Agricultural Engineering
Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Undergraduate Study
For the undergraduate curriculum in agricultural engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. This curriculum is accredited under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Agricultural Engineering Programs by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21201, telephone (410) 347-7700, http://www.abet.org/.
Curriculum Educational Goal, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes:
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.
Program Educational Objectives: Graduates are prepared to achieve the following career and professional accomplishments:
- Competence in methods of analysis involving engineering sciences, fundamental physical and biological sciences, mathematics, and computation needed for the practice of agricultural engineering in food, fiber, energy and environmental companies and agencies.
- Skills necessary to the design process; including the abilities to think creatively, to formulate problem statements, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to evaluate and implement problem solutions.
- Ability to address issues of ethics, safety, professionalism, cultural diversity, globalization, environmental impact, and social and economic impact in engineering practice.
- Continuous professional and technical growth, with practical experience, to be licensed as a professional engineer or achieve that level of expertise
- The ability to:
- be a successful leader of multi-disciplinary teams
- efficiently manage multiple simultaneous projects
- work collaboratively
- implement multi-disciplinary systems-based solutions
- apply innovative solutions to problems through the use of new methods or technologies,
- contribute to the business success of their employer
- build community
Program Educational Outcomes: At graduation, students will have developed and demonstrated:
- Competence in engineering analysis relevant to the practice of agricultural engineering in machinery, food, feed, fiber, energy, and environmental companies and agencies.
- Competence in engineering design, including the ability to think creatively, to formulate problem statements, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to evaluate and implement problem solutions.
- The capability to consider ethics, safety, professionalism, cultural diversity, globalization, environmental, social, and economic issues in engineering practice.
- The ability to work successfully in multidisciplinary teams, and to manage complex and/or multiple projects.
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. Refer to Graduate Study for more information.
Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE)
The NDE minor is multidisciplinary and open to undergraduates in the College of Engineering.
Graduate Study
The department offers master of science, master of engineering, and doctor of philosophy degrees with a major in agricultural engineering. Within the agricultural 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/. Departmental graduate student guidelines can be found at www.iastate.edu/grad_students.asp.
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. Under concurrent enrollment, students are eligible for assistantships and simultaneously take undergraduate and graduate courses.
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.
A concurrent master of science and master of business administration program is also offered by the department.
The department also offers both master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in industrial and agricultural technology (see Graduate Majors).
The department also participates in interdepartmental majors in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, biorenewable resources and technology, human and computer interaction, and toxicology (see Index).
Curriculum in Agricultural Engineering
Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
Leading to the degree bachelor of science.
Total credits required: 127.5 cr. See also Basic Program and Special Programs.
International Perspectives: 3 cr.1
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.1
Communication Proficiency/Library requirement:
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
| One of the following | 3 | |
| Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr.2
| 3 credits from international perspectives | 3 | |
| 3 credits from U.S. diversity university-approved list | 3 | |
| 6 additional credits from Social Sciences and Humanities courses | 6 | |
Basic Program: 26.5 cr.4
| CHEM 167 | General Chemistry for Engineering Students | 4 |
| or CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition * | 3 |
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Orientation | R |
| ENGR 160 | Engineering Problems with Computer Applications Laboratory | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I ** | 5 |
| Total Credits | 26.5 | |
| * | see above for grade requirements |
| ** | See Basic Program rule |
Math and Physical Science: 9 cr.
| CHEM 167L | Laboratory in General Chemistry for Engineering | 1 |
| or CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | |
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
| STAT 305 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Ag Engineering Core: 24 cr.4
| A E 216 | Fundamentals of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 3 |
| A E 316 | Applied Numerical Methods for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 3 |
| A E 363 | Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronics | 4 |
| A E 415 | Agricultural Engineering Design I | 2 |
| A E 416 | Agricultural Engineering Design II | 2 |
| E M 274 | Statics of Engineering | 3 |
| E M 324 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| E M 327 | Mechanics of Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Other Remaining Courses: 16 cr.
