Chemical Engineering, BS
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (420000BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering can be combined with the "Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science" certificate, for a nominal five-year plan of study that includes four total years of coursework and one full year of relevant work experience. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering can be earned without the certificate, with a nominal four-year plan of study.
The Chemical Engineering program helps students develop intellectual capacity and the ability to apply the principles of transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and chemical reaction kinetics to the creative resolution of technological problems.
All engineers are trained in the application of mechanics, materials, economics, systems, and controls. Chemical engineers, however, apply chemical principles to design, evaluate, build, and operate systems capable of converting inexpensive raw materials into marketable products via chemical reactions, biological processes, and physical separations.
Graduates of the Chemical Engineering program find career opportunities in the chemical process industries, usually involving polymer production, petroleum refining, environmental remediation, materials research and development, process design and development, and process operations and control. In addition, chemical engineers are increasingly in demand in areas such as biotechnology, food production, and solids processing. Critical thinking skills developed throughout the curriculum enable chemical engineers to succeed in other fields including medicine, patent law, and international business.
The Chemical Engineering program maintains a balance between theory and practice to prepare students for careers in a highly technical global society. The curriculum stresses the integration of mathematics, science, and chemical engineering fundamentals throughout the program. At each level of the program, from freshman through seniors, students have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of emerging technologies through laboratory courses and design or research electives. Exciting work is performed in biocompatible polymeric materials, biological cellular and enzymatic processes, nanocomposite materials, chemical sensing, computational molecular science, microscale separations, green chemistry, and novel catalytic reactions. Students are also encouraged to gain important practical experience through the optional cooperative education program.
The Chemical Engineering undergraduate program offered by the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering at The University of Akron is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org/.
Requirements for Admission
All students who meet the minimum requirements for admittance into The University of Akron and intend to major in engineering or engineering technology are accepted into the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and welcome to begin study towards their intended major. Students must show success in key classes early in the program curriculum before they gain approval to take classes in the third year of the curriculum and beyond.
Cooperative Education
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering can be combined with the Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science certificate, for a nominal five-year plan of study that includes four total years of coursework and one full year of relevant work experience. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering can be earned without the certificate, with a nominal four-year plan of study.
Accelerated BS/MS program
The department offers B.S. Chemical Engineering students at The University of Akron a BS/MS program that allows them to earn the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering with one additional year of study. Applications are accepted in the Spring before the senior year.
The following information has official approval of the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (DPR) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.
Requirements
Summary
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Requirements * | 21 | |
Program-Specific General Education | 14 | |
Math and Natural Science | 21 | |
Advanced Chemistry | 11 | |
Engineering Core | 11 | |
Chemical Engineering | 42 | |
Technical Electives | 11 | |
Total Hours | 131 |
- *
Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 36 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to multiple requirements.
General Education Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework. Diversity courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major. | ||
Academic Foundations | 12 | |
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours | ||
Speaking: 3 credit hours | ||
Writing: 6 credit hours | ||
Breadth of Knowledge | 22 | |
Arts/Humanities: 9 credit hours | ||
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours | ||
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours | ||
Diversity | ||
Domestic Diversity | ||
Global Diversity | ||
Integrated and Applied Learning | 2 | |
Select one class from one of the following subcategories: | ||
Complex Issues Facing Society | ||
Capstone | ||
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings. | ||
Total Hours | 36 |
Program-Specific General Education
The program-specific courses also satisfy General Education requirements.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I | 4 |
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
CHEM:153 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
ECON:244 | Introduction to Economic Analysis | 3 |
Total Hours | 14 |
Math and Natural Science
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHEM:154 | Qualitative Analysis | 2 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II | 4 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III | 4 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I | 4 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II | 4 |
Total Hours | 21 |
Advanced Chemistry
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHEM:263 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
CHEM:264 | Organic Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
CHEM:265 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
CHEM:314 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
Total Hours | 11 |
Engineering Core
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHEE:121 | Chemical Engineering Computations | 2 |
CHEE:305 | Materials Science | 2 |
CIVE:201 | Statics | 3 |
ELEN:307 | Basic Electrical Engineering | 4 |
Total Hours | 11 |
Chemical Engineering
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHEE:101 | Tools for Chemical Engineering | 2 |
CHEE:110 | Project Management and Teamwork I | 1 |
CHEE:200 | Material & Energy Balances | 4 |
CHEE:210 | Project Management and Teamwork II | 1 |
CHEE:220 | Introduction to Thermodynamic Processes | 3 |
CHEE:310 | Project Management and Teamwork III | 1 |
CHEE:320 | Phase Equilibrium Thermodynamics | 3 |
CHEE:321 | Transport Phenomena | 3 |
CHEE:330 | Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
CHEE:341 | Process Economics | 2 |
CHEE:351 | Fluid & Thermal Operations | 3 |
CHEE:353 | Mass Transfer Operations | 3 |
CHEE:360 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory | 3 |
CHEE:410 | Project Management and Teamwork IV | 1 |
CHEE:435 | Process Analysis & Control | 3 |
CHEE:441 | Process Design I | 3 |
CHEE:442 | Process Design II | 3 |
Total Hours | 42 |
Technical Electives
Consult the department for a list of courses that meet elective requirements.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Advanced Math Elective | 2 | |
Advanced Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
Chemical Engineering Design Elective | 3 | |
Chemical Engineering Science Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 11 |
Recommended Sequence
Recommended Schedule with Cooperative Education
This plan of study shows the recommended schedule for students who are also earning the "Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science" certificate. Together, the Bachelor of Science and certificate require a five-year plan of study. The program recommends that students earn this certificate.
