920
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is administered jointly by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. Biosystems engineers are professionals who create and adapt engineering knowledge and technologies for the efficient and effective production, processing, storage, handling and distribution of food, feed, fiber and other biological products, while at the same time providing for a quality environment and preserving and protecting natural resources. Biosystems engineers directly address problems and opportunities related to food, water, energy and the environment—all of which are critical to the quality of life in our society. Subject-matter specialization is provided through the following four undergraduate option areas: bioprocessing and food processing, environment and natural resources, machine systems and pre-medical. Biosystems engineering courses integrate engineering sciences, physical sciences, and biological sciences, and teach students to address real- world challenges. With the guidance of experienced faculty, students work both as individuals and in teams to design creative solutions to complex problems. The overall objective of the undergraduate biosystems engineering degree program is to provide the comprehensive education necessary to prepare students for successful, productive and rewarding careers in engineering for agricultural, food and biological systems. Within a few years of graduation, Biosystems Engineering program graduates will become top professionals, managers or leaders in a wide variety of industries and organizations involved with biosystems engineering, where they apply discovery, problem-solving and leadership skills for the benefit of their organization and the society at large. The undergraduate educational program is divided into two components —pre-professional and professional. In the pre-professional portion of the biosystems engineering program (usually equivalent to two years of study) the focus is on the underlying biological, physical, chemical and mathematical principles of engineering, supplemented by appropriate general education courses in English, social sciences and humanities. Students who demonstrate proficiency in this portion of the program are eligible for admission to the professional school in Biosystems Engineering. The professional school of biosystems engineering curriculum (typically two years) builds systematically upon the scientific knowledge acquired in the pre-professional curriculum. In professional school, students have the opportunity to focus on the option areas given above. The degree is accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission, (http:// www.abet.org) under criteria for biological engineering and similarly named programs. Each professional school course builds upon preceding engineering courses to develop in the student the ability to identify and solve meaningful engineering problems. The coursework is specifically sequenced and interrelated to provide design experience at each level, leading to progressively more complex, open-ended problems. The coursework incorporates the social and economic aspects of technical problems, and stresses the responsibilities as engineering professionals to behave ethically and promote occupational and public safety. The
program culminates in senior year design courses in which students integrate the analysis, synthesis and other abilities they have developed throughout the earlier portions of their study into a capstone experience. At this point, they are able to design components, systems and processes that meet specific requirements, including such pertinent societal considerations as ethics, safety, environmental impact and aesthetics. The students have also developed and displayed the ability to conduct experiments essential to specific studies and to analyze the experimental results and draw meaningful conclusions. An integral part of this education continuum from basic science through comprehensive engineering design is learning experiences that facilitate the students' abilities to function effectively in both individual and team environments. Moreover, the program provides every graduate with adequate learning experiences to develop effective written and oral communication skills. State-of-the-art computational tools are introduced and used as a part of their problem-solving experiences. Finally, the students' experiences in solving ever-more-challenging problems enable them to continue to learn independently throughout their professional careers. A wide variety of employment opportunities are available for biosystems engineers in industry, public service and education. Some of these opportunities include positions in energy industry, governmental agencies, consulting engineering firms, and agricultural and food equipment industries. Biosystems engineers are employed throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. Undergraduate Programs • Biosystems Engineering: Bioprocessing & Food Processing, BSBE (p. 1454) • Biosystems Engineering: Environmental and Natural Resources, BSBE (p. 1456) • Biosystems Engineering: Machine Systems & Agricultural Engineering, BSBE (p. 1458) • Biosystems Engineering: Pre-Medical, BSBE (p. 1460) Graduate Programs The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering offers programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biosystems Engineering. These degrees emphasize research and development. Excellent laboratory and computer facilities are available for students to explore research and design in such areas as bioprocessing and food engineering, machine vision, sensor and control technology, waste management and utilization, hydrology, water quality, porous media flow, and intelligent systems for agricultural machine design and production. Research projects are supported by the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and by state, federal and private grants and contracts. Well-trained faculty members, many of whom are registered professional engineers with research, consulting and design experience, guide the graduate students' activities and plan programs to meet students' needs. Graduate students design experiments and special equipment to conduct their work. They are expected to demonstrate, by supporting research or by designs, the ability to identify a problem, define alternatives, propose a solution, organize a design or an experimental investigation, manage the project to completion and report the results through peer-reviewed papers and professional presentations.
Powered by FlippingBook