Operating Procedures for the BBSEM Program

Table of Contents:

Item 1. Introduction

The Bioproducts and Biosystems Science, Engineering, and Management (BBSEM) Graduate Program operates under the Graduate School and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Constitution at the University of Minnesota. The program adheres to the CFANS Graduate Programs Resource Guide, with additional operating procedures specific to BBSEM outlined below.

The BBSEM Graduate Program offers Minors, Master of Science (MS) degrees (Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Students may focus on the following research emphasis areas:

Research Emphasis Areas

1. Renewable Bioproducts

Focuses on biomass conversion technologies for value-added products.

  • Bioproducts manufacturing: Sustainable transformation of renewable bioresources into materials, chemicals, fuels and energy, bio-based polymers, adhesives, biodegradable plastics, biocomposites, and nanomaterials
  • Biomanufacturing, biotechnology and bioprocessing: microbial engineering, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, genetic modification of organisms, bioprocessing, etc.

2. Sustainable Bioeconomy, Waste-to-Energy, and Building Technology

Supports the development of renewable energy systems and sustainable resource utilization strategies; Advances sustainable construction practices and materials for net-zero and climate-resilient infrastructure. 

  • Includes biofuels, waste-to-energy technologies, nutrient recovery, and waste valorization.
  • Promotes reuse, recycling, and upcycling within industrial, agricultural, and municipal systems
  • Encompasses smart building technologies, energy-efficient systems, and renewable construction materials.
  • Supports green infrastructure, urban sustainability, and innovation in wood science and forest products.
  • Explores carbon-negative materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance building performance
  • Employs sustainability analysis and management tools including techno-economic analysis (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), systems thinking and analysis, and circular economy models

3. Innovative Food Systems

Addresses sustainability, resilience, and innovation in food production and processing.

  • Includes sustainable agriculture, food safety, and development of sustainable food processing
  • Promotes food waste reduction, alternative proteins, and byproduct valorization.
  • Leverages advanced bioprocessing to enhance nutrient retention and food fortification.
  • Integrates engineering solutions with social and policy considerations to build resilient food systems.

4. Ecosystem and Water Resources

Focuses on the sustainable management and restoration of natural resources.

  • Focus on water resources management and water quality in natural resource settings
  • Includes hydrological modeling, sustainable water management practices, soil health, and precision agriculture.
  • Emphasizes environmental justice, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation strategies.

5. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Environmental Management

Promotes technologies and practices to reduce environmental emissions and improve sustainability in agriculture and beyond.

  • Focuses on mitigation of air pollution, greenhouse gases, and odors in agricultural environments.
  • Includes advanced livestock housing, resource management, and climate-smart agriculture.
  • Supports carbon sequestration, ecosystem service provision, and environmental monitoring.
  • Encourages innovations that integrate engineering, biological, and policy solutions to tackle environmental challenges

6. Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics for Bioproducts and Biosystems

Applies AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to improve biosystems performance and sustainability.

  • Supports precision agriculture, supply chain optimization, remote sensing, and GIS applications.
  • Enables predictive modeling, decision-support tools, and real-time monitoring.
  • Enhances resource efficiency and resilience in agricultural and biomanufacturing systems.
  • Encourages the development of accessible data platforms and open-source tools for broad impact.
  • Supports robotics for advanced sensing of ecological and agricultural systems.

Item 2: Admission Policy for Entry to Graduate Study in BBSEM

Students seeking a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in the Bioproducts and Biosystems Science, Engineering, and Management (BBSEM) program must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physical or biological sciences, or a related field from a recognized U.S. or international university.
  • A minimum academic performance level equivalent to a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the BBSEM Graduate Program.

Item 3: Review of Applications for Graduate Program Admission

A complete application file includes:

  • Academic transcripts.
  • TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers).
  • Resume.
  • Three reference letters.
  • A personal statement outlining goals and objectives.

The application review process is as follows:

  1. Two BBSEM Graduate Program Committee (GPC) members, assigned by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), review each application.
  2. If the reviewers disagree on the admissibility of the applicant, the application is reviewed by a third GPC member or the DGS.
  3. Admissible applications are shared with all BBSEM Graduate Faculty members for final review and selection.

Final Admission Decision:

Admission is contingent upon the availability of:

  • A BBSEM Graduate Faculty member willing to act as the applicant’s advisor.
  • Adequate funding (e.g., research assistantship, teaching assistantship, scholarship, or fellowship).

