A degree in Biosystems Analytics & Technology prepares you for careers in biosystem data science and engineering. It also can serve as a springboard for graduate school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for data science careers was $108,020 per year with a much faster than average job growth overall (2023).

Although your career possibilities are limitless, here are some example career paths our students follow:

• Data scientist: use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
• Biological technician: help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
• Bioengineers and biomedical engineers: combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
• Software developers: design and test computer applications or programs.

Courses required to complete a bachelor of biosystems analytics and technology are subject to change, so remember to meet with your advisor regularly to review your course plan.

All students must take and pass BE 493 Internship for 2 credit hours. Each unit of credit requires 45 hours of work. Internships must be specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

1. Upload the form into the appropriate BE Undergraduate D2L assignment box, at least one week before the beginning of the semester.
2. Students in other majors, will need to complete the forms with the BE faculty and email to Dava Jondall (davaj@arizona.edu) at least one week before the beginning of the semester.

Credit and grading

• All BE students must take and pass BE 493 Internship for a minimum of 1 credit hour up to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Each unit of credit requires a minimum of 45 hours of work.
• The grades available for internship are limited to S (superior), P (passing), C (average), D (poor), E (failure), I (incomplete), and W (withdraw). Note that S/P grades do not factor into a student’s grade point average.

Students MUST complete their internships prior to the first semester of their senior year. There are no restrictions on a student performing the internship at an earlier time. Prior to initiation of the internship work, the student must submit an “Application for Internship” to the faculty course coordinator.

Apply what you learn in the courses below to practical experiences in labs and controlled environments:

• Precision Observation with Drones
• Biosystems Analytics
• Metagenomics: From Genes to Ecosystems
• Applied Biostatistics

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biosystems Analytics & Technology (BAT) program is reviewed and approved by The University of Arizona Academic Program Review Assessment Process.

Learning Outcomes

The Biosystems Analytics & Technology Learning Outcomes are defined as a combination of knowledge and skills that a Biosystems Analytics & Technology (BAT) student is expected to attain at the time of graduation. Thus, a Biosystems Analytics Graduate B.S. graduate will have, at the time of graduation, the ability to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to assess and solve problems.
2. Investigate, explain, critique, and integrate principles from math and sciences such as biology, microbiology, metagenomics, chemistry, statistics, computing, and programming for application in sustainable biological systems.
3. Conduct experiments and analyze and interpret data.
4. Apply quantitative principles to solve problems.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work in teams integrating science and technology to solve problems involving sustainable biological systems.
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

By 2050, there will be nine billion people on Earth, creating a huge demand for innovative food production technologies. Climate change intensifies this challenge, but with a focus on precision agriculture, you can be part of the solution. Precision agriculture equips traditional and controlled environment growers with advanced tools to efficiently grow and monitor crops.

Using drones and sensors to collect vital data, you’ll help optimize crop yields and sustainability. The Biosystems Engineering Department offers hands-on experience in precision agriculture at the Vegetation Index & Phenology Lab (VIP), Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC), Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC), and Yuma Agricultural Center (YAC). Join us to be at the forefront of feeding the world and exploring new frontiers in agriculture.

Elective examples:

• Precision Observation with Drones
• Ecological Systems Engineering Design
• Remote Sensing Data and Methods

Biometry and biosystems informatics focuses on health issues like pathogenic diseases affecting humans, animals, and the environment. Emerging infectious diseases such as avian and swine influenza, SARS, and E. coli are closely linked to animals, food, and ecological systems. To tackle these challenges, solutions must be explored at the ecological level.

The Biosystems Engineering department excels in addressing these issues with innovative tools like smartphone and cloud-based diagnostics, big data analysis, genomic and proteomic identification, lab-on-a-chip biosensors, and nanotechnology-based sensing and therapeutics. Join us to be at the forefront of combating infectious diseases through cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary research.

Elective examples:

• Metagenomics
• Applied Cyberinfrastructure Concepts
• Cloud Computing

Climate change and population add to the challenge of food scarcity. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) uses technology to manipulate a crop’s environment for optimal growth. Greenhouses, aquaculture, hydroponics, and aquaponics are all examples of CEA. The Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (CEAC) within the Biosystems Engineering department is well-equipped, with support from CALES and UA mechanisms, to help you focus your studies on innovating controlled environment systems.

Elective examples:

• Aquaponics Engineering
• Controlled Environment Systems
• Applied Instrumentation for Controlled Environment Agriculture

Arizona has great potential to become a large-scale producer of renewable bioenergy and bioproducts from sources like sugar, oil, green waste, and algae. The region already has one full-scale ethanol production facility, and we are working with them to utilize new biomass sources. Arizona could become a model for semi-arid land production of renewable fuels, demonstrating responsible use of water, land, and workforce. Focusing your studies in utilizing residual biomass is a allows you to develop economic and sustainable solutions to global energy challenges.