| A E 110 | Experiencing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 1 |
| A E 201 | Preparing for Workplace Seminar | 1 |
| A E 218 | Project Management Design in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 2 |
| A E 404 | Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 3 |
| A E 170 | Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design | 3 |
| M E 231 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
| One of the following (minimum grade of C) | 3 | |
| Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
elect remaining courses from one of the following options:
Agricultural and Environmental Systems Engineering Option: 40 cr.
| A E 271 | Engineering Applications of Parametric Solid Modeling | 1 |
| or A E 272 | Parametric Solid Models, Drawings, and Assemblies Using Pro/ENGINEER | |
| A E 431 | Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems | 3 |
| A E 472 | Design of Environmental Modification Systems for Animal Housing | 3 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| C E 332 | Structural Analysis I | 3 |
| C E 372 | Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics | 4 |
| E M 378 | Mechanics of Fluids | 3 |
| One of the following | 3 | |
| Functional Analysis and Design of Agricultural Field Machinery | ||
| Wood Frame Structural Design | ||
| or BSE 480 | Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems | |
| One course from Biological and Natural Resource Sciences list | 3 | |
| Electives | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Power and Machinery Engineering Option: 40 cr.
| A E 271 | Engineering Applications of Parametric Solid Modeling | 1 |
| or A E 272 | Parametric Solid Models, Drawings, and Assemblies Using Pro/ENGINEER | |
| A E 340 | Functional Analysis and Design of Agricultural Field Machinery | 3 |
| A E 342 | Agricultural Tractor Power | 3 |
| A E 413 | Fluid Power Engineering | 3 |
| AGRON 154 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | 3 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| E M 345 | Dynamics | 3 |
| E M 378 | Mechanics of Fluids | 3 |
| M E 324 | Manufacturing Engineering | 4 |
| M E 325 | Machine Design | 3 |
| MAT E 273 | Principles of Materials Science and Engineering | 3 |
| One of the following | 3 | |
| Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems | ||
| Grain Processing and Handling | ||
| Design of Environmental Modification Systems for Animal Housing | ||
| Wood Frame Structural Design | ||
| Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems | ||
| Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Co-op/Internships (Optional)
- 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 and international perspectives courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass.
- Choose from department approved list.
- See Basic Program for Professional Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program.
- 2.00 required including transfer courses.
Courses primarily for undergraduate students
A E 110. Experiencing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
S.
Laboratory-based, team-oriented experiences in a spectrum of topics common to the practice of agricultural and biosystems engineering. Report writing, co-ops, internships, careers, registration planning.
A E 170. Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Satisfactory scores in math placement assessments; credit or enrollment in MATH 142.
Applications of multi-view drawings and dimensioning. Techniques for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating 3-D geometries. Application of the design process including written and oral reports.
A E 201. Preparing for Workplace Seminar.
(Cross-listed with BSE, TSM). (1-0) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Sophomore classification in A E, AST, BSE or ITec
8 week course. Professionalism in the context of the engineering/technical workplace. Development and demonstration of key workplace competencies: teamwork, initiative, communication, innovation, and customer focus. Resumes; Professional portfolios; Preparation for internship experiences.
A E 216. Fundamentals of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 110, ENGR 160, credit or enrollment in MATH 166
Application of mathematics and engineering sciences to mass and energy balances in agricultural and biological systems. Emphasis is on solving engineering problems in the areas of heat and mass transfer, air and water vapor systems; animal production systems, grain systems; food systems, hydrologic systems, and bioprocessing.
A E 218. Project Management Design in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (1-2) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: 216
Project management - critical path, Gantt charts, resource allocations, basic project budgeting, and project management software. Engineering design approaches. Open-ended design projects to demonstrate the preceding principles through application of technical concepts taught in prerequisite coursework.
A E 271. Engineering Applications of Parametric Solid Modeling.
(1-2) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Engr 170 or TSM 116 or equivalent
8 week-course. Creating, editing, and documenting part and assembly models using Solidworks.
A E 272. Parametric Solid Models, Drawings, and Assemblies Using Pro/ENGINEER.
