MAPPING OF THE ABE PROGRAMME OF STUDIES IN EUROPE

Supplement to Outcome P8

MAPPING OF THE ABE PROGRAMME

OF STUDIES IN EUROPE

developed by Working Group 1

Education and Research in Biosystems Engineering in Europe; a Thematic Network

Agreement No.: 2007-2564/001-001; Project No: 134306-LLP-1-2007-1-GR-ERASMUS-ENW

2

UNIVERSITIES IN EUROPE OFFERING

PROGRAMS OF STUDIES IN ABE OR

RELATED DISCIPLINES

Pedro Aguado Universidad de León, E.S.T. de Ingeniería Agraria. Av. Portugal, 41. 24071,

León, Spain

Leon 2010



3

University Department

Program of Studies

Scope of Program of

Studies

Undergraduate

Curriculum

Graduate

Studies

University College Dublin

(Ireland)

Language: English

http://www.ucd.ie/

School of Agriculture, Food

Science and Veterinary

Medicine (Master)

Engineering and Materials

Science Centre (Bachelor)

Biosystems Engineering Biosystems

Engineering

Research

Programme in

Biosystems

Engineering

Universidad de León

(Leon-Spain)

Language: Spanish and

English

http://www.unileon.es/ficheros/

acceso/master/triptico_master_i

nv_biosistemas.pdf

Ingenieria y Ciencias

Agrarias

Investigación en

Ingeniería de Biosistemas

(Research in Biosystems

Engineering)

-------- Master

Universitario de

Investigación en

Ingeniería de

Biosistemas

(Research

University Master

in Biosystems

Engineering)

http://www.ucd.ie/

http://www.unileon.es/ficheros/acceso/master/triptico_master_inv_biosistemas.pdf





4

Universidad Politécnica de

Cataluña (Politechnic

University of Cataluña)

(Spain)

Language: Spanish

http://www.upc.edu/aprender/e

studios/ambitos/biosistemas?se

t_language=es

Escuela Superior de

Agricultura de Barcelona

(High Agricultural School of

Barcelona)

Biosystems Engineering Four bachelor

degrees in the field

of Biosystem

Engineering

Six Masters in the

field of

Biosystems

Engineering

Universidade de Évora

(Evora- Portugal)

Language: Portuguese

http://www.der.uevora.pt/notici

as_e_informacoes/informacoes/

geral/mestrado_em_engenharia

_biossistemas

Departamento de

Engenharia Rural

Engenharia de

Biossistemas (Biosystems

Engineering)

---------- Maestrado em

Engenharia de

Biossistemas

University of Maribor

(Slovenia)

Language: Slovenian

http://fk.uni-

mb.si/index.php?id=29

Faculty of Agriculture and

Life Sciences

Biosystems Engineering -

Professional Bachelor

Study

Biosystems

Engineering

Stonian University of Life

Sciences (Estonia)

Language: Estonian

http://www.emu.ee/


Engineering

Technical University of Cluj- Facultatea de Mecanică Biosystems Engineering Master's Degree on

http://www.der.uevora.pt/noticias_e_informacoes/informacoes/geral/mestrado_em_engenharia_biossistemas




http://www.emu.ee/



5

Napoca (Romania)

Language: Romanian

http://utcluj.ro/educatie/master.

php

(Faculty of Mechanics) for Agriculture and Food

Industry

Biosystem

Engineering for

Agriculture and

Food Industry

Aarhus University

(Denmark)

Language: Danish

http://mit.au.dk/coursecatalogu

e/index.cfm?elemid=38940&to

pid=38940&sem=E2010&udd

=&art=&hom=

Biosystems Engineering Master´s Degree in

Biosystems

Engineering

Katholieke Universiteit

Leuven (Catholic University

od Leuven) (Belgium-

Flanders)

Language: Nederlands

http://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuve

n.be/opleidingen/n/SC_510167

79.htm

Facultaire informatie-

Faculteit Bio-

ingenieurswetenschappen

(Faculty of Bioscience

Engineering)

Biosystems Engineering Master´s Degree in

Biosystems

Engineering

Uludag University

Language: Turkish

www.uludag.edu.tr

Faculty of Agriculture


Engineering

http://utcluj.ro/educatie/master.php

http://utcluj.ro/educatie/master.php

http://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/n/SC_51016779.htm



http://www.uludag.edu.tr/



6

A. SCOPE OF THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

A.1. Biosystems Engineering – University College Dublin (Ireland)

This degree integrates engineering design with biological, environmental and

chemical sciences to solve engineering problems in biological systems.

