Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Major Requirements
Major: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Option: Agricultural
Degree Type: B.S.A.B.En
Minimum Degree Credits to Graduate: 131
University Degree Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements of the curriculum in which one is enrolled.
- Earn a minimum total of 120 credits in approved coursework. Some academic programs exceed this minimum.
- Satisfactory completion of the general education requirements as specified by the university.
- A minimum institutional GPA of 2.00 based on work taken at NDSU.
- At least 30 credits must be NDSU resident credits. Resident credits include credits registered and paid for at NDSU.
- At least 36 credits presented for graduation must be in courses numbered 300 or higher.
- 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Credits | 39 | |
- *
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ABEN 110 | Introduction to Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 3 |
| ABEN 255 | Computer Aided Analysis & Design | 3 |
| ABEN 263 | Biological Materials Processing | 3 |
| ABEN 348 | Agricultural Technology Exposition | 1 |
| ABEN 391 | Seminar | 1 |
| ABEN 482 | Instrumentation & Measurements | 3 |
| ABEN 486 | Design Project I | 2 |
| ABEN 487 | Design Project II | 2 |
| CHEM 121 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 122 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
| ENGR 327 | Ethics, Engineering, and Technology | 3 |
| IME 440 | Engineering Economy | 2-3 |
| IME 460 | Evaluation of Engineering Data | 3 |
| MATH 128 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 1 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 259 | Multivariate Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 266 | Introduction to Differential Equations | 3 |
| ME 221 | Engineering Mechanics I | 3 |
| ME 222 | Engineering Mechanics II | 3 |
| ME 350 | Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | 3 |
| 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 - Biosystems | 44-50 | |
| Total Credits | 108-115 | |
Option A - Agriculture
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ABEN 358 | Electric Energy Application in Agriculture | 3 |
| ABEN 377 | Numerical Modeling in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering | 3 |
| ME 212 | Fundamentals of Visual Communication for Engineers | 3 |
| ME 223 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| ABEN Elective - Select 9 credits from the following: 2, 3 | 9 | |
| 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: 4 | 3 | |
| 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: 3 | 9 | |
| 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, 3 | 8 | |
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 Credits | 44 | |
Option B - Biosystems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ABEN 444 | Transport Processes | 3 |
| BIOL 150 | General Biology I | 3 |
| 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 240 | Survey of Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| ABEN Electives - Select 9 credits from the following: 2, 3 | 9 | |
| 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: 3 | 6 | |
| 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: 3 | 9 | |
| 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 Credits | 50 | |
- 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
| Code | Title | 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 444 | Transport Processes | 3 |
| ABEN 452 | Bioenvironmental Systems Design | 3 |
| ABEN 456 | Biobased Energy | 3 |
| ABEN 458 | Process Engineering for Food, Biofuels and Bioproducts | 3 |
| ABEN 464 | Resource Conservation and Irrigation Engineering | 4 |
| ABEN 484 | Drainage and Wetland Engineering | 3 |
| ANSC 357 | Animal Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 364 | General Ecology | 3 |
| BOT 380 | Plant Physiology | 3 |
| PLSC 320 | Principles of Forage Production | 3 |
| PLSC 335 | Seed Technology & Production | 2 |
| PLSC 350 | Sugarbeet Production | 2 |
| PLSC 411 | Genomics | 3 |
| PLSC 431 | Intermediate Genetics | 3 |
| RNG 452 | Managing Natural and Rangeland Resources using GIS | 3 |
| SOIL 322 | Soil Fertility and Fertilizers | 3 |
| SOIL 351 | Soil Ecology | 3 |
| SOIL 410 | Soils and Land Use | 3 |
| SOIL 444 | Soil Genesis and Survey | 3 |
| SOIL 465 | Soil And Plant Analysis | 3 |
| Option B | ||
| ABEN 444 | Transport Processes | 3 |
| CHEM 240 | Survey of Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| 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).