BioResource & Agricultural Engineering

Identification and use of tools and materials; shop safety; tool sharpening and care; concrete mixes and materials; simple electric wiring; metal work; pipe fitting; basic woodworking; estimating quantities and costs. Students are required to meet safety regulations in laboratory work. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to careers associated with BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, and Agricultural Systems Management. Professional engineering registration process. Engineering problem solution and report format. Design procedures. Engineering fundamentals. Laboratory includes visits to facilities relating to career opportunities. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to fabrication and construction materials used in the field of Agricultural Engineering. Fabrication skills in the development of wood, metal, concrete projects, and creative design. Strength tests of wood, fasteners, concrete, and student design projects. 1 laboratory.

Evaluation of safe tractor and equipment operation. Supervised field operation emphasizing the safe and efficient performance of modern farm and utility-industrial equipment. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Evaluation of agricultural machinery and tractor power performance. Equipment studied includes primary and secondary tillage tools, grain drills, row crop planters, sprayers, grain and forage harvesters, and specialty crop harvesters. Emphasis on management, selection, cost analysis using computers and efficient operation of agricultural machinery. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Visual communication in engineering design and problem solving. Principles of freehand sketching, and computer-aided-drafting. Computer aided drafting using CAD software. 2-D projections including automatic dimensioning and hatching. Plan set development and external references. Land grading design, using 3-D drawing software. Not open to students with credit in BRAE 133 and BRAE 151. 2 laboratories.

Introduction to 3-dimensional solids modeling using state-of-the-art software. Model generation and modification of associative properties, assembly modeling, extrusions and revolutions. 1 laboratory.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Agricultural Systems Analysis investigates the interrelationships between sub-components in an overall system. Problem solving algorithms, network analysis, project planning techniques, and optimization. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Treatment of the engineering applications of biology. Genetic engineering and the industrial application of microbiology. Systems physiology with engineering applications. Structure and function relationships in biological systems. The impact of life on its environment. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures. Crosslisted as BMED/BRAE 213. Fulfills GE B2.

Application of electricity in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering, including basic electric circuits. Will include wiring materials, code regulations, electrical measurements, R-L-C circuit fundamentals, system planning, motors, basic electronics, and an introduction to computer usage. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Systems approach to introductory life science that focuses on patterns and cycles in biology. Introductory modeling and quantitative measurement of life science parameters. Emphasis on the interaction between organisms and their environment. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Planning of facilities required in production systems. Materials and processes used in construction of agricultural structures. Environmental factors affecting crop storage structures and animal housing. Design of structural environments to meet the needs of commodities, animals, and plants. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to elements used in the mechanical transmission of power and force in agricultural systems. Power transmission using v-belts. roller chain, gear and shaft drives, hydraulic actuators. Linear and nonlinear actuation devices including linkages, cams, and hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Land grading design, operation, management, and evaluation of irrigation methods. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to field measurement using automatic levels, total stations, robotic stations, GNSS RTK receivers and field data collectors. Field procedures for differential and profile leveling, directional measurement, traversing and construction surveying. An understanding in direction, elevation and earthwork volume computations. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Field measurement using levels, robotic stations, RTK receivers, data collectors. Leveling, profiles, traverses, traverse adjustment, triangulation, earthwork volumes and curve alignment computations. Topographic surveys, topographic mapping, building layout, road design. Topics as geodetic survey, licensing, aerial mapping, GIS, and remote sensing. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Individual projects. Total credit limited to 4 units. 1 laboratory.

Precision agriculture applications. Integrating GIS, GPS, and remote sensing technologies with site-specific farming practices to optimize agricultural productivity. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BRAE/PLSC 244.

Use and care of tapes, staff compass, abney levels, total stations, and GPS receivers. Keeping field notes, measurements by tape. Closed and open traverse by compass and total stations. Turning angles and determining directions of lines. Map reading and public land description. GPS measurements. Weekend field trips required. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BRAE/NR 247.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Selection, application and use of hydraulic components and mechanical power transmission equipment. Use of standardized circuit design procedures. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Application of microcomputers and programmable logic controllers to hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems. Theory, instrumentation and sensors used in process and control systems used in agricultural equipment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Static and dynamic characteristics of liquids, flow in open and closed channels, uniform and nonuniform flow, flow measurement, pumps. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to systems and technical management with application in agricultural business settings, including logistics, reliability, system behavior, causal loops, feedback and delay. Data analysis, systematic decision-making, and simulation. Field trip required. 4 lectures.

