Program Coordinator/Contact
Van C. Kelley, Department Head
Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Distinguished Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Raven Precision Agriculture Center 217
605-688-5143
Program Information
Graduate work in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering leads to Master of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences degrees. The PhD in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering shares a common core with several other departments. The core requirements are defined in this Catalog in the Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) section. Additional classes are selected by the individual with the approval of the committee.
Students who undertake graduate studies in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering normally have as their goal a better understanding of the current theories, principles, issues, and problems in agricultural and biological systems. Graduate studies improve the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize, analyze, and integrate ideas for decision-making and problem solving.
The department offers students an opportunity to undertake research and advanced study biological sciences with in relation to specialization areas such as food and biomaterial processing, physical properties of biological materials, natural resource engineering, structures, indoor environment, waste management and machine design.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a Ph.D. holder.
- Communication skills: Express their scientific views effectively in both oral and written form.
- Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
- Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
- Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
- Professional development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.
Course Delivery Format
The program engages students in lecture, laboratory, and in hands-on, field-based learning experiences.
Facilities and Services
The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department is housed in the Agricultural Engineering Building. The entire building is dedicated to undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and outreach projects that support the engineering needs of production agriculture, natural resource conservation, and value-added processing of the food and fiber produced in the region. Additional research and outreach projects take place at multiple field locations in the region. There are almost 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to industry-sponsored student design projects and cutting edge research, including a full fabrication shop and two computer labs to support these efforts. The department is also home to the Water Resources Institute, dedicated to the proper stewardship of the state’s water resources.
Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
Many students participate in activities such as internships and research projects. Other ABE opportunities are available via our student branch of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). In addition, engineering opportunities are available via organizations such as Society of Women Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, and others. The most outstanding students are honored by induction into the ABE honorary society of Alpha Epsilon and engineering honor societies such as Tau Beta Pi.
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