This is the first version of the 2023-24 General Catalog. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

The major in chemical engineering provides a broad education at the leading edge of technology. It emphasizes fundamental concepts, problem solving, laboratory techniques, and communication skills. The biological sciences join physics, chemistry, and mathematics as foundation disciplines for chemical engineering.

The sophomore, junior, and senior years emphasize chemical engineering courses such as process calculations, computational tools for chemical engineers, fluid flow, chemical engineering thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, separations, chemical reaction engineering, chemical process safety, chemical engineering laboratories, biochemical engineering, process dynamics and control, and process design. Experience in instrumentation, analysis, and design is obtained through an integrated laboratory program. Routine use is made of computer-based data analysis, simulation, and design.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering students may gain a depth of knowledge related to a career path through their selection of science, engineering, and general education courses. Several preapproved focus areas may help students define potential careers; the focus area enables students to gain depth of knowledge in a career path. Students meet with their chemical engineering academic advisor to discuss career options and develop a plan for choosing electives based on their career interests. The department offers preapproved focus areas in biochemical engineering; business; chemical process engineering; computation, data science, and machine learning; energy and environment; entrepreneurship; oil and gas engineering; pharmaceuticals; polymers; pre-medicine; safety and health; and sustainability. Students may prefer to develop an individualized focus area, which is subject to approval by the department's curriculum committee.

Biochemical Engineering

This focus area allows students to choose from a selection of courses that combine concepts of biology, biochemistry, and engineering. Biochemical engineers combine knowledge of these three areas to manufacture products of biological nature, including fermentation products and pharmaceuticals. Students often go on to work in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries as production leaders or researchers.

Business

This focus area consists of eight courses from the Tippie College of Business. Students gain foundational business knowledge on topics including finance, economics, accounting, marketing, law, and management. Past students have applied their integrated business and technical knowledge to many different settings including manufacturing plants, consulting, and corporate offices.

Chemical Process Engineering

Process engineering is the design, optimization, and operation of systems that transform raw materials into valuable products. Process engineers are involved with products, including foods and beverages, electronic materials, metals, plastics, fuels, building materials, and pharmaceutics.

Since chemical process engineering spans many aspects of engineering, business, applied math, and science, students can choose from a broad selection of engineering, math, and science courses. This focus area provides ample room for customization and opportunities to tailor to individualized interests. Students who do not declare a specific focus area are automatically placed in chemical process engineering.

Computation, Data Science, and Machine Learning

This focus area is for students who intend to blend advanced computation and programming with their chemical engineering degree. This area is customizable based on student interest areas, and can accommodate introductory training in cyber-physical systems, remote sensing, advanced simulation, supply chain management, in silico chemistry and biology, bioinformatics, software design, next-generation controls, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Energy and Environment

Students who are passionate about the environment should consider this focus area. Courses prepare students to solve environmental challenges and to revolutionize energy systems. Topics include air pollution, climate change, clean and renewable energy, environmental regulations, and sustainable systems.

Entrepreneurship

This focus area allows students to focus on the process of succeeding in the world of startups, innovation, business ownership, and new products. The area is well-suited for students who intend to start and operate their own business. It also serves students interested in gaining a better understanding of managing innovation in an existing business environment. The wide range of electives permits students to tailor business courses best suited to their individual interests.

Oil and Gas Engineering

Meant for students interested in pursuing careers in oil and gas engineering, this focus area explores foundational elements of chemistry, geology, petrochemical refining, and environmental science. The course plan offers several recommendations put in place by experienced advisors with petrochemical backgrounds. Often viewed as the birth of chemical engineering, the petroleum industry provides a host of challenging and lucrative opportunities for chemical engineers. This path provides a unique and focused introduction to the field.

Pharmaceuticals

Chemical and biochemical engineering is central to the design, formulation, and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. Students who are passionate about medical applications can align their chemical engineering skills toward a career in pharmaceuticals by choosing this focus area. The curriculum features biology, drug delivery, and the mechanisms and chemistry of drug interactions. Course options span many departments besides chemical and biochemical engineering, including biomedical engineering, biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacy, and pharmacology.

Polymers

This focus area enables students to study the development of chemical compounds by polymerization, including combining small molecules into engineered networks to produce valuable plastics and other advanced materials. The program is well suited for students who intend to use their knowledge to design new materials; it also serves students interested in gaining a better understanding of the links between molecular scale structure and macroscopic scale properties.

