Associated Degree
Chemical engineering majors may choose to focus their studies on a Biological Concentration. A Concentration is not mandatory and some students will benefit from exploring a variety of areas rather than choosing to focus on one.
The Concentrations require 3 units of study (potentially all of which may be double-counted towards the Chemical Engineering degree) comprised of the following:
- An MQP (that satisfies the Chemical Engineering degree requirement and covers a topic in the Concentration field) and
- 6/3 units from the list below.
We have designed each concentration around a fundamental course offered annually in the Department (indicated below) that students are encouraged to take. Students should consult their academic advisor for advice and the Chemical Engineering Department Undergraduate Committee for approval of an appropriate course of study. Appropriate experimental courses, ISUs, and other appropriate courses or projects, not on the current lists, may be applied towards a Concentration with approval from the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Committee.
Program Educational Objectives
The Chemical Engineering Department has established the following objectives of the undergraduate program in support of our mission and that of the Institute. Graduates are expected to be able to attain these objectives within 5 years following graduation:
- Graduates will be able to use chemical engineering principles to solve problems of practical importance to society.
- Graduates will be productive and informed citizens of society as well as of their professional community and will be positioned for a lifetime of success.
- Graduates will be effective communicators.
Student Outcomes
In support of the three Program Educational Objectives, the Chemical Engineering Department has adopted the eleven Student Outcomes established in ABET Criteria 3, (1)-(7), listed below:
Students shall demonstrate:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Program Distribution Requirements for the Chemical Engineering Major with Biological Concentration
Biological Concentration Courses (Minimum 6/3 Units)
This course will introduce the basic principles of microbiology through lectures, discussion, readings, and projects. The course will explore both the fundamental biology of microbes and the ways in which microbes influence society and the world. Topics will include the morphology, physiology, and genetics of unicellular organisms with a primary focus on bacteria. Special attention will be given to organisms known to have important roles in health, research, industry, and the environment. This course is designed for life sciences majors.
Students may not receive credit for both BB 2002 and BB 2003.
1/3Overall format and procedure are essentially the same as in Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering I. Laboratory projects include experiments in heat and mass transfer such as: heat transfer in two heaters and a cooler, climbing film evaporation, multiple effect evaporation, absorption, extraction, distillation and rotary drying of solids.
1/3*No more than one 1000-level course may be counted.
Major Qualifying Project (MQP) (Minimum 3/3 Units)
MQP must satisfy the Chemical Engineering degree requirement and cover a topic in the Biological field.