BAE

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Academic Information

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Undergraduate Degree Program

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[Image: Students in action] [Image: Computer Lab] [Image: Student Life] Biological and Agricultural Engineering is "Engineering for Life" The Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering (BE) from LSU provides an opportunity to apply the principles of analysis, synthesis, and design to physical problems and processing systems associated with plants, animals, humans, and their respective environments. Biological Engineering integrates applied biology into the fundamental principles of engineering for the purpose of designing processes and systems that influence, control, or utilize biological materials and organisms to benefit humanity. An undergraduate education in BE is excellent preparation for professional studies in various fields of engineering (including biomedical engineering), human or veterinary medicine, and dentistry. The curriculum is designed to teach students the practical skills needed for professional engineering and the understanding to adapt to new and dynamic situations. The Biological Engineering curriculum is offered through the College of Engineering and is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Graduates are well prepared to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination during their senior year, which is the first step toward obtaining a license to practice engineering professionally. The BE curriculum includes the study of basic sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology), humanities (arts, economics, and social sciences), applied biology (organic chemistry, microbiology, and physiology), engineering sciences (statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, electrical principles, and thermodynamics), and engineering design. Students can select technical and engineering electives that enable them to pursue specific career objectives. Elective courses can be used to complete the requirements for minor programs in environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, surveying, or technical sales. Departmental Facilities: As a student in Biological Engineering, one can use a state-of-the-art computer lab that has 50 engineering workstations. (See Figure 2.) This lab is also used for instruction in the areas of Computer Aided Design (CAD/CAM), Computer Modeling and Artificial Intelligence Expert Systems (AI/ES). The department's student-teacher ratio is about 15:1, and this results in a close, personal instructional atmosphere in Biological Engineering classes. This personal instruction is enhanced by providing access to modern equipment for use and study in laboratory classes.  Students also complete a senior design project that requires one-on-one direction from a faculty member. Numerous social activities with faculty, staff, and graduate students foster camaraderie that extends beyond the classroom. (See Figure 3.)  Students may gain professional insight and potential employment contacts through participation in national engineering and technical organizations. The department also sponsors a student club and encourages students to become involved in professional activities. Opportunity to gain valuable experience is provided by working in internships with faculty members. Some internships are paid. Several scholarships are available to upperclass students who are seeking the Biological Engineering degree. A graduate program leading to the M.S. degree is available in the department. A Ph.D. in Engineering Science through the College of Engineering, administered by the BE department, may also be pursued. Career Opportunities: The demand for Biological Engineers continues to exceed the supply, due to the need for increased food and fiber production and the increasing sophistication of biological systems and processing practices. Environmental quality; health, medical care, and safety concerns; increased use of biotechnology; constraints on energy availability, and the demand for a better life by an increasing portion of the world's population will further strengthen the future demand for biological engineers. Career opportunities in Biological Engineering include design, development, and implementation of technologies: to recycle municipal wastes and agricultural byproducts, to clean contaminated water and soil, to develop equipment and procedures that prevent repetitive motion injuries, processing operations to ensure high quality foods, and to develop machinery or sensors applied to human, animal, plant, and ecological systems. Graduates of the BE program have the opportunity for local, national, or international work. Recent graduates are employed in engineering and consulting companies and state or federal governmental agencies. Many are pursuing graduate degrees. An education from LSU in Biological Engineering provides students with the skills needed to solve today's problems and the knowledge required to master the rapid changes in technology and address the problems of tomorrow. Faculty: Our faculty members have varied training and educational backgrounds. Many major universities in the U.S. are represented, including University of Canterbury (New Zealand), Cornell University, University of Illinois, Louisiana State University, University of Nebraska, North Carolina State University, University of Northern Colorado, Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University. Fourteen Professors have Ph.D. degrees and one has a Dr. of Education degree. Financial Aid: Scholarships and assistantships are available on a competitive basis to qualified students. Students are encouraged to apply for University-wide financial assistance by contacting the Dean's office, College of Agriculture; Dean’s Office, College of Engineering; or the LSU Office of Student Aid & Scholarships. Student jobs help offset the expenses incurred while receiving an outstanding college education. LSU Campus: Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, a Sun Belt city with a metropolitan-area population of about 500,000. Summers are warm and humid, but a delightful fall extends from September until late December, and a beautiful spring begins in late February. LSU is nationally recognized for its commitment to preeminence and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Category I Research University, placing it in the top 2 percent of the nation's colleges and universities. LSU is both a land-grant and sea-grant institution and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment is more than 31,000, with a faculty of about 1,300. The campus, located on more than 2,000 acres in the southern part of Baton Rouge, is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River. For More Information: If you would like more information about the Biological Engineering program at LSU, contact: Undergraduate Coordinator, Biological Engineering E.B. Doran Building, LSU Baton Rouge, LA 70803 PHONE:  225-578-3153 FAX:  225-578-3492 For information about LSU admissions, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 110 Thomas Boyd Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-1175. For information about financial aid, contact the Office of Student Aid & Scholarships, 202 Himes Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, 225-578-3103.

Posted on: 5/24/2006 12:40:28 PM