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CHEMICAL engineering is almost unique among the engineering disciplines in that it is based on chemistry as well as physics and mathematics. From its early foundation in petrochemical and bulk chemical processing, chemical engineering has expanded to play key roles in the development and production of pharmaceuticals and bioengineered materials, specialty polymers and high strength composites, semiconductors and microelectronic devices, as well as a wide range of ultrapure fine chemicals, and so forth. Indeed, chemical engineering is essential for the operation of contemporary society. The solution of many of the problems facing society today, e.g., energy, the environment, development of high-performance materials, will involve chemical engineers. Future opportunities in the field are very bright.
The undergraduate program in chemical engineering equips students to contribute to the solution of these and similar problems. Most graduates find meaningful careers in industry. Others are attracted to government laboratories, universities, and careers as private consultants. Some continue their education through graduate studies in chemical engineering, business, law, or medicine. The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department offers the Bachelor of Engineering degree and graduate study leading to the M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees.
Undergraduate Degree Program
Undergraduate students acquire a solid background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics and take additional upper-level courses in chemistry. The chemical engineering program has as its basis courses in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, separations, and kinetics. Other courses deal with the principles and techniques of chemical engineering analysis and design, along with economic analysis and process control. Laboratory courses offer the student an opportunity to make fundamental measurements of momentum, heat, and mass transport and to gain hands-on experience with bench scale and small scale pilot-plant apparatus, which can be computer controlled. Report writing is a principal focus in the laboratory courses. Selected students are offered the opportunity to carry out individual research projects.
A specimen curriculum for a chemical engineering major, which shows required and elective courses for the standard program, follows. This standard program includes a number of electives. Students, with the consent of their faculty advisers, may choose elective courses that maintain program breadth or may develop a special-interest minor program within the chemical engineering major. Established minors for chemical engineering students are environmental engineering, materials science and engineering, and management of technology. In addition, a concentration in biotechnology is offered. Double majors may be arranged in consultation with a faculty adviser.
The Department recommends chemical engineering students consider taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) in their senior year. This is the first step in obtaining a license as a professional engineer. The following courses are recommended for preparation for the FE: EECE 112, CE 180 and ME 190.
Undergraduate Honors Program. The professional honors program in chemical engineering provides an opportunity for selected students to develop individually through independent study and research. General requirements are described in the Special Programs chapter. Chemical Engineering requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Acceptance to the program is made at the beginning of, or during, the junior year. Transfer students meeting other requirements may be considered for admission after completing one semester at Vanderbilt. Candidates for honors choose their technical courses with the consent of a faculty honors adviser. These may be selected to obtain additional depth in chemical engineering by taking at least 6 hours of 300-level courses or by concentrating in an allied area with graduate courses recommended but not required. A special research project is substituted for ChE 229W in the senior year. A formal written research report is submitted each semester of the senior year.
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Undergraduate Program
