Conference Session

Biology in Engineering

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark McConkie, Utah State University; Timothy Taylor, Utah State University; David Britt, Utah State University

Tagged Divisions

Biological & Agricultural

programs will face as they attempt to redefine themselves and emerge from an existing discipline in which they are firmly, and perhaps necessarily, rooted. The question, however, must be raised as to whether the specialty courses exist within the biological engineering program, or should students simply be directed to a different department to gain focus and specialization? A similar question arises as to the research opportunities for capstone design projects. At USU we have been bringing required courses into the Department (such as Thermodynamics and Modeling) in order to provide the necessary “bio” focus.• Absence of specialization. Trying to work outside of the department’s core expertise

Conference Session

Innovations in Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Adel Shirmohammadi, University of Maryland-College Park; Arthur Johnson, University of Maryland-College Park

Tagged Divisions

Biological & Agricultural

diversity of cultures and approaches than otherwise would be the case, and human tolerance improves.In other cases, especially in Capstone Design, where the project outcome requires a long period(2 semesters) of group continuity, groups are not changed. By that time, however, students havegotten to know each other very well.Tiny (to audience): “An’ I did know. I keep tabs on dem stiffs, and I have each an’ every one of dem tell me in writin’ how dey all is actin’ together. If dey wanna rat on each udder, dat’s ok, too. Da main t’ing is dat I get t’know who woiks well wid d’udders, an who don’t. Den I adjust their course pay-off accordin’ly. An’ I don’ mind sharin’ this stuff wid Big heah.”Peer

Conference Session

Biology in Engineering

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kurt Rosentrater, USDA-ARS; Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan

Tagged Divisions

Biological & Agricultural

capstone experiences [69-70], specific components in courseworkdedicated to professionalism [71-72], topical seminars [73], as well as integration throughout theentire curriculum [74-76]. Ultimately, the inclusion of biorefinery concepts in undergraduateengineering education will be dependent upon individual faculty interest and implementation,and will be primarily influenced by the creativity of the instructor.ConclusionsThis paper has been intended to introduce engineering educators to the emerging field ofbiorefining. Essential definitions and concepts have been discussed, as have the relevance toengineering education and curriculum infusion techniques. Although it is not completelycomprehensive in nature, many references have been included, so