Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering brings engineering to life—by working with living systems using engineering, biology, and mathematics to improve peoples' lives and our world!

This major leads to rewarding careers in Biomedical Engineering, Food and Bioprocess Engineering, and Ecological and Environmental Engineering. We provide students with a broad, flexible engineering background with a biological emphasis. A high percentage of graduates go to work immediately in well-paid positions. Many of our students go on to professional careers in engineering, law, medicine, food research, and academia.

Examples of topics addressed in the curriculum include watershed protection, ecosystem restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, bioremediation, and pollution prevention; extrusion and bioreactor design, pharmaceutical and animal health product production, and plant and animal protection; surgical and prosthetic device development, biomechanics, biosignal and image processing, and biomedical imaging and tissue engineering.  The curriculum emphasizes report writing, speaking, and teamwork, as well as computer-aided design. 

Program Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, BSEN graduates will be:

• Confidently using engineering skills in solving problems and providing design solutions in the context of biological systems;
• Continuing their professional development, and professional and community service through various opportunities provided by institutions, professional organizations, and other venues in an inclusive manner respecting diversity; and
• Responsibly addressing issues of health and safety, ethics, and environmental impacts of engineering decisions in the context of biological systems.