FAQ

What is Biosystems Engineering?

The profession that develops engineering-based sustainable solutions to global and life's essential challenges - food, water, energy, environment, and health.

What is the Starting Salary Range?

$45,000 to $75,000

Are There Special Areas of Interest in This Major?

Biosystems Engineering
Ecological Engineering
Forest Engineering
Bioprocess Engineering
Biological and Agricultural Technology Management

What is the Faculty to Student Ratio?

1 faculty to every 11 students

How Does the Size of the Department Affect My Experience?

A smaller department facilitates a more personalized student experience and a high quality family-centered environment. The Biosystems Engineering Department at Auburn University enhances the development of students, hands-on learning, & brings a practical approach to engineering.

Undergraduate Teaching Labs & Facilities

Fluid Mechanics, CAD programs interfaced with 3D printers and wood routers, Metabolic Engineering, Instrumentation & Controls, Aquarium Microcosm, Watershed Modeling, Irrigation, Site Design, Natural Resource Conservation Engineering, and Bioprocess Engineering

Can Undergraduates Work in Research Labs?

Yes!

Undergraduates have access as researchers in bioenergy, ecological engineering, aquaponics, hydroponics, precision & GPS technology, UAV, metabolic engineering, bioprocess engineering, water science, & natural resource conservation.

What Kind of Work Can Engineers With This Degree Do?

Ecosystem Restoration
Environmental Compliance & Permitting
Storm water Design
Construction Engineering
Manufacturing
Geotechnical / Groundwater Remediation
Medical & Legal Professionals
Bioprocessing

Product Development
Research & Development
Precision Agriculture
Forest Resource Manager
Utility Design, Planning, & Management
Sustainability & Renewable Energy
Water Resources & Wastewater
Treatment Biomaterials, Bioenergy, and Food Production

*The list is continuously growing.

How Many Labs Does a Student Take as an Undergraduate?

At least 8 classes have labs; hands-on learning is our most important and emphasized learning tool.

What is the Classroom Like?

Combination of lecture and labs
Majority of classes are less than 40 students

The Senior Design Sequence and Examples

Professional Practice course in Fall: focuses on issues that will help students in transitioning to careers as professional engineers. They learn to apply engineering to biological systems and design proposal developments. This class also prepares students for their final capstone project.
Engineering Design course in Spring: the Capstone Design project is completed while emphasizing teamwork, standards, communication, safety, and economic analysis. Student projects are "real world" engineering problems.

Contact for More Information:

Abby Tracy, Academic Advisor

Phone: 334-844-3537

Email: mat0099@auburn.edu

Oladiran Fasina, Head of Department

Phone: 334-844-3574

Email: fasinoo@auburn.edu

What is BATM?

Biological & Agricultural Technology Management is a dynamic major that immerses students in hands-on learning, and prepares them to be able to utilize systems and practical approach to managing technologies utilized in agricultural and biological operations.

Who is BATM For?

Students who want to combine science, technology with business, managerial, and technical skills
This major is less theoretical and more practical
All courses have laboratory sections
Learned skills are applicable in many industries

How is This Different From Engineering?

BATM graduates are able to identify system problems, formulate possible solutions, analyze the impact of alternatives (including social and economic dimensions), and implement the best solutions
BATM graduates will acquire a strong technical background tempered by an overview of business, management, and economics
BATM students receive personalized educational experiences and an environment that leads to building long-lasting relationships with fellow students, faculty, and staff.

What is the Starting Salary?

$45,000 - $65,000

What Will I Learn?

Computer aided design 2D and 3D modeling
Manual and automated fabrication processes
Methods to solve technological problems
Natural resources conservation
Geospatial technologies (GPS, GIS) and remote sensing systems
Mechanics of operations of power units, engines, and machines
Design and operation of agricultural production and processing facilities
Professional practices in technology management
Precision agriculture principles & technologies
Industrial electrical applications & electronic controls
Marketing methods
Accounting principles
Analysis and management of data
Development of skills in technical writing and oral presentations

What Are the Career Examples?

Operations Manager
Manufacturing Technology Specialist
Sales Manager
Test Technician
Facilities Manager
Production Marketing
Technical Management
Precisions Technology Specialist
Safety Specialist
Production Supervisor
Field Representative
Technical Service Representative
Maintenance Technician
Technical Sales
Customer Support Technician
Water Quality/Management Specialist