AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Head of Department

Engr. Prof. Gregory C. Obiechefu,    B.Eng. (Agriculturall Engineering; soil and Water Option) UNN, B.Eng. (Agriculturall Engineering; soil and Water Option) UNN., Ph.D. (Agriculturall Engineering; soil and Water Option) Cranfield University, Bedford, England, UK., MNSE, R.Engr. COREN Registration (R3913)

History of the Department

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is part of the Faculty of Engineering. The Department collaborates with other departments in the University in teaching and research. The Department has workshop and laboratory facilities that are equipped with modern and state of the art facilities. The Department has a research farm which is used for Field experimentation and testing of agricultural implements.

The Department started as Water and Irrigation Engineering but was later changed to Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 2023. The laudable initiative was aimed at accommodating other options that were hitherto not included. Water and Irrigation Engineering commenced with the admission of the 2021/2022 set.

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering thereafter, commenced with the admission of 2023/2024 set. The departments in the faculty offer the same courses at Levels 100 and 200 except for the introductory courses for each of the programmes at 200 level second semester. Electives are provided to enable students acquire broader knowledge of the disciplines. Thus, curriculum for the programmes is designed such that graduate of the Department will be well equipped with both theoretical and practical skills.

 

Philosophy of the Department

Agricultural and Biosystems engineering encompasses the application of all engineering knowledge to solving problems encountered in agricultural production, handling and processing of biological materials for food, feed, fibre and fuel. The programme is designed to prepare students for careers in machine systems: design and provision of power for agricultural machines including renewable energies and design of machines for crop and livestock production; processing systems for food, biofuels and other by-products: crop processing and storage and post-harvest handling; natural resources system: irrigation and drainage, erosion control and water conservation; environmental system: farm structures, waste remediation and farm electrification; biological system: sensors, controls and computer models to monitor biological processes and conversion of bio-based resources to food, fuel and others. It is thus very wide and all encompassing.

 Overview of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering curriculum

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering curriculum contain courses that will produce Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers that will be globally competitive in a world that is now knowledge-based economy. The desired and required competences in biological systems, process instrumentation and control, application of robots and drones to agriculture, irrigation and drainage, machine development, renewable energy and food process systems are supported by this new curriculum. The curriculum emphasises courses such as soil and water conservation, soil mechanics, Farm management and environmental control, project management, software engineering and design of machines and structural elements. Other courses include instrumentation and measurement, biosystems engineering, solid modelling and environmental and social impact analysis. Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers will now have the skills to be gainfully employed as Design Engineers, Test Engineers, Product Engineers, Quality Control Engineers, Energy Engineers and Advisors, Machinery Maintenance Engineers, Waste Management Engineers, and Irrigation and Drainage Engineers. The new curriculum compares well with those of top global agricultural and biosystems engineering institutions. The synopsis of each of these courses have been made elaborate with indicated learning outcomes. In all, the new features of agricultural engineering and its transition to biosystems engineering are captured in this curriculum.

The major areas of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering are:

1. Farm Power and Machinery Engineering;
2. Soil and Water Resources Engineering;

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Programme Vision

Our vision is to provide innovative solutions applying science and technology in shaping the future of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering through excellence in education, research, and industrial collaboration. The department creates a dynamic environment which encourages critical thinking, creativity and ethical leadership to address global challenges in agriculture, environment and food security. Leveraging on cutting-edge research and industrial partnerships, producing outstanding manpower equipped with modern innovative skills to drive a sustainable and virile society is our watch word.

DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

 

Figure 1: Departmental Organogram

 

PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEOS) FOR AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

In support of our mission and that of the university, the department has set the following objectives. It is anticipated that graduates will be able to accomplish these objectives within five years after graduation:

PEO1: Exhibit Engineering knowledge and skills to solving complex agricultural engineering problems.

PEO2: Engage in teamwork to enhance interpersonal skills and professional development

PEO3: Demonstrate professionalism in a culturally diverse environment.

PEO4: Engage in lifelong learning with skills in research and knowledge acquisition geared

towards solving societal engineering problems in a sustainable manner

 

PEO5: Exhibit technical, managerial, and financial skills necessary for entrepreneurship.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES (POs) FOR AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Programme Outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students acquire as they progress through the programme, specifically, as listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Programme Outcomes (POs)

