Bio-based Products Engineering
The bio-based
products engineering major is a joint program between the College
of Food, Agricultural and Natural
Resource Sciences and the
Institute of Technology. This program
provides students with a strong background in the basic sciences
and engineering and their application to manufacturing and end-use
applications of materials, chemicals, and energy from renewable
resources. ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
accreditation for this specialization will be pursued in 2007.
During your first two years you’ll learn the basics of bio-based
products and acquire advanced skills in math and science as well
as training in communication. In the junior and senior years you’ll
focus your learning on the structure, properties, processing, and
performance of bio-based materials. Throughout the four-year program
you’ll also take courses in the social sciences and humanities.
Bio-based products engineers harness the molecular building blocks
of renewable bioresources to develop and manufacture environmentally
friendly commercial and industrial products.
Through its industry advisory council the program maintains strong
connections with leading bio-based products companies, including
3M, Andersen Windows, Blandin Paper, Cargill, Cargill Dow, Georgia
Pacific, International Paper, Potlatch, and many others. As a result,
you’ll receive an education that’s aligned with industry
needs and get a head start on finding employment after you graduate.
The program’s high faculty-to-student ratio ensures that
you’ll receive personalized attention to help you achieve
your goals. Faculty and staff advise you on academics, internships,
employment opportunities, extracurricular activities, and further
academic study.
The program in bio-based products engineering is seeking accreditation
from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation
Board for Engineering
Technology in 2007.
Courses
Scholarships
Students enrolled in the Bio-based Products Engineering major
in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering are
eligible for scholarships. Currently, students with a 3.0 GPA or
higher
can
receive up to
$9,000 in scholarships. The funds for scholarships are made available
primarily through corporate contributions.
Students also find paid summer internship and co-op employment
opportunities with local and national companies in variety of bio-based
products industries including pulp, paper, wood products, chemicals,
and plastics.
Bio-based Products Engineering (BPE) Program
Educational Objectives (PEOs)
To provide educational experiences which challenge students to:
- learn the scientific and engineering principles underlying
the four major elements of Bio-based Products Engineering:
structure, properties, processing, and performance of bio based
products.
- apply and integrate knowledge of the above four elements
to identify, formulate and solve materials selection, process
engineering,
process design and product
design and product development problems.
- learn how to use and apply experimental,
statistical and computational techniques in the context of BPE.
- design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret
data.
- prepare for an engineering career by developing communication
and teamwork skills, and an understanding of the importance
of lifelong learning, professionalism
and ethical responsibility.
BPE Program Outcomes (POs)
Graduates who have:
- an ability to apply knowledge of the scientific and engineering
principles underlying the four major elements of Bio-based
Products Engineering: structure, properties, processing, and
performance
of bio based products.
- an ability to design and conduct experiments
relevant to BPE, including the use of experimental, statistical
and computational techniques, and the
analysis and interpretation of data
- an ability to apply and integrate knowledge
of the above four elements in (1) to identify, formulate
and solve materials selection and bio-based
products
engineering design problems
- an ability to work in teams, as well as a
beginning ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- an appreciation
of the importance of professional and ethical responsibility
and of learning and applying further scientific
and engineering principles
throughout their career
- an ability to communicate effectively
- a beginning understanding
of the impact of engineering solutions on society, including
safety, economic and environmental impacts
and of
the importance
of learning more in these areas
- an introduction to contemporary
issues in bio based products Engineering
Careers
Bio-based products engineers select the appropriate renewable
resources—wood, agricultural residues, fiber crops, and other
biomass—to produce a wide range of “green” materials,
including wood products, paper, chemicals, industrial feedstocks,
plastics, building materials, and energy.
Bio-based products engineers also develop energy-efficient, environmentally
friendly processes for manufacturing these products and methods
for effective end-use applications. As responsible professionals,
they consider the ethical and safety issues surrounding bio-based
products as well as their economic and environmental impacts.
Bio-based Products Engineering graduates find challenging career
opportunities in process engineering, product development, technical
service, project management, production management, and design
and consulting engineering in wide-ranging bio-based products industries
including building materials, composites, wood products, pulp and
paper, chemicals, plastics and energy. Current starting salaries
for graduates are in the range of $50,000 - $55,000 with nearly
100% placement upon graduation.
Job titles of recent Engineering
graduates:
- Process Engineer
- Product Development Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Technical Service Engineer
- Production Manager
- Plant Manager
- Quality Control Manager
The Student Experience
Innovative
programs in IT and CNR provide a small-college experience with
all of the advantages of a major research university.
As a freshman, you’ll be part of a team of students who
take core courses together and participate in advising and social
activities that foster a sense of community. Faculty and peer advisors,
tutors, and alumni mentors help you achieve your academic goals
by providing guidance and support throughout your undergraduate
years. You’ll have access to the college’s specialized
computing facilities and the 17th-largest research library in North
America.
Special on-campus housing options for first-year students ease
your transition from high school to college life. In these residential
communities, you live, learn, and socialize with others who share
your academic interests.
You can participate in programs that enrich the undergraduate
experience, including a challenging honors program, undergraduate
research, diversity initiatives, and learning abroad opportunities
in more than 50 international destinations. A rich mix of campus
activities and organizations will enhance your education and promote
friendships.
Both colleges offer lifelong career services support, including
career counseling, professional development opportunities, and
on-campus employment interviews.
For More Information
About the bio-based products engineering program
Department of Bioproducts and Biosytems Engineering
203 Kaufert Lab
612-625-5200
BioProducts@umn.edu
About IT and admission requirements
Institute of Technology Student Affairs
105 Lind Hall
612-624-8504
studentaff@it.umn.edu
www.it.umn.edu
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