If these criteria are not met, the applicant's file may be retained for up to two years for future consideration if the applicant remains interested.

Item 4: Graduate Student Committees

Graduate students in the BBSEM program must work closely with their advisors to form advisory committees that will:

  • Provide guidance throughout the program.
  • Evaluate academic progress and research.

Committee Composition:

  • Master’s Committees: Two BBSEM Graduate Faculty members and one University of Minnesota faculty member from a related graduate program (not affiliated with the BBE department).
  • Ph.D. Committees: A minimum of four members, including three BBSEM Graduate Faculty members and one faculty member from a related graduate program (not affiliated with the BBE department).

Responsibilities and Communication:

  • Students should maintain regular communication with all committee members to seek advice and provide research updates.
  • Students must contact committee members well in advance to schedule exams and other milestones, as availability may vary.

Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Committees:

A separate committee appointed by the DGS evaluates the written preliminary exams, normally contains two from the student’s advisory committee not including the advisor, and one from another department.

Item 5: Guidelines for Minors in BBSEM

The BBSEM graduate minor is designed to equip students from other graduate programs with specialized knowledge and interdisciplinary expertise in bioproducts, biosystems, and sustainable management.

Eligibility:

The minor is open to all graduate students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Minnesota.

Credit Requirements:

  • Master’s Students: Minimum of 9 credits.
  • Doctoral Students: Minimum of 12 credits.

The student should discuss the BBE course credit requirements with the BBE advisor.

Academic Requirements:

  1. Students must achieve a grade of B or higher in all courses.
  2. Courses must be taken for a letter grade unless offered as pass/fail.

Advising and Approval:

  • Students must declare their intent to pursue the BBSEM minor by submitting a Graduate Minor Declaration Form, which requires approval from the BBSEM Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
  • Students should consult with their primary advisor to align course selection with academic and career goals.
  • The special projects courses can also fulfill credits requirements

Item 6: Guidelines for Development of Master's Programs in BBSEM

Degree programs should align with the mission and objectives of the BBSEM Program. This includes students who enter the program without prior degrees in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering. The BBSEM Graduate Program offers three master’s degree options:

1. Master of Science with Thesis (M.S., Plan A)

  • A research-oriented degree requiring a thesis based on original research.
  • Focus on developing problem-solving skills for diverse career opportunities.

2. Master of Science without Thesis (M.S., Plan B)

  • Similar to Plan A but replaces the thesis with smaller projects totaling approximately 6 semester credit hours.
  • Students write Plan B papers/reports on their projects and defend these reports.

3. Master of Science by Coursework Only (M.S., Plan C)

  • Requires completion of 30 semester credits of coursework.

Program Requirements for BBSEM Master’s Students:

  • Degree programs should emphasize science and quantitative courses. GPAS should be submitted and approved by the advisor and DGS.

  • Required Courses:

    • BBSEM 8001: Seminar I (1 credit).
    • BBSEM 8002: Seminar II (1 credit).
    • BBSEM 8013: Parameter Estimation (3 credits) unless mastery of material can be demonstrated, or an alternative course is approved.

  • Credit Requirements:

    • All master’s programs require a minimum of 30 semester credits.
      • Plan A: 20 course credits and at least 10 thesis credits (BBSEM 8777).
      • Plan B: 24 course credits and 6 project-related credits.
      • Plan C: 30 course credits in areas approved by the advisor and DGS.
    • A minimum of 14 credits must be in the major field, and at least 6 credits in a related field outside the major for Plan A and Plan B, and A minimum of 20 credits must be in the major field, and at least 10 credits in a related field outside the major for Plan C.
    • BBSEM 8001, 8002, and 8013 count toward the major field course credits.

  • Additional Guidelines:

    • Degree programs should primarily include 5000- and 8000-level courses. If more than three 4000-level courses are included, a justification letter must accompany the program submission.
    • Programs including over 4 credits of special problems/advanced problems courses must also include a justification letter.
    • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Plan A and Plan B students must pass a final oral defense to graduate.

  • Scholarly Contribution:

    • All master’s students are encouraged to produce scholarly work, such as a refereed journal article, literature review, research proposal, extension bulletin, website, or teaching materials.

