Biochemical EngineeringUniversity of Georgia
Criterion 5. Program Curriculum:
Preparation of the engineering major for a profession in Biochemical Engineering is the principal themes of this educational program. The Degree-Program Educational Objectives are consistent with this theme. The curriculum integrates technical excellence, innovative curiosity and humanistic consciousness in the following structural components:
- a cultural component that develops social intelligence, cultural awareness, and builds fluency across disciplines;
- a mathematics component that provides quantitative skills needed to measure, estimate, model and simulate;
- a natural science component that provides a science foundationnecessary to create engineering and design solutions in the context of biology;
- an engineering science component that provides skills and experiential learning needed to integrate scientific knowledge with engineering applications; and
- an engineering design component that provides knowledge of the systematic methodology for creating new devices, systems, and processes.
The following paragraphs illustrate how this is accomplished.
1. University of Georgia General Education Curriculum
All students entering the University of Georgia(as of Fall 2008) are required to meet a new University of GeorgiaGeneral Education curriculum. In 2003 a task force on General Education and Student Learning was formed by the Provost of the University of Georgia. The task force studied the previous core curriculum and determined if modifications were needed. In relation to general education, the Task Force report emphasized that University of Georgia graduates will need to be knowledgeable about global cultures to function with increased globalization; expand their understanding of diversity within their own culture; be better informed about science and technology; and critically assess information rather than memorize facts. The Task Force identified areas of inquiry that should form the foundation of a sound educational basis for new general education requirements at the University of Georgia. The areas include life and physical sciences, quantitative reasoning, world culture and languages, history, literature, fine arts, and social studies. These areas formed the basis of the General Education curriculumwhich is composed of the following categories:
- Foundation Courses – Courses required by the Board of Regents.
- Sciences – One course in life sciences and one in physical sciences
- One of these science courses must be a laboratory course per Board of Regents guidelines.
- Quantitative Reasoning
- World Languages, Culture, Humanities, and the Arts
- Social Sciences
Table 5-1 lists courses in the BSBChE curriculum used to satisfy the University General Education curriculum requirements. These courses provide opportunities for acquiring social intelligence and cultural awareness.
Table 5-1.
Courses in the BSBChE Degree Program to meet
the University General Education Curriculum Requirements
(for students who matriculated after Fall 2008)
General Knowledge Area / Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursI. Foundation Courses / ENGL1101
ENGL1102
MATH2250 / English Composition I
English Composition II
Calculus I for
Science and Engineering / 3
3
4
II. Sciences
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences / CHEM1211/L
BIOL1107 / Freshman Chemistry I
Principles of Biology I / 4
4
III. QuantitativeReasoning / MATH2260 / Calculus II for
Science and Engineering / 4
IV. World Language & Culture, Humanities & the Arts
World Language & Culture
Humanities & the Arts / No preferred
courses in this area
PHIL 1500 / Examples of courses in this area include: foreign language, history, religion
One course should include an extensive writing experience
Critical Thinking and Logic / 9
3
V. Social Sciences
Students who have not met the Georgia and U.S. Constitution requirements are recommended to enroll in:
Students who have not met the U.S. and Georgia History requirements are recommended to enroll in: / No preferred courses in this area
POLS1101
HIST2111 or
HIST2112 / Examples of courses in this area include: history, psychology, political science, sociology
American Government
American History to 1865
American History Since 1865 / 9
Students who entered the University of Georgiaprior to Fall 2008 are required to meet a University Core Curriculum. Table 5-2lists courses in the BSBChE curriculum used to satisfy the former University Core Curriculum requirements. These courses also provide opportunities for acquiring social intelligence and cultural awareness.
Table 5-2.
Courses in the BSBChE Degree Program to meet
the University Core Curriculum Requirements
(for students who matriculated before Fall 2008)
General Knowledge Area / Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursEssential Skills / ENGL 1101
ENGL 1102
MATH 2250 / English Composition I
English Composition II
Calculus I for Science and Engineering / 3
3
4
Humanities/Fine Arts / PHIL 1500 CMLT or PHIL or ENGL / Critical Thinking and Logic
A course in ethics and/or requires writing experiences / 3
3
Science, Mathematics and Technology / BIOL 1107
CHEM 1212
MATH 2260 / Principles of Biology I
Freshman Chemistry I
Calculus II for Science & Engineering / 4
4
4
Social Science / POLS 1101 / American Government
Three other courses from List / 3
9
2. Preparation in Mathematics
Throughout the curriculum, students must apply skills in mathematics. Thus, a formal sequence in math at the beginning of the curriculum represents a foundation from which to build advanced analytical skills.Table 5-3 outlines the sequence of required coursesin mathematics for the BSBChE Program. This sequence of courses comprises courses in calculus I, calculus II, multivariable calculus and differential equations. These courses are typically taken by first- and second-year students. However, admissions placement may require some first-year students just entering a college program to complete Pre-calculus (Math 1113) which would delay entry into the desired math sequence by one semester. Students must earn a grade of C or better in these math courses before advancing into upper division engineering courses. These courses do not represent the complete skills that students require on mathematics topics, particularly in the context of an engineering setting.
