Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

Major Requirements

Major: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Option: Agricultural

Degree Type: B.S.A.B.En
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 131

University Degree Requirements

  1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
  2. Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework.  Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
  3. Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
  4. A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
  5. At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits.  Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
  6. At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
  7. Students presenting transfer credit must meet the NDSU residence credits and the minimum upper level credit. Of the 30 credits earned in residence, a minimum of 15 semester credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above, and 15 semester credits must be in the student’s curricula for their declared major.

For complete information, please refer to the Degree and Graduation Requirements section of this Bulletin.

University General Education Requirements

Communication (C)12
College Composition I
College Composition II
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Upper Division Writing
Quantitative Reasoning (R) 3
Science and Technology (S) 10
Humanities and Fine Arts (A) 6
Social and Behavioral Sciences (B) 6
Wellness (W) 2
Cultural Diversity (D) *†
Global Perspectives (G) *†
Total Credits39
*

 May be satisfied by completing courses in another General Education category.

 General education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both general education and the major, minor, and program emphases, where applicable.  Students should carefully review major requirements to determine if specific courses can also satisfy these general education categories.

  •  A list of university approved general education courses and administrative policies are available here.

ABEN Core Requirements

ABEN 110Introduction to Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering3
ABEN 255Computer Aided Analysis & Design3
ABEN 263Biological Materials Processing3
ABEN 348Agricultural Technology Exposition 1
ABEN 391Seminar1
ABEN 482Instrumentation & Measurements3
ABEN 486Design Project I2
ABEN 487Design Project II2
CHEM 121General Chemistry I3
CHEM 122General Chemistry II3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics3
ENGR 327Ethics, Engineering, and Technology3
IME 440Engineering Economy2-3
IME 460Evaluation of Engineering Data3
MATH 128Introduction to Linear Algebra1
MATH 165Calculus I4
MATH 166Calculus II4
MATH 259Multivariate Calculus3
MATH 266Introduction to Differential Equations3
ME 221Engineering Mechanics I3
ME 222Engineering Mechanics II3
ME 350Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer3
PHYS 252
252L
University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory
5
Major Option
Select one option to complete the major: Option A - Agriculture or Option B - Biosystems44-50
Total Credits108-115

Option A - Agriculture

ABEN 358Electric Energy Application in Agriculture3
ABEN 377Numerical Modeling in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering3
ME 212Fundamentals of Visual Communication for Engineers3
ME 223Mechanics of Materials3
ABEN Elective - Select 9 credits from the following: 2, 39
Electric Energy Application in Agriculture
Transport Processes
Bioenvironmental Systems Design
Biobased Energy
Process Engineering for Food, Biofuels and Bioproducts
Resource Conservation and Irrigation Engineering
Agricultural Power
Machinery Analysis & Design
Fluid Power Systems Design
Drainage and Wetland Engineering
Business/Comm Elective - Select 3 credits from the following: 43
Fundamentals of Accounting
Elements of Accounting I
Introduction to Agricultural Management
Agricultural Marketing
Introduction to Agricultural Finance
Interpersonal Communication
Persuasive Speaking
Intercultural Communication
Introduction to Web Design
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Management for Non-Business Majors
Marketing for Non-Business Majors
Computer Elective - Select 3 credits from the following:3
Civil Engineering Graphic Communications
Visual BASIC
Computer Science I
Introduction to Computing
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
CAD/CAM for Manufacturing
Modeling of Engineering Systems
CHEM/BIO/ENVIRO Electives - Select 9 credits from the following: 39
Natural Resource Management Systems
Livestock Production
Concepts of Biology
Concepts of Biology Lab
Environmental Science
Environmental Science Laboratory
General Biology I
General Biology I Laboratory
General Biology II
General Biology II Laboratory
Introduction to Food Science and Technology
Food Processing I
Cereal Technology
General Chemistry I Laboratory
General Chemistry II Laboratory
Survey of Organic Chemistry
Insects, Humans and the Environment
Introductory Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology Lab
General Microbiology
General Microbiology Lab
Environmental Law and Policy
World Food Crops
Weed Identification
Principles of Crop Production
Genetics
Principles of Forage Production
Principles of Weed Science
Seed Technology & Production
Natural Resource & Agro-Ecosystems
Introduction to Soil Science
Introduction to Meteorology & Climatology
Soils and Land Use
Soils and Pollution
Tech Electives - Select 8 credits from the following: 1, 2, 38
Tech Electives can be selected from any courses previously not taken in the ABEN Electives section, Engineering Electives section, CHEM/BIO/ENVIRO Electives section, or Computer Electives section, or from the following:
Post-Harvest Technology
Tractors & Power Units
Power Units Laboratory
Machinery Principles and Management
Hydraulic Power Principles and Applications
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Surveying
Structural Engineering and Analysis
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering Laboratory
Reinforced Concrete
Water Resources and Supply
Water and Wastewater Engineering
Open Channel Flow
Advanced Surveying
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Applied Hydrology
Water Quality Management
Advanced Water and Wastewater Treatment
Digital Design
Electrical Engineering I
Electrical Engineering II
Embedded Systems
Air Pollution
Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Manufacturing Processes
Welding Technology
CAD/CAM for Manufacturing
Process Engineering
Production Engineering
Systems Engineering and Management
Management of People Systems
Program and Project Management
Quality Assurance and Control
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanics of Machinery
Thermodynamics II
Theory of Vibrations
Intermediate Mechanics of Materials
Machine Design I
Heat and Mass Transfer
Experimental Stress Analysis
Engineering with Polymeric Materials
Mechanics of Composite Materials
Automatic Controls
Internal Combustion Engines
Modeling of Range and Agro-Ecosystems
Applied Regression Models
Introduction to Experimental Design
Total Credits44