1st Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Hours | |
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
ENGL:111 | English Composition I 1,2 | 3 |
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 | 4 |
CHEE:101 | Tools for Chemical Engineering | 2 |
CHEE:110 | Project Management and Teamwork I | 1 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEM:153 | Principles of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
CHEM:154 | Qualitative Analysis | 2 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 | 4 |
CHEE:121 | Chemical Engineering Computations | 2 |
Writing Second Course 1,3 | 3 | |
General Education or Honor Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 17 | |
2nd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CHEM:263 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
CHEM:265 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 | 4 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I 1 | 4 |
CHEE:200 | Material & Energy Balances | 4 |
CHEE:210 | Project Management and Teamwork II | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEM:264 | Organic Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II 1 | 4 |
CHEE:220 | Introduction to Thermodynamic Processes | 3 |
CIVE:201 | Statics 1 | 3 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer Semester | ||
GNEN:300 | Cooperative Education Work Period (possible) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
3rd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
ECON:244 | Introduction to Economic Analysis | 3 |
CHEE:310 | Project Management and Teamwork III | 1 |
CHEE:320 | Phase Equilibrium Thermodynamics | 3 |
CHEE:321 | Transport Phenomena | 3 |
CHEE:341 | Process Economics | 2 |
CHEE:353 | Mass Transfer Operations | 3 |
Advanced Math Elective | 2 | |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring Semester | ||
GNEN:301 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Summer Semester | ||
CHEM:314 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 6 | |
4th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
GNEN:302 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEE:305 | Materials Science | 2 |
CHEE:330 | Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
CHEE:351 | Fluid & Thermal Operations | 3 |
CHEE:360 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 14 | |
Summer Semester | ||
GNEN:403 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
5th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CHEE:410 | Project Management and Teamwork IV | 1 |
CHEE:435 | Process Analysis & Control | 3 |
CHEE:441 | Process Design I | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Advanced Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 13 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEE:442 | Process Design II | 3 |
ELEN:307 | Basic Electrical Engineering | 4 |
CHEE:xxx | Chemical Engineering Science Elective 5 | 3 |
CHEE:xxx | Chemical Engineering Design Elective 5 | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Total Hours | 131 |
- 1
Honors sections may be available; check the schedule of classes.
- 2
The Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering Department recommends that ENGL:111 English Composition I be used to satisfy Writing First Course requirement but other choices may be available. See the General Education Program for details.
- 3
Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement.
- 4
Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.
- 5
Honors students must take the Honors Project, which may count as a Chemical Engineering Elective or Chemical Engineering Design Elective. Consult your academic advisor.
Recommended Schedule without Cooperative Education
If a student chooses not to earn the Cooperative Education certificate, the following four-year plan of study is used.
1st Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Hours | |
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
ENGL:111 | English Composition I 1,2 | 3 |
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 | 4 |
CHEE:101 | Tools for Chemical Engineering | 2 |
CHEE:110 | Project Management and Teamwork I | 1 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEM:153 | Principles of Chemistry II 1 | 3 |
CHEM:154 | Qualitative Analysis | 2 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 | 4 |
CHEE:121 | Chemical Engineering Computations | 2 |
Writing Second Course 1,3 | 3 | |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 17 | |
2nd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CHEM:263 | Organic Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
CHEM:265 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 | 4 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I 1 | 4 |
CHEE:200 | Material & Energy Balances | 4 |
CHEE:210 | Project Management and Teamwork II | 1 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEM:264 | Organic Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II 1 | 4 |
CHEE:220 | Introduction to Thermodynamic Processes | 3 |
CIVE:201 | Statics 1 | 3 |
Hours | 16 | |
3rd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
ECON:244 | Introduction to Economic Analysis | 3 |
CHEE:310 | Project Management and Teamwork III | 1 |
CHEE:320 | Phase Equilibrium Thermodynamics | 3 |
CHEE:321 | Transport Phenomena | 3 |
CHEE:341 | Process Economics | 2 |
CHEE:353 | Mass Transfer Operations | 3 |
Advanced Math Elective | 2 | |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEE:305 | Materials Science | 2 |
CHEE:330 | Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
CHEE:351 | Fluid & Thermal Operations | 3 |
CHEE:360 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 14 | |
Summer Semester | ||
CHEM:314 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 6 | |
4th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CHEE:410 | Project Management and Teamwork IV | 1 |
CHEE:435 | Process Analysis & Control | 3 |
CHEE:441 | Process Design I | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Advanced Chemistry Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 13 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CHEE:442 | Process Design II | 3 |
ELEN:307 | Basic Electrical Engineering | 4 |
CHEE:xxx | Chemical Engineering Science Elective 5 | 3 |
CHEE:xxx | Chemical Engineering Design Elective 5 | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 4 | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Total Hours | 131 |
- 1
Honors sections may be available; check the schedule of classes.
- 2
The Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering Department recommends that ENGL:111 English Composition I be used to satisfy the Writing First Course requirement but other choices may be available. See the General Education Program for details.
- 3
Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement.
- 4
Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.
- 5
Honors students must take the Honors Project, which may count as a Chemical Engineering Elective or Chemical Engineering Design Elective. Consult your academic advisor.