See also Undergraduate Program Handbook
Chemical Engineering primarily deals with the many aspects of processes in which matter and energy undergo change. It is based on the sciences of chemistry, physics and mathematics and the principles of economics and environmental protection. Chemical engineers are generally regarded as versatile problem-solvers. Working in consultation with other engineers and scientists, chemical engineers define problems, determine objectives, plan and carry out the research, and then design, develop, computerize and control the processes
The Department of Chemical Engineering provides a broad and strong foundation which prepares graduates for entry into all areas of chemical engineering or pursuit of advanced degrees in chemical engineering and other disciplines. Our graduates are highly sought after.
The undergraduate program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. Studies leading to the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering/Materials Science are also offered.
See lists of all Chemical Engineering undergraduate and graduate course descriptions
Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the Chemical Engineering program are to produce:
- graduates who can proficiently practice chemical engineering in a wide variety of contemporary industrial settings. graduates who have the basic competencies required to pursue advanced study and research in chemical engineering and other related disciplines. chemical engineers with well-developed problem-solving skills and understanding of current technical, economic, environmental and safety issues and their impact on local and global communities.
- graduates who have had broad education and experiences necessary to understand the issues of underrepresented minorities and gender diversity in the workplace.
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Concentrations
The Department of Chemical Engineering, through elective sequences and consultation with a faculty advisor, gives students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in the following areas: computer-assisted process design and control; processing of energy and natural resources; electronic materials and devices; environmental protection and hazardous waste treatment; and biotechnology and biomedicine.
- Computer-Assisted Process Design and Control. Chemical engineers construct theoretical models that incorporate the chemistry and physics of processes that produce plastics, chemicals and detergents using computers to design, control and optimize the processes.
- Processing of Energy and Natural Resources. Chemical engineers find new chemical process pathways to convert natural resources into energy and useful products. Some in-situ processes use the earth itself as a reaction vessel for extracting underground resources.
- Electronic Materials and Devices. Chemical engineers develop processes for deposition and coating of thin films that are essential for the fabrication of integrated circuits.
- Environmental Protection and Hazardous Waste Treatment. Chemical engineers use chemical techniques to leach hazardous chemicals from landfills and use micro- organisms and combustion technology to destroy hazardous waste. They develop catalytic reaction devices to convert air and water pollutants to harmless compounds.
- Biotechnology and Biomedicine. Chemical engineers design and develop separation processes and bioreactors to produce complex bioproducts such as therapeutic drugs and agricultural biochemicals. They also make important contributions in the development of artificial organs, artificial tissues and prostheses.
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