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  1. Home
  2. Undergraduate
  3. Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

...A Degree by Design! 

Research Area BBI.png

  • Fabrication Techniques for Micro- and Nanodevices
  • Introduction to Biosystems Analytics
  • Applied Biostatistics
  • Biosystems Analytics
  • Metagenomics: From Genes to Ecosystems
 

Research Area CEA.png

  • Introduction to Hydroponics
  • Aquaponics Design
  • Advanced Hydroponics
  • Aquaponics Engineering
  • Irrigation Systems Design
  • Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture
  • Controlled Environment Systems
  • Greenhouse Pest Management: Methods and Practice
  • Applied Plant Physiology

 

Research Area FBRE.png

  • Precision Observation with Drones
  • Remote Sensing Data and Methods
  • Engineering of Biological Processes
  • Integrated Engineered Solutions in the Food-Water-Energy Nexus

Research Area WR.png

  • Open-channel Flow
  • Watershed Engineering
  • Computer Applications in Hydraulics
  • Control of Erosion Processes
  • Soil and Water Resources Engineering
  • Irrigation Systems Design
  • Soils, Wetlands, and Wastewater Reuse
  • Design of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Dispersal Systems
  • Advanced Watershed Hydrology

View a PDF Grid" version 

From the UA course catalog: http://catalog.arizona.edu/

BE  120 - Basic Computer Skills for Office Applications

Introduction to computer concepts, file management, and Microsoft windows operating systems. In addition students will be taught the use of Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations for business application. This course was previously titled "ABE 120 - Microcomputing Applications."

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

Online: Yes

View Syllabus:   UA 


BE  170A1 - Basic Concepts in Water-Related Applications

*This course does not satisfy requirements for engineering students.  Satisfies non-engineering requirements. See Adviser: Dava Jondall

This course develops an understanding of natural science concepts and ideas and how they can be used to understand and analyze processes and objects in the every day world. Water is a central theme. Students examine how it is obtained, stored, distributed, used, polluted, and cleaned. They learn to estimate its quality, quantity, energy, and movement. It is a broad introductory course.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer 1

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

Online: Yes

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  170A2 - Science, Technology and Environment
*This course does not satisfy requirements for engineering students.  Satisfies non-engineering requirements. See Adviser: Dava Jondall

The environment, scientific method, technology, motion, energy, gases, heat, chemistry, and electricity and magnetism are covered within the context of natural history and technology development. Laboratories and field trips in the in-person sections include aquaponics, biofuels, solar pumping, and drip irrigation.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2, Winter

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  193 - Internship
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered in: Fall & Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 - 3.00


BE  199 - Independent Study
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall & Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 - 3.00


BE  201 - Introduction to Biosystems Engineering
This course provides an introduction biosystems engineering with emphasis on biological laboratory skills and basic fabrication, foundations of modeling biological processes, team work and professional skills, and the societal and global context in which the profession is practiced.  Discussion topics include internship opportunities, professionalism, engineering ethics, and the impact of engineering on society.  Laboratory exercises include renewable energy production, device design and fabrication, and biological sensing.  Presentations, discussions, and writing exercises will provide communication experiences.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: MATH 124

Units: 2.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  205 - Engineering Analytic Computer Skills

Introduction to Excel, Visual Basic in Excel, Python, and Matlab with an emphasis on statistics, regression, conditional statements, loops, functions and subroutines, forms, arrays, Euler method, data acquisition, numerical methods, and symbolic processing. Students can choose to work in Google Sheets/Appscript instead of Excel/VBA.

