Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Van Kelley, Department Head
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Agricultural Engineering 107
605-688-5143

Stephanie Bebensee, Program Coordinator
Agricultural Engineering 109
605-688-5144

Program Information

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is the science of engineering applied to the products and processes of agriculture and related industries. Design projects solicited from industry provide students with relevant “real world” design experience.  This provides hands on learning in variety of technical areas such as natural resource management, irrigation and drainage, water resources development, machine dynamics and design, precision agriculture, agricultural power, properties and processing of biological materials, environmental control for livestock, indoor air quality, structures, control and disposal of agricultural wastes, computers, or instrumentation. To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, students must have an average grade of “C” or better in courses taken and required in the ABE curriculum and take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination prior to graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

• To produce engineers that become competent in methods of analysis involving use of mathematics, fundamental physical and biological sciences, engineering sciences, and the computer skills needed for the practice of agricultural and biosystems engineering.
• To produce engineers that develop design skills, including the ability to think creatively, to formulate problem statements, to communicate effectively, to synthesize information, and to evaluate and implement problem solutions.
• To produce engineers that become capable of addressing issues of ethics, safety, professionalism, cultural diversity, globalization, environmental impact, and social and economic impact in engineering practice.
• To produce engineers that will contribute to agricultural profitability though the development, adaptation, and proper use of improved and safer engineering technologies, production systems, and management practices.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program will have:

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, and
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
8. intentional engagement with diversity (i.e., individual difference and group /social differences) in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions leading to opportunities for equal access to and participation in educational and community programs for all members of society.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

The undergraduate Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. ABET is a federation of 32 professional societies representing applied science, computing, engineering, and technology.  Most state licensing boards and certification programs require graduation from an ABET-accredited program as the first step in the registration or certification process for professional practice. Additionally, the Fundamentals in Engineering examination is required for becoming a registered Professional Engineer. For more details on dates, time and location, go to the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions website.

Course Delivery Format

The ABE program engages students in lecture, laboratory, and field based learning experiences.  Senior students are members of design teams which design, build, test and demonstrate engineered products and processes.