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Course Descriptions

The undergraduate program in chemical engineering undertakes to prepare individuals for careers in the chemical process industries. These include all industries in which chemical and energy changes are an important part of the manufacturing process, such as the petroleum, rubber, plastics, synthetic fiber, pulp and paper, fermentation, soap and detergents, glass, ceramic, photographic and organic and inorganic chemical industries.

Chemical Engineering - Course Descriptions

CHE 110 Programming & Computation for Chemical Engineers 2R-0L-2C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

An introduction to problem solving and structured programming concepts using spreadsheets and computational software. Spreadsheet applications include graphical analysis, curve-fitting, parameter estimation, numerical differentiation and integration, solution of systems of algebraic (linear and nonlinear) equations and ordinary differential equations.
CHE 200 Career Preparation I 1R-0L-0C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: CHE 201

Career choices in chemical engineering. Internships and co-ops. Resume preparation. Interview skills.
CHE 201 Conservation Principles and Balances 4R-0L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: MA 113, PH 111, and either CHEM 113 or concurrent registration in CHEM 112
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

An introduction to engineering calculations, the use of common process variables, and conservation and accounting of extensive properties as a common framework for engineering analysis and modeling. Applications of conservation of mass and energy in the analysis of non-reactive chemical engineering processes will be addressed. There will be an introduction to equipment, flowcharts, techniques and methodologies used by practicing chemical engineers.
CHE 202 Basic Chemical Process Calculations 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 201, and MA 211
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

The course continues to develop concepts from CHE 201 and provides a more extensive treatment of energy balances. Applications of the principles of conservation of mass and energy to reactive and transient systems will also be addressed.
CHE 301 Fluid Mechanics 4R-0L-4C F,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 201, and MA 211
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Physical properties of fluids, fluid statics, laminar and turbulent flow. Design of pipe networks and pumps. Fluid flow as momentum transport. Flow through porous media. Non-Newtonian fluid flow. Flow past objects and boundary layer concept. Emphasis is placed on general methods of analysis applicable to any fluid.
CHE 303 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 4R-0L-4C F,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 202, and MA 211
Corequisites: CHE 110

First and second laws of thermodynamics and their application including thermodynamic cycles, closed and open systems. Thermodynamic properties of pure components. Phase equilibria of pure components. Equations of state, state diagrams. Thermodynamic analysis of processes.
CHE 304 Multi-Component Thermodynamics 4R-0L-4C F,W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 303, and MA 212
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Properties of mixtures. Phase equilibria for mixtures. Equations of state and activity coefficient models. Chemical reaction thermodynamics. Thermodynamic analysis of processes. Study of phase equilibria involving the use of a process simulator.
CHE 310 Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineers 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 110, and MA 211, and MA 212 or concurrent enrollment
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

The objective of this course is to learn the fundamentals of several important numerical methods and how to apply them to solve chemical engineering problems. This will include the study of algorithms to solve systems of algebraic and differential equations, toperform numerical integration, to apply linear and nonlinear regression techniques, and to perform stochastic Monte Carlo simulations. Matlab and Excel will be used as the programming and computing software.
CHE 315 Materials Science and Engineering 4R-0L-4C F,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHEM 115 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Introduction to the properties and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors. The influences of crystal structure, interatomic bonding, and electronic structure on physical, mechanical, and electrical properties are emphasized. Causes and mitigation of various types of corrosion are explored. Properties and design of composite materials are introduced.
CHE 320 Fundamentals of Heat & Mass Transfer 4R-0L-4C F,W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 202, and CHE 301, and MA 211, and MA 212
Corequisites: CHE 304

Discussion of fundamental heat and mass transfer principles: conduction, forced and free convection, radiation, and diffusion. Mathematical analysis and computation of heat transfer, mass transfer, temperature, and concentration profiles in systems with simple geometries. Finite difference equations. Estimation of local and overall heat and mass transfer coefficients.
CHE 321 Applications of Heat & Mass Transfer 4R-0L-4C W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 320, and CHE 304
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Use, design, and selection of heat exchangers and heat exchange systems for various applications in the chemical process industries. Study of gas-liquid and liquid-liquid mass transfer operations including gas absorption, extraction, and distillation in equilibrium staged tray columns and packed columns. Quantitative treatment of mass transfer based on material and energy balances, phase equilibrium, and rates of heat and mass transfer. Applications of radiation heat transfer, boiling, and condensation.
CHE 404 Kinetics & Reactor Design 4R-0L-4C F,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHEM 360, and CHE 304
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

