Biotechnology is an emerging area of industrial growth in the U.S. and will increasingly need engineers to transfer laboratory developments to large scale production. Specialists in ecological systems engineering are concerned with the design, development, and management of ecosystems. Typical applications include the rehabilitation of disturbed ecosystems, the design of mitigation areas, the incorporation of ecologically sustainable features into land developments, and the design and management of public and private landscapes. An understanding of ecology and the interaction of ecological communities, coupled with knowledge of engineering design and economics, are stressed in this specialization. Employment opportunities include environmental consulting firms, government regulatory agencies, and agencies involved in wildland resource management.
Forest engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in managing forest lands.
Forestry has evolved from an emphasis on wood production toward multiple use, ecosystem management and consideration of noneconomic objectives such as retaining biodiversity. Forest engineers help to develop the equipment and techniques to plan and carry out forest operations that can meet these changing requirements. Examples include reforestation, harvesting, forest residue management, and development of roads and recreation facilities. Following the sophomore year, students are strongly encouraged to attend an eight-week field course sequence at the UC Forestry Camp near Quincy. This is followed by a semester at UC Berkeley, as an intercampus visitor, taking suggested forestry courses.