1. Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
The chemical engineering curriculum is designed so that its graduates are familiar with the techniques used in analyzing and solving engineering problems associated with the chemical and related industries (petroleum, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, plastics, pollution control, etc.). The goal of the Department of Chemical Engineering is to educate men and women who, as graduates of the program, are able to analyze industrial chemical engineering problems and synthesize solutions to those problems, compare favorably in their knowledge of chemical engineering with students completing similar programs nationally, and use their training as a springboard to further professional and career development. In addition to preparing students for rewarding jobs in the chemical process industries, the program provides an excellent background for graduate study in engineering, science, business administration, law, and medicine. A more in-depth description of employment opportunities in chemical engineering can be found at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers web site.
The baccalaureate graduates of our chemical engineering program will be able to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems in a setting which simulates the professional practice of B.S.-level chemical engineers; understand and correctly apply key qualitative concepts central to the chemical engineering discipline; routinely demonstrate appropriate and effective communication skills; design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data; show initiative, curiosity, tenacity, and an ability to work both independently and in teams; use computer tools necessary for engineering practice; accept the responsibility to protect both occupational and public health and safety; and demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors.
The Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board
for Engineering and Technology defines engineering as "that profession
in which knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study,
experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize,
economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.
"In our chemical engineering program we emphasize application of principles
from many fields of study to the solution of chemical engineering problems.
Study in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and communications skills is
emphasized. Courses in chemical engineering fundamentals (material and
energy balances in chemical processes) are introduced, followed by intensive
work in engineering science and analysis (heat, mass, and momentum transfer;
chemical thermodynamics; chemical reaction engineering; continuous and
stage-wise separation processes; process dynamics and control). Computer
solutions and similar topics are stressed. An understanding of the ethical,
social, economic, and safety considerations in engineering practice is
stressed throughout the curriculum. The appreciation of these professional
concepts is incorporated as a part of all engineering course work. Engineering
science and analysis are combined with appropriate engineering synthesis
and design experiences throughout the curriculum, starting in the freshman
year, and culminating in a two-quarter senior-level capstone course in
the design of chemical plants. The capstone design experience incorporates
and integrates much of the subject matter learned from the previous courses
in the curriculum. Elective courses permit students to pursue interests
in humanities, social
sciences, and various areas of technical
interest. The department has a pre-approved
list for technical electives.
Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum
[2004-2005 Ohio University Undergraduate Catalog]
Freshman Year
Fall Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHEM 151 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I | 5 |
| MATH 263A | Calculus | 4 |
| CHE 100 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| ENG 151, 152, or 153 | English Composition | 5 |
Winter Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHEM 152 | Fundamentals of Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 263B | Calculus | 4 |
| Free Elective1 | 4 | |
| Tier II2 | 4 |
Spring Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHEM 153 | Fundamentals of Chemistry III | 5 |
| MATH 263C | Calculus | 4 |
| CHE 101 | Approaches to Chemical Engineering Problem Solving | 3 |
| Tier II2 | 4 |
Sophomore Year
Fall Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHEM 305 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH 263D | Calculus | 4 |
| PHYS 251 | General Physics | 5 |
| CHE 200 | Material Balances | 4 |
Winter Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHEM 306 | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| MATH 340 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| PHYS 252 | General Physics | 5 |
| CHE 201 | Energy Balances | 4 |
Spring Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Technical Elective3 | 3 | |
| PHYS 253 | General Physics | 5 |
| CHE 331 | Principles of Engineering Materials | 4 |
| CE 220 | Statics2 | 4 |
Junior Year
Fall Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 305 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 4 |
| CHE 345 | Chemical Engineering Fluid Dynamics | 5 |
| CHE 400 | Applied Chemical Engineering Calculations | 3 |
| Technical Elective3 | 4 |
Winter Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 306 | Chemical Engineering Phase Equilibria | 4 |
| CHE 346 | Chemical Engineering Heat Transfer | 5 |
| ENG 305J | Junior Composition2 | 4 |
| Technical Elective3 | 3 |
Spring Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 307 | Reaction Engineering I | 3 |
| CHE 347 | Mass Transfer and Separations | 5 |
| CHE 408 | Engineering Experimental Design | 3 |
| Technical Elective3 | 3 | |
| Technical Elective3 | 3 |
Senior Year
Fall Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 308 | Reaction Engineering II | 4 |
| CHE 415 | Unit Operations Laboratory I | 3 |
| CHE 448 | Safety in the Process Industries | 3 |
| CHEM 453 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| EE 313 | Basic Electrical Engineering I2 | 3 |
Winter Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 416 | Unit Operations Laboratory II | 3 |
| CHE 442 | Process Control | 4 |
| CHE 443 | Chemical Engineering Design I | 4 |
| CHEM 454 | Physical Chemistry | 3 |
| Technical Elective3 | 3 |
Spring Quarter
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| CHE 417 | Process Control Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 444 | Chemical Engineering Design II | 4 |
| CHE 499 | Chemical Engineering Senior Assessment | 1 |
| Tier III requirement2 | 4 | |
| Technical Elective3 |
1 - May be taken in any order.
2 - In general, courses outside the chemical engineering sequence can be taken at any time provided prerequisites have been met.
3 - Minimum list available in the department office and on the web. These are courses in the areas of engineering, chemistry, mathematics, physics, plant biology, microbiology, and geology. A total of 21 credit hours of technical elective coursese are required. Of these, at least three must be chemical engineering coursework and at least six must be advanced chemistry coursework.
2. M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
Programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered with research emphasis particularly in the areas of coal conversion and utilization, polymerization reaction engineering, process control and dynamics, biochemical engineering, corrosion, environmental assessment, materials, and separation processes. Interdisciplinary efforts are also occurring in some areas.
The basic requirement for admission to the M.S. program is a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. Special programs of study leading to the M.S. in chemical engineering are possible for students who have received bachelor's degrees in other scientific or engineering fields. These special programs require completion of some portion of the undergraduate chemical engineering courses and are normally limited to students who have obtained their degrees from U.S. universities. Inquiries are invited.
An M.S. degree in chemical engineering or an appropriate related area is required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Students working toward the M.S. are expected to take a minimum of 30 credit hours of graded course work. The following courses are required of all M.S. chemical engineering students: 600, 601, 604, and 642. Students also must complete a thesis requiring a minimum of 30 credit hours of work. All graduate students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00.
A nonthesis option is available for students having proven research competence. This program requires a minimum of 45 credit hours of graded course work. A special topic investigation extending over two or more quarters are required of all non-thesis participants. The special project must require a minimum of 15 credit hours of work.
Students are encouraged to take course work outside the department in other engineering disciplines and in related areas such as mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and physics. All graduate students must participate in departmental graduate seminars when offered.
A student working toward the Ph.D. will take courses and appropriate work as required to fulfill a program of study determined by the student and the advisory committee and acceptable to the departmental graduate committee. The Ph.D. qualifying examination, normally given twice yearly in June and December, is a prerequisite for unconditional admission to the doctoral program. No student will be allowed to attempt the exam more than twice. After a Ph.D. student has completed his or her course work, that student will be required to take a comprehensive examination, which consists of the preparation and defense of an original research proposal in an area outside that of their dissertation research.
M.S. and Ph.D. Courses Offered (This list is subject to change.)
Page Last Modified:
October 15, 2004