(1-2) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Engr 170 or TSM 116 or equivalent
8 week-course. Applications of Pro/ENGINEER software. Create solid models of parts and assemblies. Utilize the solid models to create design documentation: standard drawing views, dimensions, and notes.
A E 298. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
First professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
A E 316. Applied Numerical Methods for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ENGR 160, MATH 266
Computer aided solution of agricultural engineering problems by use of numerical techniques and mathematical models. Systems analysis and optimization applicable to agricultural and biological systems.
A E 325. Biorenewable Systems.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, AN S, BSE, BUSAD, ECON, TSM). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: ECON 101, CHEM 163 or higher, MATH 140 or higher
Converting biorenewable resources into bioenergy and biobased products. Biorenewable concepts as they relate to drivers of change, feedstock production, processes, products, co-products, economics, and transportation/logistics.
A E 340. Functional Analysis and Design of Agricultural Field Machinery.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 110, 216, 316
Principles of operation, design, selection, testing and evaluation of agricultural field machinery and systems. Functional and mechanical performances. Crop and soil interaction with machines. Machine systems, including land preparation, crop establishment, crop protection, harvesting and post-harvest, materials handling systems.
A E 342. Agricultural Tractor Power.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: CH E 381 or M E 231
Thermodynamic principles and construction of tractor engines. Fuels, combustion, and lubrication. Kinematics and dynamics of tractor power applications; drawbar, power take-off and traction mechanisms.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 363. Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronics.
(3-2) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: PHYS 222
Single phase and three phase circuit design. Electrical safety. Electric motors and controls. Programmable logic controllers. Digital logic, instrumentation and sensors.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 388. Sustainable Engineering and International Development.
(Cross-listed with C E, E E, M E, MAT E). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Junior classification in engineering
Multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable engineering and international development, sustainable development, appropriate design and engineering, feasibility analysis, international aid, business development, philosophy and politics of technology, and ethics in engineering. Engineering-based projects from problem formulation through implementation. Interactions with partner community organizations or international partners such as nongovernment organizations (NGOs). Course readings, final project/design report.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
A E 396. Summer Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Summer professional work period.
A E 397. Engineering Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
One semester maximum per academic year professional work period.
A E 398. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 298, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Second professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
A E 403. Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systems.
(Dual-listed with 503). (Cross-listed with BSE). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 363, MATH 267
Modeling dynamic systems with ordinary differential equations. Introduction to state variable methods of system analysis. Analysis of mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems. Analytical and numerical solutions of differential equations. Introduction to classical control theory. Feedback and stability examined in the s domain. Frequency response as an analytical and experimental tool. MATLAB will be used throughout the course for modeling.
A E 404. Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(Dual-listed with 504). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 363 or CPR E 281
Interfacing techniques for computer-based data acquisition and control systems. Basic interfacing components including A/D and D/A conversion, signal filtering, multiplexing, and process control. Sensors and theory of operation applied to practical monitoring and control problems.
A E 408. GIS and Natural Resources Management.
(Dual-listed with 508). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Working knowledge of computers and Windows environment
Introduction to fundamental concepts and applications of GIS in natural resources management with specific focus on watersheds. Topics include: basic GIS technology, data structures, database management, spatial analysis, and modeling; visualization and display of natural resource data. Case studies in watershed and natural resource management using ArcView GIS.
A E 410. Electronic Systems Integration for Agricultural Machinery Production Systems.
(Dual-listed with 510). Cr. 3.
System architecture and design of electronics used in agricultural machinery and production systems. Emphasis on information technology and systems integration for automated agriculture processes. Design of Controller Area Network (CAN BUS) communication systems and discussion of relevant standards (ISO 11783 and SAE J1939). Application of technologies for sensing, distribution control, and automation of agricultural machinery will be emphasized.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 411. Bioprocessing and Bioproducts.
