Chemical Engineering (BSChE)
Chemical engineering is one of the most broadly-based engineering disciplines. Its field of practice covers the development, design, and control of processes and products that involve molecular change, both chemical and biological, and the operation of such processes. Because many of the products that sustain and improve life are produced by carefully designed and controlled molecular changes, the chemical engineer serves in a wide variety of industries. These industries range from chemical and energy companies to producers of all types of consumer and specialty products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, polymers, advanced materials, and solid-state and biomedical devices.
Careers are available in industry, government, consulting, and education. Areas of professional work include research and development, operations, technical service, product development, process and plant design, market analysis and development, process control, and pollution abatement.
The chemical engineering degree program prepares students for professional practice in chemically related careers after the bachelor's degree or an advanced degree. Chemical engineering graduates are expected to attain the following capabilities at or within a few years of graduation: Become leading professionals who advance chemical engineering practice and knowledge in multiple fields, such as energy, materials, environmental and systems engineering, electronics, biotechnology, human health, public service, and education; continue to educate themselves, seeking new and innovative engineering approaches as dictated by their needs, interests, and circumstances; become ethical and productive engineers, who recognize and acknowledge the local and global impacts of engineering technology on humans and the environment. To meet the program objective, the faculty has designed a rigorous, demanding, and state-of-the-art curriculum that integrates lectures and laboratory experience in basic science, mathematics, engineering science, engineering design, and the liberal arts.
ABET Student Outcomes:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, crate a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Total Hours Required: 129
Plan of Study
The Plan of Study is a suggested four-year course sequence to support academic planning and serves as a helpful guide. Currently enrolled students should meet with their academic advisor to tailor their course selections and timelines to their individual goals and circumstances.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
| CH 302 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 210 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| M 408C | Differential and Integral Calculus | 4 |
| RHE 306 | Rhetoric and Writing | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (080) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CH 204 | Introduction to Chemical Practice | 2 |
| M 408D | Sequences, Series, and Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| PHY 303K | Engineering Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 105M | Laboratory For Physics 302K, 303K, and 317K | 1 |
| American and Texas Government (070) | 3 | |
| $090 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CH 328M | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 128K | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 317 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| M 427J | Differential Equations with Linear Algebra | 4 |
| PHY 303L | Engineering Physics II | 3 |
| PHY 105N | Laboratory For Physics 302L, 303L, and 317L | 1 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CH 328N | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 128L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 353 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 319 | Transport Phenomena | 3 |
| M 427L | Advanced Calculus for Applications II | 4 |
| Humanities (040) | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CH 153K | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHE 322 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| E S 333T | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| CHE 253K | Applied Statistics | 2 |
| CHE 354 | Transport Processes | 3 |
| Chemistry Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CHE 253M | Measurement, Control, and Data Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 363 | Separation Processes and Mass Transfer | 3 |
| CHE 348 | Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering and Problem Solving | 3 |
| CHE 338 | Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| Visual and Performing Arts (050) | 3 | |
| U.S. History (060) | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Semester 1 | ||
| CHE 350 | Chemical Engineering Materials | 3 |
| CHE 264 | Chemical Engineering Process and Projects Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 372 | Chemical Reactor Analysis and Design | 3 |
| Approved Engineering Area Course | 3 | |
| Approved Technical Area Course | 3 | |
| American and Texas Government (070) | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CHE 360 | Process Control | 3 |
| CHE 473K | Process Design and Operations | 4 |
| Approved Engineering Area Course | 3 | |
| Approved Technical Area Course | 3 | |
| U.S. History (060) | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 129 | |
Requirements
All requirements are listed below, starting with the most specialized moving to the most general. Additional requirements may follow the table, so be sure to read the entire page. Some required courses listed below may also satisfy General Education requirements, including Core Curriculum.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | ||
| Approved technical focus area electives in engineering (see Course Lists tab) | 6 | |
| Approved technical focus area electives (see Course Lists tab) | 6 | |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Degree (see details below) | 93 | |
| Subtotal | 93 | |
| Free electives: Additional coursework to reach total hours required. | 0 | |
| General Education | ||
| Remaining Core Curriculum (42 hours total) | 24 | |
| Foreign Language other than English, Beginning Proficiency | ||
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| College Requirements - Engineering | ||
| General University Requirements | ||
| Total Hours | 129 | |
Additional Requirements and Policies
Course requirements are divided into three categories: lower-division courses in the major, upper-division courses in the major, and other required courses. Enrollment in some upper-division Chemical Engineering courses requires completion of eight hours of lower-division Chemical Engineering coursework (CHE 210, CHE 317 and CHE 319) and 11 hours of non-Chemical Engineering coursework (CH 353, M 427J, PHY 303L and PHY 105N) in the major, while earning a grade of C- or better in each course.