Pre-Medicine

Concepts of chemical engineering are naturally applicable to the processes in living organisms. This focus area enables students to apply these concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the atoms and molecules that comprise living organisms, and the pathways through which they operate. This program is for students who intend to use their knowledge to gain acceptance to post-graduate education in the medical field.

Safety and Health

This focus area prepares students to prevent incidents and accidents in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly those resulting from the unintentional release of hazardous materials and energy into the environment; and provide a safe and healthy workplace by preventing injuries and hazards in the workplace environment.

Sustainability

This focus area covers the most important and current topics in environmental science, societal impacts, energy usage, and natural systems. Courses prepare students to understand and discuss these topics as they relate to chemical engineering.

Educational Objectives

The chemical engineering program produces graduates with a strong foundation of scientific and technical knowledge who are equipped with problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers consistent with the following educational objectives. Within a few years following graduation, graduates will:

  • attain careers as practicing chemical engineers in fields such as biotechnology, chemicals, computation, energy, environmental engineering, food processing, microelectronics, pharmaceuticals, or polymers/advanced materials;
  • pursue advanced studies in disciplines such as business, chemical engineering, dentistry, environmental engineering, law, medicine, or pharmaceuticals; or
  • assume professional leadership roles.

The following methods and strategies are used in the chemical engineering undergraduate program to achieve these program educational objectives:

  • foster a unique and personalized undergraduate experience by leveraging the advantages of a small college atmosphere within a comprehensive liberal arts and research university;
  • provide a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students;
  • enrich the undergraduate experience through cultural diversity, international opportunities, and/or experiential learning;
  • provide a solid foundation and understanding of the fundamental principles of mathematics, science, and engineering;
  • provide students with experience in learning and applying tools, and analyzing and interpreting data, to solve theoretical and open-ended chemical engineering problems;
  • provide students with opportunities to participate in collaborative teams;
  • develop students’ written and oral communication skills to a wide range of audiences;
  • provide students with opportunities to design and conduct chemical engineering experiments and to design systems, components, and chemical processes to meet specific needs and constraints;
  • provide a contemporary grounding in ethical and professional responsibility, including global, economic, environmental, safety, and societal impacts of engineering decisions; and
  • instill the desire and the understanding of the need for lifelong learning.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in chemical engineering requires a minimum of 129 s.h. of credit, plus five 1 s.h. seminars and one 0 s.h. seminar. At the time of graduation, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all college work used to complete degree requirements and in all UI coursework in order to be awarded the B.S.E.

All B.S.E. students are required to take the same collegiate curriculum. For information about these collegiate requirements, see the Bachelor of Science in Engineering, B.S.E. in the catalog. Students completing the major in chemical engineering fulfill the collegiate statistics requirement by completing CBE:3020 Applied Statistics for Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering, STAT:2020 Probability and Statistics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences, or STAT:3510 Biostatistics. Some focus areas may suggest or require specific courses to fulfill the General Education Component of the collegiate curriculum; see "Focus Area" below.

Students are required to participate in at least one enriching activity, which may include a research experience, a cooperative education or internship experience, study abroad, completion of the Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship, or other approved experiences.

The major in chemical engineering includes the following departmental seminars.

CBE:1000CBE Departmental Seminar (typically taken in the first year)1
CBE:3000Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering (taken four times for 1 s.h. each)4
CBE:4195Senior Enriching Activities Seminar0

The major in chemical engineering requires the following coursework.

Collegiate Curriculum50
Major Requirements64
Focus Area15
Total Hours129

Major Requirements

Major requirements include a set of common courses (53 s.h.), an advanced chemistry or biochemistry course (3 s.h.), an advanced science course (3 s.h.), and two capstone design courses (5 s.h.).

