B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Learning Outcomes for the Chemical & Biological Engineering Program By the completion of their undergraduate studies, students in the Chemical and Biological Engineering program are expected to have: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to engineering problems. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. An ability to design systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. An ability to communicate effectively with written, oral, and visual means. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning. A knowledge of contemporary issues. An ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and computing tools necessary for engineering practice. The Chemical Engineering degree program at Rensselaer is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Opportunities for creative and satisfying practice in chemical can be found in conception, design, control, or management of processes involving chemical transformations. These processes range from the more conventional conversion of crude oil into petrochemicals and plastics, to the microbiological transformation of hardwood chips into specialty alcohols, or to the creation of semiconductor devices from silicon wafers. Diverse career choices exist not only in the chemical industry, but in virtually all processing industries, including agricultural, biotechnology, chemical, food, nuclear, semiconductor processing, and environmental operations. By emphasizing basic principles, the program prepares its graduates for positions spanning the spectrum of activities from research and development, to process and project engineering, to production, or to technical marketing. The chemical engineering program comprises a minimum of 39 courses, which include three free electives and three area electives: one in advanced chemistry, one in advanced chemical engineering, and one in a nonchemical engineering area. On completion of three years of the baccalaureate program, the student may continue to the fourth year or be admitted to the professional program. While individual variations may be made in the course sequence in consultation with a faculty adviser, all listed courses and elective credits in the curricula must be satisfactorily completed to qualify for the specified degrees. The complete curriculum totals 132 credit hours.