Program Overview

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Biological Engineering (BS): Ecological Engineering Concentration

The Biological Engineering (BS) program with an Ecological Engineering Concentration is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering. This program combines the fields of engineering, biology, chemistry, and agriculture, and is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program Objectives

The program objectives for Biological Engineering graduates are to:

• Excel in their careers by applying their engineering knowledge, critical-thinking skills, systematic approach to problem solving, and innovation to improve biological and agricultural systems
• Work effectively both independently and as part of professional teams and demonstrate leadership potential in project management
• Display professionalism, ethics, equity, and inclusivity in the practice of engineering to safeguard life, health, and public welfare
• Communicate effectively in a professional environment
• Be engaged in life-long learning and professional development

Plan Requirements

The plan of study for the Biological Engineering (BS) program with an Ecological Engineering Concentration includes the following courses:

• First Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • CH 101: Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 (3 hours)
    • CH 102: General Chemistry Laboratory 1 (1 hour)
    • E 101: Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 1 (1 hour)
    • E 115: Introduction to Computing Environments (1 hour)
    • ENG 101: Academic Writing and Research 1 (4 hours)
    • MA 141: Calculus I 1 (4 hours)
  • Spring Semester:
    • CH 221: Organic Chemistry I (3 hours)
    • CH 222: Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 hour)
    • MA 241: Calculus II 1 (4 hours)
    • PY 205: Physics for Engineers and Scientists I (3 hours)
    • PY 206: Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory (1 hour)
    • Select one of the following: ARE 201, ARE 201A, EC 201, or EC 205 (3 hours)
• Second Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • BAE 200: Computer Methods in Biological Engineering (2 hours)
    • CE 214 or MAE 206: Engineering Mechanics-Statics 2 or Engineering Statics (3 hours)
    • MA 242: Calculus III (4 hours)
    • PY 208: Physics for Engineers and Scientists II (3 hours)
    • PY 209: Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory (1 hour)
    • BIO 181: Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity (4 hours)
  • Spring Semester:
    • BAE 203: Introduction to AutoCAD Civil 3D for Environmental & Ecological Engineers (2 hours)
    • BAE 204: Introduction to Environmental and Ecological Engineering (2 hours)
    • MAE 208: Engineering Dynamics 2 (3 hours)
    • MA 341: Applied Differential Equations I (3 hours)
    • MAE 201: Thermal-Fluid Sciences (3 hours)
    • SSC 200: Soil Science (3 hours)
• Third Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • BAE 302: Transport Phenomena (3 hours)
    • BAE 305: Biological Engineering Circuits (4 hours)
    • BAE 371: Fundamentals of Hydrology for Engineers (3 hours)
    • CE 282: Hydraulics 2 (3 hours)
    • PB 360: Ecology (3 hours)
  • Spring Semester:
    • BAE 376: Watershed Assessment and Water Quality Protection (3 hours)
    • BAE 401: Sensors and Controls (3 hours)
    • CE 225 or MAE 214: Mechanics of Solids 2 or Solid Mechanics (3 hours)
    • ST 370: Probability and Statistics for Engineers (3 hours)
• Fourth Year:
  • Fall Semester:
    • BAE 325: Introductory Geomatics (3 hours)
    • BAE 451: Engineering Design I (2 hours)
    • BAE 473: Introduction to Hydrologic and Water Quality Modeling (3 hours)
    • BAE 474: Principles and Applications of Ecological Engineering (3 hours)
    • ENG 331 or ENG 333: Communication for Engineering and Technology or Communication for Science and Research (3 hours)
    • Ethics Elective (3 hours)
  • Spring Semester:
    • BAE 452: Engineering Design II (2 hours)
    • Engineering Elective (3 hours)

Ethics Elective

The following courses can be taken as an Ethics Elective:

• IDS 201: Environmental Ethics (3 hours)
• PHI 325: Bio-Medical Ethics (3 hours)
• STS 302: Contemporary Science, Technology and Human Values (3 hours)
• STS 304: Ethical Dimensions of Progress (3 hours)
• STS 322: Technological Catastrophes (3 hours)
• STS 323: World Population and Food Prospects (3 hours)
• STS 325: Bio-Medical Ethics (3 hours)

Engineering Elective

The following courses can be taken as an Engineering Elective:

• BAE 322: Introduction to Food Process Engineering (3 hours)
• BAE 361: Analytical Methods in Engineering Design (3 hours)
• BAE 478: Circular Approach to Manure Management (3 hours)
• BAE 481: Structures & Environment (3 hours)
• BAE 574: (3 hours)
• BAE 578: Circular Approach to Manure Management (3 hours)
• BAE 581: Open Channel Hydraulics for Natural Systems (3 hours)

Semester Sequence

A sample semester sequence for the Biological Engineering (BS) program with an Ecological Engineering Concentration is provided.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biological Engineering program are qualified to work in a variety of fields, including:

• Stream and wetlands restoration project management
• Product design and development
• Plant engineering and management
• Engineering analysis and inspection for federal and state agencies
• Engineering consulting and research

Entry-level salary ranges for Biological Engineering graduates are similar to those of Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering graduates.

Career Titles

Some potential career titles for Biological Engineering graduates include:

• Stream and wetlands restoration project manager
• Product designer
• Development and testing engineer
• Plant engineering and management
• Engineering analyst and inspector for federal and state agencies
• Engineering consultant
• Research engineer