Offered in: Spring, Summer 1

Prerequisites: College of Engineering majors only

Units: 2.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  217 - Introduction to Hydroponics

Introduction to hydroponics and hydroponic systems for various crops: an historical perspective and current trends; basic plant physiology and anatomy; general cultural practices; plant protection (insects and diseases); traditional and organic hydroponic production systems; pollination, fertilization and bee management; plant nutrition and disorders; irrigation systems and nutrients; transplant production; greenhouse site selection, structures and control systems; fruit harvest; food handling and safety; marketing and economics of a hydroponic business.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  217L - Lab: Introduction to Hydroponics

This is a hands-on course, teaching hydroponic tomato production from seedling through harvest using commercial style high-wire production techniques.  Students apply what they have learned in BE 217 Lecture to real plants in a greenhouse setting.  Course covers plant cultivation techniques such as clipping, stem pruning, leaning and lowering, cluster pruning and clipping, leaf maintenance, and harvesting techniques.  Course also includes gaining skills in plant spacing, making nutrient tanks, monitoring plant health, pollination, and irrigation and climate control factors important for a successful crop. Observations of other hydroponic production systems in use at the UA-CEAC facility are also included.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: None, co-enrolled in BE 217

Units: 1.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  220 - Engineering Graphics and Design with AutoCAD

Introduction to computer aided design and drafting (CADD) concepts and techniques. Two-dimensional computer aided design and drafting techniques to construct basic shapes and make multi-view drawing. Aspects of the AutoCAD program’s 2D tools from basic to the most powerful tools used in design and engineering. Introduction to 3D printing.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

Online: Yes

View Syllabus:   UA


BE 221 - Introduction to Computer Aided Design

Introduction to computer aided design concepts and techniques. Two and three-dimensional drawing presentation, methods of graphical communications, data analysis, design synthesis and production methods.

Introduction to computer aided design concepts and techniques. Two and three-dimensional drawing presentation, methods of graphical communications, data analysis, design synthesis and production methods.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

Online: Yes

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  284 - Biosystems Thermal Engineering

This course provides an integrated introduction to basic thermal engineering topics.  A structured problem-solving approach emphasizes the interrelated roles of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat and Mass Transfer relevant to real-world engineering analyses.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: MATH 129, PHYS 141

Units: 2.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  291 - Preceptorship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in the department.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00


BE  293 - Internship
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered in: Fall & Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 - 3.00


BE  297 - Introduction to Fabrication for Engineers

This course provides an integrated introduction to basic fabrication topics.  An emphasis on the interrelated roles of precision measurement, materials selection and reading of technical drawings and specifications, to teach real-world engineering analyses of fabricated/manufactured objects, and the materials and processes used to make them. Students are presented with introductory skills and knowledge in fabrication, and will gain experience in handling and maintaining hand and power tools and equipment, basic fabrication methods, and safety in fabrication work place/environment.

Offered in: Fall, Spring (typically offered as an 7-week course in either semester)

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00


BE  299 - Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 – 3.00


BE  299H - Honors Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 – 3.00


BE/BAT  310 - Introduction to Biosystems Analytics

Computers and data analysis are increasingly essential to the study of all aspects of science. Introduction to Biosystems Analytics is a three-unit course designed to develop computational skills for a variety of biological applications. In this course, you will learn how to interact with data including understanding data structure, database management systems, and introductory programming for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. The course will use a student-centered teaching and active learning approach. Class will typically consist of short introductions to computational terms, concepts and techniques, and associated problems, followed by hands on computing exercises. By the end of the course, you will able to create, enter, store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize various data types using the command line interface, databases, and R.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00


BE  334 - Aquaponics Design

This course begins with an introduction into the field of aquaponics -- the culture of fish and plants together and then provides an in depth guide into designing and building aquaponics systems.  Various types of aquaponics systems and their parts will be discussed in addition to learning about water pressure and flow in aquaponics systems.  The course provides students with hands-on learning activities and offers students the opportunity to engage in an online, group project.

Offered in: Summer 1

Prerequisites: None

Units:3.00

View Syllabus: UA


BE  350 - Advanced Hydroponic Crop Production

This is an advanced level course, building on the basic principles covered in BE 217: Introduction to Hydroponics lecture. Students will gain experience in nutrient formulation, fertigation management, and plant health monitoring; design, operation, and cultivation of crops in various types of hydroponic systems and environments (ex.  Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture, aeroponics, aquaponics, gourmet mushrooms, vertical farming, supplemental and sole source lighting); and understanding of the principles and challenges in developing organic hydroponic systems.  Students will read and analyze primary literature involving hydroponic systems and develop the ability to troubleshoot and solve grower problems.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: BE 217