Graduate students are able to work on global and local issues of clean air and water,

safe foods, sustainable bioresource utilisation, safe and healthy environments, reduced

waste, sustainable energy and green technology. The length of the programme is 240

crédits (four years), but University College Dublin offers the following two

possibilities to the students: 4 Years (BE) or 3 Years (BSc) + 2 Years (ME)

A.2. Biosystems Engineering – Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña

(Politechnic University of Cataluña) (Spain)

The field of biosystems in the Politechnic University of Cataluña includes the

agricultural sector, food production and other demands related to emerging fields such

as plant fibers and biofuels, improving of irrigation systems and water management,

or application of genetics to improve the quality and productivity of existing species.

Graduated students are qualified to design and implement equipment and technologies

related to these challenges. UPC Studies taught in this field of biosystems engineering

will provide to the students the necessary scientific and technological training to

design, plan and manage projects in this emerging field of study

A.3. Biosystems Engineering – University of Maribor (Slovenia)

The study programme Biosystems Engineering is a first level study programme and it

takes three years. The Biosystems Engineering programme provides an

interdisciplinary education and comprises important branches of mechanical

engineering, biology, agriculture, genetics, mathematic, electronics and process

automation. Students can continue their study at the post-graduate level programmes.

Upon completion of the Biosystems Engineering study programme, a graduate will be

practical specialist qualified for leadership of market orientated family farms or

estates. Areas of work include: trade organisations and cooperatives, technological

and development branches of agricultural mechanisation, advice services and

agricultural educational schools. The objective of the study programme is to educate

experts capable of independent, practical and theoretical work in the field of:

environmental, production, storage, processing and recycling of biological materials.



7

A.4. Biosystems Engineering – Stonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia)

Current agricultural study programmes in Estonia can be characterised as aimed on

teaching how to grow raw produce. However, there is need to train specialists who

would be knowledgeable not only in technologies of growing production plants but

also in post harvest technologies and product development and marketing.

The program is a professional higher education type with a duration of 4 years which

equals to 240 ECTS.

A.5. Biosystems Engineering – Uludag University (Turkey)

This degree provides education in Biosystems Engineering and it is specially oriented

to solve engineering problems. To acces studies students have to pass an entrance

exam.



8

B. UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULA

B.1. Biosystems Engineering – University College Dublin (Ireland)

The four-year Biosystems Engineering programme progresses from the biological and

engineering sciences of Biosystems, Thermodynamics and Computer Science in

earlier stages to Food and Bioprocess Engineering, Mechanisation and Renewable

Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering later in the programme. In the later

stages, students may diversify their areas of interest. A significant component of

Stages 2, 3 and 4 is the requirement to carry out project work that is typically

experimental, design or computer based. The programme is detailed below:

Stage 1 (50 Programme Credits, 10 Elective Credits)

Title Credits

Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge 5

Chemistry for Engineers 5

Electronic and Electrical Engineering I 5

Mathematics for Engineers I 5

Mathematics for Engineers II 5

Mathematics for Engineers III 5

Mechanics for Engineers 5

Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 5

Physics for Engineers I 5

Physics for Engineers II 5

Stage 2 (50 Programme Credits, 10 Elective Credits)

Title Credits

Food Physics 5

Biosystems Engineering Research Trends 5

Mathematics for Engineers : Calculus of Several Variables 5

Mechanics of Fluids I 5

Mechanics of Solids I 5

Mathematics for Engineers V 5

Options

Principles of Animal Science 5

Computer and Manufacturing Technology 5

Principles of Crop Science 5

Electrical and Electronic Circuits 5

Chemistry of Macronutrients 5

Agricultural Microbiology 5

Applied Dynamics I 5



9

Stage 3. (55 Programme Credits, 5 Elective Credits)

Title Credits

Numerical Methods for Engineers 5

Bioprocess Engineering Principles 10

Biosystems Engineering Design Project 5

Professional Engineering (Finance) 5

Engineering Thermodynamics II 5

Options

Waste Management 5

Biofuels & Bioenergy Resources 5

Power and Machinery Systems I 5

Soil Engineering 5

Unit Operations in Bioprocess Engineering 5

Design of Structures 5

Stage 4, (55 Programme Credits, 5 Elective Credits)

Title Credits

Biosystems Engineering Major Project 15

Professional Engineering (Management) 5

Food Refrigeration Systems 5

Food Quality and Safety Assurance 5

Precision Agriculture 5

Environmental Engineering 5

Buildings for Animal Production 5

Air Pollution 5

Power and Machinery Systems II 5

Food Process Engineering 5

B.2. Biosystems Engineering – Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña


The field of biosystems engineering in the Politechnic University of Cataluña

comprises the following four bachelor degrees:

- Agricultural Engineering

- Environmental and Landscape Engineering

- Alimentary Engineering

- Bilogical Systems Engineering

The length of these degrees is four years (240 ECTS)



10

B.3. Biosystems Engineering – University of Maribor (Slovenia)

The legth of the program is 180 ECTS (3 years, six semesters)

Table 1: Types of study units in semester 1

No. Subject Subject Type Lecturer L S W Individ.

