Controlled Environment Agriculture lettuce module

Biological Engineering Technology Curriculum Documents Degree Requirements Program Progress Form Sample Curriculum Undergraduate Handbook (2006-2007)

The Biological Engineering Technology major prepares individuals for careers in production agriculture and supporting industries. Students are educated to apply new engineering and biological technologies to agricultural systems.

An integrated approach is taken which combines engineering technology courses, computer programming, biological and agricultural sciences, and economics to solve the important technological problems facing both domestic and international agriculture.

Because of the flexibility of the technology curriculum, students can graduate with an excellent background in related fields, such as business management, ecology, controlled-environment agriculture, and animal and plant science. Students in this program have also fulfilled the Dairy Fellows Program in Animal Science, the International Agriculture program, or the viticultural and oenology (winemaking) specialization. There is an increasing regulatory effort related to controlled animal feeding operations in New York State. Graduates from the Biological Engineering Technology program are well positioned to serve as consultants, to perform on-site assessments of farming practices, to develop nutrient management plans as authorized by the state, and to make recommendations that will maintain or enhance farm profitability.

Aptitude for the sciences and an interest in electronics, computing, and production management are required for this concentration. Graduates of this concentration are employed in a variety of challenging occupations in the production of food, feed, fiber, and associated products. Areas of employment include: positions in international agricultural development, particularly in the developing nations; manufacturing, sales and service of agricultural structures and control systems such as ventilation for animal housing; supervision and maintenance in agricultural and related industries; teaching at the secondary level (after appropriate certification); and careers in irrigation management and soil and water conservation in either the public or private sector.