Chemical and Biological Engineering
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
The department seeks to instill in its students an education in the principles and practices of chemical engineering that will serve a broad and dynamic range of career paths and provide a foundation for lifelong professional growth.
Educational Objective +
The primary educational objective of the undergraduate programs in chemical engineering and chemical and biological engineering is that our alumni achieve rewarding careers in chemical engineering or related fields.
Program Goals +
The department strives to provide our graduating students with the knowledge, training, and opportunity prerequisite to achieving this educational objective. In doing so, the department establishes the following specific goals:
- educate students in chemical engineering fundamentals and practice;
- train students in chemical process and product design;
- train students in critical thinking and in the identification, formulation, and solution of open-ended engineering problems;
- help students be aware of their responsibility to conduct ethical, safe, and environmentally-conscious engineering;
- train students to be good communicators and function effectively as individuals and in teams;
- provide students with knowledge of contemporary issues and understanding of the impact of engineering practices in global and societal contexts; and
- teach students the necessity for and tools for continued, lifelong learning.
Educational Outcomes +
Students completing the undergraduate program in chemical engineering demonstrate the following educational outcomes: the ability and skills to
- apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
- design and conduct experiments, and analyze and interpret data;
- use modern engineering tools, skills, and methods for engineering practice;
- design processes and systems to meet desired performance specifications;
- identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
- understand professional and ethical responsibilities;
- communicate effectively in oral and written forms;
- function effectively on multidisciplinary teams;
- understand the impact of engineering solutions in global and societal contexts;
- know contemporary issues; and
- recognize the need for and have an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
Bachelor's Degree Requirements +
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering has two distinct BS degree programs, one in chemical engineering and one in chemical and biological engineering. The Regents of the University of Colorado and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education approved the new BS program in the combined fields of chemical and biological engineering during the summer of 2006. This new degree program is open to students entering as freshmen in the fall of 2006, and students entering their sophomore year in the fall of 2006 may also consider transferring from the BS in chemical engineering degree program to the new BS in chemical and biological engineering program. It is expected that the first students will graduate from this new degree program in the spring of 2009 and accreditation will be pursued for the new program at that time.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Chemical engineers are responsible for producing products based on chemical processing and chemical transformations. They carry out basic research; they design, build, operate, and manage chemical processes and plants; and they supply petroleum products, renewable resources, plastics, detergents, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biological compounds, photographic materials, microelectronic devices, and various food and other products. Today's processes must be energy efficient, nonpolluting, and profitable. Thus, students must master inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, mathematics, statistics, computers, physics, and often biology and biochemistry. Students must learn to apply these fundamentals in the process industries. Paralleling the technical courses are studies in the humanities and the social sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering. The chemical engineering field has traditionally had a natural affinity and synergy with the fields of molecular and cellular biology including biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, tissue engineering, and medicine. These synergies have led the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering to establish this new degree track in the combined fields of chemical and biological engineering. Graduates of this new program will be trained in the traditional field of chemical engineering with foci on chemical transformations and separations; however, they will have further knowledge and ability in applying these skills to the emerging areas in biological engineering such as biotechnology, metabolic engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. In contrast to the traditional BS in chemical engineering, students must master additional skills in biology, medicine, bioseparations, biological laboratory skills, and biological transformations.
Other Opportunities in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. At the BS, MS, and PhD levels, there are opportunities to specialize via electives, independent study, and research. The BS in chemical engineering also offers optional variations to the core curriculum that allow students to specialize in environmental, computer, microelectronic, and materials aspects of chemical engineering. If a student has an interest that is not included in the following information, special arrangements can usually be made.
Students may carry out part of their studies in another country (see the Office of International Education section in this catalog), and are encouraged to consider this opportunity, given the international nature of most large chemical and engineering corporations and international cooperation in scientific and engineering research. Many faculty members have significant international experience.
Cooperative Education and Internships. The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers a formal Co-Op Program, where students obtain a BS in chemical engineering or chemical and biological engineering and significant industrial experience in five years. A Biotechnology Internships program is also offered for summer internships with local companies.
