Ph.D. Education in Biosystems Engineering

The Department of Biosystems Engineering (IBT) aims to provide a Ph.D. degree in Biosystem Engineering of the highest international standard. This requires an equally high standard of the Ph.D. student, the supervisor(s), and the work environment. We expect completion of the degree within the nominal 3 years and, in return, offer good career possibilities after the degree has been completed. IBT considers the Ph.D. education programme to be an integral part of the research.

Introduction to IBT

At IBT we investigate and develop techniques for agriculture with focus on high technology. The department is divided into two research groups: The Research Group for Automation and System Engineering, and The Research Group for Environment and Climate Engineering

Automation and System Engineering

The research group focuses on high technological projects, to promote development of new technologies and production systems. New technologies will be able to ensure better animal welfare, less use of resources and a better working environment, and to reduce the external inconveniences as well as the environmental impact is reduced. We endeavour through research in i.e. sensor systems, robots and technology for organic farming to reach our targets.

Environment and Climate Engineering

The objects of this group are environment and emission, with special emphasis on odour, ammonia and greenhouse gases from stables, manure stores and by distribution of manure. Furthermore research in technologies for handling and treatment of animal manure from animals to plants are being conducted, including techniques for separation of manure and biogas production from manure and energy crops. Research in mathematical/physical models for examining the consequences of arrangements in animal production and optimization of the decision support systems are also performed.

The department's knowledge is furthermore used within general agricultural research together with an advisory function to the authorities.

IBT has approx. 50 employees, out of which 40 are scientists including 10-15 Ph.D. students, while the remaining employees are laboratory technicians and administrative staff. The department is located at Research Centre Foulum and Engineering Centre Horsens.

National and International Cooperation

IBT has broad research cooperation with other Danish universities and research institutions. In addition to this, at the national level, IBT particularly cooperates with the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Danish Ministry of the Environment and their affiliated units (e.g. the Danish Plant Directorate, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, the Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency).

IBT also has numerous contacts and contracts with organizations, private as well as cooperative, working with engineering, innovation and advisory connected to the agricultural sector

At the international level, IBT cooperates with many universities and research institutions in Europe, Asia, and North America. At present, the department participates in a number of EU projects. Moreover, the expertise of the department is utilized through cooperation with Danish authorities, Danish and foreign companies and supranational institutions such as the EU, FAO, WHO and DANIDA

As a result of the many and varied outside contracts, IBT receives an exceptionally high amount of external grants.

Working Environment

The department focuses very much on ensuring a good working environment. Efforts are made to ensure good management and on improving the competence of the employees. Staff satisfaction surveys are carried out, just as yearly staff development meetings between employer and employee. These surveys and meetings also include master and Ph.D. students. A fine-meshed safety structure based on the safety of the individual person is established whether you work in the laboratory, greenhouses or in the field (field, livestock buildings, industrial companies, etc.).

Facilities and Services

The department has modern research and experimental facilities with well-equipped laboratories, offices and meeting rooms. In addition there are modern and relevant experimental facilities.  

Ph.D. Courses Offered

A number of Ph.D. courses are being set up at the department. In addition to this, joint courses for DJF Ph.D. students are established in particular in cooperation with DJF's Ph.D. School. Further information can be obtained by contacting the departmental Ph.D. Coordinator.

Quality Safeguards

IBT is striving to ensure the quality of the Ph.D. education through special courses for supervisors, extended visits abroad as part of the study programme, networking, establishing a course programme at the highest international level and a continuous development of an inspiring professional and social environment for the Ph.D. students.

Management and Connection to DJF/AU

The Ph.D. education in Biosystem Engineering is based in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (DJF), University of Aarhus. Together with similar Ph.D. education programmes at the other DJF departments it represents DJF's Ph.D. School, which works as an umbrella for the Ph.D. education programmes with a view to ensure the education programmes and the quality in supervision, Ph.D. courses, completion of the studies, coordination across departments, faculties and other universities. The responsibility for supervision and the educational quality rests ultimately with IBT, which strengthens the professional connection and ensures support for the individual Ph.D. student.

The Ph.D. education programme is run by a Ph.D. Coordinator, who has the task of establishing, maintaining and developing the programme. In this work the Coordinator will receive advice from a Ph.D. education committee, which consists of the Coordinator, two scientists with experience in Ph.D. supervision, and three Ph.D. students. The members of the committee are appointed by the Head of Department at JBT for a period of 2 years, for Ph.D. students, however, for only 1 year at a time.

Admission Requirements

A Master's degree in natural science or agricultural science from a Danish university or a foreign university. For particulars, contact the Ph.D. Coordinator.

Contact and Further Information

Head of Department of Biosystems Engineering Morten Dam Rasmussen, mortend.rasmussen@remove-this.agrsci.dk

Further information: www.agrsci.au.dk