Units:3.00

View Syllabus: UA


BE  350L - Lab: Advanced Hydroponic Crop Production

This is an advanced level course, building on the basic principles covered in BE 217: Introduction to Hydroponics. Students will gain hands-on experience with various hydroponic and specialty crop production systems such as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), bag culture, aquaponics, and gourmet mushroom production. Course will cover nutrient and irrigation management, climate control, integrated pest management, crop scheduling, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and packaging using GHP/GAP food safety protocols.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: BE 217, co-enrolled in BE 350

Units:3.00

View Syllabus: UA


BE  385 - Precision Observation with Drones

Precision Observation with Drones is an introductory course about the practical aspects of small-scale multirotor unmanned aerial system with a strong emphasis on quadcopters. The course aims at introducing the students to the new and evolving field of small multirotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV, UAS, Drones), their electrical and electronics subsystems, how they work, to size and build a small drone, add useful sensors, use the system for observing the physical and biological environment, and how to manage and process some of the most common data collected by drones. Upon completing this course, the student should become familiar with small drone technology, be able to understand their potentials and limitations, add different sensors, collect and analyze data with the drones.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: MATH 122B, MATH 124, or MATH 125

Units:3.00

View Syllabus: UA


BE  391 - Preceptorship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in the department.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00


BE  393 - Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2, Winter

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major

Units: 1.00 – 6.00


BE/ENVS  397A - Teaching Workshop

The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles.

Offered in: Fall, Spring

Units: 3.00 – 4.00


BE  399 - Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major

Units: 1.00 – 4.00


BE  399H - Honors Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: Active in Honor College

Units: 1.00 – 3.00


BE  413 - Applied Biostatistics
Introductory and advanced statistical methods and their applications in ecology. Focuses on how research design dictates choice of statistical models; explores principles and pitfalls of hypothesis testing.

Offered in: Fall (even years) 

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE/CE  422 - Open-Channel Flow
[Usually offered every three semesters beginning Fall 2007] Differential equations governing unsteady flow in open channels. Simple surface waves in subcritical and supercritical flows. Introduction of kinematic, diffusion, and dynamic wave methods. Applications to reservoir routing, dam break flow, and overland flow.

Offered in: Fall, Spring

Units: 3.00


BE  423 - Biosystems Analysis and Design

The objective of this course is to enable students to analyze biological systems with respect to economics, growth rate, environmental impact, optimization, sustainability, and nutrient scheduling. Students analyze algae/biofuel feedstock production, agriculture, aquaponics, disease models, and predator-prey models. Numerical methods and models in Matlab and Excel/VBA include Euler and Runga-Kutta methods, first-order growth rate equations, epidemiology models, linear programming, and Simulink.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Familiarity with statistics

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  426 - Watershed Engineering
Design of waterways, erosion control structures and small dams. Methods for frequency analysis and synthetic time distribution of rainfall. Methods for estimating infiltration and runoff from small watersheds, flow routing and storm water management. Estimating erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation.

Application of systems analysis to biologically related problems; computer modeling and use of simulations, optimization methods, decision support systems.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering or WSM major or minor; CE 218 or AME 331

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET   


BE/CE  427 - Computer Applications in Hydraulics

Computer modeling of surface water hydrology, flood plain hydraulics and water distribution systems. Theoretical basis. Application and design studies.

Offered in: Fall

Units: 3.00


BE  428 - Control of Erosion Processes

According to the US environmental regulations, it is mandatory that everyone who disturbs the soil is responsible for the sediments generated from that site. For instance, knowledge of erosion/sediment processes and control is an important tool those days to avoid federal penalties. The course focuses on the types of soil erosion, factors affecting it, and how to estimate erosion rates. Also, the student will learn how to design erosion control practices, based on certain runoff.