Options in the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Curriculum +
Curricular options have been established in fields of major importance and particular interest. To follow one of these options requires careful planning and course selection by student and advisor.
Bioengineering Option. Since all biological and medical systems involve complex chemical and physical processes, chemical engineering is a natural professional basis for biotechnology research. The department has a strong undergraduate program tailored to meeting the needs of students who are preparing for careers in biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, or biotechnology. Modern biotechnology has been defined as "applied genetic engineering" and is of considerable importance due to recent advances in molecular biology and genetic engineering. The successful industrial application of these advances will, in large part, depend on new chemical engineering initiatives in the development of high-rate bioreactors, efficient separation and purification techniques for bioproducts, and computer-interfaced instrumentation for optimal bioprocess control.
The courses available for this option are Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, and Biochemical Separations. In addition, bioengineering option students are required to complete two semesters of general biology and one semester of biochemistry.
The department also offers graduate bioengineering technology research programs at both the MS and PhD levels. These programs are oriented toward specialization in various aspects of biochemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and sensory physiology.
Environmental Option. Chemical engineers can make major contributions in the fields of pollution prevention and control, resource utilization, and environmental improvement. The environmental engineering option is designed to emphasize biological and environmental sciences, the effects of chemicals on the environment, and chemical engineering applications in environmental problems.
The courses taken by students following this option include electives in environmental science and engineering. A capstone course in environmental engineering processes or environmental separations is taken in the senior year.
Computer Option. Applications of computers in chemical engineering are widespread, and the chemical engineer who has solid preparation in computer science and engineering is in demand. Areas include computer architecture and interfacing; machine, assembly, and high-level language programming; and online real-time computing. Students in this option complete the core of the computer engineering degree program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Materials Option. The need to develop new materials for a rapidly broadening spectrum of applications is one of the major technological challenges confronting applied science. Chemical engineers have the required background in chemistry and transport theory to contribute significantly in this area. This option focuses on polymeric and ceramic materials by complementing the chemical engineering curriculum with elective courses stressing the interrelationship between materials fabrication, structure, properties, and performance.
Microelectronics Option. The manufacture of semiconductor microelectronic circuits or "chips" involves many chemical steps. In recent years, more and more chemical engineers are finding employment in the expanding microelectronics industry. Completion of this option, which includes courses in solid state and semiconductor physics and microstructure fabrication, provides specialization to help launch a successful career in microelectronics.
Premedicine Curriculum Track. This track is offered for students preparing for medical school. Since chemical engineering already requires most of the premed courses, it is a logical choice for students who desire an engineering degree and the opportunity to pursue a medical profession.
Senior Thesis. The department offers this program for undergraduates with a strong interest in research. The student carries out a year-long project under the direction of a faculty member in lieu of taking CHEN 4130 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 2. Students must apply at the end of their junior year.
Curriculum for BS (ChE) +
| Required Courses | Semester Hours |
| Freshman Year | |
| Fall Semester | |
| APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEM 1221 General Chemistry Laboratory for Engineers | 2 |
| CHEN 1211 General Chemistry for Engineers | 3 |
| GEEN 1300 Introduction to Engineering Computing (Note 1) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEN 1300 Introduction to Chemical Engineering (Note 1) | 1 |
| CHEN 2810 Biology for Engineers | 3 |
| PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 | 4 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall Semester | |
| APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEM 3311 Organic Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 3321 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEN 2120 Chemical Engineering Material and Energy Balances (Note 1) | 3 |
| PHYS 1120 General Physics 2 | 4 |
| PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics | 1 |
| Spring Semester | |
| APPM 2360 Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra | 4 |
| CHEM 3331 Organic Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 3341 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry 2 | 1 |
| CHEM 4521 Physical Chemistry for Engineers (Notes 1 and 6) | 3 |
| CHEN 3200 Chemical Engineering Fluid Mechanics (Note 1) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall Semester | |
| CHEN 3010 Applied Data Analysis (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 3210 Chemical Engineering Heat Transfer (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 3320 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (Note 1) | 3 |
| WRTG 3030 Writing on Science and Society | 3 |
| Free Elective | 4 |
| Spring Semester | |
| CHEN 3130 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1 (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEN 3220 Chemical Engineering Separations and Mass Transfer (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 4330 Chemical Engineering Reaction Kinetics (Note 1) | 3 |
| Chemistry elective (Note 3) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Elective (Note 4) | 3 |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall Semester | |
| CHEN 4090 Undergraduate Seminar (Note 1) | 1 |
| CHEN 4130 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 2 (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEN 4520 Chemical Process Synthesis (Note 1) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Electives (Note 4) | 6 |
| Spring Semester | |
| CHEN 4440 Chemical Engineering Materials (Notes 1 and 5) | 3 |
| CHEN 4530 Chemical Engineering Design Project (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEN 4570 Instrumentation and Process Control (Note 1) | 4 |