Common Courses

All of these:
CBE:2105Process Calculations3
CBE:2110Computational Tools for Chemical Engineers2
CBE:3105Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics3
CBE:3109Fluid Flow2
CBE:3113Heat and Mass Transfer3
CBE:3117Separations3
CBE:3120Chemical Reaction Engineering3
CBE:3125Chemical Process Safety3
CBE:3150Thermodynamics/Transport Laboratory3
CBE:3155Chemical Reaction Engineering/Separations Laboratory3
CBE:3205Introduction to Biochemical Engineering3
CBE:4105Process Dynamics and Control in Design3
CHEM:1120Principles of Chemistry II4
CHEM:2210Organic Chemistry I3
or CHEM:2230 Organic Chemistry I for Majors
CHEM:2220Organic Chemistry II3
or CHEM:2240 Organic Chemistry II for Majors
CHEM:2410Organic Chemistry Laboratory3
or CHEM:2420 Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Majors
ENGR:2130Thermodynamics3
ENGR:2720Materials Science3

Advanced Chemistry or Biochemistry Course

Some focus areas may suggest or require a specific course; see "Focus Area" below. Students select a course considered advanced for the minor in chemistry (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) or one of the following courses in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Carver College of Medicine).

BMB:3110Biochemistry3
BMB:3120Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I3
BMB:3130Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II3

Acceptable courses from the Department of Chemistry (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) include but are not limited to the following.

CHEM:3110Equilibria and Electrochemistry3
CHEM:3120Spectroscopy and Separations3
CHEM:4430Principles of Physical Chemistry3
CHEM:4431Chemical Thermodynamics3
CHEM:4432Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Kinetics3

Advanced Science Course

Students select an advanced science-based course either within or outside of the College of Engineering. Appropriate subject areas could include biochemistry and molecular biology (prefix BMB), biology (prefix BIOL), chemistry (prefix CHEM), microbiology and immunology (prefix MICR), and physics (PHYS). Some focus areas may suggest or require a specific course; see "Focus Area" below. Students may consult an advisor or visit the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering website for more information.

Acceptable courses include but are not limited to the following. Consult an academic advisor for approval to take a course not on this list.

CBE:4420Environmental Chemistry3
CBE:5315Polymer Chemistry3
CBE:5425Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics3
BIOL:4213Bioinformatics4
BME:2400Cell Biology for Engineers3
CEE:5440Foundations of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology3
EES:4520Isotope Geochemistry3
PHYS:3741Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I3
Advanced chemistry and biochemistry courses in the areas listed above3

The following courses do not fulfill this requirement.

CBE:5210Bioseparations3
CBE:5310Polymer Science and Technology3
CBE:5405Green Chemical and Energy Technologies3
CBE:5410Electrochemical Engineering3
BIOL:1411Foundations of Biology4
BIOL:1412Diversity of Form and Function4
PHYS:1612Introductory Physics II4
Courses used to satisfy the engineering electives requirements for a focus area

Capstone Design Courses

Both of these:
CBE:4109Chemical Engineering Process Design I2
CBE:4110Chemical Engineering Process Design II3

Focus Area

Students must select focus area courses according to guidelines established by the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. The department offers preapproved focus areas in biochemical engineering; business; chemical process engineering; computation, data science, and machine learning; energy and environment; entrepreneurship; oil and gas engineering; pharmaceuticals; polymers; pre-medicine; safety and health; and sustainability.

Students may prefer to develop a custom-tailored focus area, which is subject to approval by the department's curriculum committee. Visit the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering website for detailed descriptions of preapproved focus areas and guidelines for tailored focus areas.

Focus areas in chemical engineering consist of content area courses (12 s.h.) and a free elective course (3 s.h.); carefully selected courses may contribute to earning a minor and/or certificate. Some focus areas also may suggest or require specific courses to fulfill the General Education Component of the collegiate curriculum, the chemical engineering major's advanced chemistry or biochemistry requirement, and/or the major's advanced science requirement.

Students who do not declare a specific focus area are automatically placed in chemical process engineering.

Biochemical Engineering

Students in the biochemical engineering focus area are encouraged to complete BMB:3110 Biochemistry to satisfy the chemical engineering major's advanced chemistry/biochemistry or advanced science requirement.

