The mission of the Biological Engineering program reflects the mission of the
land grant system, specifically to provide teaching, research and public service
in the discipline of biological systems engineering. The goal of the Bachelor of
Science program is to provide high quality undergraduate engineering instruction
related to biological systems. The curriculum objectives are to:
- Provide students with a solid foundation in biological engineering through
the understanding and application of mathematics, science, and engineering
principles.
- Prepare students for a broad range of career opportunities through the use
of problem solving and critical thinking methods.
- Help students develop the ability to function effectively in the workplace
through teamwork and effective communication of technical/professional
information.
- Help students become aware of their moral, ethical, legal, and
professional obligations to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of
the public.
- Help students develop an appreciation for the necessity for lifelong
learning.
Biological engineers primarily design processing systems that render
biological raw materials into value-added products. Many biological engineers
work on problems of scale-up related to biological processing and therefore
need to be conscious of system costs, efficiencies, and environmental impacts.
This curriculum provides a unique background so that students may solve
engineering problems and produce engineering designs in fields associated with
biomedical, bioprocessing, biotechnology as well as other biologically related
fields. The program follows the “process engineering” approach. During the
first five terms the Biological Engineering (BLE) and Chemical Engineering (CHE)
programs are essentially the same except that BIO 100 is required for BLE. The
required courses cover both the scientific foundations of the subject and the
relevant engineering sciences such as thermodynamics, kinetics, fluid
mechanics and unit operations. The CHE and BLE programs diverge for the last
three terms during which the courses are more discipline specific. A major
advantage of this arrangement is that students who are interested in the
process engineering approach can transfer freely between BLE and CHE until the
second term of the junior year. Additional information about the program is
available on the Web at http://www.engineering.umaine.edu/
Program Description
The basic curriculum, combined with electives in engineering, the humanities
and social sciences, and in the life sciences, and culminating with a
two-semester engineering design experience, provides a broad base of knowledge
for engineering practice in today’s society. Students may, in consultation
with their academic advisor, focus their technical elective courses in
bioprocessing, biomechanics or biomaterials. Degrees are awarded upon
satisfactory completion of 130 credits at an accumulative grade point average
of not less than 2.0 in Chemical and Biological Engineering courses, including
technical electives credits. The program in Biological Engineering is fully
accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Biological engineering students
are eligible to enroll in the minor of Biomedical Engineering administered by
the College of Engineering at the University of Maine.
The undergraduate program prepares students for graduate work as well as
immediate employment. The degree of Master of Science (Biological Engineering)
is offered with or without a thesis in several option areas. Several
assistantships are available. Incumbents devote half time to research on
approved projects of the primary research emphasis areas at the University of
Maine with relevance to Maine and the world. The program is described in the
University of Maine Graduate School Catalog and on the Web at:
http://www.umaine.edu/graduate/
Co-operative “Work Experience” Program Option
Students who are engaged in engineering related summer jobs under the
direction of the program’s cooperative (co-op) coordinator can earn three
credits toward their technical elective credits through the cooperative
education program, following an approved work experience sequence in the field
of study.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities for biological engineers are as diverse as the
biologically-based industries themselves. Graduates in Biological Engineering
find employment as design or sales engineers in industries such as biomedical,
bioprocessing, food, pharmaceutical; in federal government entities such as
EPA, NIH, USDA, or similar state agencies; in biological waste utilization
industries; in government, industry, or state experimental facilities as
research engineers; or in colleges and universities as teachers or
instructors. Expanding engineering opportunities are available in the evolving
fields of biomedical and biotechnology and the engineering of their related
systems. Some graduates work as consulting engineers and a number of
opportunities for overseas employment are available. With the expanding world
population and a rising demand for higher standards of living, Biological
Engineers will continue to be in great demand.
Scholarships
The program offers scholarships for outstanding students majoring in
biological engineering. In addition, students can apply for college
scholarships through the College of Engineering.