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This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Biological Systems Engineering

Undergraduate Study

For the undergraduate curriculum in biological systems engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. 

Curriculum Educational Goal, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

Biological Systems Engineering integrates life sciences with engineering to solve problems related to, or using, biological systems. These biological systems may include microbes, plants, animals, humans and/or ecosystems. Biological systems engineers have a worldview shaped by an understanding of fundamental principles of engineering and life-sciences. They use their understanding of engineering to analyze organisms or ecosystems, and their knowledge of biological systems to inspire and inform their designs. They approach engineering design from a biological systems perspective, appreciating the complexity of biological systems and developing solutions that accommodate and anticipate the adaptability of biological systems.

Goal: To educate students to solve problems related to biorenewables production and processing, water quality, environmental impacts of the bioeconomy, food processing, and biosensors, and in so doing to prepare students for professional practice and post-graduate educational opportunities.

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

Program Educational Outcomes: At graduation, students will have developed and demonstrated:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
(d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
(g) an ability to communicate effectively;
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues;
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Well-qualified juniors and seniors in biological systems 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 biological systems 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.

A concurrent bachelor of science and master of business administration program is also offered by the department.

The department also offers a bachelor of science curriculum in agricultural engineering. See College of Engineering, Curricula. Additionally, the department offers bachelor of science curricula in agricultural systems technology and in industrial technology. See College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Curricula.

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

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/ .

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.

 

Curriculum in Biological Systems Engineering

Administered by the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

Leading to the degree bachelor of science.

Total credits required: 128 cr. Any transfer credit courses applied to the degree program require a grade of C or better.  See also Basic Program and Special Programs.
International Perspectives: 3 cr.1
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.1
Communication Proficiency/Library requirement:
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication *arr †
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition *arr †
LIB 160Information Literacy **arr †
One of the following (minimum grade of C)arr †
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Report and Proposal Writing
Technical Communication
or SP CM 212 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
† Arranged with instructor.

 

*

 with a minimum grade of C in each course

**

See Basic Program for credits

Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr. 2
3 credits from international perspectivesarr †
3 credits from U.S. diversity university-approved listarr †
6 credits from Social Sciences and Humanities coursesarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Basic Program: 27 cr.4

Complete with 2.00 GPA including transfer courses:

CHEM 167General Chemistry for Engineering Studentsarr †
or CHEM 177 and CHEM 178
ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication *arr †
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition *arr †
ENGR 101Engineering OrientationR
ENGR 160Engineering Problems with Computer Applications Laboratory 3arr †
LIB 160Information Literacyarr †
MATH 165Calculus Iarr †
MATH 166Calculus IIarr †
PHYS 221Introduction to Classical Physics Iarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

*

see above for grade requirements

Biological, Math and Physical Science: 20 cr.
BIOL 212Principles of Biology IIarr †
CHEM 167LLaboratory in General Chemistry for Engineeringarr †
or CHEM 177L Laboratory in General Chemistry I
MATH 267Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transformsarr †
PHYS 222Introduction to Classical Physics IIarr †
MICRO 302Biology of Microorganismsarr †
MICRO 302LMicrobiology Laboratoryarr †
STAT 305Engineering Statisticsarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

  

Biological Systems Engineering Core: 26 cr.4
BSE 316Applied Numerical Methods for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineeringarr †
A E 363Agri-Industrial Applications of Electric Power and Electronicsarr †
A E 404Instrumentation for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineeringarr †
BSE 201Preparing for Workplace Seminararr †
BSE 216Fundamentals of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineeringarr †
BSE 218Project Management & Design in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineeringarr †
BSE 380Principles of Biological Systems Engineeringarr †
BSE 415Agricultural Engineering Design Iarr †
BSE 416Agricultural Engineering Design IIarr †
BSE 480Engineering Analysis of Biological Systemsarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Other Remaining Courses: 23 cr.
BSE 110Experiencing Biological Systems Engineeringarr †
CH E 356Transport Phenomena Iarr †
CH E 357Transport Phenomena IIarr †
BSE 170Engineering Graphics and Introductory Designarr †
E M 274Statics of Engineeringarr †
E M 324Mechanics of Materialsarr †
E M 327Mechanics of Materials Laboratoryarr †
M E 231Engineering Thermodynamics Iarr †
One of the following (minimum grade of C)arr †
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Report and Proposal Writing
Technical Communication
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Complete remaining courses from one of the following options:

Biorenewable Resources Engineering Option: 20 cr.
A E 388Sustainable Engineering and International Developmentarr †
BSE 403Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systemsarr †
CHEM 331Organic Chemistry Iarr †
CHEM 331LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry Iarr †
CHEM 332Organic Chemistry IIarr †
Option Electivesarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Bioenvironmental Engineering Option: 20 cr.
A E 431Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Conservation Systemsarr †
C E 326Principles of Environmental Engineeringarr †
CHEM 211Quantitative and Environmental Analysisarr †
CHEM 211LQuantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratoryarr †
CHEM 231Elementary Organic Chemistryarr †
CHEM 231LLaboratory in Elementary Organic Chemistryarr †
One of the followingarr †
Design and Evaluation of Soil and Water Monitoring Systems
Environmental Biotechnology
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Design
Environmental Systems I: Introduction to Environmental Systems
Option Electivearr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Food Engineering Option: 20 cr.
A E 451Food and Bioprocess Engineeringarr †
BSE 469Grain Processing and Handlingarr †
CHEM 231Elementary Organic Chemistryarr †
CHEM 231LLaboratory in Elementary Organic Chemistryarr †
FS HN 311Food Chemistryarr †
FS HN 311LFood Chemistry Laboratoryarr †
FS HN 420Food Microbiologyarr †
FS HN 471Food Processing Iarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

Preprofessional and Pre-Graduate Option: 20 cr.
CHEM 331Organic Chemistry Iarr †
CHEM 331LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry Iarr †
CHEM 332Organic Chemistry IIarr †
CHEM 332LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry IIarr †
BSE 403Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systemsarr †
Option Electivesarr †
Total Credits0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

 

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 and international perspectives 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.
  4. 2.00 GPA required including transfer courses.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a bioenvironmental engineering option in Biological Systems Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a food engineering option in Biological Systems Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a pre-professional and pre-graduate option in Biological Systems Engineering.

See also: A 4-year plan of study grid showing course template by semester for a biorenewable resources engineering option in Biological Systems Engineering.


Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

BSE 110. Experiencing Biological Systems Engineering.

(0-2) Cr. 1. S.
Laboratory-based, team-oriented experiences in a spectrum of topics common to the practice of biological systems engineering. Report writing, co-ops, internships, careers, registration planning.

BSE 170. Engineering Graphics and Introductory Design.

(Cross-listed with A E). (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.

BSE 201. Preparing for Workplace Seminar.

(Cross-listed with A E, 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.

BSE 216. Fundamentals of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

(Cross-listed with A E). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: A E 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.

BSE 218. Project Management & Design in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

(Cross-listed with A E). (1-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: A E 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.

BSE 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. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

BSE 316. Applied Numerical Methods for Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

(Cross-listed with A E). (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.

BSE 325. Biorenewable Systems.

(Cross-listed with A E, AGRON, AN S, TSM, BUSAD, ECON). (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.

BSE 380. Principles of Biological Systems Engineering.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: BSE 216, CH E 357 or M E 436
Unit-operation analysis of biological systems, through the study of mass, energy, and information transport in bioresource production and conversion systems. Quantification and modeling of biomass production, ecological interactions, and bioreactor operations.

BSE 396. Summer Internship.

Cr. R. Repeatable. SS. Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Summer professional work period. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

BSE 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. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

BSE 398. Cooperative Education.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: BSE 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. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

BSE 403. Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systems.

(Dual-listed with 503). (Cross-listed with A E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2013. Prereq: A E 363, MATH 266
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.

BSE 411. Bioprocessing and Bioproducts.

(Dual-listed with 511). (Cross-listed with A E, BIOE, C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: A E 216 or equivalent, MATH 160 or MATH 165, one of CHEM 167 or higher, BIOL 173 or BIOL 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.

BSE 415. Agricultural Engineering Design I.

(Cross-listed with A E). (1-2) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: A E 271 or A E 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.

BSE 416. Agricultural Engineering Design II.

(Cross-listed with A E). (1-2) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: A E 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.

BSE 469. Grain Processing and Handling.

(Dual-listed with 569). (Cross-listed with A E). (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: A E 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.

BSE 480. Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems.

(Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: BSE 216; MATH 266; BIOL 211 or BIOL 212; M E 231
Systems-level engineering analysis of biological systems. Economic and life-cycle analysis of bioresource production and conversion systems. Global energy and resource issues and the role of biologically derived materials in addressing these issues. Nonmajor graduate credit.

BSE 490. Independent Study.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 490B. Biorenewable Resources Engineering.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 490E. Environmental Bioprocessing.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 490F. Food Engineering.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 490G. General Biosystems Engineering Topics.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 490H. Independent Study. Honors.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

BSE 496. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Travel Course.

(Cross-listed with A E). 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.

BSE 496A. Pre-departure.

(Cross-listed with A E). 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.

BSE 496B. Travel (R credit).

(Cross-listed with A E). 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.

BSE 496C. Post-travel.

(Cross-listed with A E). 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.

BSE 496D. Combination (Pre-departure, Travel, and Post-travel).

(Cross-listed with A E). 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.

BSE 498. Cooperative Education.

Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: BSE 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. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

BSE 503. Modeling and Controls for Agricultural Systems.

(Dual-listed with 403). (Cross-listed with A E). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2013. Prereq: A E 363, MATH 266
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.

BSE 511. Bioprocessing and Bioproducts.

(Dual-listed with 411). (Cross-listed with A E, BIOE, C E). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: A E 216 or equivalent, MATH 160 or MATH 165, one of CHEM 167 or higher, BIOL 173 or BIOL 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. Term paper for graduate level only.

BSE 569. Grain Processing and Handling.

(Dual-listed with 469). (Cross-listed with A E). (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: A E 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.