Student work ECTS

1 Mathematic Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes Nemec 70 - 45 (70+45)+110 9

2 Chemistry Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes Slekovec 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

3 Engineering Documentation,

Graphics and Design

Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes Lakota 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

4 Systems Biology Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes

Urbanek

Krajnc 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

5 Molecular Biology Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes Šiško 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

∑ 235 - 135 750 30



Student work ECTS

6 Physics Compulsory fundamental

subject Bradač 30 - 15 (30+15)+45 4

7 Soil science Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes Muršec M. 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

8 Biomechanics Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 60 - 45 (60+45)+100 8

9 Machine Elements Compulsory fundamental

subject Muršec B. 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

10 English for specific purposes,

German Language

Fundamental subject included

in all study programmes

Lešnik M., Volk

G. 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

∑ 225 - 150 750 30



Student work ECTS

11 Power Machines Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 30 - 15 (30+15)+45 4

12 Basics of Engineering Materials Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 30 - 10 (30+10)+40 3

13 Basics of Informatics Compulsory fundamental

subject Nemec 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

14 Botany Compulsory fundamental

subject Krajnčič 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

15 Crop Protection Compulsory fundamental

subject Lešnik M. 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

Elective courses from other programs (student chooses one subject in extent of 6 ECTS)

16 Viticulture Technologies Specialized elective

block Vršič 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

17 Fruit Production Specialized elective

block Vogrin 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

18 Farm animal breeding Specialized elective

block Janžekovič M. 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

19 General Horticulture Specialized elective

block

Bavec,

Martina, Sušek 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

∑ - 30



11



Student work ECTS

20 Green housing Compulsory fundamental

subject Stajnko 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

21 Introduction to Crop

Husbandry

Compulsory fundamental

subject Kramberger 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

22 Indoor Mechanisation Compulsory fundamental

subject

Stajnko,

Janžekovič, M. 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

Elective courses from other programs (student chooses three subjects in extent of 12 ECTS)

23 Granulated Feed Specialized elective block Bavec, F. 35 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

24 Poultry Production Specialized elective block Strelec 35 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

25 Cattle Production Specialized elective block Janžekovič M. 35 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

26 Pig Production Specialized elective block Škorjanc 35 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

27 Equipment for the production

of wine and juice Specialized elective block Rajher 35 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

∑ - 30



Student work ECTS

28 Basics of Electronic Systems

in Agriculture


subject Lakota 30 - 15 (30+15)+45 4

29 Ecology and Environmental Engineering

Compulsory fundamental subject

Borec 30 - 15 (30+15)+45 4

30 Water Resources Engineering Compulsory fundamental

subject Stajnko 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

31 Precision Agriculture Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

32 Economics Compulsory fundamental

subject Turk 45 - 30 (45+30)+75 6

33 Livestock Machinery Compulsory fundamental

subject Muršec

B. 30 - 15 (30+15)+45 4

∑ 225 - 135 750 30



Student work ECTS

34 Crop Machinery Compulsory fundamental

subject Stajnko 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

35 Plantation Machinery Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

36 Microbiology Compulsory fundamental

subject Cenčič 30 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

37 Maintenance of

Machinery


subject

Muršec

B. 40 - 20 (40+20)+60 5

38 Technical Measurements Compulsory fundamental

subject Lakota 30 - 15 (35+15)+45 4

39 Practical Course - - - 80 4

40 Preparation of Graduation

thesis

Lakota, Stajnko,

Muršec B. - - 40 3

∑ - 30



12

B.4. Biosystems Engineering – Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia)

The program is a professional higher education type with a duration of 4 years which

equals to 240 ECTS. The program is structured as follows:

Module Subject ECTS Character

Base

module

Fundamentals of economics 4 Compulsory

Ecology and environmental protection 4

Informatics 4

Risk analysis and safety in working environment 3

English for specific purposes or German for

specific purposes 4

General course in philosophy 3

Fundamentals of law 3

Russian for specific purposes 3

Narrow

field

module

Main course in calculus 4 Compulsory

Engineering graphics and CAD 6

Material science 5

Fundamentals of physics 6

Applied chemistry 2

Mathematical statistics for students of engineering 4

Engineering mechanics 6

Calculus for engineering specialities 7

Main course in heat engineering 5

Electrotechnics 5

Fundamentals of electronics 3

Automatics 3

Module 1 Base module 28 ECTS

Module 2 Narrow field module 59 ECTS

Module 3 Specialty module 58 ECTS

Module 4 Optional specialty subjects 27 ECTS

Module 5 Practical training 45 ECTS

Module 6 Electives 8 ECTS

Graduation work Compulsory 15 ECTS



13

Programming 3

Speciality

module

Agricultural plants 3 Compulsory

Fundamentals of agriculture II 2

Biotechnical system 4

Soil science and economics of land use 6

Soil management 3

Enterprise management (general course) 3

Post harvest technologies and equipment 4

Pneumatic and hydraulic systems 5

Traction machinery 6

Agricultural machinery 6

Live stock farms machinery 5

Ergonomics 5

Informatics and biometry 3

Agrologistics 3

Optional

speciality

subjects

Basics of technical infrastructure 7 Optional

Waste management 3

Husbandry of bioenergy crops 4

Design of agricultural buildings 3

Main course in standardisation 3

Fundamentals of accounting 3

Use of electric equipment 5

Electrical safety 2

Fossil fuels and biofuels 4

Grassland technologies and forage production 3

Integrated product development 3

Quality and standards of horticultural and field

products 4

Design and management of projects 3

Land and water regulations 2

Food safety 4

Farm animal nutrition and nutrients circulations 3

Agricultural materials 3

Fundamentals of machinery maintenance 3

Practical

training

Practical training in technology of materials 3 Compulsory

Practical training in tractors and agricultural

machinery 3

Speciality practice 9

Production practice 20

Pre-diploma Practical Training 10

Elective subjects 8 Elective

Graduation work 15 Compulsory



14

B.5. Biosystems Engineering – Uludag University (Turkey)

The duration of the studies is 4 academic years (eight semesters)

1st Semester

Title Credits

Mathematics 4

Elementary Physics 4

General Chemistry 3

General Biology 3

Meteorology 2

Turkish Language 2

Atatürk’s Principles and History of Revolution 2

Foreign Language 2

Elective English 2

2nd

Semester

Title Credits

Mathematics -II 4

Elementary Physics-II 4

Technical Drawing 2

Economics 2

Computer Programming 2

Statics 2

Foreign Language 2

Elective English 2

3rd

Semester

Title Credits

Strength of Materials 3

Properties of Biological Materials 2

Fluid Mechanics 2

Thermodynamics in Biosystem Engineering 3

Differential Equations 4

Soil Science 2

4th

Semester

Title Credits

Measurement Science 2

Computer Aided Design 2

Dynamics 2

Engineering Mathematics 4

Plant Physiology 2

Statistics 3



15

5th

Semester

Title Credits

Hydrology 2

Basic Principles of Irrigation Engineering 2

Principles of Agricultural Machinery-I 2

Soil Physics 3

Technical Elective Courses 10

6th

Semester

Title Credits

Soil Mechanics 2

Design of the Components of Agricultural Structures 2

Principles of Agricultural Machinery-II 3

Fundamentals of Electrics and Electronics 2


7th

Semester

Title Credits

Design of Pressurized Irrigation Systems 2

Irrigation Machinery 2


8th

Semester

Title Credits

Geographic Information Systems in Biosystems Engineering 2

Agricultural Mechanization (Indoor areas) 2

Graduation Study 1




16

C. SCOPE OF THE GRADUATE STUDIES

C.1. Biosystems Engineering – University College Dublin (Ireland)

The research programme in Biosystems Engineering at University College Dublin has

over 100 researchers (10 academic staff, 2 technicians, 28 postdoctoral researchers and 62

postgraduates). This research programme covers three focal areas: Food and Process

Engineering; Bioresource Systems; and Bioenvironmental Engineering.

The offered programs in Biosystems Engineering are the following:

Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies (MSc)

Bioresource Technology (MSc(Agr))

Food Engineering (MEngSc)

The MSc in Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies focuses on Advanced

Education and Training in: development and optimization of renewable energy

resource exploitation; efficiency in energy generation and utilisation pathways

(including energy conservation); mitigation of environmental impacts, and;

preparation for business innovation and job creations opportunities in Renewable

Energy Systems technology development. The programme is underpinned by the best

European practice by incorporating compatible EU policy drivers such as the

Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) for energy research, current R&D in

Green Technologies (through ongoing and research initiatives under the Charles

Parsons Energy Research programme), and the collaboration with internationally

acknowledged experts in the subject domains from universities, research institutions

and industry. This enables it to maintain relevance of its academic and research

training, and therefore enhance employability of its graduates.