Technical Option Areas
Because of the broad training in natural sciences and engineering received by the chemical engineer, opportunities are provided for students also to develop particular talents and interests in one or two areas of emphasis. Each student must complete 12 semester hours in one of the following areas or six semester hours in each of two areas. These courses must include at least two engineering courses, of which one must be in Chemical Engineering. If two technical option areas are selected, then two courses from each technical option area should be completed. The technical area courses should be discussed with a faculty advisor during faculty advising for the next registration period. The courses listed in each area do not constitute a complete list of technical option area courses but illustrate the types of courses that are generally suitable for a given area. A list of suggested complementary biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry electives for each of the technical option areas is available from the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Office and published on the departmental Web page.
Students who are interested in seeking an advanced degree in chemical engineering are encouraged to discuss their plans with the graduate advisor or another faculty member. They should also inquire about undergraduate research positions in the department.
For all areas, CHE 377K or CHE 377L may be counted as chemical engineering electives. CHE 377K may be counted only once toward the degree. For all areas, 3 hours of so-op may be counted as an engineering elective.
Degree-Chemical Engineering (BSChE)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | ||
| CHE 210 | Introduction to Computing | 2 |
| CHE 253K | Applied Statistics | 2 |
| CHE 253M | Measurement, Control, and Data Analysis Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 264 | Chemical Engineering Process and Projects Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 317 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| CHE 319 | Transport Phenomena | 3 |
| CHE 322 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHE 338 | Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 348 | Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering and Problem Solving | 3 |
| CHE 350 | Chemical Engineering Materials | 3 |
| CHE 354 | Transport Processes | 3 |
| CHE 360 | Process Control | 3 |
| CHE 363 | Separation Processes and Mass Transfer | 3 |
| CHE 372 | Chemical Reactor Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CHE 473K | Process Design and Operations | 4 |
| CH 302 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 204 | Introduction to Chemical Practice | 2 |
| CH 128K | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 328M | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 128L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 328N | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 153K | Physical Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CH 353 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| M 408C | Differential and Integral Calculus | 4 |
| M 408D | Sequences, Series, and Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| M 427J | Differential Equations with Linear Algebra | 4 |
| M 427L | Advanced Calculus for Applications II | 4 |
| PHY 105M | Laboratory For Physics 302K, 303K, and 317K | 1 |
| PHY 105N | Laboratory For Physics 302L, 303L, and 317L | 1 |
| PHY 303K | Engineering Physics I | 3 |
| PHY 303L | Engineering Physics II | 3 |
| RHE 306 | Rhetoric and Writing | 3 |
| E S 333T | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| Hours chosen from: | 4 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy and Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Physical Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry | ||
| Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Undergraduate Research Project | ||
| Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Undergraduate Research Project | ||
| Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy and Undergraduate Research Project | ||
| Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy and Undergraduate Research Project | ||
| Total Hours | 93 | |
Area 1, Process Systems and Product Engineering
The chemical process industry is one of the most advanced in the applications of modern design and control techniques and computer technology. Competence in design, economics, fault detection, optimization, control, and simulation is essential in this industry. Chemical engineers are also frequently involved in the development of new consumer and specialty products, an assignment that requires not only technical skills but also an understanding of the principles of successful marketing and quality control. Chemical engineering courses in this technical focus area cover topics such as optimization and statistical quality control, while courses in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering deal with both theory and applications in statistics, computer control, economic analysis, and operations research.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 341 | Design for Environment | 3 |
| CHE 342 | Chemical Engineering Economics and Business Analysis | 3 |
| CHE 356 | Optimization: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CHE 376K | Process Evaluation and Quality Control | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| ECE 370K | Computer Control Systems | 3 |
| ECE 379K | Topics in Electrical Engineering 1 | 3 |
| ARE 323K | Project Management and Economics | 3 |
| M E 335 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
| M E 348F | Advanced Mechatronics II | 3 |
| M E 353 | Engineering Finance | 3 |
| M E 366L | Operations Research Models | 3 |
| MKT 320F | Foundations of Marketing | 3 |
| Upper-division mathematics course | ||
Area 2, Materials Engineering
Advances in technology and improvements in our quality of life are linked to the development, processing, and manufacture of engineering materials. Materials span the spectrum from “hard” to “soft” materials and include metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers; all are prepared in carefully controlled chemical processes. These materials are used technologically in objects such as catalysts, fuel cells, microelectronic devices, membranes, solar cells, and high-performance plastics. With advancements in analytical probes and modeling, our understanding of materials has become increasingly more molecular and the traditional boundaries between disciplines have faded to the extent that this is a truly interdisciplinary area. Chemical engineers can assume a creative role in this area when provided with the appropriate fundamentals and applications background.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 322M | Molecular Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHE 323 | Chemical Engineering for Micro- and Nanofabrication | 3 |
| CHE 355 | Introduction to Polymers | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| CH 341 | Special Topics in Laboratory Chemistry | 3 |