Item 7: Guidelines for Development of Ph.D. Programs in BBSEM

The Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct advanced research in their area of expertise. Students develop the skills to define research questions, design and conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. The program builds on a strong undergraduate foundation in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences and equips students to tackle advanced and novel scientific and engineering challenges. GPAS should be submitted and approved by the advisor and DGS.

Program Requirements for BBSEM Ph.D. Students:

  • Credit Requirements:

    • Minimum of 30 semester course credits beyond the B.S. degree.
    • Minimum of 24 doctoral thesis credits (BBSEM 8888).
    • Relevant master’s coursework may be included. At least 60% of the total course credits must be completed at the University of Minnesota if the master’s degree was earned elsewhere.

  • Minor/Supporting Program:

    • At least 12 semester credits in a minor field or supporting program are required.

  • Transfer Credits:

    • Graduate credits from other institutions may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, subject to DGS and GPC approval.
    • Credits must meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be from a program comparable to a U.S. graduate program.
    • A maximum of 12 semester credits from non-graduate degree status may be transferred following Graduate School policies.

  • Required Courses:

    • BBSEM 8001: Seminar I (1 credit).
    • BBSEM 8002: Seminar II (1 credit).
    • BBSEM 8013: Parameter Estimation (3 credits) unless an exemption is granted.

  • Additional Course Guidelines:

    • Primarily 5000- and 8000-level courses. Programs with more than two 4000-level courses must include a justification letter.
    • Programs including over 8 credits of special/advanced problems courses also require a justification letter.
    • Students are encouraged to take up to 3 credits outside their major area to broaden their program. Examples include teaching, communication, or business management courses.

  • Performance and Exams:

    • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
    • Pass preliminary written and oral exams.
    • Write and defend a dissertation.
      • Dissertations may consist of a series of papers suitable for publication.
      • Topics should emphasize sound theoretical formulation, research design, data collection, and analysis.

  • Scholarly Contribution:

    • Ph.D. students are encouraged to write at least two refereed journal articles or produce other scholarly works (e.g., research proposals, extension bulletins, websites, or teaching materials).

Item 8: Graduate Student Seminars

Each BBSEM graduate student is required to present two seminars to the faculty and peers:

  1. First Seminar: Delivered as part of BBSEM 8001, focusing on the student’s proposed research or project.
  2. Second Seminar: Presented after completing research or projects, reporting the results.

For Ph.D. students, the second seminar fulfills the Graduate School’s requirement for a public presentation as part of the final exam.

Expectations:

  • All BBSEM graduate students are expected to attend departmental seminars, except in cases of scheduling conflicts.
  • Scheduling seminars is the responsibility of the student, in consultation with their advisor.

Item 9: Ph.D. Written Preliminary Examination

A. Objective

The Graduate School requires all doctoral students to pass a preliminary written examination in their major field. The objective of the BBSEM preliminary written examination is for doctoral students to demonstrate their ability to formulate and describe a scholarly research program that integrates scientific and/or engineering knowledge to address problems within their area of emphasis.

B. Guidelines

  1. The preliminary written examination consists of a dossier prepared by the doctoral student. The exam is administered by the DGS. The student should submit the preliminary written dossier together with the advisory committee member information to the DGS.
  2. A three-member dossier examining committee, appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), evaluates the dossier.
    • The committee typically includes two members from the student's advisory committee and one member from outside the advisory committee.
    • If external faculty cannot review the dossier in a timely manner, the DGS will appoint alternate reviewers.
  3. Students may consult with their advisor and advisory committee members before completing their dossier, but these individuals cannot review or edit written drafts.
  4. Detailed instructions for dossier preparation are available from the DGS. The dossier should include:
    • Title
    • Introduction: Describe the importance, need, and motivation for the research.
    • Objectives or Hypothesis: Clearly state the objectives or hypothesis of the proposed research.
    • Literature Review: Summarize key findings from relevant articles, highlight gaps in the literature, and explain the rationale for the proposed research.
    • Research Plan: Outline the methodology, work plan, and timeline for achieving research objectives.
    • Summary: Provide a concise summary (maximum 500 words).
    • Biographical Sketch: Include a one-page biography highlighting background and aspirations.
    • References: List all cited works in a standard, publishable format.
  5. Length and Format:
    • Maximum 40 pages (excluding the biographical sketch, references, and appendices).
    • Use 12-point font and double-spaced text.
  6. Evaluation Criteria:
    • Discussion of key literature and conceptual understanding.
    • Originality and creativity of the proposed research.
    • Feasibility and methodological rigor of the research plan.
    • Scientific merit and quality of the project.
    • Clarity and effectiveness of the written presentation.
  7. Evaluation Process:
    • Each committee member completes a dossier rating sheet within three weeks.
    • The DGS reviews evaluations and informs the student and advisor of the outcome:
      1. Pass.
      2. Pass with Conditions: Requires specific changes to the dossier.
      3. Rewrite: Requires partial or full revisions (limited to one rewrite).
      4. Fail: Results in dismissal from the program.

