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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CBE:1000 | CBE Departmental Seminar (typically taken in the first year) | 1 |
| CBE:3000 | Professional Seminar: Chemical Engineering (taken four times for 1 s.h. each) | 4 |
| CBE:4195 | Senior Enriching Activities Seminar | 0 |
The major in chemical engineering requires the following coursework.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Collegiate Curriculum | 50 | |
| Major Requirements | 64 | |
| Focus Area | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 129 | |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| CBE:2105 | Process Calculations | 3 |
| CBE:2110 | Computational Tools for Chemical Engineers | 2 |
| CBE:3105 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CBE:3109 | Fluid Flow | 2 |
| CBE:3113 | Heat and Mass Transfer | 3 |
| CBE:3117 | Separations | 3 |
| CBE:3120 | Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
| CBE:3125 | Chemical Process Safety | 3 |
| CBE:3150 | Thermodynamics/Transport Laboratory | 3 |
| CBE:3155 | Chemical Reaction Engineering/Separations Laboratory | 3 |
| CBE:3205 | Introduction to Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CBE:4105 | Process Dynamics and Control in Design | 3 |
| CHEM:1120 | Principles of Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM:2210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM:2230 | Organic Chemistry I for Majors | |
| CHEM:2220 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CHEM:2240 | Organic Chemistry II for Majors | |
| CHEM:2410 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| or CHEM:2420 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Majors | |
| ENGR:2130 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ENGR:2720 | Materials Science | 3 |
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).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BMB:3110 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB:3120 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BMB:3130 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | 3 |
Acceptable courses from the Department of Chemistry (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) include but are not limited to the following.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM:3110 | Equilibria and Electrochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM:3120 | Spectroscopy and Separations | 3 |
| CHEM:4430 | Principles of Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM:4431 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 3 |
| CHEM:4432 | Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Kinetics | 3 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CBE:4420 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CBE:5315 | Polymer Chemistry | 3 |
| CBE:5425 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics | 3 |
| BIOL:4213 | Bioinformatics | 4 |
| BME:2400 | Cell Biology for Engineers | 3 |
| CEE:5440 | Foundations of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology | 3 |
| EES:4520 | Isotope Geochemistry | 3 |
| PHYS:3741 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| Advanced chemistry and biochemistry courses in the areas listed above | 3 | |
The following courses do not fulfill this requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CBE:5210 | Bioseparations | 3 |
| CBE:5310 | Polymer Science and Technology | 3 |
| CBE:5405 | Green Chemical and Energy Technologies | 3 |
| CBE:5410 | Electrochemical Engineering | 3 |
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology | 4 |
| BIOL:1412 | Diversity of Form and Function | 4 |
| PHYS:1612 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
| Courses used to satisfy the engineering electives requirements for a focus area | ||
Capstone Design Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| CBE:4109 | Chemical Engineering Process Design I | 2 |
| CBE:4110 | Chemical Engineering Process Design II | 3 |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CBE:5210 | Bioseparations | 3 |
Biochemical Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:3998 | Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5875/BMB:5875/CEE:5875/CHEM:5875/MICR:5875/PHAR:5875 | Perspectives in Biotechnology | 1 |
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology | 4 |
| BIOL:1412 | Diversity of Form and Function | 4 |
| BMB:3120 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BMB:3130 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II | 3 |
| BMB:3140 | Experimental Biochemistry | 2 |
| BME:2400 | Cell Biology for Engineers | 3 |
| BME:5430 | Biotransport | 3 |