Offered in: Summer

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; MATH 124 or MATH 125

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  434 - Biosystems Analytics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Python for data analytics focused on the interpretation of biological data. The course is structured as a series of short lectures covering key concepts and analytical strategies using Python and cutting-edge open source packages for data analytics. The majority of the course focuses on hands-on exercises both in- and out- of class to develop practical coding skills for interpreting and analyzing high-dimensional biological data. Students work in a collaborative learning classroom to gain skills in (1) basic Unix and Python, (2) Python data structures functions, and files, and (3) data wrangling and visualization using IPython, NumPy, and pandas, and (4) analytics using machine-learning methods available in Scikit-Learn. These skills are taught by implementing real-world coding examples to manipulate and process biological data in Python, and effectively use data-oriented Python libraries to analyze and interpret data from biological systems.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00


BE  444 - Aquaponics Engineering

This course begins with an overview of aquaponics "the culture of fish and plants together" and then provides an in depth guide into properly designing, building and troubleshooting aquaponics systems, especially on the commercial scale.  Engineering aspects of aquaponics systems will be thoroughly discussed in addition to biochemical processes, filtration and designing for various flow rates, fish species and plants.  The course provides students with numerous hands-on learning activities and offers students the opportunity to advance their knowledge of aquaponics well beyond the basics. 

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Fluid Dynamics, Math 111 and Math 112 are recommended 

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  447 - Sensors and Controls

Principles of electric circuits. Selection, interfacing and calibration of digital and analog sensors to measure physical variables. Optical electrochemical and piezoelectric biosensors. Basic bioprocess control.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; CHEM 151 and CHEM 152 (or equivalent)

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  452 - Globalization, Sustainability and Innovation

Globalization, sustainability and innovation constitute the three principal forces that drive the world of the 21st century -- economically, politically, socially and culturally. Aimed at engineering and science students, the objective of the course is to foster among them global intelligence (or global smarts), defined as an inclusive and cross-disciplinary working knowledge of how the globe operates today - including (1) how global infrastructures in communication, transportation and information technology have transformed how nations and corporations conduct business, (2) how nurturing sustainability ensures competitive advantage  while ignoring it imperils nations as well as the planet, and (3) how technological innovation is critical both in maintaining competitive advantage and in providing the essential sustainable solutions to many of our current global challenges. In a flat world, fostering global intelligence has become a vital component of a well-rounded engineering and science education.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  455 - Soil and Water Resources Engineering

Introduction to soil and water relationships, irrigation systems, irrigation water supply, and irrigation management; basic designs.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Junior or Senior status; CE 218 or AME 331

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  456 - Irrigation Systems Design

Design and operation of surface, sprinkler, and trickle irrigation systems based on economic and environmental criteria.

Offered in: Spring (Odd Yrs)

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; CE 218

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  458 - Soils, Wetlands and Wastewater Reuse

Water quality and system design for agricultural drainage and waste-water systems.

Offered in: Spring (Even Yrs)

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; CE 218 or AME 331

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  459 - Design of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Dispersal Systems

This course will cover issues and concepts relating to the design of domestic and small commercial onsite wastewater treatment and recycling systems. This course is typically offered every even spring semester

Offered in: Spring (Even Yrs)

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Junior or Senior status

Units: 3.00

Online: Yes

View Syllabus:   UA   ABET


BE/WSM  467 - Advanced Watershed Hydrology

Advanced topics in watershed hydrology; rainfall-runoff, infiltration, overland flow routing, sediment modeling, statistical analysis and research methods in hydrology.

Offered in: Spring

Units: 3.00


BE  475A - Applied Plant Physiology

Students will learn the major environmental factors affecting plant growth and development and will understand interactions between plants and their microenvironments, including light penetration and CO2/H2O diffusion. Students will learn energy and mass balance of leaves and canopy and correlate these phenomena with plant productivity and related plant physiological mechanisms. Lectures cover critical controlled environment issues and practices of plant production in greenhouse, plant production factory, tissue culture vessels and post-harvest storage, with an introduction to the current research status in these areas. This course will be offered in spring of even years.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00