(Dual-listed with 511). (Cross-listed with BIOE, BSE, C E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A E 216 or equivalent, MATH 160 or 165, one of CHEM 167 or higher, BIOL 173 or 211 or higher or BRT 501, senior or graduate classification
Sustainability, cleaner production. Taxonomy, kinetics, metabolism, aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. Biofuels, bioenergy and coproducts. Mass/energy balances, process integration, pretreatment, separation. Membrane reactors, bioelectrolysis, microbial fuel cells, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, mutagenesis.
A E 413. Fluid Power Engineering.
(Cross-listed with M E). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in E M 378 or M E 335, A E 216 or M E 270
Properties of hydraulic fluids. Performance parameters of fixed and variable displacement pumps and motors. Hydraulic circuits and systems. Hydrostatic transmissions. Characteristics of control valves. Analysis and design of hydraulic systems for power and control functions.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 415. Agricultural Engineering Design I.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (1-2) Cr. 2.
F.S.
Prereq: 271 or 272, E M 324
Identification of current design problems in agricultural engineering. Development of alternate solutions using creativity and engineering analysis and synthesis techniques.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 416. Agricultural Engineering Design II.
(Cross-listed with BSE). (1-2) Cr. 2.
F.S.
Prereq: 415
Selection of promising solutions to design problems identified in 415 for development by design teams. Presentation of designs through oral and written reports and prototypes.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
A E 424. Air Pollution.
(Dual-listed with 524). (Cross-listed with C E, ENSCI). (1-0) Cr. 1.
Prereq: Either PHYS 221 or CHEM 178 and either MATH 166 or 3 credits in statistics. Senior classification or above
1 cr. per module. Module A prereq for all modules; module B prereq for D and E.
A. Air quality and effects of pollutants
B. Climate change and causes
C. Transportation constraints
D. Off-gas treatment technology.
E. Agricultural sources of pollution
A E 431. Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems.
(Dual-listed with 531). (2-3) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 378 or CH E 356
Hydrology and hydraulics in agricultural and urbanizing watersheds. Design and evaluation of systems for the conservation and quality preservation of soil and water resources. Use and analysis of hydrologic data in engineering design; relationship of topography, soils, crops, climate, and cultural practices in conservation and quality preservation of soil and water for agriculture. Small watershed hydrology, water movement and utilization in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, agricultural water management, best management practices, and agricultural water quality.
A E 432. Nonpoint Source Pollution and Control.
(Dual-listed with 532). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: EM 378 or ChE 356 or ME 335
Characteristics and courses of non-point source (NPS) pollution in agricultural and urban watersheds, computer modeling and NPS pollution for terrestrial and aquatic systems, strategies to control and manage NPS pollution of water bodies, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and integrated watershed management. Graduate students are required to review research papers and develop/deliver lecture models on assigned topics.
A E 436. Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Monitoring Systems.
(Dual-listed with 536). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: A E 431 or permission of the instructor
Development of monitoring systems that support effective planning, performance evaluation, modeling, or environmental impact assessment of soil-, water-, and waste-management systems. Typical soil and water pollutants and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that affect sample location and timing. Sample collection, documentation, chain-of-custody, and quality assurance procedures.
A E 451. Food and Bioprocess Engineering.
(Dual-listed with 551). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 216 and M E 436 or CH E 357, or FS HN 351 and MATH 266 or 267
Application of engineering principles and mathematical modeling to the quantitative analysis of food and bioprocessing systems. Physical/chemical characteristics of foods and biological systems, flow processes, thermal processes and separation processes.
A E 466. Multidisciplinary Engineering Design.
(Cross-listed with AER E, CPR E, ENGR, E E, I E, M E, MAT E). (1-4) Cr. 3.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Student must be within two semesters of graduation and receive permission of the instructor
Application of team design concepts to projects of a multidisciplinary nature. Concurrent treatment of design, manufacturing and life cycle considerations. Application of design tools such as CAD, CAM, and FEM. Design methodologies, project scheduling, cost estimating, quality control, manufacturing processes. Development of a prototype and appropriate documentation in the form of written reports, oral presentations, computer models and engineering drawings.
A E 469. Grain Processing and Handling.
