The MSc in Biosystems Engineering is at the interface of biology and technology with specialisations in automation or environmental technology.

 

The population is increasing more and more, and this means food production must be increased. The extra demand for food and bioenergy has an impact on nature and the environment. There is a need for solutions that ensure sustainable development and coexistence between agriculture, nature and the environment.

The solution to all these challenges requires the development of new and sustainable technology. It requires people with interdisciplinary skills in biology and technology.

Profile
The degree programme provides you with an opportunity to specialise in automation or environmental technology.

In the automation line, your studies are based on knowledge about handling and interpreting sensor data from biological environments, and knowledge about the way in which data can be utilised in designing and manufacturing automation equipment. This line solves problems and supplements innovative environments for manufacturing agricultural automation equipment for the benefit of primary agriculture and related industries.

The environmental technology line focuses on developing agricultural solutions that ensure optimal utilisation of nutrients and better interaction between urban and rural areas.

The MSc in Biosystems Engineering will give you either a technical engineering or a biological background.

Students specialising in engineering will at the completion of the study be able to integrate technical knowledge with production and eco-technological progress and to enhance a biological production in a modern society (cand.polyt).

Graduates with the biological background will be able to take part in the technological development of biosystems and eco-technological solutions (cand.scient.techn.). See course catalogue.

Professional Aim
As a biosystems engineering graduate you receive acquired skills in automation and environmental technology at the interface of biology and technology. You will be able to research, organise and manage the development and production of equipment and intelligent tools. You will be involved in development processes and act as a consultant on automation technologies that ensure the development of the right technological, financial and climate-related solutions in agriculture.

The degree programme provides you with insight and academic skills that qualify you for jobs in areas such as production companies, engineering firms, consultancy companies, environmental management services and research environments. According to a survey conducted among companies and organisations in the agricultural sector, there are numerous job opportunities for graduates.

Language of instruction and teaching methods
You do not need any prior knowledge of the Danish language before you start your studies. At the University of Aarhus the tuition will be in English, unless all the students present speak Danish.

The tuition is undertaken by teachers and scientists from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Aarhus and by teachers from the Engineering College of Aarhus and Vitus Bering Denmark in Horsens. The degree will thus be related to and benefit from the ongoing research and development projects in these places. The educational establishments have some very advanced equipment and laboratories that the degree programme can make use of.

The studies are primarily project-oriented, where the students will solve actual problems in related research projects. The dissertation is carried out either in collaboration with scientists or with commercial entities and will be part of an actual development or research project. This will require creativity and dedication on the part of the students, and it will help them develop a constructive and critical approach towards their own and others’ work and to be able to rationalise their choices.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The admission requirements for the course is a BSc in engineering or other discipline as described below.

The automation strand is open to students with a BSc in engineering and machine engineering, machine technology, production, mechanical and integrated design, electronics and data and information technology. Bachelors with a science degree with a suitable content of mathematics, physics, computer science, and information technology or agricultural science will also be accepted subject to an individual assessment.

The environmental technology is open to students with a BSc in engineering and to science and engineering bachelors within machine technology, production, chemistry, chemistry and technology, process technology, environmental technology, and agricultural science.

Location

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences is located at Troejborg, Willemoesgade 15, building 2117, 8200 Aarhus N, see map here.

Please bear in mind that the premises of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences are not situated in the central Campus area, but a few hundred meters east of the campus. Campus is located rather close to the city centre - about 10 minutes on foot.