The course covers homogeneous kinetics, differential and integral data analysis, batch, mixed, and plug flow reactors, systems with multiple reactions, reactor cascades, and temperature and energy effects.
CHE 405 Introduction to MEMS: Fabrication & Applications 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: and Junior or Senior standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Properties of silicon wafers, wafer-level processes, surface and bulk micromachining, thin-film deposition, dry and wet etching, photolithography, process integration, simple actuators. Introduction to microfluidic systems. MEMS applications: capacitive accelerometer, cantilever and pressure sensor. Cross-listed with ECE 416, EP 410, and ME 416.
CHE 409 Professional Practice 1R-0L-1C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Senior standing in Chemical Engineering
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Topics on professional practice, ethics, and contemporary and global issues in the profession are discussed.
CHE 411 Chemical Engineering Laboratory I 2R-3L-3C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHEM 115, and CHEM 225, and CHEM 252, and CHE 320, and MA 223, and RH 330
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Principles underlying momentum, mass and energy transfer and the applications of equipment used to accomplish such transfer, introduction to laboratory concepts in data collection, record keeping, interpretation and analysis, and instrumentation including experimental error analysis, regression, model formulation, experimental design, and instrumentation. Written and oral reports are required. Formal instruction on written and oral communication and teaming will be provided.
CHE 412 Chemical Engineering Laboratory II 2R- 6L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 321, and CHE 411 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Continuation of principles underlying momentum, mass and energy transfer with some emphasis on kinetics, applications of equipment used to accomplish such transfer.
CHE 413 Chemical Engineering Laboratory III 2R- 6L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 412
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Continuation of CHE 412 with emphasis on process control and kinetics.
CHE 416 Chemical Engineering Design I 4R-0L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 321
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Introduction to the design process; simulation to assist in process creation; synthesis of separation trains; design of separation equipment; and capital cost estimation.
CHE 417 Chemical Engineering Design II 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 416, and CHE 404
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Design of reactor-separator-recycle networks; heat and power integration; batch process scheduling; annual costs, earnings and profitability; preliminary work on a capstone design project.
CHE 418 Chemical Engineering Design III: Capstone Design Project 0R-6L-2C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 417 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Completion of an open-ended design project that will include written and oral communication of intermediate results and a final written report.
CHE 419 Advanced MEMS: Modeling & Packaging 3R-3L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: EP 410 or equivalent (See EP 411/511.)
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Design process, modeling; analytical and numerical. Actuators; dynamics and thermal issues. Use of software for layout and simulation. Characterization and reliability of MEMS devices. Electrical interfacing and packaging of MEMS. Microsensors, microfluidic systems, applications in engineering, biology, and physics. Students enrolled in CHE 419/519, must do project work on a topic selected by the instructor. Cross-listed with EP 411, and ECE 419.
CHE 420 Consulting Engineering Seminar 2R-0L-2C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Junior class standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Discusses problems in the field of consulting engineering. Seminars presented by practicing consulting engineers. Cross-listed with CE 420, ECE 466, ME 420, and BE 400.
CHE 440 Process Control 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 202, and MA 211, and MA 212
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

The mathematics of process dynamics, control system design, Laplace transforms, feedback control theory, characteristics of sensors, transmitters and control elements, stability criteria, and frequency response. Use of control design software is emphasized.
CHE 441 Polymer Engineering 4R-0L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 404*, and CHEM 251** *or concurrent registration **or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Interrelation of polymer structure, properties and processing. Polymerization kinetics. Methods for molecular weight determination. Fabrication and processing of thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. Student projects.
CHE 460 Particle Technology 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: MA 212, and CHE 202, and CHE 301
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Introduction to the fundamentals of particle technology including particle characterization, transport, sampling, and processing. Students will learn about the basic design and scale-up of some industrial particulate systems (including fluidized beds, mixers, pneumatic conveying systems, cyclone separators, and hoppers) as well as environmental and safety issues related to particulate handling.
CHE 461 Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering 4R-0L-4C F or W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: EM 301 or CHE 301
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Physical-chemical unit operations pertinent to wastewater treatment such as membrane separations, filtration, coagulation, flocculation, ion exchange, carbon adsorption. Applications for unit operations from the chemical process industries are also covered. Cross-listed with CE563.
CHE 465 Energy and the Environment 4R-0L-4C W or S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 303 or CHEM 361 or CE 205 or ME 301 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

This is a survey course in which the energy needs of the world, the ways in which those needs are currently being met, the development and current usage of renewable energy, and the impact of these on the environment, specifically the impact on climate change, are examined. Life cycle analysis is also considered.
CHE 470 Safety, Health, and Loss Prevention 4R-0L-4C F or S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 303
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Fundamentals of chemical process safety including toxicology, industrial hygiene, toxic release and dispersion models, fires and explosions, designs to prevent fires and explosions. Informal safety review.
CHE 490 Special Topics in Chemical Engineering 4R-0L-4C F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Topics of current interest in chemical engineering.
CHE 499 Directed Research Variable Credit F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