Table 5-3.
Sequence of Required Courses in Mathematics for the BSBChE Degree Program
Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursMATH 11131 / Precalculus / 3
MATH 22502 / Calculus I for Science Engineering / 4
MATH 22602 / Calculus II for Science Engineering / 4
MATH 2500 / Multivariable Calculus / 3
MATH 2700 / Elementary Differential Equations / 3
Notes:
1MATH1113 is not included in the BSChE curriculum. However, this course may be required due to placement after the completion of an entry test required by the University.
2MATH2250 and MATH2260 each include a 1 h laboratory component. Preferably, these components would be replaced with a 2-credit hour programming/simulation course
3. Preparation in the Natural Sciences
A solid foundation of science courses in the disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology is necessary for the completion of the BSBChE degree program. Table 5-4 lists the sequence of these natural science courses required for BSBChE degree majors. The physics courses are prerequisites for many of the 2nd year engineering science courses required in the BSBChE program. In addition to being considered foundational courses (see table 5-1 General Education Curriculum), chemistry and biology courses include knowledge expected to be mastered by engineering students before entry into the upper level Biochemical Engineering courses. As with the mathematics sequence, these natural science courses represent a foundation in the BSBChE curriculum, but do not represent all opportunities for student to be exposed to the topics. A grade of C or better must be earnedin PHYS 1211 and PHYS 2XXXbefore the student can advance to several engineering courses.
Table 5-4.
Sequence of Required Courses in Natural Sciences for the BSBChE Degree Program
Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursPHYS 1211 & L / Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering Students-Mechanics, Waves, Thermodynamics / 4
PHYS 2XXX1 / Biophysics / 3
CHEM 1211 & L / Freshman Chemistry I / 4
CHEM 1212 & L / Freshman Chemistry II / 4
CHEM 2211 & L / Organic Chemistry / 4
BIOL 1107 & L / Principles of Biology I / 4
BIOL 1108 & L / Principles of Biology II / 4
BCMB 3100 / Biochemistry / 4
MIBO 3500 / Microbiology / 3
Notes:
1PHYS 1212 & L (Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering Students-Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics, 4 h) will be accepted until this new course is developed and implemented.
4a. Preparation in Engineering Fundamentals
The BSBChE curriculum is structured around a set of courses that provide a foundation in the fundamentals of engineering sciences. The curriculum incorporates both classic "textbook and classroom" learning, as well as a series of laboratory experiential learning which demonstrate connectedness among topics in engineering subjects. Table 5-5 lists courses required to build this foundation of engineering knowledge. The laboratories are a vital component of the curriculum to meet the learning objectives and have the following characteristics:
Visualization Laboratory: This first-year course provides experiences in the art and science of visualization, observation and graphical arts as applied to processes, devices and systems. The course emphasizes the role and use of visualization and graphics for critical thinking creativity, problem-solving and communication.
Engineering Laboratory II: This second-year course integrates the principles of force systems and fluids at rest and in motion and the analogies between the two systems. The course emphasizes collection and analysis of data, and communication of results and their interpretation through written and oral means.
Engineering Laboratory III: This third-year course integrates the principles of transport phenomena, rate processes and thermodynamics.
Table 5-5.
Sequence of Required Courses in Fundamental Engineering Science for the BSBChE Degree Program
Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursBCHE11801 / Visualization Laboratory / 2
BCHE21802 / Engineering Laboratory II / 2
BCHE3180 / Engineering Laboratory III / 2
ENGR 1140 / Computational Methods for Engineers / 2
BCHE 21203 / Statics/Fluid Mechanics / 3
ENGR 3140 / Engineering Thermodynamics / 2
BCHE 3145 / EquilibriumThermodynamics / 2
ENGR3420 / Kinetics/Reactor Design / 3
ENGR 3150 / Heat Transfer / 3
ENGR 3520 / Mass Transfer and Rate Phenomena / 3
Notes:
