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Agricultural Engineering

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For the undergraduate curriculum in Agricultural Engineering leading to the degree Bachelor of Science. The Agricultural Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Agricultural and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Goal: To educate students in the analysis and design of machinery, animal housing, and environmental systems for the production, processing, storage, handling, distribution, and use of food, feed, fiber and other biomaterials, and the management of related natural resources, by integrating basic physical and biological sciences with engineering design principles.

Student Learning Outcomes:  Graduates of the Agricultural Engineering curriculum should have, at the time of graduation:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Educational Objectives: Three to five years after graduation, our graduates will be using the knowledge, skills, and abilities from their agricultural engineering degree to improve the human condition through successful careers in a wide variety of fields. They will be effective leaders, collaborators, and innovators who address environmental, social, technical, and business challenges. They will be engaged in life-long learning and professional development through self-study, continuing education, or graduate/professional school.

Graduates find employment in diverse ag- and bio-related industries and government agencies dealing with agricultural machines and buildings, animal and environmental control, grain processing and handling, soil and water resources, food, biorenewables, and biotechnology. Their work involves engineering design, development, testing, research, manufacturing, consulting, sales, and service. Students are highly encouraged to participate in either cooperative education or internship programs.

The department also offers a Bachelor of Science curriculum in biological systems engineering. Additionally, the department offers Bachelor of Science curricula in agricultural systems technology and in industrial technology.

Well-qualified juniors and seniors in agricultural engineering who are interested in graduate study may apply for concurrent enrollment in the Graduate College to simultaneously pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering and a Master of Science degree in agricultural engineering. A concurrent Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration program is also offered by the department. Refer to Graduate Study for more information.

Curriculum in Agricultural Engineering

Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

Leading to the degree bachelor of science.

Total credits required:

126.0 cr Land and Water Resources Engineering Option

128.0 cr Power and Machinery Engineering Option

128.0 cr Animal Production Systems Engineering Option.

Any transfer credit courses applied to the degree program require a grade of C or better (but will not be calculated into the ISU cumulative GPA, Basic Program GPA or Core GPA).  See also Basic Program and Special Programs.
International Perspectives: 3 cr.1
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.1
Communication Proficiency/Library requirement :
ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication (Must have a C or better in this course)3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Must have a C or better in this course)3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
Communication Elective: One of the following (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Advanced Professional Selling
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Business and Professional Speaking
Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr. 1,2
3 credits from international perspectives-university approved list3
3 credits from U.S. diversity-university approved list3
6 credits from Social Sciences and Humanities courses-department approved list6
Total Credits12
Basic Program: 24 cr.

A minimum GPA of 2.00 required for this set of courses (please note that transfer course grades will not be calculated into the Basic Program GPA). See Requirement for Entry into Professional Program in College of Engineering Overview section. Within the Agricultural Engineering Basic Program, students are required to complete CHEM 1670 and CHEM 1670L or the sequence of CHEM 1770, CHEM 1770L, and CHEM 1780. This is a departmental requirement within the College of Engineering Basic Program requirements. CHEM 1780 credits can then be applied to the Math/Science Elective within the options of Power and Machinery Engineering and Animal Production Systems Engineering of the Agricultural Engineering major requirements.

ABE 1600Systematic Problem Solving and Computer Programming 33
CHEM 1670General Chemistry for Engineering Students4
and
General Chemistry II
ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Engineering Orientation
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
MATH 1650Calculus I4
MATH 1660Calculus II4
PHYS 2310Introduction to Classical Physics I4
PHYS 2310LIntroduction to Classical Physics I Laboratory1
Total Credits24
Math and Physical Science: 7 cr.
CHEM 1670LLaboratory in General Chemistry for Engineering1
or CHEM 1770L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
MATH 2660Elementary Differential Equations3
STAT 3050Engineering Statistics3
Total Credits7
Ag Engineering Core: 35 cr.

(A minimum GPA of 2.00 required for this set of courses, including any transfer courses please note that transfer course grades will not be calculated into the Core GPA).

ABE 2160Fundamentals of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering3
ABE 2180Project Management & Design in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering2
ABE 3160Applied Numerical Methods for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering3
ABE 3630Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronics4
ABE 3780Mechanics of Fluids3
ABE 4040Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering3
ABE 4150Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Design I2
ABE 4160Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Design II2
CE 2740Engineering Statics3
EM 3240Mechanics of Materials3
EM 3270Mechanics of Materials Laboratory1
or ABE 3780L Mechanics of Fluids Laboratory
IE 3050Engineering Economic Analysis3
ME 2310Engineering Thermodynamics I3
Total Credits35
Other Remaining Courses: 11 cr.
ABE 1100Experiencing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering1
ABE 1700Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design3
TSM 2010Preparing for Workplace Seminar1
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Communication Elective: One of the following (Must have a C or better in this course)3
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Proposal and Report Writing
Technical Communication
Advanced Professional Selling
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Business and Professional Speaking
Total Credits11