Theory and applications of bioprocess technology in biological and agricultural systems. Engineering properties of biological materials and organisms. Basic unit operations, fluid mechanics and heat/mass transfer as applied to bioprocess technology. Special requirements of agricultural and biological processes. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Principles of agricultural safety. Accident causation and prevention, hazard identification and abatement, laws and regulations. Machinery, electrical, chemical, livestock, shop and fire safety. Safety program development. 2 lectures, 1 activity.

Applications of DC/AC electricity in agriculture. National Electric Code regulations. The wiring of agricultural structures and electrical distribution. Series, parallel and series-parallel circuits, R-L-C circuits, electric motors, electronics. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Transducers and engineering measurements in agricultural engineering. Covering transducer characteristics, signal processors and controllers, instrumentation techniques, and the use of the computer in the measurement and control of typical engineering problems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Plant-water-soil relations examining evapotranspiration, plant stress, soil moisture depletion, irrigation frequency and depth, salinity management, infiltration, drainage and climate control. 3 lectures.

Design of internal environments to meet the needs of commodities, animals, and plants. Thermodynamic and psychrometric principles for agricultural structures. Heat transfer, insulation and refrigeration. Sensing, monitoring and controlling environmental factors affecting crop storage structures and animal housing. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Application of aquacultural engineering principles for freshwater and marine food-production systems. Examination of system design constraints for maximizing productivity and minimizing environmental impacts, nutrient management, gas exchange and animal husbandry. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Principles of operation of internal combustion engines. Theory of operation and diagnosis evaluation and repair of small engines, gasoline and diesel engines and economics of operation, use and repair. Power analysis and application. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Design of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems including: site characteristics, soil variables affecting water storage and infiltration rate, plant selection and hydrozones, hydraulics, nozzle spacing, selection of system components, back flow prevention, plumbing codes and cost estimating. Irrigation system evaluation and audit irrigation scheduling, and water budget. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural firm engaged in production or related business. Time will be spent applying and developing production and managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

California water supply and budget; water rights and issues. Local, state and federal water institutions. Water measurement; basic hydraulics; irrigation systems; distribution uniformity and efficiency. Soil-plant-water relationships; soil moisture measurement; evapotranspiration; irrigation schedules; practical constraints affecting scheduling; salinity and drainage. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Physical properties of agricultural materials and their measurement. Strength of materials, material flow and transport, material deformation, shape and size classification, moisture relationships and biological interactions. Interactions between agricultural materials, the environment and equipment used to handle them. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Use of statics and dynamics to make original calculations, plans, sketches, graphics, drawings, schemes and layouts for the fabrication and construction of machines. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Fabrication systems including cutting, sawing, shearing, bending, welding, grinding, cleaning, painting and proper safety procedures. Experimental projects to include team design and construction, presentation, organization, and evaluation. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Concepts of photogrammetry and remote sensing. Object recognition, stereoscopic viewing, elevation determination, and scale. State-of-the-art techniques for collecting, processing, and interpreting remote sensing data. Digital image analysis techniques such as image enhancement, change detection, unsupervised and supervised classifications. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Study of how the transition can be made from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources including hydro, biomass, solar, wind, and energy conservation. Environmental, economic, and political consequences of a renewable energy-based sustainable society. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).

Historical, political, economic, socio-technical, and cultural dimensions of water sustainability. Overview of complex systems with an emphasis on individual choices and their impact on water sustainability. Exploration of core sustainability concepts; practices, barriers and goals related to water resources. Course offered online only. 4 lectures. Crosslisted BRAE/NR 349. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Integration of remote sensing, surveying, natural resource management, applied drone technology. Understanding laws, regulations, measurement concepts, and big data. Field applications using Unmanned Aerial Systems and Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Creation of maps and supporting documents for use in GIS. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as BRAE/NR 355.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems in agriculture. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Engineering and economic principles combined with mathematical optimization techniques to evaluate parameters in agricultural production and processing systems. Project planning techniques, linear and nonlinear modeling, response surface methodology. Professional responsibilities in Agricultural Engineering including ethics, patents, copyrights, liability. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Fertilizer and chemical injection through irrigation systems. Hardware, fertilizer compounds, and distribution uniformity. Matching chemicals and equipment to specific irrigation methods. Safety. 1 laboratory.

