Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering B.B.A.E.

The mission of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is to conduct research and educate people to solve engineering problems in agricultural and biological environments. Educational objectives for the program are to produce graduates with the following:

¿ A broad fundamental engineering background including mathematics, physical science, biological science, engineering science, and computational skills needed for their future practice of biosystems and agricultural engineering.

¿ The skills necessary to carry out an effective design process including the ability to think creatively, work cooperatively, formulate problems, synthesize information, develop and evaluate alternatives, implement solutions, and communicate effectively at all stages of the process.

¿ The ability to address issues of ethics, safety, professionalism, and social and economic impacts in engineering practice and design.

¿ Specific abilities to pursue careers that integrate engineering and biology to design efficient, economical systems to produce and deliver high quality, safe food to consumers; to design sustainable systems that protect the environment, humans, plants, and animals; and to design safe and efficient machines, processes, and practices for biological systems.

¿ Opportunities to develop in-depth background in one of the following areas of emphasis: Bioprocessing and Food, Environment, or Machinery Systems.

Admission Requirements

A GPA above 2.00 is preferred for the following:
   2.5 for students transferring from outside the University.

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the   Office of Admissions Web site.

General Requirements

Program Requirements

Program Sub-plans

A sub-plan is not required for this program.

This is an honors sub-plan.

For cum laude, students must complete a thesis and one honors experience and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50. To graduate magna cum laude, students must complete a thesis and two honors experiences and have a cumulative GPA of 3.66. For summa cum laude, students must complete a thesis and three honors experiences and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75. Consult an academic adviser for a list of possible honors experiences.

This option provides students with a hands-on work experience after the freshman year of the degree program. Students can take up to two semesters of intern work with one or more employers. An example may be two summers and one semester. This may be adjusted to suit individual needs. Students have an opportunity to assist in design work and apply their knowledge to practical problem solving. The experience helps students choose a career and select electives for the degree.

During the academic portion of the intern program students are expected to take a normal load of 11-13 credits. Graduation may be delayed because of the intern experience. It is important to plan ahead, since biosystems and agricultural engineering classes are usually offered only once per year, and in some cases in alternating years. Students registering for BAE 4900 must first submit a proposed plan of study with the intern coordinator.

Processing of agricultural and biological materials yields many important products, from foods to pharmaceuticals. In this emphasis, students are prepared for careers in the design and development of systems for processing, storing, and distributing food and agricultural products; processes to recover and purify products such as proteins produced through biotechnology; processes to make products such as biodegradable plastics from biological materials; new food products as a member of a team of food scientists and marketing specialists; and systems to ensure food safety and quality.

With completion of an additional 3 credits, this subplan fulfills the Technical Electives requirement.

The world is faced with important environmental and natural resource issues affecting soil, water, and air. In this emphasis, students are prepared for careers in the design or development of systems to control runoff and flooding in agricultural and small urban watersheds; systems to manage water (drainage or irrigation) to enhance crop production;    practices to improve water quality and control soil erosion; plans and practices to restore wetlands; systems to store, treat, and use livestock or food processing wastes; and processes for bioremediation of polluted areas.

With completion of an additional 3 credits, this Sub-plan fulfills the Technical Electives requirement.

Machines are important components of systems for production and processing of food and other biological materials. In this emphasis, students are prepared for careers in the design and development of machines for agricultural, horticultural, and landscape industries; machines and systems that incorporate operator safety, health, and comfort; machines for food processing and handling; automated systems for identification, sorting, or grading; agricultural and other off-road vehicles to improve performance and minimize adverse impact to the soil; and systems for precision agriculture that use technologies such as global positioning systems and geographical information systems

With completion of an additional 3 credits, this sub-plan fulfills the Technical Electives requirement.