Biosystems Engineering
Gilmore 111
3050 Maile Way
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8186
Fax: (808) 956-9269
E-mail: ta_engine@avax.ctahr.hawaii.edu
Web: www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/biosystems/
Faculty
*C. Kinoshita, PhD (Chair)-thermo-engineering, energy systems
*L. D. Gautz, PhD-bioproduction control, mechanical systems
*P. S. Leung, PhD-production and quantitive methods
*T. Liang, PhD-resource systems engineering, mechanization
*W. W. Su, PhD-cell culture, biochemical engineering
*S. Q. Turn, PhD-biomass energy systems, environmental engineering
*J. K. Wang, PhD-bioproduction systems engineering, aquacultural engineering
*I. P. Wu, PhD-irrigation engineering
*P. Y. Yang, PhD-waste/wastewater engineering, bioprocess technology/engineering
Cooperating Graduate Faculty
M. J. Antal, Jr., PhD-alternate energy, combustion
E. D. H. Cheng, PhD-hydrology, hydraulics
Y. S. Fok, PhD-water resource systems, hydrology
C. C. K. Liu, PhD-hydrology, environmental systems engineering
J. H. Moy, PhD-food engineering, food irradiation, processing technology
C. Ray, PhD-groundwater hydrology
M. C. M. Tsang, PhD-materials handling, processing engineering
Affiliate Graduate Faculty
G. D. Pruder, PhD-aquacultural engineering
*Graduate Faculty
Degrees Offered: BS in biosystems engineering, MS in biosystems engineering
The Academic Program
Biosystems engineering integrates biology and engineering science in the design, manufacture, and operation of systems in which living organisms or biological products (plants, animals, cells, etc.) are a major component. Biosystems engineers approach problems from the context of the total system to strike a balance between increasing demand for products from biological sources (e.g., food, fiber, and higher-valued products); limited human, physical, and economic resources; and the need to preserve the environment. The goal of the program is to provide students a unique opportunity to study the fundamentals of engineering and biology, and the application of engineering to biological systems. Graduates should find rewarding careers in the engineering of biological products, processes, and systems that benefit mankind.
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor's Degree
The BS in biosystems engineering is the only undergraduate degree offered by the department.
Requirements
- General Education Core requirements, including the following:
- SP 151 or 251
- AREC 220 or ECON 130
- BIOL 171/171L
- CHEM 171/171L (or 161, 162 and lab) and 272/272L
- MATH 241, 206, 231, and 232
- PHYS 170/170L and 272/272L
- College requirements:
- Basic Engineering requirements:
- EE 160 and 211
- CE 270, 271, and 320
- ME 311
- Biosystems Engineering requirements:
- BIOL 172/172L or MICRO 351/351L
- BE 351/351L, 360, 401, 413, 437, 460, 481, and 482
- At least two courses from BE 411, 431, 435, or 436
A student must have a minimum of 128 credit hours. Most students will take 138 credit hours to complete the requirements.
Graduate Study
Master's Degree
The MS in biosystems engineering is the only graduate degree offered by the department. Research areas open to MS students are management of wastes and wastewater from agricultural and food industries; engineering for cell culture, fermentation, micropropagation, and bioconversion; engineering-intensive horticultural systems; engineering-intensive aquatic biosystems systems; modeling and optimization of bioresource production and processing systems; water management and irrigation system design; spatial decision support systems for environmental protection and resource development; bioremediation; bioenergy systems and thermochemical conversion; and mechanization and automation of tropical crop production, treatment, and processing. Graduates of the program have entered careers in industry and public agencies or have undertaken further study in a PhD degree program. Intended candidates for the MS must present a bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program or the equivalent.
Requirements
Biosystems engineering courses as well as courses from the related fields of engineering, agriculture, and sciences may be utilized to fulfill the minimum requirement of 30 credit hours. Both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) are available. |