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BE Home > Curriculum Guide

Curriculum Guide

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BE Program Objective

The objective of the Biosystems Engineering Program at Michigan State University is to produce graduates that have:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

(b) an ability 1)to design and conduct experiments, as well as 2) to analyze and interpret data.

(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.

(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary 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 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.

(l) an understanding of the interface between biology and engineering.

(m) an ability to apply systems concepts and methodology.

The program objective was approved by faculty, students('98), industry advisory board and alumni in December 1997.

Requirements for B.S. Degree  
Credits
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
23/24
Writing Rhetorical & American Cultures (ATL 110-150)
 4
ISB Alternative Track
           One of the following: BS 110, BS 111, PLB 105, ENT 205,
           MMG 201,  MMG 301, PSL 250, ZOL 141
3/4
Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities (IAH 201/ 202 / 206and IAH 2xx)
8
Integrative Studies in Social Studies (ISS 2xx and ISS 3xx)
8
COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
29
CEM   141    General Chemistry
4
CSE    131    Introduction to Technical Computing
3
MTH   132    Calculus I 
3
MTH   133    Calculus II 
4
MTH   234    Multivariable Calculus I
4
MTH   235    Differential Equations
3
PHY   183     Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 
4
PHY   184     Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
4


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MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

 

54/55
BE      130     Engineering Design Fundamentals for Biological Systems
2
BE      230     Principles of Biosystems Engineering
3
BE      331     Machinery Principles in Biosystems Engineering
3
BE      333     Biosystems Engineering Laboratory
1
BE      350     Heat and Mass Transfer in Biosystems
3
BE      351     Environmental Thermodynamics
3
BE      431     Bio-Resource Optimization
3
BE      485     Biosystems Design Techniques
2
BE      487     Biosystems Design Project (W)
3
CE      321     Introduction to Fluid Mechanics
4
CEM  143     Survey of Organic Chemistry
4
CEM  161     Chemistry Laboratory I
1
EC     210     Economics Principles Using Calculus OR
3
EC     202     Intro Macroecon
3
ECE   345     Electronic Instrumentation and Systems
3
BE/ME220    Introduction to Solid Mechanics
4
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Engineering Electives


6-7
BE Electives - Select Two (2) of the following
BE     430     Power and Control Hydraulics
3
BE     438     Design of Machinery Structures
3
BE     456     Electric Power and Control
3
BE     477     Food Engineering: Fluids
3
BE     478     Food Engineering: Solids
3
BE     481     Land & Water Conservation Engineering
3
BE     482     Non-point Source Pollution Control
BE     482     Non-point Source Pollution Control

COGNATE AREA

15
(See note below.)

FREE ELECTIVES

6-7

TOTAL CREDITS
128
 

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COGNATE REQUIREMENT

The cognate is a collection of carefully selected courses that support a career objective in one of the many areas in biosystems engineering.  Three cognates developed by our department, i.e.  Natural Resources/Environmental Engineering, Food Engineering, and Agricultural Engineering, are typical choices for some Biosystems Engineering students.  In addition, several other university recognized "Specializations" are appropriate to fulfill the cognate requirement.  A list of these specializations is provided along with web sites for detailed information and course requirements.  With prior approval from the department, students may also modify or develop an individualized cognate to meet career objectives.

The cognate requirement must include:

  • a minimum of 15 credits.
  • at least one biological science course (notates with a ), which is in addition to the University biological science requirement.  Where no recommendation is given under the cognate, select a second course from the ISB alternative track list under University Requirements.
  • 300-400 level courses to achieve depth in a particular area.


NOTE:  Engineering electives cannot simultaneously satisfy the 15 credit cognate and engineering elective requirements.

SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM

B.S. in Biosystems Engineering
Freshman Year
FALL
  
SPRING
ATL Tier I
4
CSE 131 
3
BE  130
2
ISS 2xx 
4
CEM 141
4
MTH 133 
4
CEM 161
1
PHY 183
4
MTH 132
3
   Total
14
Total
15
Sophomore Year
FALL
SPRING
Bio. Sci. Course
3/4
BE  230
3
EC  210 or EC 202
3
IAH  (Group A)
4
MTH 234
4
MTH  235
3
PHY 184
4
ME  220
4
Free Elective
3
  Total
17/18
  Total
18
Junior Year
FALL
SPRING
BE  331
3
BE   350
3
BE  333
1
BE Elective
3
BE  351
3
Cognate
3
CE  321
4
ISS  3xx 
4
ECE 345
3
Free Elective
3/4
IAH 2xx (Group B)
4
Engineering Elective
3
      Total
18
    Total
16/17
Senior Year
FALL
SPRING
BE  431
3
BE   487 
3
BE  485
2
BE Elective
3
Cognate
3
Cognate 
3
Cognate
3
Cognate 
3
Free Elective
3
Eng. Elective
3
      Total
14
       Total
15

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