This option is available within the Bioresource Research major at the following location:

• Corvallis

The Bioproducts and Bioenergy option is concerned with the innovative discovery and production of biomaterials (e.g. biodegradable plastics and composites), bioenergy (e.g. fuel ethanol, hydrogen and biodiesel), or biochemicals (e.g. antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and herbicides) from plant, animal, or microbial biomass. Switching to an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals, and energy are derived from renewable biological resources could improve health, transform manufacturing practices, increase agricultural productivity, boost rural economies, and mitigate climate change. Students in this option will be prepared for interesting careers in industry and bioinnovation, as well as graduate programs. 

Students must choose option classes from four categories, to provide:

1. Background appropriate to the systems that their research concerns (e.g. forests, agricultural crops, microbes);
2. An upper-division laboratory class;
3. A class in economics, business, innovation, or marketing;
4. Specialization and breadth courses, depending on the student’s choice of research.

Option Code: 815

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Retain and articulate the fundamental concepts of biosciences and bioresource sciences, and of the physical and mathematical sciences that support these fields.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method by designing an experiment, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Convey the meaning of research results in written and oral format, to both professionals and the general public.
• Master and discuss the important contemporary issues in the specific discipline of the BRR option and research project.
• Demonstrate professionalism, including critical thinking, a strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute to a team.

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Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

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Core Education course. Applies only to students admitted to an OSU undergraduate degree from Summer 2025 onwards

Option Code: 815