Biological systems engineers try to solve real world problems such as developing renewable biofuels and bioenergy, developing sustainable biomaterials and bioproducts, finding a solution to food insecurity, developing sustainable agricultural practices, working towards environmental sustainability, and more. Biological systems engineers are trying to solve some of the most important and difficult challenges humanity faces in order to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Biological Systems Engineering from UC Davis are prepared to:
>Apply life sciences in engineering at the biochemical, cellular, organism, and ecosystem levels
>Solve biological systems engineering problems while employed in the private or public sector
>Consider the environmental and social consequences of their engineering activities
>Communicate effectively with professional colleagues and public constituencies
>Act in an ethical manner
>Continue their education in a changing professional world
A key aspect of the major is to help students develop an understanding of how the next generation of technologies (including cyber‐physical and knowledge‐based) interact with animals, plants, and their environments, and technologies for the production and management of bio‐based products and sustainable food, feed, fiber, and energy.
The integrated BS and MS degree program for Biological Systems Engineers allows students to save time transitioning seamlessly to the master's degree program upon completion of their bachelor's degree. After the completion of a bachelor's degree the time to completion of a master's degree, under Plan I (Thesis) is 18 months and under Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) is 12 months. This compares to the regular master's degree program expected timeline of 24 months for Plan I and 18 months for Plan II. The program is competitive and rigorous standards are set to ensure students' eventual success.