Chemical Engineering

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Chemical engineering involves the application of mathematics, chemistry, physics and other natural sciences, such as biology, to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of humankind. Chemical engineers are involved in developing, processing, and marketing such varied products as fuels, pharmaceuticals, foods, plastics, metals, microelectronics, and basic chemicals.

The Chemical Engineering program educational objective is as follows:

Graduates of the Chemical Engineering program at the University of Virginia will utilize their technical competency and breadth of knowledge, communication and interpersonal skills, and teamwork and adaptability to serve effectively and ethically in the chemical engineering profession; to become technical leaders in industry, government or academia; or to pursue advanced study in engineering and applied sciences and in professions such as law, business, and medicine.

Our student outcomes are as follows. At graduation, ChE students are expected to have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health, safety, and welfare as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Many chemical engineers serve in the traditional chemical process industries of petroleum, chemicals, paper, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Some develop new products or processes through research, while others carry out the pilot studies and design work needed to bring innovations from the laboratory to manufacturing operations. Many are engaged in the operation and management of process plants. Others are in marketing and developing new applications for chemical products and serve as data analysts or as consultants in technical and financial sectors. Often a chemical engineer moves from one function to another. Chemical engineers have long aided in energy and materials production from oil, gas, and coal. Today they are also heavily involved in research, development, and production of energy from alternative renewable resources. Similarly, their chemical expertise and broad knowledge of processes are valuable in the identification and control of environmental problems, in health care, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, and in areas such as electronic materials production and nanotechnologies. A chemical engineer’s career path is varied and rewarding, allowing individual talents to grow and be fully utilized.

In preparation for professional careers and graduate school, undergraduate studies for the B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering have a strong foundation in both science and engineering. The curriculum progresses from mathematics and basic sciences  (with an emphasis on chemistry), through engineering sciences, to applications in chemical process analysis, and culminates in a capstone design project. Computer methods, laboratory techniques, open-ended problem solving, team approaches, and effective written and oral communication are emphasized throughout the program. Elective courses permit minors or concentrations in diverse technical and non-technical areas; recent students have completed minors in many other engineering and science disciplines, in business, and in many different humanities and liberal arts programs. Students in the ChE program not only develop technical capability, but also learn to consider the safety, environmental, ethical, cultural, and economic dimensions of technological activities.