BE  479 - Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Students will learn principles, methods, and techniques related to the measurement and control of environmental factors affecting plant growth and plants' surrounding climate under controlled environments. Light intensity, light quality, temperature (air, plant), relative humidity, carbon dioxide, water, air current, and related factors are important variables in controlled environment plant production systems to measure and control since they affect and determine plant growth and development and processes such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning, fertigation etc. Therefore, students will learn application of sensors, instrumentation and designing of a simple system to measure and control environments for plant production systems.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major OR PLS major or minor; Junior or Senior status; MATH 113 and PHYS 102

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE/CHEE  481A - Engineering of Biological Processes

To learn to apply to the design of biological systems principles of engineering, science and mathematics, including, but not limited to statistics, kinetics, sensors and bioreactor design and scale up.  To explore and be familiar with the principal areas of biological engineering such as food process engineering, tissue engineering, and other large-scale fermentation processes.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: None

View Syllabus: ABET


BE/BME  481B - Cell and Tissue Engineering

Development of biological engineering methods including applied genetics, metabolic regulation, and bioreactors employed in industrial processes for manufacture of pharmaceuticals and in the design of tissue engineered devices to replace normal physiological function.

Offered in: Spring

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   ABET


BE  482 - Integrated Engineered Solutions in the Food-Water-Energy Nexus

Integrated engineered solutions in the Food-Water-Energy Nexus are transformational integrated designs -- drivers of change -- that are necessary to make feeding an increased global population this century possible, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major;

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE  483 - Controlled Environment Systems

An introduction to the technical aspects of greenhouse design, environmental control, hydroponic crop production, plant nutrient delivery systems, intensive field production systems, and post-harvest handling and storage of crops.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major or minor; PLS major; Junior or Senior status

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  485 - Remote Sensing Data and Methods

This course provides an in depth overview of practical topics in land remote sensing with big data, data sourcing and provenance, characteristics, generating algorithms, data discovery, advanced analysis, and data limitations.  Students will learn how to discover and acquire a variety of global to regional land remote sensing data, learn about the various sensors/platforms collecting these data, learn how to interpret and use these data emphasizing real-world applications and research topics.

The course is aimed primarily at students of Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and Natural Resources Management, and aims at bridging the gap between the theoretical aspects of remote sensing and current Earth science data records, algorithms, and analytics.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Senior status only

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA


BE/BME  486 - Biomaterial-Tissue Interactions

Biomaterials and their applications; protein-surface and blood-biomaterial interactions, inflammation, wound healing, biocompatibility, implants, and tissue engineering.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; CHEM 151 and CHEM 152

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  487 - Metagenomics: From Genes to Ecosystems

Environmental genomics is revolutionizing our understanding of microbes from the environment to human health, towards a holistic view of ecosystems or "One-Health".  At its core are new molecular methods called metagenomics to sequence DNA directly from an environmental sample, thus capturing the whole microbial community and bypassing culture.  Modern (Next-Gen) sequencing technologies offer vast new datasets of short sequence reads representing these microbial communities, however many hurdles exist in interpreting data with high species complexity and given specialized software for microbial metagenomic analyses.  This course focuses on the science of metagenomics towards understanding (1) questions that metagenomics can address, (2) possible approaches for metagenomic sequencing and analysis, and (3) how genes, pathways, and environmental context are translated into ecosystem-level knowledge.  This course alternates between traditional lectures and hands-on experience with programming, bioinformatics tools, and metagenomic analysis.  The course concludes with several weeks of seminar-format discussions on current research in metagenomic data analysis and a final project of your choice analyzing real-world experimental data.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: College of Science Junior or Senior with 2.0 GPA or higher, or College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Junior or Senior status with 2.0 GPA or higher; MCB 416, ABE 201, MIC 205 are recommended

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE/AME  488 - Micro and Nano Transducer Physics and Design

Principles, design, and performance of micro and nano transducers.  Designing MEMS to be produced with both foundry and nonfoundry processes.  Applications of unique properties of micro and nano transducers for biological and engineering problems.  Associated signal processing requirements for these applications.