Option B - Biosystems

ABEN 444Transport Processes3
BIOL 150General Biology I3
CHEM 121
121L
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
CHEM 122
122L
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
CHEM 240Survey of Organic Chemistry3
ABEN Electives - Select 9 credits from the following: 2, 39
Electric Energy Application in Agriculture
Numerical Modeling in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Bioenvironmental Systems Design
Biobased Energy
Process Engineering for Food, Biofuels and Bioproducts
Resource Conservation and Irrigation Engineering
Agricultural Power
Machinery Analysis & Design
Fluid Power Systems Design
Drainage and Wetland Engineering
Computer Electives - Select 3 credits from the following:3
Civil Engineering Graphic Communications
Visual BASIC
Computer Science I
Introduction to Computing
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Production and Inventory Control
Fundamentals of Visual Communication for Engineers
Modeling of Engineering Systems
CHEM/BIO/ENVIRO Electives - Select 6 credits from the following: 36
Animal Genetics
Physiology of Reproduction
Elements of Biochemistry
Foundations of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II
Methods of Biochemical Research
Methods of Recombinant DNA Technology
General Biology I Laboratory
General Biology II Laboratory
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Genetics Laboratory
General Ecology
Cell Biology
Plant Ecology
Introduction to Food Science and Technology
Food Processing I
Cereal Technology
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
Introductory Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology Lab
General Microbiology
General Microbiology Lab
Critical Skills in Microbiology
Critical Skills in Microbiology Laboratory Research
Microbial Ecology
Principles of Plant Physiology
Engineering Electives - Select 9 credits from the following: 39
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering Laboratory
Electrical Engineering I
Mechanics of Materials
Materials Science and Engineering
Tech Electives - Select 6 credits from the following:6
Tech Electives should be selected from any courses previously not taken in the ABEN Electives section, Engineering Electives section, CHEM/BIO/ENVIRO Electives section, or Computer Electives section. 1, 2, 3
Total Credits50
1

ABEN 348 - AG Tech Exp (1 add'l cr.) may be used as a Technical Elective in either option.

2

ABEN 496 - Field Exp./Internship (1 cr.) may be used as an ABEN Elective or as a Technical Elective. A maximum of two credits of ABEN 496 Field Exp./Internship may be counted towards degree requirements.

3

Advanced bioscience courses may double-count with electives in this category.

4

The course used for this business or communication elective may count as a general education Cultural Diversity or Global Perspective but not as a Humanities/Fine Arts or Social or Behavioral Sciences.

Degree Requirements and Notes

Advanced Bioscience Credits

Students must select 9 credits of Advanced Bioscience Courses, which are made up of the courses identified below. Advanced bioscience courses should double-count with electives noted in footnote 3. Qualifying courses must have a biological science component with one or more prerequisists. Additional courses may be available in consultation with your advisor.
Option A
ABEN 444Transport Processes3
ABEN 452Bioenvironmental Systems Design3
ABEN 456Biobased Energy3
ABEN 458Process Engineering for Food, Biofuels and Bioproducts3
ABEN 464Resource Conservation and Irrigation Engineering4
ABEN 484Drainage and Wetland Engineering3
ANSC 357Animal Genetics3
BIOL 364General Ecology3
BOT 380Plant Physiology3
PLSC 320Principles of Forage Production3
PLSC 335Seed Technology & Production2
PLSC 350Sugarbeet Production2
PLSC 411Genomics3
PLSC 431Intermediate Genetics3
RNG 452Managing Natural and Rangeland Resources using GIS3
SOIL 322Soil Fertility and Fertilizers3
SOIL 351Soil Ecology3
SOIL 410Soils and Land Use3
SOIL 444Soil Genesis and Survey3
SOIL 465Soil And Plant Analysis3
Option B
ABEN 444Transport Processes3
CHEM 240Survey of Organic Chemistry3
Remaing 3 credits may be taken from those indentified in Option A.

SUGGESTED EMPHASIS AREA:  Consult with adviser when making selections.

  • Agricultural Systems - Select electives with emphasis on machine, power, structural, and electrical/electronic systems to solve problems involving engineering aspects of food, feed, and fiber production.
  • Environmental Systems - Select electives with emphasis on areas that contribute to solving problems in environmental engineering, natural resources management, hydrology, irrigation, watershed management, and waste management.
  • Biomaterial Systems - Select electives with emphasis on combining engineering, biological, and physical sciences in the application of engineering principles to handling and processing of biomaterials for food and non-food products.

Degree Requirements for the Accelerated M.S. Program in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Students pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in ABEN must complete the following requirements:

  • 30 credits after the B.S is required. However, a maximum of 15 graduate credits earned during the combined/accelerated degree program may also be counted toward the graduate degree.
  • 20-24 credits are from didactic course work, while 6-10 credits are typically devoted for a master's thesis based on research
  • A minimum of 6 credits of NDSU ABEN courses numbered 601-689 and 700-789 is required.
  • ABEN Graduate Seminar (ABEN 790).