BS BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE)
The BRAE program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Agricultural and Similarly Named Programs program criteria. Emphasis areas include mechanical design, structures, electronic and control systems, irrigation, agricultural safety, renewable energy and waste treatment, and resource information systems.
The bioresource/agriculture engineer represents a general type of engineer, adept at utilizing electrical and mechanical energy sources, water resources, and designing structural units. The curriculum features a unique combination of engineering and applied science coursework, with a focus on preparing graduates for practice in professional engineering.
The mission of the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering program is to provide a "Learn by Doing" undergraduate educational experience that will prepare students for engineering practice in support of agriculture and related industries throughout the West.
Outcomes
The Cal Poly BRAE department offers hands-on experience in a wide range of engineering skills areas. The main program objectives include the creation of graduates who meet the following criteria:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, an societal contexts;
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret date, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Program Learning Objectives
The learning objectives of the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering program are to produce graduates who, in 3-5 years after graduation, are successful as one of the following:
- Engineers in positions of professional responsibility and leadership in a modern multi-disciplinary, system-oriented environment that emphasizes problem solving
- Actively pursuing professional development such as a degree in an advanced degree program, professional license, or technical certification
- Applying unique engineering problem-solving skills and principles within a career outside traditional engineering environments, such as management, teaching, research, or other professional fields
