Engineering is the study of creating and developing complicated equipment or processes, while bioprocessing is any process that uses living cells to create a product. Bioprocess engineering is the planning, design, execution, and adjustment of biological and mechanical processes required to develop novel products in the life sciences. Given the complicated nature of the intersecting scientific domains, this form of engineering is quite broad. Thus, bioprocess engineering is the backbone of the biotechnology industry, as it is responsible for translating research and development into industrial applications. Advanced knowledge and understanding of systems engineering, chemistry, biology, and government laws are required of bioprocess engineers.
Biosystems engineering is a branch of engineering that combines engineering science and design with biological and environmental science applications. It illustrates a progression of engineering disciplines that have been applied to all living species, excluding biomedical applications. As a result, biosystems engineering is defined as "the branch of engineering concerned with the application of engineering sciences to the solution of problems affecting biological systems."