The MSc(Agr) in Bioresource Technology is a multi-disciplinary Masters programme

providing an intensive treatment of the engineering technologies associated with

bioprocess and food technology, environmental protection, and Bioresource

mechanisation. Students acquire skills in the areas of Bioprocess Technology, Risk

assessment, Engineering Design for Food Quality, Advanced Environmental

Engineering, Waste Management, Advanced Biofuels and Renewable Energies as

well as computer skills and presentation skills.

The MEngSc in Food Engineering is of particular interest to graduates in Engineering,

Science and related disciplines who are interested in food and bioprocess engineering,

risk assessment, process development, process control, advanced manufacturing

systems and associated environmental issues. Students develop new technical

competencies in food and bioprocess engineering, learn how to develop and execute a

research plan and acquire skills in the application of leading edge technologies to the

agri-food and biotechnology industries, including novel food processing technology,

food process automation, computer vision for food quality and food safety.



17

C.2. Investigación en Ingeniería de Biosistemas – Universidad de Leon (Spain)

The Research Master in Biosystems Engineering is intended for specialized training

of researchers in the field of Biosystems Engineering, i.e. the application of scientific

and technological principles of engineering to the applied biology, environmental

sciences and agricultural sciences.

The students can choose between two specializations, the first is “Engineering

Applied to the Infrastructures and the Land Management” and the second is

“Engineering Applied to the Sustainable Production”

This Master is a part of the training period of a PhD Program in Biosystems

Engineering coordinated by the Department of Agrarian Engineering and Sciences.

The program of studies is divided in four modules and a master thesis (see figure 1).

The first module is composed of four compulsory subjects of three credits each one.

The second and third modules correspond to the two specializations of the master and

are compose of elective subjects, so that the students have to choose eight subjects of

three credits from the total offer of subjects of each specialization. In the module four

the student can choose three subjects of the offer of subjects belonging to

specialization that was not chosen. Finally the students have to develop a master

thesis equivalent to 15 European credits.

Figure 1: Structure of the program

Module 1 Compulsory

12 ECTS

Module 2 Specialization 1

Elective subjects 24 ECTS

Module 3 Specialization 2

Elective subjects 24 ECTS

Module 1 = Research Bases of Biosystems Engineering Module 2 = Engineering Applied to the Infrastructures and the Land Management Module 3 = Engineering Applied to the Sustainable Production

Module 4 Free election

9 ECTS

Master thesis Compulsory

15 ECTS



18

C.3. Biosystems Engineering – Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña


The field of biosystems in the Politechnic University of Cataluña includes the

agricultural sector, food production and other demands related to emerging fields such

as plant fibers and biofuels, improving of irrigation systems and water management,

or application of genetics to improve the quality and productivity of existing species.

Graduated students are qualified to design and implement equipment and technologies

related to these challenges. UPC Studies taught in this field of biosystems engineering

will provide to the students the necessary scientific and technological training to

design, plan and manage projects in this emerging field of study

C.4. Engenharia de Biossistemas – Universidade de Evora (Portugal)

Companies currently look for technicians able to integrate the knowledge of the area

of Engineering and Design with applications in the areas of Life Sciences,

Biochemistry and Environment. Biosystems Engineers are able to work in these new

areas of knowledge, integrating technological knowledgements (continuosly evolving)

with the systems of production, processing and distribution. This training course will

enable these professionals to conceive, design and develop systems and technologies

related to production units, storage, logistics, processing, distribution and marketing.

The duration of this programme is 120 ECTS credits distributed in four semesters. A

common semester is followed by four branches:

1.- Bioenergy

2.- Precision Agriculture

3.- Irrigation, construction and equipment engineering

4.- Biophysical engineering and the ecological systems.



19

C.5. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering for Agriculture and Food

Industry - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania)

This master's program is a opportunity for the Mechanical Engineering Graduate

students of continuing technical studies in Biosystems Engineering for both

agriculture and food industry. It is oriented to develop a professional career, but also

provides the opportunity to complete the specialization in doctoral studies. The main

objectives are students adquire advanced and specialized knowledge and

interdisciplinary applied research skills.

Specific objectives of the master named Biosystems Engineering for Agriculture and

Food Industry are:

skills of mechanical engineering in agriculture and food industry according

with the requirements of biosystems conservation and protection of existing

natural potential

knowledge of advanced subjects included in the educational offer to adquire

interdisciplinary skills from the knowledge acquired in the bachelor degree

advanced applied research skills in line with the European Biosystem

Engineering trend

training of specialists able to handle advanced technical equipment, to develop

techniques and technologies and manage agri-food production

creating the scientific and research appropriate graduates to complete the

technical education through doctorate

C.6. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering - Aarhus University

(Denmark)

The Msc in Biosystems Engineering is at the interface of biology and technology

with specialitations in automation or environmental technology. In the automation

line the studies are based on knowledge of handling and interpreting sensor data from

biological environments and knowledge about the way in which data can be utilized

in designing and manufacturing automation equipment. The environmental

technology line focuses on the development of technological solutions for agriculture

to ensure an optimal use of nutrients and a closer interaction between rural and urban

areas. This second line it focuses on emissions and measurements of small

concentrations of odour compounds and the methos for reducing these compounds. In

this line conversion of biomass to energy and the production of biogas are key

courses.