| CHEM:4850/PHAR:4850 | Upstream Biotechnology Processes | 2 |
| MICR:2157 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| MICR:2158 | General Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| ECON:1100 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4 |
| ECON:1200 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 4 |
| MKTG:3000 | Introduction to Marketing Strategy | 3 |
Required Business Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| FIN:3000 | Introductory Financial Management | 3 |
| ISE:2500 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
Business Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Three of these: | ||
| ACCT:2100 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT:2200 | Managerial Accounting Analytics and Data Visualization | 3 |
| MGMT:2000 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| MGMT:2100 | Introduction to Management | 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. 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 12 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:3020 | Applied Statistics for Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering | 3 |
| CBE:3998 | Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5417/IGPI:5417 | Physical Meteorology and Atmospheric Radiative Transfer | 3 |
| CBE:5425/CEE:5115 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics | 3 |
| ACCT:4200 | Advanced Managerial Accounting Analytics | 3 |
| BAIS:3500 | Data Mining | 3 |
| BAIS:3800 | Optimization and Simulation Modeling | 3 |
| BIOL:4213/GENE:4213/IGPI:4213 | Bioinformatics | 2,4 |
| BME:4310/BMB:4310 | Computational Biochemistry | 3 |
| CEE:4512/ME:4112 | Engineering Design Optimization | 3 |
| CHEM:4480 | Introduction to Molecular Modeling | 3 |
| CHEM:5431 | Statistical Thermodynamics I | 3 |
| CS:2110 | Programming for Informatics | 4 |
| CS:2210 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS:2230 | Computer Science II: Data Structures | 4 |
| CS:3330 | Algorithms | 3 |
| CS:4740/IGPI:4740/MATH:4740/STAT:4740 | Large Data Analysis | 3 |
| CS:5110/IGPI:5110 | Introduction to Informatics | 3 |
| ECE:2400 | Linear Systems I | 3 |
| ECE:3330/IGPI:3330 | Introduction to Software Design | 3 |
| ECE:5330/IGPI:5331 | Graph Algorithms and Combinatorial Optimization | 3 |
| ECE:5420 | Power Electronics | 3 |
| ENGR:2730 | Computers in Engineering | 2-3 |
| ENGR:2995 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering | 3 |
| ISE:3600/CEE:3142/STAT:3620 | Quality Control | 3 |
| ISE:4900 | Introduction to Six Sigma | 3 |
| MATH:3770 | Fundamental Properties of Spaces and Functions I | 4 |
| MATH:3800/CS:3700 | Introduction to Numerical Methods | 3 |
| MATH:5600 | Nonlinear Dynamics with Numerical Methods | 3 |
| MATH:5700 | Introduction to Partial Differential Equations | 3 |
| ME:4111/CEE:4511 | Scientific Computing and Machine Learning | 3 |
| ME:4150 | Artificial Intelligence in Engineering | 3 |
| ME:5114 | Nonlinear Control in Robotic Systems | 3 |
| ME:5143 | Computational Fluid and Thermal Engineering | 3 |
| ME:6115 | Cooperative Autonomous Systems | 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.
Energy and Environment
Required Energy and Environment Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CBE:5405 | Green Chemical and Energy Technologies | 3 |
Energy and Environment Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:2040 | Environment, Energy, and Climate Change | 3 |
| CBE:2050/CEE:2050 | Severe and Unusual Weather | 3 |
| CBE:4420/CEE:4150 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CBE:4459/CEE:4159/IGPI:4159 | Air Pollution Control Technology | 3 |
| CBE:4460 | Process and Design for Satellites and Environmental Sensors | 3 |
| CBE:5410 | Electrochemical Engineering | 3 |
| CBE:5412 | Atmospheric Modeling | 3 |
| CBE:5415/IGPI:5415 | Satellite Image Processing and Remote Sensing of Atmosphere | 3 |
| CBE:5417/IGPI:5417 | Physical Meteorology and Atmospheric Radiative Transfer | 3 |
| CBE:5425/CEE:5115 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics | 3 |
| CEE:4107/CBE:4410 | Sustainable Systems | 3 |
| CEE:5380 | Fluid Flows in Environmental Systems | 3 |
| CEE:5440 | Foundations of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology | 3 |
| CHEM:4873 | Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM:5107 | Electrochemistry | 2-3 |
| CHEM:5438 | Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Processes | 3 |
| ECE:5630 | Sustainable Energy Conversion | 3 |
| EES:4490 | Elements of Geochemistry | 3 |
| EES:4520 | Isotope Geochemistry | 3 |
| EES:4630 | Hydrogeology | 4 |
| EES:4790 | Applied Environmental Geology | 3 |
