Chemical Engineering uses knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, and humanities to solve societal problems in areas such as energy, health, the environment, food, clothing, shelter, and materials and serves a variety of processing industries whose vast array of products include chemicals, petroleum products, plastics, pharmaceuticals, foods, textiles, fuels, consumer products, and electronic and cryogenic materials. Chemical engineers also serve society in improving the environment by reducing and eliminating pollution.
The undergraduate curriculum in Chemical Engineering builds on basic courses in chemical engineering, other branches of engineering, and electives which provide a strong background in humanities and human behavior. Elective programs developed by the student with a faculty advisor may include such areas as applied chemistry, biochemical engineering, chemical reaction engineering, chemical processing, environmental engineering, materials science, process control systems engineering, and biomedical engineering.