C.7. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering - Katholieke Universiteit

Leuven (Catholic University od Leuven) (Belgium-Flanders)

Master`s Degree on Biosystems Engineering is focused on the application of modern

engineering methodologies not only for the analysis, optimization and control of



20

biological processes but also for the transformation of biological systems into derived

products and systems. Engineers and researchers active in the biosystems engineering

solve problems in the interface between those biological systems – micro-organism,

plant, animal, human – and their technical environment like machines, constructions,

bioreactors, sensors, … All activities in biosystems/biological engineering are

subjected to the following ethical imperatives:

1. The design of the technology functions in harmony with the living organism;

2. The efficient use of natural and renewable resources in harmony with the

environment;

3. The preserve an optimal health of the envisaged biological system.

The teaching and research staff consist of 9 professors and 14 postdoctoral research

engineers represented by two divisions: MeBioS (Mechantronics, Bio-statistics and

Sensors) and M3BIORES (Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses), currently

housing more than 80 researchers. Both divisions belong to the Department of

Biosystems.



21

D. GRADUATE CURRICULA

D.1. Biosystems Engineering – University College Dublin (Ireland)

Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies (MSc)

The MSc in Sustainable Energy and Green Technologies is a one-year (twelve-month)

taught programme, with the option for part-time enrolment over two years. The

programme comprises 90 ECTS credits including 60 credits of taught modules (40

credits from “core" modules and 20 credits from “option” modules). The remaining

30 credits are allocated to an MSc research project and thesis.

The programme is structured in three academic semesters (12 calendar months), and

consists of a common first semester covering Science & Technology modules that

includes analytical assignments, laboratory and group work, and a foundation module

on Research Methods. In the first semester, students will be required to identify and

develop the scope for their major research project, which will be further developed

and completed in the third and final semester. The second semester focuses on energy

projects and markets analyses interfacing with innovation and technology transfer

concepts.

There are two specialisation streams:

Sustainable Energy Systems Integration

Biofuels & Bioenergy

A major individual Research Project is completed in third semester.

Core Science & Technology modules include: Energy Systems & Sustainable

Environment; Life Cycle Assessment & Energy Efficiency Analysis; Waste to Energy

Processes & Technologies; Renewable Energy Projects Evaluation & Market

Analysis; Innovation & Technology Transfer, and; Research Skills & Techniques.

Optional modules are packaged in either of two specialisation streams of:

•Sustainable Energy Systems Integration [Advanced Energy Conversion & Storage &

Smart Networks; Modelling & Optimisation of Integrated Energy Systems; Life Cycle

Assessment (LCA) of Renewable Energy Systems].

•Bioenergy & Biofuels [Bioenergy & Biofuels Resources Assessment; Bioenergy &

Biofuels Processing & Standards; Bioenergy Conversion Processes]

During the last semester of this programme, students will be required to complete

their MSc Thesis. Co-requisite for embarking on the Research Project module



22

include, successful completion of the Research Skills & Techniques (5 credits), and

participation in the Renewable Energy Systems Seminar and Study Tours which will

culminate in a series of Term Papers related to specific taught modules.

A primary requirement in the MSc Research Project is that the final thesis should be

of near publishable quality for peer-reviewed journals in the relevant Sustainable

Energy and Green Technologies project domain.

Bioresource Technology (MSc(Agr))

To structure such a broad subject, students on the Bioresource Technology

programme focus their efforts in three areas - Bioprocess Technology; Environmental

Protection Technology; and Sustainable Bioresource Technology (including

bioenergy) - and specialise in one of them. Many of the lecturers on the programme

have industry backgrounds, and can provide students with very practical insights.

Students must choose one stream and complete 90 credits from your chosen stream

which will consist of lectures, practicals, assignments and a compulsory 30 credit

year-long minor thesis. At the beginning of the year students are appointed a

Supervisor for their thesis and will agree upon a suitable title. Throughout the year

they meet with thier supervisors to discuss progress.

Food Engineering (MEngSc)

A total of 90 ECTS credits are required to complete this programme. The programme

will consist of lectures, practicals, assignments and a 30 credit minor thesis. It is

available on a 1 year full time basis or part time over 2 years.

