Biological Systems Engineering

John V. Perumpral, Head

H.E. and Elizabeth F. Alpin Professor: S. Mostaghimi

William S. Cross, Jr. Professor: J. V. Perumpral

Professors: J. S. Cundiff; T. A. Dillaha; R. D. Grisso; B. B. Ross; D. H. Vaughan; J. H. Wilson; F. E. Woeste

Associate Professors: F. A. Agblevor; C. D. Heatwole; L. S. Marsh; M. L. Wolfe

Assistant Professors: B. L. Benham; K. Mallikarjunan; S. W. Gay; C. Zhang

Career Advisor: F. A. Agblevor

Teaching Coordinator: D. H. Vaughan

The mission of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) is to provide the engineering input for a sustainable food, fiber, and bioprocessing industry in the state and throughout the world through its teaching, research and extension programs.

The teaching program in BSE offers engineering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs and service courses for students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and other colleges. The degree programs in BSE are administered by the College of Engineering. Therefore, the curriculum and courses offered for the B.S. in biological systems engineering are listed in the College of Engineering section of this catalog. Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree program in Biological Systems Engineering must first be admitted to the College of Engineering.

Service courses designed to meet the needs of students enrolled in different programs in CALS are listed in the following section.These courses generally are not taken to meet engineering degree requirements except as free electives.

Undergraduate Courses (BSE)

Courses for Non-Engineering Students
(See Engineering section for courses for Engineering students.)

2094: INTRODUCTION TO METAL FABRICATION

Introduction to metal working tools, equipment, and processes. Fundamentals of gas and arc welding. (3L,1C) I,II.

2294: ANIMAL STRUCTURES & ENVIRONMENT

Functional considerations in facilities development for production agriculture. Concepts of farmstead planning and system development emphasized. Techniques for providing production animal environment, especially for confinement facilities. Pre: MATH 1016. (3H,3C) I,II.

2384: SOIL & WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Fundamental principles involved in the management of soil and water resources are presented. Emphasis is placed on the planning and management of irrigation systems and the control of soil erosion on agricultural lands. Non-engineering students. Pre: MATH 1016. (3H,3C) II.

2484: ENGINE & POWER TRAIN TECHNOLOGY

Fundamentals of the construction and operation of current internal combustion power units. Control of power utilizing clutches, transmissions, drive shafts, and differentials. Pre: MATH 1016. (2H,3L,3C) I,II.

2494: AGRICULTURE POWER & MACHINERY

The function, selection, operation, adjustment, and economic management of tractors and field machinery. Pre: MATH 1016. (3H,3C) I,II.

3074: MATERIALS & PROCEDURES OF AG CONSTRUCTION

Introduction to materials selection and construction procedures for carpentry, concrete, and masonry construction. Understanding and skills applicable to construction of agricultural buildings. Junior standing or consent required. (1H,6L,3C) I,II.

3084: AGRICULTURAL METAL FABRICATION

Introduction to metal working tools, equipment, and processes. Fundamentals of hot and cold metal working, plumbing, and welding applications including inert gas welding processes. Credit will not be allowed for this course and 2094. Junior standing or consent required. (1H,6L,3C) I,II.

3584: ON-FARM PROCESSING & STORAGE OF CROPS

The practical problems of drying, storing, and feeding of cereal grains. High moisture grain storage and solar assisted grain drying are included. Theory and practice of on-farm, grain-drying systems with special attention to conditions in Virginia. Pre: BIOL 1015, MATH 1016. (2H,2C) II.

4064: AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS LABORATORY MANAGEMENT

Plan, organize, and manage secondary school mechanics laboratories. Management of the instructional program, facility, equipment, inventory, safety, liability, personnel, material control, and student/customer work. Pre: 3074, 3084. (2H,3L,3C) III.

4324: NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

Engineering aspects of the sources and magnitudes of nonpoint source pollution, major causative factors, and control techniques. Emphasis on hydrologic factors, erosion, atmospheric deposition, adsorption and degradation of pollutants in soil, disposal of agricultural wastes, and management for the control of urban and agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Pre: CEE 3104. (3H,3C) I.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.