systems
(1-0)
1
   MATH 152 Engineering Math. II
(3-2)
4
ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric
(3-0)
3
   Biology elective 5
3
ENGR 111 Foundations of Engr. I
(1-3)
2
   University Core Curriculum elective 2
3
MATH 151 Engineering Math. I 1
(3-2)
4
   * KINE 199 Required Physical Activity
(0-2)
1
PHYS 218 Mechanics
(3-3)
4
    
17
* KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity
(0-2)
1
    
 
16

 
 
SOPHOMORE YEAR
ENGL 210 Scientific and Tech. Writing
(3-0)
3
AGRO 301 Soil Science
(3-2)
4
ENGR 211 Conserv. Prin. in Engr. Mech.
(2-2)
3
   BSEN 265 Inv. Tech. for Biol. and Ag. Engr.
(1-6)
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
    

16
 
JUNIOR YEAR
AGEN 340 Fluid Mech. and Hydrology
(3-0)
3
  
AGEN 365 Unit Ops. for Biol. and Ag. Engr.
(2-3)
3
AGEN 375 Des. of Ag. Mach. and Struc.
(3-0)
3
   AGEN 370 Meas. and Control of Bio. Sys. and Ag. Processes
(2-2)
3
BSEN 354 Engr. Properties of Biological Materials
(2-3)
3
   BSEN 366 Transport Processes in Biological Systems

(3-0)

3
CHEM 222 Elements of Org. Biol. Chem.
(3-0)
3
   Mathematics elective 3
3
ENGR 215 Prin. of Electrical Engr.
(2-2)
3
   University Core Curriculum elective 2
3
 
15

 
15
 
SENIOR YEAR
AGEN 479 Biol. and Ag. Engr. Design I
(1-2)
2
  
AGEN 480 Biol. and Ag. Engr. Design II
(0-6)
3
ENGR 482 Ethics and Engineering
(2-2)
3
   AGEN 481 Seminar
(1-0)
1
Engineering electives 4
6
   Engineering electives 4
6
University Core Curriculum electives 2
6
   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. Mathematics elective is to be selected from the departmental approved list.

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

5. 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.