INTRODUCTION
A Chemical Engineer applies the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to the design and operation of plants for the production of materials that undergo chemical changes during their manufacture. The chemical engineer takes material in one form and converts it into a chemically or physically different form. This broad definition means that chemical engineers can work in many different areas ranging from genetic engineering to environmental protection to production of high performance materials. Chemical engineers help design and produce an immense array of materials ranging from artificial joints to rocket fuel to recyclable packaging to waterproof fabrics.
Graduates of Ohio University's chemical engineering program have gone into research, manufacturing, management, teaching, technical sales, marketing, finance, medicine, law, and government positions.
The Ohio University Department of Chemical Engineering was established in 1958, and grants the bachelor of science in chemical engineering (B.S.Ch.E.), the master of science (M.S.), and the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The chemical engineering curriculum is planned so that its graduates are familiar with the techniques used in analyzing and solving engineering problems associated with the chemical and related industries (petroleum, 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 educational background 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.
The baccalaureate graduates of our chemical engineering program will have the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems in a setting which simulates the professional practice of B.S.-level chemical engineers; be able to understand and correctly apply key qualitative concepts central to the chemical engineering discipline; routinely demonstrate appropriate and effective communication skills; have an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; show initiative, curiosity, tenacity, and an ability to work both independently and in teams; have an ability to use the modern 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 emphasis is placed upon the 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 blended together 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.
Each faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering holds the Ph.D. degree and most have industrial or governmental experience as well as active and ongoing research interests. All classes are taught by professors, including laboratories and introductory classes.
The chemical engineering professors are active in various national organizations for chemical engineers and in University organizations and committees. Several have been honored for their outstanding teaching. Faculty members maintain an open door policy, and students may drop in any time for help and advice.
ADVISING
Every student at Ohio University is assigned a faculty advisor from his or her major area. The advisor is especially important to students in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology because of the demanding academic requirements and specific pattern of studies which must be followed.
With a faculty:student ratio of approximately 1:20, professors in the Department of Chemical Engineering enjoy a personal relationship with their advisees and are able to help them select the courses and pursue the out-of-class activities which relate most closely to their individual career goals.
ENDOWMENTS
The Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology is the beneficiary of a multi-million dollar endowment base which supports curriculum development, library resources, undergraduate and graduate fellowships and scholarships, equipment purchases, faculty chairs and professorships, and research.
One of the largest donations in the College's history, the C. Paul and Beth K. Stocker Endowment, facilitated the conversion of a university residence hall into a $16.0 million state-of-the-art engineering center in 1985. Named for the couple, the Stocker Center houses all seven of the College's departments and is located on Ohio University's West Green. An extensive addition was completed in 1994.
FINANCIAL AID
The University offers various forms of financial aid to undergraduates, including scholarships, college work study, and a number of state and federal grants and loans. The Russ College of Engineering and Technology also has numerous endowed scholarships available to its students. These scholarships are made possible by endowments such as the C. Paul and Beth K. Stocker Endowment, the Fritz and Dolores Russ Endowment, and others through donations from various individuals, businesses, and organizations. A student loan program, created and supported by alumni donations, is also available.
For information on undergraduate financial aid, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Ohio University, Chubb Hall 020, Athens OH 45701-2979.
STOCKER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Completed in 1985 and expanded in 1994, the Stocker Center offers exceptional classrooms, instructional and research laboratories, and meeting and administrative areas in a four acre engineering center. The Center features over 25 miles of cable for voice, data, video transmission, and communication networks. A Local Area Network (LAN) connects several engineering workstations (SUN and DEC) and mini- and micro-computers, creating a distributed computing environment. Gateways are provided to the campus mainframe, the Ohio Super Computer, and other national networks. Donations from individuals and corporations and purchases funded through the endowment base enable the College to consistently offer its students state-of-the-art equipment for instruction and research.
With all seven departments of the College housed in one location, interdepartmental cooperation is enhanced. Six special research centers within the College work across departmental and even college lines to provide a forum for multi-disciplinary cooperation.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIPS
The College offers a cooperative education option to all students. In this program, students alternate quarters of on-campus study with quarters of paid, evaluated, career-related employment. This program provides valuable experience and financial income for qualified students. In addition, a selected number of students may participate in internships through approved summer employment experiences with industrial and government organizations. Interested students should contact the Assistant Dean for Career and Outreach Programs in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM (PEP) FOR MINORITY STUDENTS
Each summer Ohio University, along with several industries, sponsors a special program for minority students. The program is designed to ease the transition from high school to college and to provide the basic foundation necessary for success in an engineering or technology major.
Information and application forms for the PEP program may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator, Pre-Engineering Program, Ohio University, 150 Stocker Center, Athens, OH 45701-2979.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
There are several active student organizations at Ohio University for
engineering and technology students. These include the American Institute
of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), which has an active student chapter; the
engineering honor society, Tau
Beta Pi; and the science honorary society, Sigma Xi. Student chapters
of the Society of Women Engineers;
the Society of Black Engineers;
and Theta
Tau, national engineering fraternity, also exist on campus.
Last modified October 15, 2004.