(Dual-listed with 569). (Cross-listed with BSE). (2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 216
Cereal grain and oilseed properties, quality measurement, processing, and end-use value. Design of drying systems using computer simulation. Corn wet and dry milling. Soybean oil extraction. Grain handling systems.
A E 472. Design of Environmental Modification Systems for Animal Housing.
(Dual-listed with 572). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 216, M E 231
Principles and design of animal environmental control systems. Insulation, heat and mass transfer, fans, ventilation, air distribution, heating and cooling equipment, energy use, control strategies.
A E 478. Wood Frame Structural Design.
(Dual-listed with 578). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 216, E M 324
Design of light-framed wood structures using LRFD and ASD design procedures. Includes analysis of wind, snow, dead, and live loads. Applications include animal housing and machine storage. Fasteners, laminated posts, truss design and use of National Design Specifications.
A E 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable.
B. Biosystems Engineering
C. Computer-aided Design
E. Environmental Systems
F. Food Engineering
H. Honors
O. Occupational Safety
P. Power and Machinery Engineering
Q. Structures
R. Process Engineering
S. Environmental and Natural Resources Systems
U. Waste Management
A E 496. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Travel Course.
(Cross-listed with BSE). Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Limited enrollment. Tour and study of international agricultural and biosystems engineering as applied to biorenewable and food systems. Location and duration of tours will vary. Travel expenses paid by students. Course requires completion of options A, B, and C or option D.
A. Pre-departure
B. Travel (R credit)
C. Post-travel
D. Combination (Pre-departure, Travel, and Post-travel)
A E 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 398, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Third and subsequent professional work periods in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students
A E 501. Fundamentals of Biorenewable Resources.
(Cross-listed with BRT). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Undergraduate training in an engineering or physical or biological discipline or degrees in agriculture or economics
Introduction to the science and engineering of converting biorenewable resources into bioenergy and biobased products. Survey of biorenewable resource base and properties; description of biobased products; methods of biorenewable resource production; processing technologies for fuels, chemicals, materials, and energy; environmental impacts; economics of biobased products and bioenergy.
A E 503. Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systems.
(Dual-listed with 403). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 363, MATH 267
Modeling dynamic systems with ordinary differential equations. Introduction to state variable methods of system analysis. Analysis of mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems. Analytical and numerical solutions of differential equations. Introduction to classical control theory. Feedback and stability examined in the s domain. Frequency response as an analytical and experimental tool. MATLAB will be used throughout the course for modeling. Individual and/or group projects required for graduate credit.
A E 504. Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
(Dual-listed with 404). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 363 or CPR E 281
Interfacing techniques for computer-based data acquisition and control systems. Basic interfacing components including A/D and D/A conversion, signal filtering, multiplexing, and process control. Sensors and theory of operation applied to practical monitoring and control problems. Individual and group projects required for graduate credit.
A E 506. Applied Computational Intelligence.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: A E 316 or equivalent, MATH 166, STAT 305
Applications of biologically inspired computational intelligence tools for data mining, system modeling, and optimization for agricultural, biological and other engineered systems. Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithms, Bayesian and Decision Tree learning. Fundamental Machine Vision techniques will be introduced in the first part of course and be integrated into the lab exercises for learning different computational intelligence techniques. MATLAB will be used throughout the course for algorithm implementation.
A E 508. GIS and Natural Resources Management.
(Dual-listed with 408). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Working knowledge of computers and Windows environment
Introduction to fundamental concepts and applications of GIS in natural resources management with specific focus on watersheds. Topics include: basic GIS technology, data structures, database management, spatial analysis, and modeling; visualization and display of natural resource data. Case studies in watershed and natural resource management using ArcView GIS. In addition to other assignments, graduate students will prepare research literature reviews on topics covered in class and develop enterprise applications.
A E 510. Electronic Systems Integration for Agricultural Machinery Production Systems.
(Dual-listed with 410). Cr. 3.
Prereq: Prereq: 363 or equivalent.