Required Biochemical Course

This course:
CBE:5210Bioseparations3

Biochemical Electives

9 s.h. from these:
CBE:3998Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5875/BMB:5875/CEE:5875/CHEM:5875/MICR:5875/PHAR:5875Perspectives in Biotechnology1
BIOL:1411Foundations of Biology4
BIOL:1412Diversity of Form and Function4
BMB:3120Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I3
BMB:3130Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II3
BMB:3140Experimental Biochemistry2
BME:2400Cell Biology for Engineers3
BME:5430Biotransport3
CHEM:4850/PHAR:4850Upstream Biotechnology Processes2
MICR:2157General Microbiology3
MICR:2158General Microbiology Laboratory2

In addition to the courses listed above, students may select courses with prefix BIOL, BMB, CHEM, or MICR numbered 3000 or above. Advisor approval is required for courses that center on experiential learning, such as research (e.g., MICR:4161 Undergraduate Research in Microbiology), science communication (e.g., CHEM:4000 Scientists and Writers), service learning (e.g., BIOL:4806 Service Learning in Biology), or teaching internships/practica (e.g., BMB:3800 Biochemistry Teaching Practicum).

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Business

The business focus area requires the following courses to fulfill the collegiate curriculum General Education Component approved course subjects requirement.

All of these:
ECON:1100Principles of Microeconomics4
ECON:1200Principles of Macroeconomics4
MKTG:3000Introduction to Marketing Strategy3

Required Business Course

One of these:
FIN:3000Introductory Financial Management3
ISE:2500Engineering Economy3

Business Electives

Three of these:
ACCT:2100Introduction to Financial Accounting3
ACCT:2200Managerial Accounting Analytics and Data Visualization3
MGMT:2000Introduction to Law3
MGMT:2100Introduction to Management3

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed. Students interested in completing the minor in business administration (Tippie College of Business) are especially encouraged to complete all four courses listed under "Business Electives" above.

Chemical Process Engineering

Students choose 12 s.h. from a broad selection of engineering, math, and science courses numbered 3000 or above. Students are encouraged to complete MATH:4820 Optimization Techniques and should consult academic advisors for additional course selection.

Students who do not declare a specific focus area are automatically placed in chemical process engineering.

Computation, Data Science, and Machine Learning

Computation, Data Science, and Machine Learning Electives

12 s.h. from these:
CBE:3020Applied Statistics for Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering3
CBE:3998Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5417/IGPI:5417Physical Meteorology and Atmospheric Radiative Transfer3
CBE:5425/CEE:5115Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics3
ACCT:4200Advanced Managerial Accounting Analytics3
BAIS:3500Data Mining3
BAIS:3800Optimization and Simulation Modeling3
BIOL:4213/GENE:4213/IGPI:4213Bioinformatics2,4
BME:4310/BMB:4310Computational Biochemistry3
CEE:4512/ME:4112Engineering Design Optimization3
CHEM:4480Introduction to Molecular Modeling3
CHEM:5431Statistical Thermodynamics I3
CS:2110Programming for Informatics4
CS:2210Discrete Structures3
CS:2230Computer Science II: Data Structures4
CS:3330Algorithms3
CS:4740/IGPI:4740/MATH:4740/STAT:4740Large Data Analysis3
CS:5110/IGPI:5110Introduction to Informatics3
ECE:2400Linear Systems I3
ECE:3330/IGPI:3330Introduction to Software Design3
ECE:5330/IGPI:5331Graph Algorithms and Combinatorial Optimization3
ECE:5420Power Electronics3
ENGR:2730Computers in Engineering2-3
ENGR:2995Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering3
ISE:3600/CEE:3142/STAT:3620Quality Control3
ISE:4900Introduction to Six Sigma3
MATH:3770Fundamental Properties of Spaces and Functions I4
MATH:3800/CS:3700Introduction to Numerical Methods3
MATH:5600Nonlinear Dynamics with Numerical Methods3
MATH:5700Introduction to Partial Differential Equations3
ME:4111/CEE:4511Scientific Computing and Machine Learning3
ME:4150Artificial Intelligence in Engineering3
ME:5114Nonlinear Control in Robotic Systems3
ME:5143Computational Fluid and Thermal Engineering3
ME:6115Cooperative Autonomous Systems3

