Chemical engineering applies basic science—and the knowledge of the natural sciences accumulated through research and experience—to develop ways of using materials and energy economically.
Today its reach extends far beyond traditional chemistry into the electronics and information industries, biotechnology, polymers and advanced materials, energy, and clean, eco-friendly industries. Reflecting this, the department combines chemical engineering with biotechnology in a new framework for education and research. Undergraduates receive a practical, rigorous education that pairs core chemical-engineering lectures with laboratory work, together with electives that span bio, advanced materials, environment and energy.
Research Areas
| Area | Sub-areas | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Polymer materials, petrochemicals, batteries, catalysis, energy, process control | Integrated research on the design, management and operation of chemical processes — polymer materials/fuel cells, thermophysical properties, soft matter, nano-catalytic reaction engineering, green separations, green energy, process systems and control |
| Biomolecular Engineering | Nano, bio, biotechnology, organic electronic devices | Convergent research linking chemical engineering with life and environmental sciences — nano-bioelectronics, nanoplasmonics, functional nanomedicine, nanocrystalline/nanostructured materials, biochemical and bioprocess engineering, flexible electronics |
| Information Materials | Information materials, brain, informatics | Extending chemical engineering to the display industry and brain engineering — optoelectronic nanomaterials, brain informatics |
Career Paths
| Path | Fields |
|---|---|
| Industry | Managers and process engineers in the chemical and biotechnology industries, and executives who need chemical and biomolecular engineering expertise |
| Research institutes | Electronics and information, bio and energy, and environmental research institutes; government agencies |
| Graduate school | Researchers and educators in academia |
| Other | Senior civil service (technical exams), patent attorneys and other professions |