Biological & Ecological Engineering

Course Description

Engineering design processes for ecological engineering applications, including specifications, performance criteria, timelines, and project logistics, principles and practices of working in engineering teams. (Writing Intensive Course) PREREQS: BEE 322 and (ENGR 391 or ENGR 391H), senior standing or consent of instructor.

Course Objectives

The primary objective of the design sequence is to provide students with hands-on experience in solving the kind of complex open-ended design problems they are likely to encounter in ecological engineering, including satisfying legal, economic, social and environmental constraints. Other objectives include providing the students with experience in the real-world application of mathematics, science, engineering economics, ethics and other disciplines related to engineering analysis and design, and a clearer perspective on the value of research in addressing contemporary problems in engineering design.  Attainment of oral and written communication to achieve a level commensurate with professional engineering practice will be a fundamental objective.

The primary focus of the design sequence will be an open-ended design project that promotes critical thinking.  The project will have four major components:

• Develop a feasible engineering solution to a design problem.
• Perform quantitative evaluation of an engineering project considering ecological, social and economic impacts of the project.
• Assess project sustainability, economic viability and compliance to applicable laws.
• Present the results in oral and written form at a level commensurate with professional practice.