| ENGR:2995 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering | 3 |
| ME:4048 | Energy Systems Design | 4 |
| OEH:6710 | Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment | 3 |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| FIN:3000 | Introductory Financial Management | 3 |
| ISE:2500 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
Entrepreneurship Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| ENTR:2000 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 |
| ENTR:3100 | Entrepreneurial Finance | 3 |
| 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CEE:1030/EES:1030 | Introduction to Earth Science | 3-4 |
| EES:1050 | Introduction to Geology | 4 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| GEOG:1115/EES:1115/ENVS:1115/HIST:1115 | The History of Oil | 3 |
| GEOG:3780/GHS:3780/HIST:3240/POLI:3431 | U.S. Energy Policy in Global Context | 3 |
Students in this focus area are encouraged to select courses for the chemical engineering major's advanced science requirement from the following list.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EES:3110/ENVS:3110 | Chemical Evolution of the Oceans | 3 |
| EES:4490 | Elements of Geochemistry (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 3 |
| EES:4630 | Hydrogeology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 4 |
| EES:4640 | Contaminant Hydrogeology | 3 |
Required Oil and Gas Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CBE:5405 | Green Chemical and Energy Technologies | 3 |
Oil and Gas Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:5199 | Contemporary Topics: Chemical and Biochemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5415/IGPI:5415 | Satellite Image Processing and Remote Sensing of Atmosphere | 3 |
| CBE:5425/CEE:5115 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics | 3 |
| EES:1290 | Energy and the Environment | 3 |
| EES:2410 | Mineralogy (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 4 |
| EES:2831 | Geologic Field Methods | 3 |
| EES:3100/ENVS:3100 | Earth and Planetary Remote Sensing | 4 |
| EES:3300 | Sedimentary Geology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 4 |
| EES:3500 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 4 |
| EES:3770 | Global Stratigraphy | 3 |
| EES:3840 | Structural Geology (recommended for students specializing in petroleum) | 4 |
| EES:4750 | Mineral and Petroleum Exploration Geology | 3 |
| EES:4790 | Applied Environmental Geology | 3 |
| EES:4820 | Tectonics and Basin Analysis | 3 |
| EES:4832 | Geologic Field Analysis | 3 |
| ENGR:2995 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering | 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| CEE:1030/EES:1030 | Introduction to Earth Science | 3-4 |
| EES:1050 | Introduction to Geology | 4 |
| An additional course from the Oil and Gas Electives list above | 3-4 | |
Pharmaceuticals
Required Pharmaceuticals Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| At least one of these: | ||
| PCOL:2220 | Drug Use and Abuse | 3 |
| PCOL:3101 | Pharmacology I: A Drug's Fantastic Journey | 3 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CBE:3998 | Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5210 | Bioseparations | 3 |
| CBE:5300 | Drug Delivery Devices | 3 |
| CBE:5740 | Engineering Principles of Drug Delivery | 3 |
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology | 4 |
| BMB:3110 | Biochemistry | 3 |
| BMB:3120 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I | 3 |
| BMB:3140 | Experimental Biochemistry | 2 |
| BME:4310/BMB:4310 | Computational Biochemistry | 3 |
| BME:5421 | Cell Material Interactions | 3 |
| BME:5430 | Biotransport | 3 |
| CHEM:3110 | Equilibria and Electrochemistry | 3 |
| CHEM:3120 | Spectroscopy and Separations | 3 |
| CHEM:3430 | Analytical Measurements | 3 |
| ENGR:2995 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Engineering | 3 |
| HHP:1300 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 3 |
| OEH:6450 | Aerosol Technology | 3 |
| PCOL:3102 | Pharmacology II: Mechanisms of Drug Action | 3 |
| PHAR:4146 | Drug Disposition and Pharmacokinetics | 2 |
| PHAR:4501 | Basic Principles of Toxicology | 3 |
| PHAR:4537 | Principles of Drug Metabolism | 3 |
| PHAR:4736 | Properties of Dosage Forms I | 3 |
| PHAR:4737 | Properties of Dosage Forms II | 3 |
| PHAR:4741 | Immunology and Immunotherapies | 2 |
| PHAR:4800 | Chemical and Biophysical Properties of Drugs | 1 |
| PHAR:5521 | High Throughput Screening for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences | 1 |
| A course with prefix CHEM numbered 3000 or above | 3 | |
