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The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science offers two
undergraduate degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering and
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Soil Sciences. The Biosystems Engineering
program is a four-year, ABET-accredited engineering program emphasizing engineering
applications to biological systems. The Environmental and Soil Sciences program
is a strong science-based program for students interested in the environmental
sciences, soil science, and agricultural systems technology. Minors in either
Environmental and Soil Sciences or in Biosystems Engineering Technology are also
available.
Major: Biosystems Engineering
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, in cooperation with
the College of Engineering, offers a four-year curriculum leading to the degree
of Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering. The curriculum is accredited
by the Engineering Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(ABET).
Career opportunities for graduates include the design, the development, or the
management of: practices that minimize soil erosion and conserve water resources;
biological waste treatment systems; safer machinery systems with lower environmental
impact; or improved food and bio-processing systems. Employment opportunities
are available in a wide variety of industries, government agencies, research and
testing organizations, and educational and non-profit institutions.
Concentration: Food Engineering
The concentration in Food Engineering emphasizes topics relevant to understanding
and engineering food and bioprocessing operations. Students graduating with this
emphasis are qualified for engineering positions in a variety of food and other
biobased industries.
Major: Environmental and Soil Sciences
Many human activities adversely impact soil, water, and environmental quality.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Soil Sciences provides students
with a strong grounding in basic sciences and technology to prepare them for careers
in environmental and natural resource management. Students in this program study
basic natural sciences as well as applied areas such as ecology, soil sciences,
and natural resource policy. Students also build expertise with modern technologies
such as geographical information systems, global positioning systems, and computer
applications in natural resource management. Graduates are prepared to work in
a wide variety of
interesting and challenging career paths and to work with a broad variety of other
professionals to solve complex problems. Examples of potential careers include:
soil and environmental specialists and scientists; state and federal regulatory
agency work; private consulting in environmental and agricultural areas; and working
with non-governmental organizations with interests in agriculture, environment
and natural resources. Students receiving this Bachelor of Science degree are
also very competitive for placement in graduate programs in environmental and
agricultural sciences and technology, as well as law school.
Concentrations:
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science concentration is a blended program of science and technology
that provides a strong, broad background in the natural sciences. The plan of
study emphasizes human impacts on the long-term use and productivity of land and
water resources. Emphasis is also placed on the tools used in the management of
these resources. The curriculum provides a good foundation in the collection and
analysis
of the information required to characterize resource conservation problems and
to make good resource use decisions. Directed technical electives allow the students
to concentrate in an area of interest. Students in this program will gain the
practical knowledge necessary to compete for career opportunities in government,
environmental consulting firms, public health services, environmental research
laboratories, and agricultural production, while also gaining the theoretical
training necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in a variety of environmentally
related fields.
Soil Science
This concentration is a rigorous, science-based program for students interested
in the field of soil science. The curriculum emphasizes soils and their long-term
use and productivity, as well as surface and sub-surface water resources. Students
will understand natural resource problems and their management, including soil
and water conservation issues, land use problems, waste disposal, and reclamation
of disturbed lands. Other areas of interest can be addressed through the appropriate
selection
of technical electives in the program. Students in this program will gain the
practical knowledge necessary to compete for career opportunities in government,
environmental consulting firms, public health services, environmental research
laboratories, and agricultural production, while also gaining the theoretical
training necessary for continuing on for advanced degrees in a number of environmentally
related fields.
Agricultural Systems Technology Concentration
The Agricultural Systems Technology concentration emphasizes the skills needed
to manage the sophisticated technological systems that are increasingly essential
to modern agricultural production. The program starts with a basic science foundation,
adds courses in crop production, pest control, and protection of soil and water
resources, then introduces the technologies and control systems available to make
production more efficient and environmentally sound. It rounds out the curriculum
with analysis and management courses to tie all the information together and to
most effectively use it in making and carrying out management decisions. Directed
technical electives allow the student to concentrate in a particular area of agricultural
production or to develop increased skills with particular technologies or management
tools. Students from this program will have the skills and understanding to be
successful in agribusiness, agricultural consulting, or employment with agricultural
equipment and material suppliers
For more information about undergraduate and other departmental programs, please
visit us on the Web at: http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/.
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