Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
(College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences)

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering prepares engineers, scientists, and leaders for future careers in renewable resources and sustainable technologies. Our researchers are at the leading edge of discovering new products to meet society's needs while protecting the environment. We are jointly affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Tradition of excellence

For more than a century, the University of Minnesota has been at the forefront of education and research in agriculture, natural resources, and the environment. In the past, our department was tied to efforts such as rural electricification, which revolutionized the agriculture industry, and burning biomass for power, which helped the forest products industry to save energy and money.

World-class academic programs

With world-class facilities and demonstrated excellence in teaching and innovation, our department has become a leader in the burgeoning bio-economy. We prepare students to design and develop products, processes, and systems to meet growing demand for materials and energy while addressing environmental challenges. Both undergraduate and graduate degree programs provide a strong foundation in science and engineering with specializations in bioproducts engineering, environmental and ecological engineering, and bioprocessing, and food engineering. A rigorous curriculum features hands-on and experiential learning, including opportunities to conduct research with award-winning faculty.

Cutting-edge research

Our research is at the forefront of the bio-based revolution, which is fundamentally changing how the world produces and consumes food, feed, fiber, materials, chemicals, fuel, and energy. Our four focus research areas are:

• Bioprocessing, bioproducts and renewable energy
• Environment and ecology
• Advanced building systems and energy efficiency
• Food: production, processing, safety and security

Business and industry connections

Our department has a long tradition of close partnership with industry, including manufacturers, processors, and appliers of end-use bioproducts, raw material suppliers, and engineering groups. Our Advisory Council, with representatives from organizations, government agencies, and industry, helps us maintain high-quality, high- impact education and research.

National rankings

• Many faculty have been recognized internationally by prestigious national and international academies. We were one of the first departments in the country to embrace a broader bioproducts and biosystems education and research mission and to be accredited under the Biological Engineering criteria of ABET, the educational accrediting body.