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Energy and Environment

Required Energy and Environment Course

This course:
CBE:5405Green Chemical and Energy Technologies3

Energy and Environment Electives

9 s.h. from these:
CBE:2040Environment, Energy, and Climate Change3
CBE:2050/CEE:2050Severe and Unusual Weather3
CBE:4420/CEE:4150Environmental Chemistry3
CBE:4459/CEE:4159/IGPI:4159Air Pollution Control Technology3
CBE:4460Process and Design for Satellites and Environmental Sensors3
CBE:5410Electrochemical Engineering3
CBE:5412Atmospheric Modeling3
CBE:5415/IGPI:5415Satellite Image Processing and Remote Sensing of Atmosphere3
CBE:5417/IGPI:5417Physical Meteorology and Atmospheric Radiative Transfer3
CBE:5425/CEE:5115Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics3
CEE:4107/CBE:4410Sustainable Systems3
CEE:5380Fluid Flows in Environmental Systems3
CEE:5440Foundations of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology3
CHEM:4873Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry3
CHEM:5107Electrochemistry2-3
CHEM:5438Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Processes3
ECE:5630Sustainable Energy Conversion3
EES:4490Elements of Geochemistry3
EES:4520Isotope Geochemistry3
EES:4630Hydrogeology4
EES:4790Applied Environmental Geology3
ENGR:2995Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering3
ME:4048Energy Systems Design4
OEH:6710Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment3

In addition to the courses listed above, students may select courses with prefix CHEM, EES, GEOG, or OEH numbered 3000 or above. Advisor approval is required for courses that center on experiential learning, such as research (e.g., GEOG:3992 Undergraduate Research), science communication (e.g., CHEM:4000 Scientists and Writers), or practical experiences/field trip courses (e.g., EES:3001 Third-Year Field Trip for Earth and Environmental Sciences).

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Entrepreneurship

Required Entrepreneurship Course

One of these:
FIN:3000Introductory Financial Management3
ISE:2500Engineering Economy3

Entrepreneurship Electives

9 s.h. from these:
ENTR:2000Entrepreneurship and Innovation3
ENTR:3100Entrepreneurial Finance3
An approved course with prefix ENTR that counts toward the technological entrepreneurship certificate 3

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed. It is recommended that students choose a course with prefix ENTR that counts toward the Certificate in Technological Entrepreneurship.

Oil and Gas Engineering

The following courses are prerequisites for many of the oil and gas engineering focus area courses. Due to their introductory nature, they do not count toward the focus area's content requirements, but one of the two may be counted as the focus area free elective.

CEE:1030/EES:1030Introduction to Earth Science3-4
EES:1050Introduction to Geology4

The following courses are recommended to students in the oil and gas engineering focus area to fulfill part of the collegiate curriculum General Education Component approved course subjects requirement.

Both of these:
GEOG:1115/EES:1115/ENVS:1115/HIST:1115The History of Oil3
GEOG:3780/GHS:3780/HIST:3240/POLI:3431U.S. Energy Policy in Global Context3

Students in this focus area are encouraged to select courses for the chemical engineering major's advanced science requirement from the following list.

EES:3110/ENVS:3110Chemical Evolution of the Oceans3
EES:4490Elements of Geochemistry (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)3
EES:4630Hydrogeology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)4
EES:4640Contaminant Hydrogeology3

Required Oil and Gas Course

This course:
CBE:5405Green Chemical and Energy Technologies3

Oil and Gas Electives

9 s.h. from these:
CBE:5199Contemporary Topics: Chemical and Biochemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5415/IGPI:5415Satellite Image Processing and Remote Sensing of Atmosphere3
CBE:5425/CEE:5115Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics3
EES:1290Energy and the Environment3
EES:2410Mineralogy (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)4
EES:2831Geologic Field Methods3
EES:3100/ENVS:3100Earth and Planetary Remote Sensing4
EES:3300Sedimentary Geology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)4
EES:3500Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)4
EES:3770Global Stratigraphy3
EES:3840Structural Geology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum)4
EES:4750Mineral and Petroleum Exploration Geology3
EES:4790Applied Environmental Geology3
EES:4820Tectonics and Basin Analysis3
EES:4832Geologic Field Analysis3
ENGR:2995Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering3

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

One of these:
CEE:1030/EES:1030Introduction to Earth Science3-4
EES:1050Introduction to Geology4
An additional course from the Oil and Gas Electives list above3-4

Pharmaceuticals

Required Pharmaceuticals Course

At least one of these:
PCOL:2220Drug Use and Abuse3
PCOL:3101Pharmacology I: A Drug's Fantastic Journey3

Pharmaceuticals Electives

Students select from the engineering, pharmaceutics, and science courses listed below to reach a total of 12 s.h. when combined with either or both of the courses listed above.

