Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
School of Technology, حلحلآ» University
Overview
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE) is one of the departments in the School of Technology, حلحلآ» University. It focuses on the application of engineering solutions to agricultural production and development options.
Through teaching and research, students are trained in the design, development and promotion of biosystems for sustainable food production, processing and preservation.
DABE currently has two laboratories and an eight-hectare land for handy field research.
Mission
"We build human capacity, knowledge and skills for the integrated use of engineering and technology in agricultural and bio-systems processes."
Vision
"We want to become a leading and prominent training base in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering for the transformation of Sierra Leone from rainfed to irrigated, manual to mechanical and food-deficient to food-abundant society."
Units in the Department
Academic programs are at the heart of DABE and it is fully committed to student learning and career success. DABE comprises three (3) academic units:
1. Soil & Water Engineering
Soil, together with water, provides the basis for life on earth. The unit is concerned with the wise use of soil and water for the provision of enough food for future generations.
Our staff in this unit are focused on Irrigation, Water Resources Management, Land development, Erosion and Water Quality studies.
Courses Covered:
- Irrigation
- Hydrology
- Land development
- Inland Valley Swamp Development
- Soil mechanics
- Fluid mechanics
- Soil conservation
Laboratory Facility and Research
The laboratory is equipped with a Liquid Water Isotope Analyser, capable of assessing stable isotopes of water for hydrological studies. The unit also has various surveying equipment including a Total Station, a Laser level and other requisite Surveying accessories.
Current Research Projects:
- The development and performance assessment of a technology for research on soil erosion; Phase I: Adaptation of the tipping bucket rain gauge
- The development and performance assessment of a mobile sprinkler irrigator
- Rainwater Harvesting for Supplementary Irrigation
- Groundwater Assessment using Stable Isotopes
2. Postharvest Technology
Postharvest activities have gained importance in sub-Saharan Africa. Increases in crop production have not been matched by technical improvements in post-production practices.
Through teaching and research, the aim of this unit is to stimulate agricultural production by providing ways of preventing postharvest losses and adding value to agricultural products.
Courses Taught:
- Crop processing & Storage
- Engineering properties of biological materials
- Design of Agricultural and Food Processing Machines
Laboratory Facility and Research
The Postharvest Food and Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment that include the High Performance Liquid Chromatography system.
Current Research Activities:
- Bio-fortification in food crop production
- Optimizing processing techniques for producing germinated rice and soybean food products
3. Farm Machinery & Mechanization
The mission of this unit is to improve capacity in the use of farm machinery and appropriate mechanization options for farmers.
Courses Taught:
- Bio-production Machinery
- Farm Mechanics and Workshop Technology
- Farm Power and Machinery
Ancillary Units
These include:
- The mechanical workshop unit which comprises a machine shop and a tractor workshop
- The carpentry and farm building unit
Programs
Through the various units, DABE offers a total of two (2) sub-degree, two (2) degree and four (4) post-graduate degree programs. The programs at DABE are designed for supervisory and managerial roles in agriculture or the related enterprises.
Sub-degree Programs:
- Higher Diploma in Farm Mechanization
- Higher Diploma in Land & Water Management
Post-graduate Diploma:
- Post-graduate Diploma in Postharvest Technology
Bachelor's Degree Programs:
- BSc in Agricultural Engineering (Honors)
- BSc in Agricultural Engineering (General)
Master's Degree Programs:
- MSc in Postharvest Technology
- MSc in Soil & Water Engineering
Doctoral Program:
- PhD in Agricultural Engineering
Entry Requirements for Bachelor of Science with Honors in Agricultural Engineering
1. Degree Candidates
i. WASSCE/GCE "O"-Level Candidates
The minimum admission requirement for entry into the programme are Five (5) Credits in not more than Two Sittings in WASSCE or GCE "O"-Level. A candidate must have a minimum of Five (5) Credits at GCE "O"-level or at WASSCE, including English Language, Mathematics or Further mathematics, Physics and any other two Science-related subjects.
2. HD Candidates
Candidates with Pass at HD with minimum of C6 in English Language at WASSCE will be admitted into First Year.
Candidates with Credit at HD with minimum of C6 in English Language at WASSCE will be admitted into Second Year.
ii. Entry Requirements for Higher Diploma Programs in:
- 1) Farm Mechanization
- 2) Land & Water Management
Candidate for admission into the proposed programmes must satisfy the following requirements: Four Credits at GCE "O"-Level or at WASSCE, including English Language in not more than two sittings.
3. All Candidates
Candidates with the entry requirements, but without the minimum C6 in English Language at WASSCE will be required to take and pass the University Matriculation English Language Exam for admission.
Staff
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE)
School of Technology, حلحلآ» University, Sierra Leone