The programme consists of 60 credits of modules taken in Semesters 1 and 2. The

remaining 30 credits is a year-long minor thesis. At the beginning of the year students

are appointed a Supervisor for your thesis and will agree upon a suitable Thesis title.

Throughout the year they meet with thier supervisors to discuss progress.

The modules of this program are the following:

Module ECTS Semester

Bioprocess Engineering Principles 5 1

Waste Management 5 1

Advanced Food Refrigeration Systems 10 1

Engineering Design for Food Quality and Safety 10 1

Advance Environmental Engineering 10 1

Quantitative Risk Assessment for Human and Animal

Health

10 2

Unit Operations in Bioprocess Engineering 5 2

Advanced Food Process Engineering 10 2

Minor Thesis 30 Yearlong



23

D.2. Investigación en Ingeniería de Biosistemas – Universidad de Leon (Spain)

Module Subject ECTS Character

1 Basic tools for the experimental design 3 Compulsory

Data analysis 3

Advanced methods for Quality, Security and Environmental Management 3

Methods and experiences related to the research in Biosystems Engineering 3

2 Experimental tests on materials and structures 3 Elective

Numerical methods used in Engineering 3

Recycled materials 3

Quality in the electrical supply 3

Security and protection of the electric facilities 3

New technologies in irrigation 3

Techniques of agricultural products preservation and refrigeration facilities 3

Technologies and machines of agro-alimentary industries 3

Conservation agriculture technology 3

Geomatic analysis applied to the Biosystems Engineering 3

Design and sustainable planning of rural roads networks 3

New technologies for the organic waste management 3

Developing and utilization of tools for the sustainable management of forestry areas 3

Models of sustainable management of forestry areas 3

Models of agricultural sources management and agrarian policies 3

Commercial management of agro-alimentary products 3

3 Microbial biotechnology: Industrial applications, alternative treatment and sustainable

development 3

Technology of the sustainable production 3

New tendencies in vegetal biotechnology 3

Application of the in-vitro technologies to the propagation an preservation of plants 3

Local varieties in the ecocompatible agrarian systems 3

Genetic resources 3

Genetic technologies uses 3

Characterization of the rhizospheric microbiota for agricultural ecocompatible systems 3

Characterization of the vegetal genetic reosurces for agricultural ecocompatible systems 3

Application of mycorrhiza technologies in sustainable production systems 3

Edafology applied to the Biosystems: Acidity, salinity and alkalinity.Acid rain.

Agroecologic evaluation of soils. 3

Edafology applied to the Biosystems: Soil degradation 3

Edafology applied to the Biosystems: classification, evaluation and restoration of soils 3

Study of arthropods plagues in crops of interest for the sustainable development 3

Vascular diseases of the plants and their influence in the biological phisical-chemical

characteristics of the soil 3

Study of pathogen fungus of interest for the sustainable development of agrarian regions 3

Integrated management of weeds in crops 3



24

D.3. Biosystems Engineering – Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña


The field of biosystems engineering in the Politechnic University of Cataluña

comprises the following six master degrees:

- European Master in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis (AFEP)

- Master's Degree in Aquaculture

- Master's Degree in Agriculture for the Development

- Master's Degree in Biotechnological Engineering

- Master's Degree in Genetic Improvement of Plants

- Master's Degree in Peri-urban Agricultural Systems

The length of these degrees is two years (120 ECTS)

D.4. Engenharia de Biossistemas – Universidade de Evora (Portugal)

The duration of this programme is 120 ECTS credits distributed in four semesters.

A common semester is followed by four branches:

1.- Bioenergy




1.- Bioenergy

1st semester

Entrepreneurship

Experimental design

The biosystem Soil-Water-Plant-Atmosphere

Geographic Information Technologies

Instrumentation

2nd

semester Production of liquid biofuels

Renewable Energy

Energy and Environment

Energy Crops

Elective course

3rd

semester Recovery and utilization of Biomass and Waste

Project Engineering Biosystems

Bio-reactors

Dissertation or "Biosystems Engineering Practice + Report"



25

4th

semester Dissertation or "Biosystems Engineering Practice + Report"

Electives Energy Efficiency in the Biosystems Engineering **

Production of Forest Biomass **

Energy Analysis and Environmental Impact

Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy

Biomass Energy and fuel

Combustion


1st semester

Entrepreneurship

Experimental design



Instrumentation

2nd

semester Machinery, Equipment and Sensors ATN / VRT

Data Storage


Precision Agriculture

Elective course

3rd

semester Databases

Geographic Information Technologies II


Dissertation or "Biosystems Engineering Practice +

Report"

4th

semester Dissertation or "Biosystems Engineering Practice +

Report"