System architecture and design of electronics used in agricultural machinery and production systems. Emphasis on information technology and systems integration for automated agriculture processes. Design of Controller Area Network (CAN BUS) communication systems and discussion of relevant standards (ISO 11783 and SAE J1939). Application of technologies for sensing, distribution control, and automation of agricultural machinery will be emphasized.
A E 511. Bioprocessing and Bioproducts.
(Dual-listed with 411). (Cross-listed with BRT, C E). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A E 216 or equivalent, MATH 160 or 165, one of CHEM 167 or higher, BIOL 173 or 211 or higher or BRT 501, senior or graduate classification
Sustainability, cleaner production. Taxonomy, kinetics, metabolism, aerobic and anaerobic fermentation. Biofuels, bioenergy and coproducts. Mass/energy balances, process integration, pretreatment, separation. Membrane reactors, bioelectrolysis, microbial fuel cells, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, mutagenesis.
A E 515. Integrated Crop and Livestock Production Systems.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, AN S, SUSAG). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: SUSAG 509
Methods to maintain productivity and minimize the negative ecological effects of agricultural systems by understanding nutrient cycles, managing manure and crop residue, and utilizing multispecies interactions. Crop and livestock production within landscapes and watersheds is also considered. Course includes a significant field component, with student teams analyzing Iowa farms.
A E 524. Air Pollution.
(Dual-listed with 424). (Cross-listed with C E, ENSCI). (1-0) Cr. 1.
Prereq: Either PHYS 221 or CHEM 178 and either MATH 166 or 3 credits in statistics. Senior classification or above or permission of instructor
1 cr. per module. Module A prereq for all modules; module B prereq for D and E.
A. Air quality and effects of pollutants
B. Climate change and causes
C. Transportation constraints
D. Off-gas treatment technology.
E. Agricultural sources of pollution
A E 531. Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systems.
(Dual-listed with 431). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: E M 378 or CH E 356
Hydrology and hydraulics in agricultural and urbanizing watersheds. Design and evaluation of systems for the conservation and quality preservation of soil and water resources. Use and analysis of hydrologic data in engineering design; relationship of topography, soils, crops, climate, and cultural practices in conservation and quality preservation of soil and water for agriculture. Small watershed hydrology, water movement and utilization in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, agricultural water management, best management practices, and agricultural water quality. Graduate students will prepare several research literature reviews on topics covered in the class in addition to the other assignments.
A E 532. Nonpoint Source Pollution and Control.
(Dual-listed with 432). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: EM 378 or CH E 356 or ME 335
Characteristics and courses of non-point source (NPS) pollution in agricultural and urban watersheds, computer modeling and NPS pollution for terrestrial and aquatic systems, strategies to control and manage NPS pollution of water bodies, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and integrated watershed management. Graduate students are required to review research papers and develop/deliver lecture models on assigned topics.
A E 533. Erosion and Sediment Transport.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2012.
Prereq: 422 or C E 372, MATH 266
Soil erosion processes, modified universal soil loss equation and its application to conservation planning, sediment properties, initiation of sediment motion and over land flow, flow in alluvial channels and theory of sediment transport, channel stability, reserves sedimentation, wind erosion, BMPs for controlling erosion.
A E 536. Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Monitoring Systems.
(Dual-listed with 436). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 431/531
Development of monitoring systems that support effective planning, performance evaluation, modeling, or environmental impact assessment of soil-, water-, and waste-management systems. Typical soil and water pollutants and physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that affect sample location and timing. Sample collection, documentation, chain-of-custody, and quality assurance procedures. In addition to other assignments, graduate students will prepare several research literature reviews on topics covered in the class and develop monitoring plans.
A E 537. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Development and Implementation.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered 2011.
Prereq: CE 372 or equivalent
A project-based course to develop a water quality improvement plan. The legislative and judicial basis of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program, different approaches for TMDL development, data needs and sources, SWAT modeling, and principles and techniques for implementation of water quality improvement plans.
A E 551. Food and Bioprocess Engineering.