Complete remaining courses from one of the following options:

Land and Water Resources Engineering Option: 37 cr.
ABE 4310Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems3
AGRON 1810Introduction to Crop Science3
AGRON 1820Introduction to Soil Science3
BIOL 2510Biological Processes in the Environment3
CE 3260Principles of Environmental Engineering3
CE 3720Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics3
GEOL 2010Geology for Engineers and Environmental Scientists3
MICRO 2010Introduction to Microbiology2
MICRO 2010LIntroductory Microbiology Laboratory1
ABE 2730CAD for Process Facilities and Land Use Planning1
GIS Elective (One of the following):3
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Geospatial Technologies
Intro GIS for Geoscientists
Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems
Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management
Subsurface Systems Elective (One of the following):3
Geotechnical Engineering
Groundwater Hydrology
Water Quality Elective (One of the following):3
Nonpoint Source Pollution and Control
Watershed Modeling and Policy
ABE Breadth (One of the following):3
Functional Analysis of Soil, Crop, and Machine Systems
Principles of Biological Systems Engineering
ABE 4240 (3 different 1cr modules)
Air Pollution: Air Quality and Effects of Pollutants
Air Pollution: Climate Change and Causes
Air Pollution: Transportation Air Quality
Air Pollution: Off-Gas Treatment Technology
Air Pollution: Agricultural Sources of Pollution
Engineering for Grain Storage, Preservation, Handling, and Processing Systems
Controlled Environments for Animals and Plants (offered Spring even years)
Wood Frame and Agri-Industrial Structures (offered Spring odd years)
Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems
Total Credits37
 Power and Machinery Engineering Option: 39 cr.
ABE 3400Functional Analysis of Soil, Crop, and Machine Systems3
ABE 3420Agricultural Tractor Power3
ABE 4100Electronic Systems Integration for Agricultural Machinery3
ME 4130Fluid Power Engineering3
AGRON 1820Introduction to Soil Science3
BIOL 2510Biological Processes in the Environment3
MATE 2730Principles of Materials Science and Engineering3
ME 3240Manufacturing Engineering3
ME 3240LManufacturing Engineering Laboratory1
ME 3250Mechanical Component Design3
ME 3450Engineering Dynamics3
Computer Graphics (Two of the following):2
Engineering Applications of Parametric Solid Modeling
Parametric Solid Models, Drawings, and Assemblies Using Creo Parametric
CAD for Process Facilities and Land Use Planning
ABE Elective (One of the following):3
Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems
Engineering for Grain Storage, Preservation, Handling, and Processing Systems
Controlled Environments for Animals and Plants (offered Spring even years)
Wood Frame and Agri-Industrial Structures (offered Spring odd years)
Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems
Math/Science Elective3
Introduction to Crop Science
General Chemistry II (In combination with CHEM 1770)
Matrices and Linear Algebra
Calculus III
Introduction to Classical Physics II
Introduction to Classical Physics II Laboratory
Total Credits39
Animal Production Systems Engineering Option: 39 cr.
ABE 3270LAnimal Production Systems Design Lab1
ABE 4690Engineering for Grain Storage, Preservation, Handling, and Processing Systems3
ABE 4720Controlled Environments for Animals and Plants (offered Spring even years)3
ABE 4780Wood Frame and Agri-Industrial Structures (offered Spring odd years)3
BIOL 2510Biological Processes in the Environment3
CE 3320Structural Analysis I3
CE 3330Structural Steel Design I3
CE 3340Reinforced Concrete Design I3
TSM 3270Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management3
Animal Science/Horticulture Elective (One of the following):3
Poultry Science
Swine Science
Beef Cattle Science
Sheep Science
Dairy Cattle Science
Principles of Horticulture Science
Computer Graphics (One of the following):1
Engineering Applications of Parametric Solid Modeling
Parametric Solid Models, Drawings, and Assemblies Using Creo Parametric
CAD for Process Facilities and Land Use Planning (Preferred)
ABE elective (One of the following): 23
Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems
Functional Analysis of Soil, Crop, and Machine Systems
Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems
Animal Production Systems Engineering Elective4
Geotechnical Engineering
Heat Transfer
Math/Science Elective3
Introduction to Crop Science
Introduction to Soil Science
General Chemistry II (In combination with CHEM 1770)
Geology for Engineers and Environmental Scientists
Greenhouse and Nursery Operations and Management
Matrices and Linear Algebra
Calculus III
Introduction to Classical Physics II
Introduction to Classical Physics II Laboratory
Total Credits39
Co-op/Internships (Optional)
  1. These university requirements will add to the minimum credits of the program unless the university-approved courses are also approved by the department to meet other course requirements within the degree program.
    U.S. Diversity, International Perspectives and Social Science/Humanities courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass.
  2. Choose from department approved list.
  3. See Basic Program for Professional Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program.