Electives Management Information Systems

Advanced Techniques for Traceability of Biological

Products

Advanced Topics in Databases

Location-based services

Data Mining


1st semester

Entrepreneurship

Experimental design



26



Instrumentation

2nd

semester General Hydraulics

Environmental Conditioning


Projects of Agricultural Mechanization and Livestock

Elective course

3rd

semester Technology and analysis of irrigation systems

Projects and facilities of rural buildings



Report"

4th


Report"

Electives Projects of soil and water conservation

Projects of Agricultural Hydraulics

Micro-Irrigation and fertigation

Hydraulic Facilities


1st semester

Entrepreneurship

Experimental design



Instrumentation

2nd

semester Geobotany

Characterization and Evaluation of Ecological Systems

Planning and Management of Ecological Systems

Management and Recovery of Aquatic Ecosystems

Elective course

3rd

semester Building systems of Natural Engineering

Engineering projects of ecological systems

Engineering projects of Biosystems


Report"



27

4th


Report"

Electives Slope Stability

River Systems

Watershed Planning

Economics and Management of Natural Resources

Maintenance in natural engineering

Methodologies for decision support

D.5. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering for Agriculture and Food

Industry - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania)

The program is designed over four semesters in which the first three semesters are

provided teaching and research / practice. The total duration is 130 credits (120

credits plus 10 of a dissertation work). The fourth semester is devoted exclusively to

research directed towards subjects to complete the dissertation work. All issues will

be oriented so that they constitute the bases for the development of doctoral work,

thus creating the enabling further research and scientific work of the graduates.

D.6. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering - Aarhus University

(Denmark)

The total duration of the studies is two years (120 ECTS credits)

1.- Automation line:

1.1- Compulsory courses (75 ECTS credits):

Year 1:

Basic statistics in life science

Sensor and measuring technique

Information and Communication Technology

Supply chain management

Sensor technology and automatic control

System analysis and modeling

Applied mechanics

Analysis of Stochastic Signals

Digital Picture Processing

Year 2:

Optimization and decision systems

Project theme: Automation in biological systems



28

1.2.- Optional courses (15 ECTS credits in three courses):

Year 2:

Automation in plant production

Automation in the animal environment

Heat transmission and Energy Systems

Basic Feedback Control

Open project work (5 ECTS credits)

1.3.- Master Thesis Work (30 ECTS credits, year 2)

2.- Environmental Technology line:

2.1.- Compulsory courses (70 ECTS credits):

Year 1:

Life cycle assessment of foods and innovative technologies

Soil Science for engineers

Emissions from livestock production

Technologies to reduce gaseous emissions form livestock

productions

Nutrient Cycling and environmental effects

Measuring Technique for mechanical systems, gases, liquids

Microbiology and fermentation

Year 2:

Biomass conversion to energy and fuel

Biogas Technology

2.2.- Optional courses (20 ECTS credits):

Year 1 and 2:

Products and processes

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Energy crop production

Harvest and handling technologies for energy crops and straw

Heat transfer and mass transport

Modelling of biological processes

Climatic control in livestock housing and greenhouse

2.3.- Master Thesis Work (30 ECTS credits, year 2)



29

D.7. Master's Degree on Biosystems Engineering - Katholieke Universiteit

Leuven (Catholic University od Leuven) (Belgium-Flanders)

The curriculum Biosystems engineering delivers a master degree spread over two

academic years. The different courses directly related to the curriculum biosystems

engineering are currently organized into 6 modules which are shown below:

Modules Courses

Mechanisms Machine kinematics and dynamics (BSc)

Precision technology for crop production (MSc)

Mechanical unit operations (BSc)

Design and construction techniques incl. CAD/CAE (BSc)

Bio-environment Sustainability in buildings for production (MSc)

Bio-environmental control (BSc)

Transport processes Transport phenomena (BSc)

Multiscale transport phenomena in biosystems (MSc)

Physical processes inhandling biological products (MSc)

Systems analysis and design Systems analysis (MSc)

Integration of biological responses in process

management (MSc)

Mechatronic design of biotechnical processes (MSc)

Sensor technology and bio-electronics (MSc)

Electronic instrumentation (BSc)

Technology in human applications (BSc)

Applied physics and

mathematics

Physical properties of biomaterials (BSc)

Optics, lasers and acoustics (MSc)

Applied thermodynamics (MSc)

Strength of materials (BSc)

Applied mathematics (MSc)

Applied multivariate statistical analysis (MSs)

Management of bio- and

agrosystems

Quality control and process and chain management (BSc)

Documents

MAPPING OF THE ABE PROGRAMME OF STUDIES IN EUROPE