CBE:3998Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5210Bioseparations3
CBE:5300Drug Delivery Devices3
CBE:5740Engineering Principles of Drug Delivery3
BIOL:1411Foundations of Biology4
BMB:3110Biochemistry3
BMB:3120Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I3
BMB:3140Experimental Biochemistry2
BME:4310/BMB:4310Computational Biochemistry3
BME:5421Cell Material Interactions3
BME:5430Biotransport3
CHEM:3110Equilibria and Electrochemistry3
CHEM:3120Spectroscopy and Separations3
CHEM:3430Analytical Measurements3
ENGR:2995Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering3
HHP:1300Fundamentals of Human Physiology3
OEH:6450Aerosol Technology3
PCOL:3102Pharmacology II: Mechanisms of Drug Action3
PHAR:4146Drug Disposition and Pharmacokinetics2
PHAR:4501Basic Principles of Toxicology3
PHAR:4537Principles of Drug Metabolism3
PHAR:4736Properties of Dosage Forms I3
PHAR:4737Properties of Dosage Forms II3
PHAR:4741Immunology and Immunotherapies2
PHAR:4800Chemical and Biophysical Properties of Drugs1
PHAR:5521High Throughput Screening for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences1
A course with prefix CHEM numbered 3000 or above3

Advisor approval is required to select additional chemistry courses that center on experiential learning, such as research (e.g., CHEM:3994 Undergraduate Research) or science communication (e.g., CHEM:4000 Scientists and Writers).

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Polymers

Required Polymers Course

This course:
CBE:5310Polymer Science and Technology3

Polymers Electives

9 s.h. from these:
CBE:3998Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5199Contemporary Topics: Chemical and Biochemical Engineeringarr.
CBE:5300Drug Delivery Devices3
CBE:5390Photopolymerization Topics1
CBE:5740Engineering Principles of Drug Delivery3
BME:2500Biomaterials and Biomechanics4
BME:5421Cell Material Interactions3
CHEM:4372Advanced Organic Chemistry3
CHEM:5118Nanomaterials3
ME:5146Modeling of Materials Processing3
ME:5167/CEE:5137Composite Materials3
Engineering, math, or science courses numbered 3000 or above

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Pre-Medicine

Students in this focus area are encouraged to complete the major's advanced chemistry or biochemistry and advanced science requirements by completing either the sequence BMB:3120 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I and BMB:3130 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II to satisfy both requirements, or BMB:3110 Biochemistry to satisfy one of the two requirements.

The following courses are recommended to students in the pre-medicine focus area to fulfill the collegiate curriculum General Education Component approved course subjects requirement.

All of these:
PSY:1001Elementary Psychology3
PSY:2130Advanced Psychology for Pre-Medical Track3
SOC:1010Introduction to Sociology3-4

Required Pre-Medicine Courses

All of these:
BIOL:1411Foundations of Biology4
BIOL:1412Diversity of Form and Function4
PHYS:1612Introductory Physics II4

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Safety and Health

Students in this focus area are encouraged to complete OEH:6710 Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment to satisfy the chemical engineering major's advanced science requirement.

The following courses are recommended to students in the safety and health focus area as part of the collegiate curriculum General Education Component.

Approved Course Subjects
GHS:3560Global Garbage and Global Health3
GHS:3760/GEOG:3760Hazards and Society3
Diversity and Inclusion
HHP:1045Diversity and Inclusion in Healthy Living3

Required Safety and Health Course

This course:
CBE:4125Advanced Chemical Process Safety3

Safety and Health Electives

9 s.h. from these:
CBE:4459/CEE:4159/IGPI:4159Air Pollution Control Technology3
CEE:4158/OEH:4920Solid and Hazardous Wastes3
CPH:3200Death at Work: Case Studies of Workplace Safety and Health3
ISE:4175Safety Engineering3
OEH:5410Occupational Safety3
OEH:5620Occupational Health3
OEH:6420Methods in Exposure Science3
OEH:6440Control of Occupational Hazards3
OEH:6450Aerosol Technology3
OEH:6720Advanced Toxicology4

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed.

Sustainability

Students in the sustainability focus area are encouraged to complete CBE:5425 Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics to satisfy the chemical engineering major's advanced science requirement.

Students in this focus area are required to complete the following courses to fulfill the collegiate curriculum's General Education Component.

