What is Biosytems Engineering?
Biosystems Engineering brings engineering to life by integrating life sciences and engineering, from the molecular to theecosystem.  Biosystems engineers help to create new technologies for the well-being of humans and animals, and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment. The main areas are environmental engineering, bio-processing (food and pharmaceutical), bio-environmental control, bio-mdical engineering, soil and water engineering, agricultural equipment and ligt structures.

Biosystems Engineers are analysts, designers, and managers. Problem solving is their trademark. They are capable of applying engineering principles to the biological systems found in a wide range of industries. Such engineers are expected to understand and work with complex ecological interactions among living organisms and their non-living environment. Living organisms include plants, animals, insects, microorganisms, and humans. The non-living environment includes materials and processes such as chemicals, gases, heat and mass transfer, and physical forces. The most important biological systems are those that produce food for the world population in a sustainable, non-polluting manner. Production, processing, preservation, and transportation of food is, and will continue to be, the largest and most important industry in the world.

The demand for engineers capable of designing systems, machinery, equipment, and controls for producing, storing, processing and preserving, and transporting foods will continue to increase.

Biosystems engineers who understand how engineering systems affect our environment are needed to improve our living conditions.

In addition, many biosystems engineers find that their expertise leads to overseas work in developing countries. Their services are much in demand for their ability to develop appropriate technology to mechanize selected tasks leading to the reduction or elimination of much of the drudgery of agriculture. Their abilities to design systems which increase food production through better soil and water management and decrease food losses during harvesting and storing are of equal importance in these countries.

What are the typical courses in the program?
The first year of study is common among all engineering students, covering general applied science and basic engineering courses. Biosystems Engineering students learn to integrate the physical properties and growth of plants, animals and micro-organisms and environmental interactions, into engineering applications, using data analysis, test equipment, and the engineering design process. Typical core courses are mathematics, chemistruy, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, stress analysis, statistics, mechanics, structures, transport phenomena, biology, microbiology, unit operations, and physiology. Oral and written communication is integrated into most courses.  For further details on the courses that make up this degree program, please visit the Biosystems Department web site:   http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/engineering/departments/biosystems/undergrad/index.html.

What subjects do I take at UCSI?
The list of subjects taken at UCSI and the UM equivalent are shown below.

Pre-Departmental Program             

Universityof ManitobaSubjects                                       UCSI Equivalent

CHEM 1300  Univ. 1 Chemistry                  MF109 University Chemistry I

PHYS 1050  Physics - Mechanics                EE109  Physics for Scientists & Engrs. I

COMP 1010 Computer Science                  CC108 Java Programming

ENG 1460  Intro. Thermal Sciences            EM203 Thermodynamics I

ENG 1450  Intro. Elec & Comp Tech           EE102  Circuit Theory I with Lab

ENG 1440  Intro. To Statics                       EM102  Engineering Statics

ENG 1430 Design in Engineering                To be taken at UofM

MATH 1510  Applied Calculus I                   EE0008 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I

MATH 1710  Applied Calculus II                  EE101  Calculus & Analytic Geometry II

PHIL 1290  Critical Thinking  or Yr 1 CSE   Year 1 Arts or Management Course

ENGL 1310  Literary Topics I                     SE112 English Literature

MATH 1210 Classical/Linear Algebra           EE160 Linear Algebra 

Departmental Program                    

University of Manitoba Subject                                   UCSI Equivalent  

MATH 2130  Engr Math. Analysis I             EE107  Math Methods for Engineers I

MATH 2132  Engr Math Analysis II             EE203  Math Methods for Engineers II

MATH 2120  Intro. Num. Meth for Engrs.   EE305  Numerical Analysis

CIVL 4050   Engineering Economics           EM405  Engineering Economics

CIVL 2790   Fluid Mechanics                      EM201  Fluid Mechanics

MECH 2222  Mechanics of Matl’s                EM302  Stress Anal & Design 2M

CHEM 1310  Univ Chemistry 2                    MF110  University Chemistry 2

MECH 3482  Kinematics and Dynamics       EM202 plus EM206 Dynamics + Mach.

