Courses Suitable for a Chemical Engineering Major
Higher Education Articles August 9, 2014The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering is typically awarded to chemical engineering majors.
Important Information
Many schools offer undergraduate degree programs in chemical engineering. Coursework within these programs may typically include courses in mathematics, biology and chemistry, among other subject areas. Students enrolled in some chemical engineering degree programs are allowed to pursue specializations in subject areas such as biomedical engineering, food science or biochemical engineering.
Those who complete undergraduate chemical engineering programs may pursue continuing education by earning graduate-level degrees in chemical engineering or a related field of choice.
In this article we take a look at some of the typical classes a chemical engineering major is required to attend:
Process Design
In this class, students are introduced to the design-related theoretical and practical concepts they need in carrying out chemical engineering projects. Students may examine the economics of chemical engineering in order to compare how much various projects cost and how much profit they engender. Students may effect creation of designs either in groups or individually. Discussions of common challenges faced while designing chemical plants and related equipment may also be undertaken.
Biochemical Engineering
This course explores the biochemical procedures and processes for use in industrial chemical engineering. The class also discusses techniques needed for the separation and removal of impurities from byproducts resulting from chemical engineering applications. Students practice the construction and maintenance of biochemical engineering systems within limits on resources and budget.
Industrial Chemical Process
The coursework teaches the standard chemical processes employed by various industries in chemical engineering projects. This class is mandatory and involves working out of considerations, such as materials and budgets in corresponding lab experiences.
Transport Process
In this class, which usually transpires about the middle of a chemical engineering program, students gain a comprehensive outline of transport processes that involve chemical applications, mass, or heat. Design projects incorporating transport processes, such as evaporation and condensation, can be worked on by students in accompanying labs. Students are taught to identify the transport processes that best meet the parameters of a given project.
Advanced Math for Chemical Engineering
Students typically take this class during the early stages of the chemical engineering course, wherein coursework focuses on topic areas such as differential calculus and the modes of using mathematical computations in solving problems relating to chemical engineering. Some programs also include a lab component. The groundwork for continuing study in chemical engineering and gaining a grasp of processes that relate to chemical engineering applications is laid through this class in advanced mathematics.