PO1	Engineering knowledge - Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialization to the solution of developmental and complex engineering problems
PO1.1	Demonstrate ability to identify and apply knowledge and technique in mathematics, science, and engineering to solve engineering problems.
PO2	Problem Analysis – Identify, formulate, research literature, and analyze developmental and complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering sciences.
PO2.1	Demonstrate ability to solve problems by concepts through the integration of mathematics, science, and engineering.
PO2.2	Demonstrate skill in identifying vital information from resources in solving problems.
PO2.3	Demonstrate skill and appropriate technique and ingenuity in solving developmental or engineering problems.
PO3	Design/Development of Solutions - Proffer solutions for developmental or complex engineering problems and design systems, components, or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations
PO3.1	Demonstrate understanding of the impact of engineering decisions and solutions to societal issues.
PO3.2	Demonstrate understanding of solutions to cultural diversity based on our local context in Nigeria
PO3.3	Demonstrate knowledge of the implications of engineering designs and solutions to the public health and safety of all.
PO4	Investigation - Conduct investigation into developmental or complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
PO4.1	Demonstrate ability to appropriately set-up and conduct experiment to understand and extract underlining and fundamental principles.
PO4.2	Demonstrate ability to apply statistical tools in designing and analyzing experiments.
PO4.3	Demonstrate skill in applying the appropriate research method in solving engineering problems.
PO5	Modern Tools Usage - Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and ICT tools, including prediction, modelling and optimization to developmental and complex engineering activities, with an understanding of the limitations.
PO5.1	Demonstrate an understanding of the inherent limitations of software (application) tools, and analytical and numerical techniques.
PO5.2	Demonstrate ability to identify and apply appropriate technique in investigating and solving problems of engineering relevance.
PO5.3	Demonstrate capability and proficiency in using modern and ICT tools to solve engineering problems.
PO6	The Engineer and Society - Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge including Humanities and Social Sciences to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to professional engineering practice
PO6.1	Demonstrate awareness of legal implications of professional engineering practice.
PO6.2	Demonstrate understanding of the required contribution of engineers to the society.
PO7	Environment & Sustainability - Understand the impact of professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate knowledge of and need for sustainable development
PO7.1	Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of engineering solutions on the society and environment.
PO7.2	Demonstrate ability to recognize and evaluate the ethical dilemmas that may arise in the workplace.
PO8	Ethics - Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice, including adherence to the COREN Engineers Code of Conducts.
PO8.1	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the COREN Engineers Code of Conduct
PO8.2	Demonstrate ability to apply professional responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.
PO8.3	Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of diversity.
PO9	Individual & Teamwork - Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings.
PO9.1	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in completing set goals and plan tasks
PO9.2	Demonstrate understanding in apply, using skills acquired to examine and adopt ideas as a member or team lead
PO9.3	Demonstrate the ability to work with other engineering discipline or multi-disciplinary settings
PO10	Communication - Communicate effectively on developmental or complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
PO10.1	Demonstrate the skills to communicate within the engineering society and outside engineering profession
PO10.2	Demonstrate the ability to make presentations and be able to communicate the society at large
PO10.3	Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate presentation medium for proper communication and receive clear instructions
PO11	Project Management & Finance - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering, management and financial principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multi-disciplinary environments
PO11.1	Demonstrate the ability to conduct, manage and execute projects in multi-disciplinary areas
PO11.2	Demonstrate the ability to work within the budget when executing a project for proper management
PO11.3	Demonstrate recognition or the skills needed for project management
PO12	Lifelong Learning - Recognize the need for, and have the preparations and ability to engage in independent and lifelong learning in the broadest context of technological and social changes
PO12.1	Demonstrate the ability to learn new technology or techniques that will be used for solving life problems and professional development activities
PO12.2	Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge acquired from teaching, professional journals, and industry publications to improve processes and systems

At the end of the program, the graduates will be equipped with the ability to:

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals to solve problems in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

2. Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data to evaluate product or process systems.

3. Design and develop product or process systems, components, or processes that meet desired specifications and performance requirements, considering factors such as safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

4. Use modern engineering tools, software, and equipment to model, simulate, and analyze process systems, and to design and produce engineering documentation.

5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a multidisciplinary team, understanding the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering practice, and the impact of engineering solutions in societal, environmental, and economic contexts.

7. Recognize the need for, and engage in, lifelong learning, keeping up with advancements and pursuing professional development opportunities.

8. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate technical language and visual aids to convey technical information to different audiences.

9. Understand the impact of Agricultural and Biosystems engineering solutions on global issues, and the need for sustainable and ethical practices.

10. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues, including emerging technologies, industry trends, and professional standards.

BASIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR B.ENG AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

The basic admission requirements for Engineering disciplines shall be;

Admission Requirements for UME

The minimum admission requirement for Engineering and Technology disciplines is passes at credit level in the Senior Secondary School final year examination or GCE ‘O’ Level in five subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Physics and Chemistry.  Candidates are also required to have acceptable pass in UME.  It is also desirable for candidates to have Further Mathematics and Technical Drawing at credit levels. Such candidates shall have added advantage.

            Admission Requirements for Direct Entry

For Direct Entry, candidates must have passes in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at GCE ‘A’ level or equivalent.  Holders of OND and HND at minimum of upper credit level are eligible for consideration for admission into 200 and 300 levels respectively.

MINIMUM DURATION FOR B.ENG AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

The minimum duration of Engineering and Technology programmes is five academic sessions for candidates who enter with Senior Secondary School Certificate or GCE ‘O’ Level qualifications.  Candidates with relevant passes in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at GCE ‘A’ Level or equivalent will spend a minimum of four academic sessions provided that they satisfy all the other University requirements.

 

List of Programme(s):