Program Overview

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Biological Systems Engineering, PhD

The University of WisconsinMadison offers a PhD program in Biological Systems Engineering, which is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue a career in research, academia, or industry.

Program Description

Graduate work in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering leads to the master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees. Graduates of the program help fill the need for highly educated engineers in industry, consulting firms, government agencies, and educational institutions. Students who undertake graduate studies in Biological Systems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in biological systems.

Research Areas

The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study in different specializations, including:

• Biological systems
• Environmental quality and natural resource engineering
• Waste management
• Food and bioprocess engineering
• Nanotechnology and biosensing
• Machinery systems
• Bio-resources and bio-refining
• Agricultural safety and health

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). The admission requirements are as follows:

• Fall Deadline: February 1
• Spring Deadline: September 1
• Summer Deadline: November 1
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required but may be considered if available
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Eligibility

All science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) background applicants are invited to apply. The Biological Systems Engineering Department stipulates that applicants should have a BS degree or MS degree in engineering. Applicants who have a BS or MS degree in a field other than engineering may be eligible for admission if they have completed the following basic engineering coursework:

• Twelve credits of college-level mathematics (e.g., calculus, linear algebra, analytical geometry, differential equations, and numerical methods)
• Nine credits of physical sciences, biological sciences, computational, data, and information sciences (e.g., biochemistry, analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, microbiology, physics, statics, dynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, material sciences, thermodynamics, computer programming, data sciences, geographic information systems, remote sensing)

Funding

Graduate research assistantships, project assistantships, and fellowships are available on a highly competitive basis. The Bursar's Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help students afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 51 credits, including:

• 30 credits of Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Instruction and Research Committee-approved science and engineering credits
• 16 credits of thesis research
• 2 credits of graduate seminar
• 3 credits of teaching practicum/studies

Mode of Instruction

The mode of instruction is face-to-face, with classes typically meeting during weekdays on the UW-Madison campus.

Curricular Requirements

The curricular requirements include:

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Other Grade Requirements: Graduate students in Biological Systems Engineering must maintain a minimum overall B average (3.0 GPA) during their graduate studies

Assessments and Examinations

Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination after they have cleared their record of all Incomplete and Progress grades (other than research and thesis). Deposit of the doctoral dissertation in the Graduate School is required.

Language Requirements

There are no language requirements for this program.

Graduate School Breadth Requirement

All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Required Courses

The required courses include:

• BSE 990: Research (Thesis)
• BSE 900: Seminar
• BSE 901: Graduate Research Seminar
• BSE 799: Practicum in Agricultural Engineering Teaching (or E P D 654: Teaching in Science and Engineering)

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to help students build skills, thrive academically, and launch their career.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the program include:

1. Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
2. Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
3. Creates research, scholarship, or performance that makes a substantive contribution.
4. Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
5. Advances contributions of the field of study to society.
6. Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
7. Fosters ethical and professional conduct.