TRANSFER CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Students graduating with a degree in AE or BSE are required to have a minimum of 18 credits of 3000-level and 4000-level ABE courses taken at Iowa State University (excluding 4900, 4150, and 4160), and must complete the two-semester ABE Capstone sequence (ABE 4150 & 4160) at Iowa State University. The Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering requires a grade of C or better for any transfer credit course that is applied to the degree program.

 See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester.

Agricultural Engineering, B.S. - Power & Machinery option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGR 1010RABE 11001
ABE 17003ABE 16003
CHEM 16704MATH 16604
CHEM 1670L1PHYS 23104
MATH 16504PHYS 2310L1
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003
LIB 16001 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 21603ABE 21802
CE 27403TSM 20101
MATE 27303EM 32403
AGRON 18203MATH 26603
Math/Science Elective3STAT 30503
 International Perspectives Elective3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 34003ABE 31603
ABE 36304ABE 34203
ME 23103ABE 37803
ME 34503EM 3270 or ABE 3780L1
Communication Elective3ME 3240L1
Computer Graphics Elective2BIOL 2510 or 21103
 18 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 41502ABE 41602
ABE 40403ABE 41003
ME 41303ABE Elective3
ME 32403IE 30503
ME 32503Social Science or Humanities Elective3
US Diversity Elective3Social Science or Humanities Elective3
 17 17

Agricultural Engineering, B.S. - Animal Production Systems Engineering option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGR 1010RABE 11001
ABE 17003ABE 16003
CHEM 16704MATH 16604
CHEM 1670L1PHYS 23104
MATH 16504PHYS 2310L1
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003
LIB 16001 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 21603ABE 21802
CE 27403TSM 20101
MATH 26603EM 32403
TSM 32703ME 23103
ABE 3270L1STAT 30503
US Diversity Elective3BIOL 2110 or 25103
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 31603ABE 47803
ABE 36304CE 33303
ABE 37803IE 30503
CE 33203Computer Graphics Elective1
EM 3270 or ABE 3780L1Communication Elective3
Math/Science Elective3International Perspective Elective3
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 41502ABE 41602
ABE 40403ABE 46903
ABE Elective3ABE 47203
ANS/HORT Elective3CE 33403
Animal Production Systems Engineering Elective3Social Science or Humanities Elective3
Social Science or Humanities Elective3 
 17 14

Agricultural Engineering, B.S. - Land and Water Resources Engineering option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGR 1010RABE 11001
ABE 17003ABE 16003
CHEM 16704MATH 16604
CHEM 1670L1PHYS 23104
MATH 16504PHYS 2310L1
ENGL 15003ENGL 25003
LIB 16001 
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 21603ABE 21802
CE 27403TSM 20101
MATH 26603EM 32403
AGRON 18103ME 23103
AGRON 18203STAT 30503
 BIOL 2510 or 21103
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 31603ABE 27301
ABE 36304CE 32603
ABE 37803CE 37203
EM 3270 or ABE 3780L1MICRO 20102
GIS Elective3MICRO 2010L1
Communication Elective3ABE Breadth Elective3
 US Diversity Elective3
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ABE 41502ABE 41602
ABE 40403IE 30503
ABE 43103Subsurface Systems Elective3
GEOL 20103Water Quality Elective3
Social Science or Humanities Elective3Social Science or Humanities Elective3
International Perspectives Elective3 
 17 14

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering has concurrent Bachelor of Science /Master of Science (B.S./M.S.) programs designed especially for departmental seniors who wish to pursue advanced studies. Concurrent BS/MS programs are agricultural engineering (B.S.) with agricultural and biosystems engineering (M.S.) and biological systems engineering (B.S.) with agricultural and biosystems engineering (M.S.).

The concurrent B.S./M.S. program allows seniors to:

  • Become eligible for a research assistantship during their senior year.
  • Complete an M.S. degree (with thesis) within 18 months of B.S. graduation.

For more information about our concurrent undergraduate and graduate programs in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, visit: https://www.abe.iastate.edu/graduate-students/abe-concurrent-degrees/

Graduate Study

The department offers Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees with a major in agricultural and biosystems engineering. Within the agricultural and biosystems engineering major the student may specialize in advanced machinery engineering, animal production systems engineering, biological and process engineering, occupational safety engineering, or water and environmental stewardship engineering. Details on current research programs available at http://www.abe.iastate.edu/.

For the Master of Science program, at least 30 credits of acceptable graduate work must be completed with a minimum of 22 credits of course work; corresponding numbers for the Master of Engineering program are 32 and 27. For the Doctor of Philosophy degree, at least 72 credits of acceptable graduate work must be completed with a minimum of 42 credits of course work. All Ph.D. students must complete a teaching/extension experience prior to graduation.

The department also offers both master of science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in industrial and agricultural technology.

The department also participates in interdepartmental majors in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, human computer interaction, and toxicology (see Index).