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 online 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.
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