Be Creative
CNW:2740The Art and Craft of Writing about the Environment3
Approved Course Subjects
ENGL:1510Introduction to Environmental Literature3
or JMC:1800 Twenty-first-Century Science: Environmental Communication in the Digital Age
GEOG:1070Contemporary Environmental Issues3
GEOG:2013/BUS:2013/SUST:2013/URP:2013Introduction to Sustainability3

Sustainability Electives

It is recommended that students choose courses that contribute to completing the Certificate in Sustainability (University College).

12 s.h. from these:
CBE:4410/CEE:4107Sustainable Systems3
A course that counts toward the Certificate in Sustainability3-4
A science or engineering course numbered 3000 or above
May include one of these:
EES:1080/ENVS:1080Introduction to Environmental Science3-4
EES:1085/ENVS:1085Fundamentals of Environmental Science4

Free Elective

Students are required to select an additional course of their choice and should consult with an academic advisor for assistance in selection as needed. It is recommended that students choose a course that contributes to completing the Certificate in Sustainability (University College).

B.S.E./M.S. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The College of Engineering offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Master of Science for chemical engineering undergraduate students who intend to earn a M.S. in chemical and biochemical engineering. B.S.E./M.S. students may count 12 s.h. of coursework (typically advanced chemistry sequences and electives) toward both degrees. Once students complete the requirements for the bachelor's degree, they are granted the B.S.E., and they typically complete the M.S. one year later.

To be admitted to the degree program, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25, and must apply to the Graduate College for acceptance into the program before starting their final two semesters. Visit Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) Programs on the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering website to learn more.

B.S.E./M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Engineering students majoring in chemical engineering who are interested in earning a Master of Science in civil and environmental engineering may apply to the combined B.S.E./M.S. program offered by the College of Engineering. The combined program enables undergraduate students to begin work on the M.S. degree while completing their B.S.E. degree. Students admitted to the program may count 9 s.h. of coursework toward both the B.S.E. and the M.S. degree requirements. They also may count an additional 3 s.h. toward the M.S. degree requirements before they have been awarded the B.S.E. degree. For more information, see the M.S. in civil and environmental engineering in the catalog.

Chemical and biochemical engineers work in a wide range of industries, including petroleum and specialty chemical production, polymer and plastic production, food processing, energy, microelectronics production, pharmaceutical production, biochemical processing, and environmental compliance. Potential jobs include production, process development, plant design and construction, and fundamental research. Many experienced chemical and biochemical engineers move through management ranks to high-level administrative positions. On average, 93–98% of graduates are employed in their field of study or pursuing advanced education within seven months of graduation.

The engineering profession is a foundation for a variety of careers in industry, medicine, law, government, and consulting. Engineering majors hold eight of the top ten spots on the list of top-paid majors for bachelor's degree graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Engineering Career Services develops and promotes experiential education and professional opportunities for students in the College of Engineering. Professional staff coordinate the college's co-op and internship program, engage in employer outreach, and provide opportunities for students to network with employers, including an engineering career fair each semester and other programming related to career development.

Engineering Career Services also offers individual advising and class presentations on résumé and cover letter preparation, job and internship search strategies, interviewing skills, and job offer evaluation.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Chemical Engineering, B.S.E.

Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
First Year
FallHours
RHET:1030 Rhetoric a 4
MATH:1550 Engineering Mathematics I: Single Variable Calculus b, c 4
CHEM:1110 Principles of Chemistry I a, d 4
ENGR:1100 Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving e 3
ENGR:1000 Engineering Success for First-Year Students e 1
CSI:1600 Success at Iowa 0
 Hours16
Spring
MATH:1560 Engineering Mathematics II: Multivariable Calculus b 4
MATH:2550 Engineering Mathematics III: Matrix Algebra a 2
CHEM:1120 Principles of Chemistry II a 4
PHYS:1611 Introductory Physics I b 4
ENGR:1300 Introduction to Engineering Computing b 3
CBE:1000 CBE Departmental Seminar f 1
 Hours18
Second Year
Fall
GE: Approved Course Subjects g 3
MATH:2560 Engineering Mathematics IV: Differential Equations a 3
CHEM:2210
Organic Chemistry I h
or Organic Chemistry I for Majors
3
ENGR:2130 Thermodynamics a 3
CBE:2110 Computational Tools for Chemical Engineers e 2
CBE:2105 Process Calculations b 3
 Hours17
Spring
GE: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion i 3
STAT:2020
Probability and Statistics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences j
or Biostatistics
or Applied Statistics for Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
3
CHEM:2240
Organic Chemistry II for Majors k
or Organic Chemistry II
3
CHEM:2420
Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Majors l
or Organic Chemistry Laboratory
3
CBE:3105 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics f 3
CBE:3109 Fluid Flow f 2
CBE:3000 Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering b 1
 Hours18
Third Year
Fall
ENGR:2720 Materials Science a 3
CBE:3113 Heat and Mass Transfer e 3
CBE:3125 Chemical Process Safety e 3
CBE:3117 Separations e 3
CBE:3000 Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering b 1
Focus Area: additional elective 3
 Hours16
Spring
GE: Engineering Be Creative m 3
CBE:3120 Chemical Reaction Engineering b 3
CBE:3150 Thermodynamics/Transport Laboratory f 3
CBE:3205 Introduction to Biochemical Engineering f 3
Focus Area: topic course n 3
CBE:3000 Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering b 1
 Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
CBE:3155 Chemical Reaction Engineering/Separations Laboratory e 3
CBE:3000 Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering b 1
CBE:4105 Process Dynamics and Control in Design e 3
CBE:4109 Chemical Engineering Process Design I e 2
Major: advanced chemistry or biochemistry course o 3
Focus Area: topic course n 3
Focus Area: topic course n 3
 Hours18
Spring
GE: Approved Course Subjects g 3
GE: Approved Course Subjects g 3
CBE:4110 Chemical Engineering Process Design II f 3
Major: advanced science course p 3
Focus Area: topic course n 3
CBE:4195 Senior Enriching Activities Seminar f 0
Degree Application: apply on MyUI before deadline (typically in February for spring, September for fall) q
 Hours15
 Total Hours134
a
Typically this course is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
b
Typically this course is offered in fall and spring semesters. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
c
Enrollment in math courses requires completion of a placement exam.
d
Enrollment in chemistry courses requires completion of a placement exam.
e
Typically this course is offered in fall semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
f
Typically this course is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
g
See General Catalog for list of approved course subjects. Some focus areas recommend or require specific courses. See General Catalog, chemical and biochemical engineering website, or consult your advisor.
h
CHEM:2210 typically is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. CHEM:2230 typically is offered in fall semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
i
Students select a course from one of two GE CLAS Core areas: Diversity and Inclusion or Values and Culture. Some focus areas recommend or require specific courses. See General Catalog, chemical and biochemical engineering website, or consult your advisor.
j
CBE:3020 typically is offered in spring semesters only. STAT:2020 typically is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. STAT:3510 typically is offered in fall and spring semesters. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
k
CHEM:2220 typically is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. CHEM:2240 typically is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
l
CHEM:2410 typically is offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. CHEM:2420 typically is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
m
See General Catalog for list of approved courses. Students who intend to enroll in a Be Creative course with prerequisites must request a waiver by completing the Request Prerequisite Special Permission form on MyUI. Some focus areas may require specific courses to fulfill this requirement.
n
Students select one of many preexisting focus areas or work with an advisor to develop a custom focus area. Focus areas require 12 s.h. specific to their content area and a 3 s.h. elective course. Some focus areas may also suggest or require specific courses to fulfill the General Education Component, advanced chemistry, or advanced science courses. Students who do not declare a specific focus area are automatically placed in chemical process engineering. See General Catalog or consult an advisor for more information.
o
The advanced chemistry/biochemistry course must have a course subject of CHEM or BMB. Some focus areas may suggest or require specific courses to fulfill the advanced chemistry requirement. See General Catalog or consult an advisor for more information.
p
Students select an advanced science-based course either within or outside of the College of Engineering. Appropriate subject areas could include biochemistry and molecular biology (prefix BMB), biology (prefix BIOL), chemistry (prefix CHEM), microbiology and immunology (prefix MICR), and physics (PHYS). Some focus areas may suggest or require specific courses to fulfill the advanced science requirement. See General Catalog or consult an advisor for more information.
q
Please see Academic Calendar, Office of the Registrar website for current degree application deadlines. Students should apply for a degree for the session in which all requirements will be met. For any questions on appropriate timing, contact your academic advisor or Graduation Services.