(Dual-listed with 451). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: 216 and ME 436 or ChE 357, or FS HN 351 and MATH 266 or 267
Application of engineering principles and mathematical modeling to the quantitative analysis of food and bioprocessing systems. Physical/chemical characteristics of foods and biological systems, flow processes, thermal processes and separation processes. Term paper required for graduate credit.
A E 568. Pretreatment of Biomass.
(1-2) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: 216 or equivalent
Review of lignocellulosic chemistry; chemical and physical impacts of pretreatment; impact of pretreatment on downstream processing; pretreatment economics. Lab experiments using current and novel pretreatment methods.
A E 569. Grain Processing and Handling.
(Dual-listed with 469). (2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: 216
Cereal grain and oilseed preservation, quality measurement, and end-use value. Design of drying systems using computer simulation. Corn wet and dry milling. Soybean oil extraction. Grain handling systems. Individual and group projects required for graduate credit.
A E 572. Design of Environmental Modification Systems for Animal Housing.
(Dual-listed with 472). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2012.
Prereq: 216, M E 231
Principles and design of animal environmental control systems. Insulation, heat and mass transfer, fans, ventilation, air distribution, heating and cooling equipment, and controls. Individual and group projects required for graduate credit.
A E 578. Wood Frame Structural Design.
(Dual-listed with 478). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered 2013.
Prereq: 216, E M 324
Design of light-framed wood structures. Includes analysis of wind, snow, dead, and live loads. Applications include animal housing and machine storage. Fasteners, laminated posts, truss design and use of National Design Specifications. Individual project required for graduate credit.
A E 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable.
B. Biosystems Engineering
F. Food Engineering
O. Occupational Safety
P. Power and Machinery Engineering
Q. Structures and Environment
R. Process Engineering
S. Water and Environment
U. Waste Management
A E 598. Technical Communications for a Master's Degree.
(Cross-listed with TSM). Cr. 1.
F.S.SS.
A technical paper draft based on the M.S. thesis or creative component is required of all master's students. This paper must be in a form that satisfies the requirements of some specific journal and be ready for submission. A technical presentation based on M.S. thesis or creative component is required of all master's students. This presentation must be in a form that satisfies the normal presentation requirements of a professional society. The presentation itself (oral or poster) may be made at a professional society meeting or at any international, regional, state, or university conference/event as long as the presentation content and form conforms to normal expectations.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
A E 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
Courses for graduate students
A E 601. Graduate Seminar.
(Cross-listed with TSM). (1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
Keys to writing a good MS thesis or PhD dissertation. How to begin formulating research problems. Discussion of research problems, review of literature, research hypothesis, objectives, methods, procedures, and reports. Research grant proposals, patents and intellectual property rights, and international research centers of excellence will be discussed.
A E 610. Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, SOC, SUSAG, AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor
Historical, biophysical, socioeconomic, and ethical dimensions of agricultural sustainability. Strategies for evaluating existing and emerging systems of agriculture in terms of core concepts of sustainability and their theoretical contexts.
A E 690. Advanced Topics.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
A E 694. Teaching Practicum.
(Cross-listed with TSM). Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
Graduate student experience in the agricultural and biosystems engineering departmental teaching program.
A E 697. Engineering Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of department chair, graduate classification
One semester and one summer maximum per academic year professional work period.
A E 698. Technical Communications for a Doctoral Degree.
(Cross-listed with TSM). Cr. 1.
F.S.SS.
A technical paper draft based on the dissertation is required of all Ph.D. students. This paper must be in a form that satisfies the requirements of some specific journal and be ready for submission. A technical presentation based on the dissertation is required of all Ph.D. students. This presentation must be in a form that satisfies the normal presentation requirements of a professional society. The presentation itself (oral or poster) may be made at a professional society meeting or at any international, regional, state, or university conference/event as long as the presentation content and form conforms to normal expectations.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
A E 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
B. Biosystems Engineering
C. Computer-aided Design
E. Environmental Systems
F. Food Engineering
O. Occupational Safety
P. Power and Machinery Engineering
Q. Structures
R. Process Engineering
S. Environment and Natural Resources
U. Waste Management