Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering—Bioproducts Engineering Four-Year Plan

Revised 04/2024

Bold: only offered in indicated semester
Italic: course prerequisites and corequisites (designated by &)
UD: must be admitted to the major prior to enrollment
◊: Courses required for admission to this major

Note: This is a sample plan that shows the department's recommended course plan for completing this degree in four years. Alternative course options can be seen on the APAS or Catalog page.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 1371 Calculus I (placement or prereq) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1301W Intro Physics I (&Math 1371) [4cr]
  • ◊ Chem 1071 CSE Chem Principles I [3cr]
  • ◊ Chem 1065 Chem Principles I Lab (&1071) [1cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]
  • BBE 1001 BBE Orientation [1cr ]
  • CSE 1001 First Year Experience [1cr]

Spring Semester

  • ◊ Math 1372 Calculus II (1371) [4cr]
  • ◊ Phys 1302W Intro Physics II (1301W, &Math 1372) [4cr]
  • ◊ Chem 1072 CSE Chem Principles II (1071, &1066) [3cr]
  • ◊ Chem 1066 Chem Principles II Lab (&1072) [1cr]
  • Liberal Education course or Writ 1301 [3 or 4cr]

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

  • ◊ Math 2373 Linear Algebra & Differential Equations (1372) [4cr]
  • Chem 2301 Organic Chem I (1072/66) [3cr]
  • ◊ Biol 1009 General Biology [4cr]
  • ◊ BBE 2001 Mechanics & Structural Design (Math 1372, Phys 1301W) [4cr]
  • BBE 2003 Computer Applications in BBE (Math 1372, &Math 2373 or &Math 2374) [3cr]

Spring Semester

  • ◊ Math 2374 Multivariable Calculus (1372) [4cr]
  • Chem 4501 Intro to Thermodynamics (1072/66, Phys 1302W, &Math 2374) [3cr]
  • BBE 3043 Biological & Environmental Thermo (Biol 1009, Chem 1071/65, Phys 1302W, Math 1372) [3cr]
  • BBE 3033 Material & Energy Balances in Bio Systems (Math 1372, Phys 1302W, Chem 1067/66) [3cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Junior Year

Fall Semester

  • BBE 3013 Engineering Princ of Molecular & Cell Processes (Biol 1009, Math 1372, Chem 2301 or BioC 2011) [3cr]
  • BBE 4001 Chem of Biomass (Chem 2301) [4cr]
  • BBE 3012 Transport in Bio Processes I (2001, 3033, Math 2373, Math 2374, Phys 1302W) [4cr]
  • BBE 3002 Intro to Engineering Design (2003, Chem 1071, Math 2373) [3cr]

Spring Semester

  • BBE 4013 Transport in Bio Processes II (UD, 3043, 3012) [3cr]
  • BBE 4713 Biological Process Engineering (UD, 3033, &4013) [3cr]
  • BBE 4303 Intro to Bio-Based Materials Sci (UD, 2001) [3cr]
  • BBE 4403 BP Engineering Lab I (UD, 4001, Chem 2301) [2cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Senior Year

Fall Semester

  • BBE 4401 BP Separation & Purification Processes (UD, 3012, 3033, 3043, 4013) [3cr]
  • BBE 4402 BP Engineering Lab II (UD, 2003, 4013) [2cr]
  • BBE 4023W Process Control & Instrumentation (UD) [3cr]
  • BBE 4301 Applied Surface & Colloid Science (3043 or Chem 4501) [3cr]
  • Emphasis Elective [3 or 4cr]

Spring Semester

  • BBE 4502W Capstone Design (UD, 3002, &4013) [4cr]
  • Emphasis Elective [3 or 4cr]
  • Technical Elective [3 or 4cr]
  • Technical Elective [3 or 4cr]
  • Liberal Education course [3 or 4cr]

Total Credits Needed for Degree: 125

Additional Information

The APAS is the official method for tracking completion of your specific degree requirements. This plan is not a contract and curriculum can change.

Applying to a major: z.umn.edu/csemajorapp

Courses required for admission to this major: Phys 1301W, Phys 1302W, Chem 1071/65, Chem 1072/66, Math 1371, Math 1372, Math 2373 or 2374, Biol 1009, BBE 2001

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Department Contact Information

Website: bbe.umn.edu | Main Phone: 612-625-5200
Main Office: 203 Kaufert Lab & 213 BioAgEng Building (St. Paul)
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Professor Bo Hu, bhu@umn.edu
Major Catalog Page: https://umtc.catalog.prod.coursedog.com/programs/216629107 

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What can I do with a major in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering?

University Degree Requirements

All students must complete the following requirements. Requirements with an (*) will be fulfilled by taking courses at UM-TC required for this major.

Writing Requirements

University Writing:

  • Writ 1301/1401 or equivalent

Writing Intensive (WI):

  • One: Any level*
  • One: Any level*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (in major)*
  • One: 3/4/5xxx level (any dept.)*

Liberal Education

Cores:

  • Biological Sciences w/Lab*
  • Physical Sciences w/Lab*
  • Historical Perspectives
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts/Humanities
  • Literature
  • Mathematical Thinking*

Themes (choose 4 of 5):

  • Race, Power, and Justice in the US (required)
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • The Environment*
  • Global Perspectives
  • Technology and Society