Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

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http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu

Eric C. Drumm, Head
Paul D. Ayers, Graduate Program Director, Biosystems Engineering
Michael E. Essington, Graduate Program Director, Environmental and Soil Science

Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with a major in biosystems engineering are available to graduates of a recognized curriculum in engineering, mathematics, or one of the physical or  biological sciences. A graduate program leading to the Master of Science with a major in biosystems engineering technology is available to graduates in a recognized curriculum in agriculture or other related fields. These programs emphasize the application of engineering and engineering technology to agricultural and other biological systems. Major focus areas of the program are machinery systems; environmental quality and resource conservation; instrumentation, sensor, and control systems; and bioprocessing. Depending upon the applicant’s academic background and interest area within the program, prerequisite courses may be required.

A graduate program leading to a Master of Science with a major in environmental and soil sciences is offered to graduates of recognized curricula in physical or biological sciences. The department also participates in the plants, soils, and insects doctoral program that is administered jointly by the Departments of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, Plant Sciences, and Entomology and Plant Pathology. For concentrations offered by these other departments, please see their sections in this catalog. Faculty in the Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department administer the environmental and soil sciences master’s program and the environmental and soil sciences concentration in the plant, soils, and insects PhD program. The master’s and doctoral programs are broad-based, emphasizing the application of chemical, biological, and physical principles to understand, manage, and manipulate the terrestrial environment. Within the concentration, students may select an agricultural or nonagricultural focus area in soil and water chemistry; nutrient and elemental cycling; land management and reclamation; pedology; climatology; soil biology and biochemistry; contaminant transport; and soil physical processes.

A significant aspect of graduate education beyond formal courses and thesis projects is active participation in the professional community which exists within academic departments at universities. Student/faculty seminars are one of the professionally rewarding activities of the community. Accordingly, all graduate students are encouraged to participate in BSE 503  and other departmental seminars regardless of whether they are registered for seminar credit.

Admission
A completed departmental data sheet and three completed Graduate Rating Forms are required in addition to the Application for Graduate Admission. Students must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination. Each applicant will be advised about any prerequisite courses before entering a program. The student’s program of study must be approved by his/her advisory committee and must comply with the requirements of the Graduate Council.

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