The University's mission statement is as follows: “As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, Oregon State University promotes economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. This mission is achieved by producing graduates competitive in the global economy, supporting a continuous search for new knowledge and solutions, and maintaining a rigorous focus on academic excellence, particularly in the three Signature Areas: Advancing the Science of Sustainable Earth Ecosystems; Improving Human Health and Wellness; and Promoting Economic Growth and Social Progress.” This statement is published on the Oregon State University (OSU) website and is also published as part of the OSU General Catalog and Schedule of Classes.
The College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) mission statement is: “The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.” This statement is published on the CAS website along with an articulation of CAS’ values. The CAS reflects the following values:
- Responsiveness to the needs of those it serves;
- Partnership and cooperation with individuals, organizations, businesses, and agencies outside the University;
- Teamwork and coordination among its units and with other units in the University;
- Credibility as a source of reliable, research-based information and education.
The College of Engineering (COE) Vision is: “To create a better future.” This statement is published on the COE website as part of Strategic Plan 2015-2020 and also included in the COE Annual Report and in the OSU General Catalog and Schedule of Classes.
The objective of the department's graduate degree programs are to serve as the interface between life sciences and engineering. Biological & Ecological Engineering is the application of engineering and life-science principles and problem-solving techniques to the optimum use and sustainability of biological resources. The curriculum is engineering-based with strong emphasis on the life sciences. Courses focus on biological systems modeling, theoretical and applied aspects of bioconversion and bioseparation processes, regional hydrologic analysis, groundwater systems, irrigation, water resource optimization, remote sensing, image analysis, and instrumentation.
The Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering (BEE) mission statement states: Our mission is to achieve national and international recognition as a center of excellence for integrated research and education in the programs broadly defined as Ecological Engineering, Biological Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering while maintaining strong outreach links to the agricultural and natural resources communities. Our stakeholders will include environmental and ecological consulting firms, ecotechnology providers, entrepreneurial enterprises building new 21st century biology and ecology based industries, public resource management agencies, and stakeholders in the state with interests in these focus areas.
Our educational mission is to balance innovative undergraduate and graduate programs taking advantage of our unique strengths, and a relevant outreach program that takes advantage of emerging technology to deliver information to a broad clientele on adoption and use of sustainable engineering technology. Our department will produce ecological engineering graduates that are work-ready and entrepreneurial systems thinkers capable of contributing to the future prosperity and sustainable future of the State of Oregon and the global community.
All Academic Programs offered in Biological & Ecological Engineering
Our educational objectives were developed to link the Department’s mission to the learning outcomes. The outcomes are then supported by the specific course learning objectives.
Three PEO's for Biological & Ecological Engineering graduates have been drafted and have been evaluated by the Industrial Advisory Board in Fall 2014:
- Our graduates will be employed as practicing engineers, engaged in advanced studies, or applying engineering problem-solving skills within non-traditional career paths.
- Our graduates will bring creative, innovative, and ethical, ecologically-derived, systems-level approaches to solving global problems.
- Our graduates will provide ethical leadership and management skills within their organizations and in their communities.
The OSU Biological & Ecological Engineering department prepares its BEE graduates to achieve Program Educational Objectives several years into their careers. This is achieved in the short-term by having students able to perform the following on graduation, while preparing them for immediate and long-term service in the field.
Outcome 1: Graduates will demonstrate an ability to conduct original research that extends frontiers of knowledge in Biological and Ecological Engineering (BEE). They will demonstrate creative and systems level thinking in the design and implementation of their research.
Outcome 2: All BEE graduates will demonstrate in-depth disciplinary knowledge and capacity to apply that knowledge across multiple scales from microscopic to ecosystems levels. They will develop and demonstrate knowledge of both basic and applied sciences. All BEE graduates will demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues that impact their research.
Outcome 3: All BEE graduates will have ability to communicate effectively with their peers, practitioners and community members. All BEE graduates will be able to practice both formal and informal written and oral communication with other researchers, students, industry and community members.
Outcome 4: All graduates of the program will have an understanding, appreciation and commitment to high standards in ethics and integrity in research and education. Importance maintaining high ethical standards in research, teaching and service and commitment to diversity will be emphasized throughout the program. In consonance with OSU Mission and Departmental values, a commitment to diversity will be inculcated “because it enhances our education and provides tools to be culturally respectful, professionally competent, and civically responsible” (OSU Mission Statement).