| CH 354 | Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy | 3 |
| CH 354L | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 376K | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| ECE 339 | Solid-State Electronic Devices | 3 |
| M E 349 | Corrosion Engineering | 3 |
| M E 359 | Materials Selection | 3 |
| M E 374S | Solar Energy Systems Design | 3 |
| PHY 338K | Electronic Techniques | 3 |
| PHY 355 | Modern Physics and Thermodynamics | 3 |
| PHY 375S | Introductory Solid-State Physics | 3 |
Area 3, Environmental Engineering
Chemical engineers are uniquely qualified to contribute to the solution of environmental problems and to design processes and products that minimize environmental hazards. From pollution prevention by process optimization, to new understanding of chemical processes that occur in the environment, to new materials for advanced catalysts and carbon-free energy sources, chemical engineers are creating the “green” technologies needed to sustain the planet.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 341 | Design for Environment | 3 |
| CHE 357 | Technology and Its Impact on the Environment | 3 |
| CHE 359 | Energy Technology and Policy | 3 |
| CHE 376K | Process Evaluation and Quality Control | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| C E 341 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | 3 |
| C E 342 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineering | 3 |
| C E 364 | Design of Wastewater and Water Treatment Facilities | 3 |
| C E 369L | Air Pollution Engineering | 3 |
| C E 370K | Environmental Sampling and Analysis | 3 |
| M E 374S | Solar Energy Systems Design | 3 |
| M E 379M | Topics in Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
Area 4, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Biomedical Engineering
Track A: Cellular and Bioprocess Engineering
Chemical engineers are developing innovative solutions to practical problems in biotechnology and in the biochemical, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. This track is designed to prepare students for a career or research in the areas of applied cellular engineering and bioprocess engineering in the chemicals and pharmaceutical industry. Chemical engineering and elective courses are available that cover chemical engineering principles applied to biological systems and the fundamentals of biomolecular, cellular, and metabolic processes. This track is also suitable for students interested in biofuels.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 339 | Introduction to Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 339P | Introduction to Biological Physics | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| BCH 369 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BCH 370 | Physical Methods of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIO 325 | Genetics | 3 |
| MBS 326R | General Microbiology | 3 |
| MBS 355 | Microbial Biochemistry | 3 |
Track B: Biomedical Engineering
This track is designed to prepare students for careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries that deal with medical systems or improvement of health treatment alternatives. This is also a natural track to be followed by students who plan to attend medical school. Chemical engineering courses and electives are available that cover the application of chemical engineering principles to the design of new medical and therapeutic devices, as well as to the understanding of physiological processes.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 339 | Introduction to Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 339P | Introduction to Biological Physics | 3 |
| CHE 339T | Cell and Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 355 | Introduction to Polymers | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| MBS 320 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIO 325 | Genetics | 3 |
| MBS 326R | General Microbiology | 3 |
| INB 365S | Human Systems Physiology | 3 |
| BME 352 | Engineering Biomaterials | 3 |
| BME 353 | Transport Phenomena in Living Systems | 3 |
| BME 365R | Quantitative Engineering Physiology I | 3 |
| BCH 369 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 3 |
| ECE 374K | Biomedical Electronic Instrument Design | 3 |
| M E 354 | Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering | 3 |
Area 5, Energy Technologies
The need for energy sustainability and new energy technologies provides some of the most significant scientific and engineering challenges that face society. Chemical engineers are uniquely qualified to address these issues and contribute new solutions to the problem. Technologies include solar energy utilization in the form of photovoltaics, biofuels and solar fuels; new and more efficient ways to extract fossil fuels from existing reservoirs; alternative power sources like wind, geothermal, and nuclear. Policy is also an important and active area that involves chemical engineers. Chemical engineering and other elective courses are available that teach fundamentals of energy technology and policy.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 323 | Chemical Engineering for Micro- and Nanofabrication | 3 |
| CHE 339 | Introduction to Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CHE 341 | Design for Environment | 3 |
| CHE 355 | Introduction to Polymers | 3 |
| CHE 357 | Technology and Its Impact on the Environment | 3 |
| CHE 359 | Energy Technology and Policy | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| C E 341 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | 3 |
| ECE 339 | Solid-State Electronic Devices | 3 |
| M E 374S | Solar Energy Systems Design | 3 |
| M E 379M | Topics in Mechanical Engineering | 3 |
| PGE 430 | Drilling and Well Completions | 4 |
Area 6, Engineering Economics and Business Leadership
Chemical engineers who understand the economic and policy issues faced by modern chemical and materials companies are needed to solve the challenges of modern industry. Globalization, sustainability, safety and modern labor practices, intellectual property protection, and the process of innovation are all issues facing modern industry. This focus area is designed to prepare students for business leadership in a technical arena.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 342 | Chemical Engineering Economics and Business Analysis | 3 |
| CHE 356 | Optimization: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CHE 379 | Topics in Chemical Engineering (Approved topics) | 3 |
| ARE 323K | Project Management and Economics | 3 |
| ECO 304K | Introduction to Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 304L | Introduction to Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECO 328 | Industrial Organization | 3 |
| ECO 339K | International Trade and Investment | 3 |
| ECO 351K | Current Issues in Business Economics | 3 |
| I B 378 | International Business Operations | 3 |
| M E 353 | Engineering Finance | 3 |
| M E 366L | Operations Research Models | 3 |
| MKT 320F | Foundations of Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 460 | Information and Analysis | 4 |