The history and philosophy of systems engineering, the guiding principles and steps of the "systems engineering approach" used in problem solving, and an introduction to the basic tools used in systems engineering analysis, project planning, and management.

An introduction to the basic concepts in the design process, theory and tools in design methodology, with a focus on the engineering systems development cycle. Students will solve design problems that are open-ended, requiring creative and iterative solutions.

The techniques of motion study, time study, and applications. The overarching goal is to support the development of dynamic simulation models of feed, food, and fiber handling operations.

Physical unit operations for processing plants. Systems for handling liquids or gases include pump or fan driven systems. Physical separation of solids in liquid or gas medium. Psychometrics for process environment control. Water or solvent transport from materials.

Investigation of components necessary for postharvest processing and handling of important food and fiber crops. Logistics, refrigeration, and sorting/sensing systems are covered. Microbial safety for agricultural products and good manufacturing practices relating to agricultural products are surveyed.

An introduction to atmospheric thermodynamics with emphasis on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, equation of state for gases, moisture variables, adiabatic and diabatic processes of dry and moist air, phase changes of water, and atmospheric statics.

An introduction to operational research, graph theory, optimal paths, linear programming dynamic programing, and scheduling with PERT. Maximizing flows in networks and modelling road networks is covered. The course will emphasize handling of biological materials.

Precision farming uses sensing and data analytics technologies to define a decision support system for agricultural systems, which aims to maximize the productivity and quality of agricultural production and minimize environmental impacts (e.g., chemical spray and irrigation) simultaneously. Precision farming brings efficient tools for managing agricultural systems that are highly spatial and temporal variable.

Introduction to the solution of engineering/scientific problems in biological and agricultural systems through computer simulation. Students will learn about concepts and methodologies related to the modeling/simulation of continuous- time and discrete-event systems.

Energy and mass exchange between living organisms and their environment will be developed and applied to animals, plants, and people.

The scientific approach to decision-making that involves the operations of organization systems commonly associated with movement of feed, food, and fiber handling beyond the farm gate.

Water and wind erosion control will be explored via the climate, soil, and management practices coefficients in models such as Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2), the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS), and other similar models. The course will highlight rural and urban applications. The course will also look at comprehensive water quality as predicted using tools such as the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and sediment routing models such as SedCAD.