Biological Systems Engineering is an engineering major that uses life sciences as its main scientific base. With rapid advances in biology and biotechnology, engineers are needed to work side by side with life scientists to bring laboratory developments into commercial production or field application. Industries in food and fiber production, bioenergy, bioprocessing, biotechnology, food processing, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, plant and animal production, natural resource management, and waste reduction all need engineers with strong training in biology. In the first two years, the Biological Systems Engineering major requires sequences of courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering science, and humanities, similar to all accredited engineering programs. In addition to these courses, the major also includes courses in the life sciences and the application to engineering. Exclusive of General Education units, the Biological Systems Engineering major requires a minimum of 163 units (86 units in the lower division, 77 units in the upper division).
Biological Systems Engineering graduates take jobs in biotechnology, energy, food, and medical industries, work for federal, state and local agencies, and pursue graduate work. Students can also use the program as a pathway to professional schools in medicine, veterinary medicine, education, law, or business.
Agricultural and natural resources engineers are employed as practicing professionals and managers with agricultural producers, equipment manufacturers, irrigation districts, food processors, consulting engineering firms, start-up companies, and government agencies. Graduates with interest in biomechanics work in industry on the design, evaluation, and application of human-centered devices and systems, as well as on improving worker health and safety. With the world population continuing to grow over the next several decades, grand challenges exist in food security and social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Meeting the needs of agriculture and the effective use of natural resources will require continuing innovation. Students specializing in agricultural and natural resources engineering combine analysis and design with applied biology to solve problems in producing, transporting, and processing biological products to provide food, fiber, energy, pharmaceuticals, and other human needs.