A special project is assigned to or selected by the student. The publication of research is encouraged. Variable credit. May be repeated up to a maximum of eight credits.
CHE 502 Transport Phenomena 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 320
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Most of the course focuses on the derivation, simplification, and solution of the equations of change for momentum, energy, and mass transport. Mathematical determination of velocity profiles and momentum flux for isothermal, laminar flows in both steady and unsteady systems will be covered. Mathematical determination of temperature profiles and heat flux, and concentration profiles and mass flux both in solids and in laminar flows will also be covered. Boundary layer theory will be discussed. Turbulent flow theories may also be addressed.
CHE 504 Advanced Reactor Design 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 404
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Strategies for modeling the effects of real reactor systems, including non-ideal flow and multiple phases. Applications in catalysis, combustion, biotechnology, polymerization, and materials processing. Computer methods and software for reactor engineering.
CHE 505 Introduction to MEMS: Fabrication & Applications 3R-3L-4C S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior class standing
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Properties of silicon wafers; wafer-level processes, surface and bulk micromachining, thin-film deposition, dry and wet etching, photolithography, process integration, simple actuators. Introduction to microfluidic systems. MEMS applications: capacitive accelerometer, cantilever and pressure sensor. Cross-listed with BE 516, ECE 516, EP 510, and ME 516.
CHE 512 Petrochemical Processes 4R-0L-4C W
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 321 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Multicomponent separation of petroleum by flash vaporization. Processes for production of light petroleum products from heavier derivatives. Production of petrochemicals such as ethylene, methanol, and ammonia from natural gas and other fossil fuels. Group projects and presentations on refinery and petrochemical processes. Material balances and economic evaluations of the processes.
CHE 513 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 304
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Review of thermodynamic principles including fundamental equations and the laws of thermodynamics. Thermodynamics of mixtures, phase equilibria, and thermodynamic analysis of processes. Project based in-depth study of phase equilibria, equations of state, and activity coefficient models. Use of process simulator for phase equilibria calculations. Introduction to statistical thermodynamics.
CHE 515 Nanomaterials Science & Engineering 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 315 or ME 328
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Current research trends and industrial activity in the field of nanotechnology. Contains an overview of nanoscale characterization and production methods and emphasizes the roles that chemical functionality, thermodynamics, and physics play in determining the unique properties of nanoscale materials systems. Independent student reviews of current research literature form an integral part of the course.
CHE 519 Advanced MEMS: Modeling & Packaging 3R-3L-4C F
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: EP 410 or equivalent course
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Design process, modeling; analytical and numerical. Actuators; dynamics and thermal issues. Use of software for layout and simulation. Characterization and reliability of MEMS devices. Electrical interfacing and packaging of MEMS. Microsensors, microfluidic systems, applications in engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics. Cross-listed with EP 511, ME 519, and ECE 519.
CHE 540 Advanced Process Control 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: CHE 440 and consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Control topics beyond those covered in CHE 440. Topics will be selected from among the following: advanced control using cascade, feed forward, nonlinear, and adaptive control; multivariable systems including RGA analysis and decoupling; a major control system design and implementation project using a modern distributed control system.
CHE 545 Introduction to Biochemical Engineering 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and CHEM 330, and CHE 404 or ES 201 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Survey course introducing biochemical terminology and processes. Enzyme kinetics, cellular genetics, biochemical transport phenomena, and design and operation of biochemical reactors. Emphasis on applying engineering principles to biochemical situations.
CHE 546 Bioseparations 4R-0L-4C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: BIO 110 , and CHE 321 or ES 201 or consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

An analysis of bioseparation processes. Filtration, centrifugation, adsorption, electrophoresis, and chromatography are the primary topics of the course. Applications are emphasized.
CHE 590 Special Topics in Chemical Engineering 4R-0L-4C F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Topics of current interest in chemical engineering. May be repeated.
CHE 597 Special Projects in Chemical Engineering Variable Credit F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

A special project, or series of problems, or research problem is assigned to or selected by the student. A comprehensive report must be submitted at the conclusion of the project. Not to be used as a substitute for CHE 599, Thesis Research. Variable credit. May be repeated up to a maximum of eight credits.
CHE 598 Graduate Seminar 1R-0L-0C F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Selected topics in chemical engineering are discussed by graduate students, faculty, and guest speakers.
CHE 599 Thesis Research As assigned F,W,S
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Graduate students only. Credits as assigned; however, not more than 12 credits will be applied toward the requirements of the M.S. degree.
CHE CPT Curricular Practical Training 1R-0L-1C
Graduate Studies Eligible: No
Prerequisites: Consent of department head
Corequisites: There are no corequisites for this course.

Any international student with an F-1 Visa employed by any company in the form of an internship, co-op, or practicum must enroll in a CPT course. The CPT experience is to be complimentary training to the student's curriculum and should contribute substantially to his/her learning experience. Students must have an offer of employment from a company prior to registering for this course. The CPT must be approved by the Department Head, Director of International Student Services, and the student's advisor. Students are required to submit a report at the conclusion of the employment to his/her instructor to receive a grade for the CPT experience.
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