College of Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

Biological engineering is an engineering discipline that integrates multidisciplinary engineering principles with applied biological, agricultural, and environmental sciences for the sustainable production of food and biomaterials and the efficient utilization of natural resources. Biological Engineering Program trains students to apply engineering techniques to design and analyze biological systems and biomanufacturing technologies for processing agricultural materials, biomass and waste materials to produce food, renewable energy, and value-added products. It also teaches conservation of natural resources, improving air and water quality, and designing of sustainable agricultural and environmental systems. Students also participate in the functions of their professional society, undergraduate research, summer internship, and study-abroad programs to broaden their biological engineering education.

The Biological Engineering program at N.C. A&T has two concentrations: Bioprocess Engineering and Natural Resources Engineering.

• B.S. Biological Engineering − Bioprocess Engineering focuses on plant and microbial cell biology, and biomanufacturing techniques to produce biofuels (e.g., ethanol and biodiesel), bioproducts (e.g., proteins and biodegradable polymers), biochemicals (e.g., biodetergents and adhesives) and pharmaceuticals (e.g., vaccine and antibiotics. The BIOE program meets all pre-academic requirements for attending medical school. To review the Bioprocess Engineering curriculum guide click here.

• B. S. Biological Engineering, Natural Resources Engineering track  Natural Resources Engineering involves soil and water conservation engineering; water resources management which includes drainage, irrigation, natural resources management, or environmental/ecological restoration; water quality, surface and sub-surface hydrology, and land management. Graduates are trained to design and evaluate biological systems to enhance human well-being and environmental health. Our graduates are trained to embrace lifelong learning so that they can continue to be productive long after graduation, to meet the needs of an ever-changing global society. To review the Natural Resources Engineering curriculum guide click here.

Enrollment and Graduation Data

Year

2018-2019

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

2022-2023

2023-2024

Enrollment*

39

47

49

48

49

56

Degrees Awarded

4

7

11

13

8

NA

*Fall semester enrollment | NA Not available yet

Accreditation 

The program of study leading to the B.S. in Biological Engineering (BS-BLEN) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org).

ABET Program Educational Objectives 

The objectives of the BS-BLEN program are to produce graduates who:

  1. Have disciplinary knowledge and skills to conduct engineering practice, or pursue post-baccalaureate studies.
  2. Work effectively, inclusively and ethically in teams
  3. Be active in professional societies, continuing education through lifelong learning, and progress towards professional registration.
  4. Be competent in creative engineering designs that consider environmental sustainability, human health, and safety.

ABET Student Outcomes 

The student outcomes, measured in terms of the knowledge and skills the graduates of the BS-BLEN program are expected to demonstrate at graduation are:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.