Undergraduate Bulletin

Fall 2024

Chemical and Molecular Engineering

The Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering offers two majors leading to the Bache­lor of Engineering (B.E.) degree, En­gineering Science (see entry in the alphabetical listings of Approved Majors, Minors, and Programs) and Chemical and Molecular Engineering. The program in Chemical and Molecular Engineering is designed to meet the expanding demand for chemical engineers in the nanotechnology, neutraceutical, pharmaceutical, environmental, and energy industries. It emphasizes engineering at the molecular level rather than traditional large-scale process engineering. In a rigorous cross-disciplinary environment, the program provides students with knowledge in the basic physical sciences, mathematical techniques, and computational modeling tools that form the foundation of modern chemical and molecular engineering. A broad spectrum of courses prepares students to assimilate and apply their knowledge creatively to solve complex problems involving not only scientific but also ethical and moral considerations, and utilizing effective communication skills for working in an interdisciplinary team. Employment opportunities for graduates of the program include high-technology industries and institutions that are engaged in research and advanced manufacturing related to nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, future fuels, waste management, and the synthesis of new materials. The Chemical and Molecular Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The program's mission is to serve the community by becoming a resource for regional economic development and to serve the nation by training students who can assume leadership in technological innovation, public service, and ethical standards. Its goal is to achieve international recognition as a center of excellence in molecularly based chemical engineering education and research.

Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate program in chemical and molecular engineering has the following four specific program
educational objectives:

1. The graduates from the program will assume positions in industry or research institutions that require
knowledge of chemical engineering principles. 
2. The graduates from the program will demonstrate leadership, teamwork, ethical conduct and effective
communication skills. 
3. The graduates of the program will be engaged in lifelong learning in order to meet the constantly emerging
needs of the chemical engineering profession.  
4. The graduates of the program will succeed in graduate programs in chemical engineering or related
professions such as medicine, business and law.

Student Outcomes

The students will demonstrate the following:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inlcusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct approrpriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.