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The University of Tennessee University of Tennessee UT Institute of Agriculture

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Undergraduate Advising Guide

Biosystems Engineering Program


EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The Biosystems Engineering Program at The University of Tennessee has specific educational objectives that directly follow the mission of The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (http://www.agriculture.utk.edu/about/mission.htm). In order to meet the Institute’s objectives, program graduates will receive the educational tools necessary to perform as entry-level engineering professionals. Recent graduates are to be:
- Competitive in seeking employment at the regional and national levels,

- Aware of meeting their own and societal needs consistent with the goals of life-long learning, professional ethics, and leadership,

- Performing as entry-level engineers in a manner that positively reflects on the overall program’s reputation.

The Biosystems Engineering Program at The University of Tennessee satisfies these Educational Objectives by meeting 12 desired Program Outcomes. These have been specifically selected with the aid of our constituents to meet the desired Educational Objectives as described below:


Program Outcomes:

To achieve the educational objectives listed above, a series of program outcomes have been adopted. These program outcomes provide specific measures to determine the degree of success in meeting each of the educational objectives. These outcomes are as follows:
  • an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  • an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  • an ability to communicate effectively
  • the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  • a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues
  • an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  • an understanding of the complexity of biological systems, and the ability to apply engineering principles to those systems

FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING (FE) EXAMINATION

All engineering students should take the FE examination prior to graduation. The examination is give in April and October each year. The FE examination is a critical step in the process of becoming a professional engineer. Our department and university are judged by our success rate on the FE; your degree becomes more valuable as the pass rate increases. Therefore, we strongly discourage you from signing up to take the FE without committing yourself to studying seriously for it. Evening review courses, excellent review manuals and practice tests, as well as a video review course are all available on campus. Use these resources to ensure that you pass on your first attempt. Furthermore, we suggest that all students borrow or purchase a copy of the FE review book as freshmen, and refer to the appropriate sections as they perform their coursework. This not only serves to painlessly prepare you for the FE, but it helps strengthen your understanding of course material as you go. Taking the exam during the fall of the senior year is suggested since this enables you to post your FE pass on your resume during the spring job search. You may obtain application forms from the departmental office or from 101 Perkins (Associate Dean of Engineering).


SHOWCASE CURRICULUM

In addition to the regular Biosystems Engineering program, a Pre-Professional concentration is available. The first year requirements are the same for both. Some differences occur in the second year, and many differences are present in the final two years. Showcase curricula for each are shown on the following pages. You should follow the schedule shown for your chosen program as closely as possible, since it considers prerequisites and course availability. Several courses, including all Biosystems Engineering courses, are only offered once per year – in the semester shown on the showcase curriculum.


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