Biological Engineering
Biological engineers help ensure that we have the basic necessities of life: safe and plentiful food supplies, pure water to drink and a safe, healthy environment. As the world population continues to increase, alternative fuels, food production and protection of our natural resources become increasingly important. Biological engineering applies engineering principles to biological sciences to produce biofuels, food, feed, fiber, and other agricultural products from renewable bio-resources. It also aims to protect the environment and conserve and replenish our natural resources and engineer environmentally sustainable packaging solutions for the consumer and food industries.
Food and agribusiness is the largest single industry in the United States and Florida. It is the most highly sophisticated and technologically advanced industry in the world. Its status is due in part to the successes of agricultural and biological engineers.
For information on ABET accreditation of the B.S. degree program in Biological Engineering please see https://www.eng.ufl.edu/academics/abet/.
Concentrations
Students in biological engineering take a core set of courses then select a more focused area of the major. Four areas of concentration are available:
Resources
Undergraduate Coordinators:
Dr. Ana Martin-Ryals
115 Frazier Rogers Hall
352-294-6708
admartin@ufl.edu
Dr. William Pelletier
101 Frazier Rogers Hall
352-294-6701
wpelletier@ufl.edu
Curriculum
The Biological Engineering curriculum provides a foundation to address the engineering problems of agricultural and related biological systems. Courses in BE unify learned concepts into a practical ability to solve a broad range of engineering problems encountered in biotechnology, agriculture and food processing. Students must meet the requirements in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
Electives
Each pathway in Biological Engineering includes a number of departmental, engineering, and technical electives. Elective choices in each area can be found by downloading the PDF below.
Transfer Requirements
Students must complete an Associate of Arts degree, meet the required grade point average (GPA), complete the required prerequisite courses, and meet the foreign language and immunization policies of the University of Florida before transferring.
Careers
Biological engineers explore the development of new biofuels, biosensors, and biotechnology. They work with conservation organizations, agri-businesses, and farmers to develop solutions to problems relating to the use and conservation of soil, water, and forest resources. They also work to develop technologies to improve crop and livestock production, improve food-processing techniques, develop safe and environmentally friendly packaging and extend the storage life of perishable products like produce or flowers. They further work to preserve and protect wetlands, improve the quality of our water supply, and find new uses for biological resources.