| Electives (Note 4) | 6 |
| Minimum total hours for degree | 128 |
Curriculum Notes
1. Course offered only in semester indicated.
2. Courses selected must meet humanities and social science requirements. Students should consult with their advisor and the current ChE Help Guide.
3. Students should consult the current ChE Help Guide about chemistry electives.
4. Electives must meet specific requirements. At least 6 credit hours must be in CHEN courses at 3000 level or higher. See the current ChE Help Guide.
5. Alternate is CHEN 4460 Polymer Engineering.
6. Students may take CHEM 4511 if during fall semester.
Proposed Curriculum for BS in Chemical and Biological Engineering +
| Required Courses | Semester Hours |
Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | |
| APPM 1350 Calculus 1 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEN 1211 General Chemistry for Engineers | 3 |
| CHEM 1221 General Chemistry Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| GEEN 1300 Introduction to Engineering Computing | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| APPM 1360 Calculus 2 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEN 1300 Introduction to Chemical Engineering (Note 1) | 1 |
| CHEN 2810 Biology for Engineers | 3 |
| PHYS 1110 General Physics 1 | 4 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
Sophomore Year
| Fall Semester | |
| APPM 2350 Calculus 3 for Engineers | 4 |
| CHEM 3311 Organic Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| CHEM 3321 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEN 2120 Material and Energy Balances | 3 |
| CHEN 2--- Foundations of Bioengineering | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| APPM 2360 Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra | 4 |
| CHEM 4521 Physical Chemistry for Engineers (Notes 1 and 4) | 3 |
| CHEN 3200 Chemical Engineering Fluid Mechanics (Note 1) | 3 |
| MCDB 2150 Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| MCDB 2151 Principles of Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 1120 General Physics 2 | 4 |
Junior Year
| Fall Semester | |
| CHEM 3331 Organic Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 3341 Laboratory in Organic Chemistry 2 | 1 |
| CHEN 3320 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 3010 Applied Data Analysis (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 3210 Chemical Engineering Heat Transfer (Note 1) | 3 |
| PHYS 1140 Experimental Physics | 1 |
| WRTG 3030 Writing on Science and Society | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| CHEN 3130 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1 (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEM 4611 Survey of Biochemistry | 3 |
| CHEN 3--- Biokinetics | 3 |
| CHEN 3--- Bioseparations | 3 |
| CHEN 4--- Biomaterials (Note 5) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
Senior Year
| Fall Semester | |
| CHEN 4--- Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory 2 (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEN 4090 Undergraduate Seminar (Note 1) | 1 |
| CHEN 4520 Chemical Process Synthesis (Note 1) | 3 |
| CHEN 4800 Bioprocess Engineering | 3 |
| Elective (Note 3) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| CHEN 4530 Chemical Engineering Design Project (Note 1) | 2 |
| CHEN 4570 Instrumentation and Process Control (Note 1) | 4 |
| CHEN 4--- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Note 5) | 3 |
| Elective (Note 3) | 3 |
| Humanities or social science elective (Note 2) | 3 |
| Minimum total hours for degree | 128 |
Curriculum Notes
1. Course offered only in semester indicated.
2. Courses must meet humanities and social science requirements. Students should consult their advisor and the current ChE Help Guide.