Design of on-farm irrigation systems; micro, surface, and sprinkler irrigation systems; canals and pumps; economic and strategies of pipe design; pipeline protection. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Project management of agricultural systems. Emphasis placed on a team approach to problem solution. Case studies and student projects used to explore the following topics: project leadership, project organization, communication, needs assessment, feasibility studies, cost analysis, decision making, solution implementation, and evaluation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Project management of agricultural systems. Emphasis placed on a team approach to problem solution. Case studies and student projects used to explore the following topics: project leadership, project organization, communication, needs assessment, feasibility studies, cost analysis, decision making, solution implementation, and evaluation. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Design of specialized agricultural components and equipment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Fabrication and construction of specialized agricultural components and equipment. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Computer activated controls as applied to agricultural machinery, agricultural structures, processing and irrigation industries. Encompassing control logic to evaluate stability behavior of systems of computer interfacing, data input and control output. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Agricultural applications of signal processing, control theories, machine vision and robot basics for agricultural production and processing. Approaches and constraints related to agricultural automation and the use of robotics in field applications. Engineering approach to problem-solving and experimental data analysis. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Selection of buildings, storage units, and related equipment for production agriculture. Economics and functionality of various designs and construction materials. Environmental factors affecting crop storage and animal housing. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Structural analysis and design of agricultural service and processing buildings. Emphasis on use of wood, metals, and reinforced concrete in light construction. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Multidisciplinary investigation of automotive renewable fuels and electric/hybrid vehicles. Analyze and design related technologies and systems. Methods for complete-cycle energy and GHG analysis. Comparative emissions, efficiency, power output, and infrastructure requirements. Laboratory projects converting engines and vehicles to operate on alternative fuels or electric propulsion. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BRAE/EE 434.

Relevant principles of hydrology and porous media flow. Flow nets, wells and ground water, design of simple surface and sub-surface drains. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Theory and design of facilities for physical and chemical treatment of water used in agricultural practices to sanitize crops as they are harvested, and water used while processing the commodities. This course also includes the design of chemical and biological reactors. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Drip/micro irrigation hardware and management. Emphasizes agricultural drip/micro irrigation with some landscape application. Filtration, emitters, chemical injection, agronomic constraints, and scheduling. Field trip(s) included. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

On-farm irrigation system evaluation and management. Drip, micro-spray, furrow, border strip, sprinkler systems. Irrigation efficiency and uniformity. Pumping costs. For non-BRAE majors only. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Field skills in precise mapping, high order control and terrestrial imagery. CAD mapping and design. Work with large datasets on regional surface models. Collect, manipulate data for GIS. Basics of boundary law and limitations of using land boundaries in GIS. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Biological, thermal and physical techniques for converting biomass into useful energy forms for agriculture and industry. Laboratory exercises include experiments with anaerobic digestion of animal wastes into methane, ethanol fermentation of grains and composting of agricultural residues. Technical and economic feasibility of biofuels. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Engineering principles, design, and installation of solar photovoltaic power systems including grid-tie and off-grid systems. Photonic energy conversion, solar module engineering, solar power electronics, photovoltaic site planning, mechanical and structural considerations, permit processes, government incentives, and analysis of financial and investment issues. Field trips required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as BRAE/EE/HNRS 450.

Selection and organization of senior project. Involves time management, research techniques, budgeting and project presentation. Documentation of multidisciplinary team experience. 1 laboratory.

Solution of an engineering or systems management problem in agriculture. May involve research methodology, problem statement, analysis, synthesis, project design, construction, and evaluation. Project requires 150 hours with a minimum of faculty supervision.

Solution of an engineering or systems management problem in agriculture. May involve research methodology, problem statement, analysis, synthesis, project design, construction, and evaluation. Project requires 150 hours with a minimum of faculty supervision.

Final course in the senior design series. Preparation of an Operation, Maintenance and Safety manual for projects fabricated in the earlier courses. Develop a memorandum and video documenting the design, fabrication, and testing phases. Final oral presentation for each group. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1-4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Advanced shop skills. Carpentry, electricity, plumbing, surveying, power mechanics, tractor equipment operation and maintenance. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.

Part-time work experience with an approved BioResource and Agricultural Engineering firm engaged in production or related business, industry or governmental agency. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Full time work experience with an approved BioResource and Agricultural Engineering firm engaged in production or related business, industry or governmental agency. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 4 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advanced study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the department faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Enrollment by petition. Total credit limited to 6 units, repeatable in same term.

Water well drilling, design, and development. Pump characteristics and system head. Series and parallel operation. Design of pump intakes. Variable speed electric drives and engines. Pump testing. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced open channel and pipeline controls for unsteady flow. Social aspects of improved water delivery to customers. Engineering solutions for modernizing irrigation projects, including open-channel flow measurement, advanced control structure design, determining capacities, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Systematic research of a significant problem in bioresource and agricultural engineering. Thesis will include problem identification, significance, methods, data analysis, and conclusion. Students must enroll every quarter in which facilities are used or advisement is received. Degree credit limited to 6 units.