Curricula and Concentrations
Upon matriculation into chemical engineering, students are normally enrolled in the standard chemical engineering curriculum unless they request a specific once they’ve officially joined the program. A general description of the major and potential minors can be found here. Students should contact Prof. Lisa Bullard to enroll in a concentration.
Biomanufacturing Sciences Concentration
Biomanufacturing is the use of living systems (bacteria, mammalian cells, yeast, etc.) as vehicles to carry out chemical reactions. Example products include: yogurt; most breads; citric acid, beer and wine, biofuels and therapeutic drugs.
The biomanufacturing sciences concentration in chemical engineering is designed to provide graduates with an educational experience that prepares them to work in a regulated environment with minimal on-the-job training after graduation. Students who fulfill the concentration requirements also complete requirements to earn a minor in biomanufacturing. There is also an opportunity to complete an Accelerated Master’s degree in Biomanufacturing in one additional year.
The resource which makes the biomanufacturing sciences concentration unique is access to equipment and facilities in the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training & Education Center. Specifically, students gain hands-on experience working with equipment in the BTEC “large-scale” suite. The suite simulates a small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing plant operating under FDA-compliant conditions.
Biomolecular Concentration
Biomolecular engineering is the application of engineering principles and practices to the purposeful manipulation of molecules of biological origin. Students who pursue the biomolecular concentration will learn about and combine knowledge of biological processes with chemical engineering in order to focus on molecular level solutions to issues and problems in the life sciences related to the environment, agriculture, energy, industry, food production, biotechnology and medicine.
Nanoscience Concentration
Nanoscience as a discipline builds upon basic principles of physics, chemistry, and other fields to understand what happens when systems are shrunk to the scale of a nanometer. Areas where nanotechnology principles are being applied include microelectronics fabrications, chemical and biological sensors, solar cells and fibrous devices for filtration and separations.
The chemical engineering nanoscience concentration introduces students to the basic tenets of nanoscience and nanotechnology. These include materials science, polymers, and quantum mechanics, and how they impact chemical systems and their function at the nanoscale. This background prepares graduates to work in areas where nanotechnologies are important.
Sustainable Engineering, Energy and Environment Concentration
The field of sustainable engineering and energy is a collection of overlapping, related focus areas. Green chemistry and engineering, pollution prevention, design and operation of energetically and molecularly efficient processes, alternative energy, greenhouse gas mitigation, and environmentally-friendly product design, are some of the areas.
The importance of using sustainable engineering and energy practices is recognized by experts around the world. The sustainable engineering, energy and the environment concentration is designed to prepare students to solve technical challenges in a way that produces sustainable outcomes.
Chemical Engineering Honors Program
The chemical engineering honors program is designed for students who may be considering graduate school in any science-based discipline, and for all students who wish to develop skills which should be useful for members of a research team. Applicants to the program must have earned an overall grade point average of 3.5 or above after completion of CHE 205 and CHE 225, as well as a grade point average of 3.5 and above for the combination of CHE 205 and CHE 225.
The honors program academic requirements include two credit hours above those required in the “standard” chemical engineering curriculum. With advance planning Honors Program students are usually able to fulfill requirements for both the Honors Program and one of the ChE concentration areas. Students in the Program receive priority access to the course registration system for upcoming semesters, as well as recognition on the diploma and transcript.
Co-Op Program
Experience is Education
Chemical Engineering/Paper Science & Engineering
Students have the option of combining a chemical engineering degree with one in paper science and engineering. This interdisciplinary program allows students to skillfully balance theory and practice while preparing for dynamic careers in the pulp, paper and chemical industries.
Chemical Engineering/Textile Engineering
Students have the option of pursuing a CHE/TE dual major.
The Wilson College of Textiles engineering program is an interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on diverse science and engineering principles. Textile Engineering students develop a unique background, which allows them to pursue undergraduate research, summer intern experiences, and design projects ranging from artificial blood vessel development to the design of novel water filtration units for remote villages to structures to protect astronauts from radiation while on the moon. The program offers small class sizes with personal attention from faculty. In addition, in the last three years graduates have had nearly 100% placement into full time employment or graduate school.
Accelerated BS/MS in Chemical Engineering
By taking some graduate classes, during their senior year, students in the Accelerated BS/MS program can earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering in just one extra year.