Complimentary Studies Elective                   Anything in Arts or Commerce

Complimentary Studies Elective                   Anything in Arts or Commerce

ZOOL 1320  Human Anatomy                     MB102/103  Physiological Sciences 1&2

ZOOL 1330  Physiology of the Human Body    together are equal to 1320&1330

What choices do I have in Biosystems Engineering? 
Technical electives allow students to cover a broad program in applying engineeirng to biological systems or to specialize in a certail area.  Students take eight elective courses, of which at least four must be from a technical area, two in complementary studies, and one course about the impact of technlogy on society.

Typical technical electives include Drainage System Design, Irrigation System Design, Unit Operations 2, Crop Preservation, Air Pollution Assessment and Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Analysis and Design of Biomachinery, Controlled Environment Production Systems, Structural Design in Wood, and Water Management.

There is also an environmental option in the Biosystems Engineering program. Students taking the environmental option are required to select the following courses as their electives: Environmental Ethics, Environmental Engineering Analysis, Environmental Engineering Design and Environmental Impact Assessment or Engineering Management and the Environment.

Is there a practical or work experience component?
The design component of the Biosystems Engineering program is integrated through all four years in the program, and focuses on the team-building aspect of engineering. Technical electives strongly focus on the design aspect of engineering. An optional cooperative education program is also available and can add valuable work experience plus students get paid for their co-op terms.

Can a UCSI Student do the Cooperative program?
Yes, as long as the student is in good academic standing, he/she can apply to enter the cooperative program. Acceptance into the program is dependent upon the student receiving a job placement either through the Office of Cooperative Education or on their own. Once a job placement has been secured through the Office, the student is accepted into the program and enrolls in the respective courses. A work permit must also be obtained.

In order to stay in the cooperative program, a student must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.00 and must obtain a grade of ’’pass’’ for each work term report. All rules and regulations of the Faculty of Engineering apply. Students who do not maintain these standards, may not remain in the cooperative program and may be transferred back into the traditional program or required to withdraw completely.

What is the advantage of studying Biosystems Engineering over science of other professions?
Biosystems Engineering brings engineering to life. Biosystems Engineering students learn to integrate the knowledge of biological sciences into engineering applications to develop practical solutions to problems associated with biological systems.

Department staff treat students as their number one priority and take the time to help individuals develop their potential to the maximum. Biosystems Engineering professors employ students to work on exciting research projects during the summer months giving them an opportunity to apply their knowledge and also earn a salary. Small class sizes in Biosystems Engineering allow one-on-one interactions with professors and provide students with great opportunities to develop their communication skills through in-class presentations. Students in Biosystems Engineering will meet the requirements of pre-medical studies (by taking an additional biochemistry course), and also will gain an excellent grounding for study in medical technology. Biosystems Engineering is an accredited professional program, leading to registration as a professional engineer, and the accompanying enhancements in salary and respect.

What types of jobs do Biosystems engineers do?
Biosysems Engineers work for environmental organizations, consulting firms, government agencies, research companies, food and pharmaceutical industries, agricultural equipment manufacturers, and oil and gas companies, among others.

Why should I take Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba?
The Biosystems Engineering program at the University of Manitoba is rated as the number one program of its kind in Canada, and is 4th (out of 44) in North America. The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) has fully accredited the program. Students have access to dedicated computer labs, well-equipped modem laboratories, and participate in international competitions with CSAE (Canadian Society of Agricultural Engineers).

How do I get in?
Students with good academic standing in SPM or STPM or Equivalent can apply directly to University College Sedaya International by using the e-mail contact below, or through the UCSI web site at http://www.ucsi.edu.my/. Do not apply through The University of Manitoba.

This program is also available to other students from outside Malaysia. Complete up to two years at UCSI in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, then come to UM to complete the final two years of your engineering degree.  Students from Bangladesh, Mauritius, India and Indonesia have all obtained thier engineering degree through this pathway.

Contact Information:
Prospective students should direct all inquiries to UCSI:
Mr. L.K. Moey in the Faculty of Engineering
Email: lkmoey@ucsi.edu.my