3. Electives must meet specific requirements. See the current ChE Help Guide.
4. Students may take CHEM 4511 if during the fall semester.
5. Biomaterials and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology will be taught in alternating years. The offered course should be taken during the junior and senior years.
Graduate Degree Programs +
Major areas of current research interest in the chemical engineering department are applied mathematics and computers, biomedical and tissue engineering, biotechnology, ceramics processing, colloid science, environmental engineering, heterogeneous catalysis and kinetics, fluid dynamics, low gravity science, mass transfer, materials engineering, membrane and polymer science, particle technology, process control and optimization, separations, supercritical fluids, surface science and interfacial phenomena, transport in porous media, and thermodynamics.
Master of Science Degree Requirements +
Admission. General criteria for regular admission to the master's program include a bachelor's degree with a 3.00 or better overall GPA from a college or university of recognized standing, equivalent to the degree given at this university (or college work equivalent to that required for such a degree, at least 96 semester hours of which must be acceptable toward a degree at this university); promise of ability to pursue advanced study and research, as judged by previous scholastic record or otherwise; and adequate preparation to begin graduate study in the chosen field.
A candidate for the master of science degree in chemical engineering must fulfill the following departmental requirements:
1. Thirty semester hours of graduate work, including a satisfactory thesis. Maximum credit of 6 semester hours is allowed for the completion of the master's thesis. A nonthesis master's degree is available and requires completion of 30 semester hours of course work.
2. A final examination as required by the Graduate School on the thesis.
It is expected that a qualified student can complete the master's degree in less than two calendar years. A graduate student with a bachelor's degree in a field related to chemical engineering can obtain the master's degree in chemical engineering but may be required to make up deficiencies in background. Programs are arranged on an individual basis.
The following courses comprise the core for the MS degree:
- CHEN 5210 Transport Phenomena (required)
- And two of
- CHEN 5370 Intermediate Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
- CHEN 5390 Chemical Reactor Engineering
- CHEN 5740 Analytical Methods in Chemical Engineering
- The course CHEN 5128 Applied Statistics in Research and Development may be taken as an alternate to CHEN 5740.
A degree plan must be prepared at the beginning of the academic program in consultation with an advisory committee. The student is urged to maintain close contact with this advisory committee during the entire course of study.
The MS thesis committee must consist of three members, including at least two graduate faculty members from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Master of Engineering Degree Requirements +
Admission. (The standards of admission to the MS program also apply to ME degree applicants.) A 3.00 overall undergraduate GPA is required for regular admission.
ME Degree Advisor. All ME candidates should see the chemical engineering master of science degree advisor for counseling.
Requirements for Graduation. Students orally defend their written reports as specified in the ME degree description, and a comprehensive examination is administered by the student's advisory committee on the report and course work.
Doctor of Philosophy Admission Requirements +
1. The applicant must have achieved academic competence equivalent to a master of science degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA substantially above the minimum normally required for the degree.
2. The applicant must show the ability to perform independent research.
3. The applicant must indicate a field of specialization and obtain an advisor in the chemical engineering graduate faculty.
4. The applicant must pass the PhD preliminary examination administered by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
A candidate for the doctor of philosophy degree must meet the requirements as described under requirements for advanced degrees in the Graduate School chapter. A minimum of 30 semester hours of courses numbered 5000 or above is required for the degree, including those applied toward an MS degree. These must include all five core courses listed previously.
All PhD students in chemical engineering must satisfy a communication skills requirement. This includes performing an advanced teaching assistantship and demonstrating satisfactory communication skills on the PhD comprehensive examination. Students whose primary language is English may choose to demonstrate foreign language proficiency instead of being judged on their communications skills on the comprehensive exam.
The PhD dissertation committee must consist of five members, including at least three from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and at least one from within CU-Boulder, but outside the department. A graduate faculty member of the department must serve as chair of the committee.
Research Facilities +
Chemical and biological engineering research facilities are extensive and modern. Nearly all research equipment is interfaced to microcomputer systems for automated data collection, monitoring, and control. A full description of chemical engineering research facilities can be found in the Graduate School section.