1 ENGR1120 (Engineering Graphics and Design, 3 h) will be accepted until this new course is developed and implemented.
2 BCHE2180(Engineering Laboratory II, 2 h) currently has not been developed.
3 ENGR 3160 (Fluid Mechanics, 2 h) will be accepted until this new course is developed and implemented.
4b. Preparation in Engineering Topics and Areas of Practice
The overall goals of the BSBChE Degree Program are: 1) strong preparation in sciences, mathematics, engineering sciences, and humanities, and 2) emphasize integration of foundational knowledge, creative conceptualization of innovating solutions, engineering analysis and synthesis, prototyping (and simulation) and testing. Some application domains of interest include biomedicine, pharmaceutical, biorefinery and bio-environmental systems. Consistent with program objectives associated with experiential learning the curriculum includes one laboratory course which build on engineering fundamental and application area courses to demonstrate advanced topics in biochemical engineering. Table 5-6 lists upper level courses which provide the advanced knowledge related to these application domains.
Table 5-6.
Upper Level Courses Required in Areas of Practice for the BSBChE Degree Program
Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursENGR 4510 / Biochemical Engineering / 3
ENGR 4520 / Biochemical Separation Processes / 3
BCHE 42301 / Bioprocess Monitoring and Controls / 3
BCHE XXXX / Bioprocessing Quality Control / 3
BCHE XXXX / Biochemical Engineering Lab / 2
ENGR XXXX / BioChemical Engr. Elective I / 3
BCHE XXXX / BioChemical Engr. Elective II / 3
BCHE XXXX / BioChemical Engr. Elective III / 3
Notes:
1 ENGR4230 Sensors & Transducers (3 h) will be accepted until this new course is developed and implemented.
List of Elective Courses:
BCHE 4350Bioprocess Quality Control
BCHE 4460Biorefinery Engineering
BCHE 4645Catalysis and Protein Engineering
BCHE XXXXBiochemical Unit Operations
BCHE XXXXEngineering Life Cycle Analysis
BCHE XXXXTissue Engineering
BCHE XXXXIntroduction to Systems Modeling
BCHE XXXXBiomaterials and Design of Soft Materials
BCHE XXXXFacility Design and Bio-containment
5. Preparation in Engineering Design
A sequence of four design courses are project-based, and progressively the degree of analysis will increase for justifying the feasibility and performance of the proposed design. The first sophomore-level course emphasizes design methodology and tools, including creative problem solving, obtaining customer input, house of quality and process mapping. A subsequent junior-level course emphasizes initial prototyping and testing, as well as design oral presentations. The senior-level capstone design sequence of two courses has a focus on applying concepts in biochemical engineering in design, and thoroughness of analysis using engineering science fundamentals. Table 5-7 lists the formal design sequence.
Table 5-7.
Design Courses Required for the BSBChE Degree Program
Prefix and Number / Course Name / Credit HoursBCHE 2910 / Introduction to Biochemical Engineering Design / 2
BCHE XXXX / Biochemical Engineering Design 2 / 2
BCHE XXXX / Biochem Eng Capstone Design 1 / 2
BCHE XXXX / Biochem Eng Capstone Design 2 / 2
6. Other
Table 5-9 summarizes the course categories in the BSBChE program.
Table 5-9.
Summary of Course Requirements for the BSBChE Degree Program
Category / HoursGeneral Education / 43
Mathematics1 / 14
Science2 / 34
Engineering Fundamentals / 24
Engineering Topics / 23
Engineering Design / 8
Total Number of Hours / 130
Notes:
1General Education includes 8 h of mathematics (MATH 2250, MATH 2260).
2General Education includes 8 h of science (CHEM 1211 & L, BIOL 1107 & L)
Written Communication
The Board of Regents Policy concerning written communication is:
“Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs leading to the baccalaureate degree shall pass Regents' Reading Skills and Regents' Writing Skills courses as a requirement for graduation. Students who have earned 45 credit hours and have not passed or exempted the courses must take the Regents' Skills courses during each subsequent semester of enrollment.”
During the University’s Orientation sessions for 1st year students, a written test is administered for evaluation of credit and placement in the Communication Sector. Developmental studies, English Composition I (ENGL 1101) or English Composition II (ENGL 1102) are placement possibilities. The BSBChE curriculum requires credit for ENGL 1101 and 1102, and BSBChE majors must have at least a C average as a minimum requirement in this course sequence. It is possible for BSBChE majors to exempt ENGL 1101 with credit.
Technical written communication skills are further developed in the sequence of Engineering Laboratory courses (Table 5-5). In these courses, students work in small groups (3-5 persons) but must individually complete a written technical report of their laboratory findings.