Biological Engineering Program
(Collaborative between the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and College of Engineering)
Biological Engineering (BIOE) is the application of sciences, mathematics, engineering and biological principles to advance human health and environmental sustainability. The BIOE program at N.C. A&T has two concentrations: Bioprocess Engineering and Natural Resources Engineering. Bioprocess Engineering focuses on plant and microbial 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). 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. The BIOE program meets all pre-academic requirements for attending medical school.
Mission
The mission of the Biological Engineering Program is to provide students with training in fundamentals of engineering integrated with life sciences for conserving and utilizing natural resources, and improving sustainable production and processing of biological materials.
Educational Objectives
Biological Engineering graduates are expected to attain the following within a few years of graduation:
- Have disciplinary knowledge and skills to conduct engineering practice or pursue post-baccalaureate, studies.
- Work effectively, inclusively and ethically in teams.
- Be active in professional societies, continuing education through lifelong learning, and progress towards professional registration.
- Be competent in creative engineering designs that consider environmental sustainability, human health, and safety.
Program Requirements
To graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering degree, a student must complete 120 credit hours following the approved departmental curriculum. Students must also satisfy all University and College of Engineering requirements.
Accreditation
The undergraduate program in Biological Engineering, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering (BS-BLEN) degree, is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC-ABET). http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramsDetails.aspx?OrganizationID=134&ProgramIDs=. Biological Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University was the first to obtain national accreditation at a Historically Black University in the USA.
Career Opportunities
Students with a biological engineering degree will have abundant job opportunities in biotech, food and agricultural industries, government services, and consulting agencies, including biomanufacturing, food processing, sustainable energy, water quality, soil and water conservation, drainage and irrigation, natural resources management, bioremediation, environmental protection and control.