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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CBE:5310 | Polymer Science and Technology | 3 |
Polymers Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:3998 | Individual Investigations: Chemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5199 | Contemporary Topics: Chemical and Biochemical Engineering | arr. |
| CBE:5300 | Drug Delivery Devices | 3 |
| CBE:5390 | Photopolymerization Topics | 1 |
| CBE:5740 | Engineering Principles of Drug Delivery | 3 |
| BME:2500 | Biomaterials and Biomechanics | 4 |
| BME:5421 | Cell Material Interactions | 3 |
| CHEM:4372 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM:5118 | Nanomaterials | 3 |
| ME:5146 | Modeling of Materials Processing | 3 |
| ME:5167/CEE:5137 | Composite Materials | 3 |
| 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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| PSY:1001 | Elementary Psychology | 3 |
| PSY:2130 | Advanced Psychology for Pre-Medical Track | 3 |
| SOC:1010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-4 |
Required Pre-Medicine Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| BIOL:1411 | Foundations of Biology | 4 |
| BIOL:1412 | Diversity of Form and Function | 4 |
| PHYS:1612 | Introductory Physics II | 4 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Approved Course Subjects | ||
| GHS:3560 | Global Garbage and Global Health | 3 |
| GHS:3760/GEOG:3760 | Hazards and Society | 3 |
| Diversity and Inclusion | ||
| HHP:1045 | Diversity and Inclusion in Healthy Living | 3 |
Required Safety and Health Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CBE:4125 | Advanced Chemical Process Safety | 3 |
Safety and Health Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:4459/CEE:4159/IGPI:4159 | Air Pollution Control Technology | 3 |
| CEE:4158/OEH:4920 | Solid and Hazardous Wastes | 3 |
| CPH:3200 | Death at Work: Case Studies of Workplace Safety and Health | 3 |
| ISE:4175 | Safety Engineering | 3 |
| OEH:5410 | Occupational Safety | 3 |
| OEH:5620 | Occupational Health | 3 |
| OEH:6420 | Methods in Exposure Science | 3 |
| OEH:6440 | Control of Occupational Hazards | 3 |
| OEH:6450 | Aerosol Technology | 3 |
| OEH:6720 | Advanced Toxicology | 4 |
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.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Be Creative | ||
| CNW:2740 | The Art and Craft of Writing about the Environment | 3 |
| Approved Course Subjects | ||
| ENGL:1510 | Introduction to Environmental Literature | 3 |
| or JMC:1800 | Twenty-first-Century Science: Environmental Communication in the Digital Age | |
| GEOG:1070 | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| GEOG:2013/BUS:2013/SUST:2013/URP:2013 | Introduction to Sustainability | 3 |
Sustainability Electives
It is recommended that students choose courses that contribute to completing the Certificate in Sustainability (University College).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 12 s.h. from these: | ||
| CBE:4410/CEE:4107 | Sustainable Systems | 3 |
| A course that counts toward the Certificate in Sustainability | 3-4 | |
| A science or engineering course numbered 3000 or above | ||
| May include one of these: | ||
| EES:1080/ENVS:1080 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3-4 |
| EES:1085/ENVS:1085 | Fundamentals of Environmental Science | 4 |
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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| 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 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| 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 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GE: Approved Course Subjects g | 3 | |
| MATH:2560 | Engineering Mathematics IV: Differential Equations a | 3 |
| CHEM:2210 or CHEM:2230 |
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 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| 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 or CHEM:2220 |
Organic Chemistry II for Majors k or Organic Chemistry II |
3 |
| CHEM:2420 or CHEM:2410 |
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 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| 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 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| 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 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| 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 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| 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 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 134 | |
- 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.