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major or (Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, or Environmental and Resource Economics major with Junior or Senior status); AME 250 and (ECE 207 or ABE 447); AME/ABE 489/589 Recommended 

Offered in: Spring

Units: 3.00


BE  489A - Fabrication Techniques for Micro- and Nanodevices

See AME 489A

Offered in: Fall

This course tackles the techniques for the design, fabrication, and testing of traditional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanodevices. Each student will be required to participate in weekly laboratory sessions, to keep a laboratory notebook, and to submit a project report (25% Honors final grade;15% Undergraduate final grade) focusing on the design, fabrication, and testing of a MEMS device. Honors students receive additional homework assignments typically involving derivation or proof of a theory presented in class. Additionally, Honors students are asked to complete an independent MEMS/NEMS design, while undergraduates can use an existing device design. Grading differences are reflected in the syllabus.

Prerequisites: Adv. Stdg: Engineering, or (Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, or Environmental and Resource Economics major with Junior or Senior status). ECE 207 or ABE 447.

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  492 - Directed Research

Student will participate a faculty-led research within the University of Arizona as an individual or as a small group.  The faculty member will provide clear objectives at the beginning of the class, and meet with the student on a regular basis to track his/her progress. Towards the end of the class, the student needs to make oral presentation(s) in laboratory meeting and submit a written report to the faculty member. Department Consent is required.  The Directed Research Application (PDF | Fillable PDF) must be completed before registering for this class.  Please register before the first day of class.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 - 3.00


BE  493 - Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment. Intern Application Form.

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Junior or Senior status

Units: 3.00 – 6.00


BE  496A - Seminar in Engineering Careers and Professionalism

The seminar will focus on employment in agricultural and biosystems engineering and engineering professionalism. Topics will include how to find a job (finding opportunities, writing resumes, interviewing), continuing education (professional societies, schools, self-learning) and engineering ethics. Presentations and discussion will provide communication opportunities. Students will be required to registrar for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Junior or Senior status; Concurrent enrollment in ABE 498A

Units: 1.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE/ENTO  497C - Greenhouse Pest Management: Methods and Practice

Pest management skills development in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) teaching/research greenhouses, with hands-on assignments, and group discussion covering pest management principles, methods, and current practice.

Prerequisites: None

Offered in: Spring

Units: 3.00

Syllabus: UA


BAT  498 - Senior Capstone Course

A cumulative experience for majors with a real world project to demonstrate a synthesis of the broad knowledge in the discipline and its methodologies learned from the major. The primary goal of this course is to help undergraduates majoring in Biosystems Analytics and Technology (BAT) be ready for future job responsibilities. This course will mimic the work students may encounter in the first few years of their career and focus on analytical projects that use computing and statistics to breakdown practical, real-world biosystem problems. In collaboration with the instructor and other mentors, student teams will identify and work on a 'real-life' problem and divide tasks among team members. Students in groups will apply the tools and skills developed during their undergraduate program in order to solve the problems and present the results in written and oral/video presentations.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: BAT 413, or BE 413, or BAT 434, or BE 434 are required for the BAT BS degree program. Students need to complete these courses prior to enrolling in BAT 498, or complete them in the same semester as the BAT 498.

Units: 3.00


BE  498A or ENGR 498A - Senior Capstone: Biosystems Engineering Design I

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies.

Offered in: Fall

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Senior status; ABE 221 and 6 units of ABE 400-level courses; Con-current enrollment in ABE 496A

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  498B or ENGR 498B - Senior Capstone: Biosystems Engineering Design II

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies.

Offered in: Spring

Prerequisites: Adv. Standing; Engineering major; Senior status; ABE 498A;  Students will be required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE)

Units: 3.00

View Syllabus:   UA    ABET


BE  498H - Honors Thesis

An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.

Offered in: Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00


BE  499 - Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisites: None

Units: 1.00 – 5.00


BE  499H - Honors Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.  The Independent Study Proposal Form must be completed before registering for the class.  Please Register before the 1st day of class. 

Offered in: Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: None

Units: 3.00

Undergraduate

  • Biosystems Engineering, BS
  • Biosystems Analytics & Technology, BS
  • Pre-Health Track
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    • BE Program Assessment
    • BAT Program Assessment
  • Course Descriptions
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  • Job Opportunities
  • Transfer Credit
  • Resources For Students

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