2002 Annual Report

Teaching Program

Graduate Program

Foreword

Graduate education in biosystems and agricultural engineering develops a strong foundation in engineering principles which are applied to important problems involving biological and agricultural systems. Emphases include bioprocessing, food engineering, water quality, surface and subsurface flow, contaminant transport, animal environment and air quality, waste and manure management, resource utilization, machine systems, safety, and grain quality. Programs usually include study in at least one other engineering discipline as well as study or research in a biological or agricultural discipline.

There are approximately 15 students in the biosystems and agricultural engineering graduate program. The 16 graduate faculty members in biosystems and agricultural engineering who advise them represent a wide range of research interests. Close working relationships with faculty in other engineering, biological, and agricultural disciplines enable students to develop strong programs to meet their educational objectives.

Graduate students in biosystems and agricultural engineering may pursue one of the following degree programs:

• Master of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural
  Engineering
• Master of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
  

Doctor of Philosophy

Within these degree programs, students select and design a program of study that meets their particular interests and needs.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

The M.S.B.A.E. may be completed as either a Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (project). Both programs include a minimum of 30 credits. Plan A students must complete a minimum of 14 course credits in the major field, 6 course credits in a related field or a designated minor, and 10 thesis credits. Plan B students must complete a minimum of 14 semester course credits in the major field, 6 course credits in a related field or a designated minor, 10 other credits, and at least one Plan B project.

Master of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

The M.B.A.E. is primarily a design-oriented professional degree intended for students who are already employed in engineering design positions, but the degree is also open to students who are not currently employed and students may select a course work only option. This is normally considered to be a terminal degree. M.B.A.E. students can take 30 course credits or 20 course credits and 10 design credits. At least 14 course credits should be in the major field and 6 course credits in a related field or designated minor.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. program in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is intended to move students to the cutting edge of research in their subject matter area. Students develop skills that enable them to define problems or research questions, plan research, conduct research and/or lead research efforts, analyze data, and communicate research results to a variety of audiences. The Ph.D. program should build upon a strong undergraduate program in engineering and should progress in rigor to prepare the student to attack advanced engineering problems which are new to the student and well beyond the scope of the student’s undergraduate degree. In view of the rapidity with which technology advances, the program should prepare the student to comprehend, develop strategy, and effectively attack a wide range of engineering analyses and problems. Therefore, the student’s program should not be limited to a narrow, specific topic, but rather should reflect an in-depth concentration in several related and advanced engineering areas of study. The program should develop a sound, logical approach to the thesis topic and the ability to handle new problems in the future.

Ph.D. degree programs must include a minimum of 45 course credits beyond the B.S. and a minimum of 24 doctoral thesis credits. A minimum of 12 semester course credits must be in a minor field or in a supporting program. The program should contain a minimum of 9 course credits in a concentrated area of scientific or mathematical theoretical development that is related to the student’s research. All students must pass preliminary written and oral exams, write a dissertation, and pass a final oral exam.

For more information, visit our web site at http://www.bae.umn.edu/teaching or contact:

Director of Graduate Studies
Phone: 612-625-7733
Email: bae@umn.edu

Current Graduate Students in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Degrees Conferred in 2002

Students in Other Programs Advised by Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Degrees Conferred in 2002

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