C. Timing

  • Supported students (e.g., via grants or departmental funds) must submit the dossier within 21 months of starting their Ph.D. program.
  • Unfunded students must submit their dossier before completing degree coursework.
  • Exemptions for extenuating circumstances require a formal petition to the Graduate Program Committee (GPC).
  • The final written preliminary dossier needs to be provided to all the advisory committee members before the oral preliminary examination.

Item 10: Ph.D. Oral Preliminary Examination

A. Objective

The oral preliminary examination evaluates whether students possess the knowledge and skills needed to complete their Ph.D., particularly their dissertation research. Upon passing, the student is officially recognized as a doctoral candidate.

B. Guidelines

  1. The oral exam must be taken after the written preliminary exam. Exceptions may be granted by the DGS upon consultation with the GPC.
  2. The oral exam should be scheduled as soon as feasible after the written exam and no later than the semester immediately following the written exam.
  3. The student’s major advisor chairs the oral exam, and all committee members must be present.
  4. The examination should be allotted a minimum of two hours.
  5. The student may be asked to present and defend a proposed research plan for the dissertation. However, committee members may also question the student on broader topics related to the field.
  6. Questions should focus on:
    • The student’s understanding of foundational scientific and engineering principles.
    • General research techniques, including theoretical development, experimental design, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling.

C. Examination Process and Outcomes

  1. The committee chair begins the examination by stating its objectives and outlining the process.
  2. Outcomes are recorded in one of three ways:
    • Pass.
    • Pass with Reservations: The committee specifies required actions to address deficiencies (e.g., additional coursework, papers, or assigned problems).
    • Fail.
  3. Voting Proportions for Passing:
    • Four members: unanimous or 3–1 vote.
    • Five members: unanimous or 4–1 vote.
    • Six members: unanimous, 5–1, or 4–2 vote.
    • Seven members: unanimous, 6–1, or 5–2 vote.
  4. For a Pass with Reservations, the committee must provide the student with written feedback within one week, detailing steps to address reservations. A second letter confirming the removal of reservations must be sent to the Graduate School once requirements are met.
    • The final oral examination cannot be scheduled until the Graduate School confirms that all reservations have been cleared.
  5. If the student fails to satisfy the committee's reservations, a re-vote is conducted. Failure to meet reservations may result in termination of doctoral candidacy and graduate student status.

Item 11: Final Oral Examinations

All Ph.D. graduate students are required to present a public seminar as part of their final oral examination. This seminar must fulfill the Graduate School’s requirement for a scholarly presentation "open to the academic community."

The final oral examination will be conducted in accordance with the procedures and guidelines specified in the Graduate School Catalog.

Item 12: AI Statement

The BBSEM program’s policy on the use of AI is currently under consideration by the graduate
faculty. In the interim, students will be advised to consult with their advisors and course instructors
regarding the permitted use of AI in their research and coursework.

Item 13: Appeals

Appeals shall be addressed in accordance with the Student Academic Grievance Policy, following the informal resolution guidelines outlined in the policy.

Appeal Process:

  1. Appeals of DGS Actions:

    • Appeals must be submitted in writing to the chair of the Graduate Program Committee (GPC).
    • The GPC will review and take appropriate action on such appeals.

  2. Appeals of GPC Actions:

    • Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
    • The Graduate Faculty will review and act on these appeals.

  3. Appeals of Graduate Faculty Actions:

    • Students may seek informal resolution through the CFANS and Graduate School for appeals concerning actions taken by the Graduate Faculty.

 

(Original approval by the Graduate Faculty - November 1976)
(Subsequent approval by the Graduate Faculty - October 1981)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - September 1983)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - April 1986)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - July 1990)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - November 2000)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - November 2009)
(Revised by the Graduate Faculty - May, 2025)