阿拉巴马大学

The BSChE degree is a professional degree that prepares graduates for employment and graduate study in chemical engineering and related fields, as well as entry into professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, law, and business.

Chemical engineers apply economics, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to the design and operation of processes and to the research and development of new materials, processes, and systems. Chemical engineers are as comfortable with plant operations, research and development projects, synthesis of alternative fuels, energy conservation and conversion, process design, optimization and control, environmental conservation and pollution prevention, as they are with the exciting fundamental studies associated with biotechnology, nanotechnology, electrochemical technology, and other areas yet to be discovered.

The BSChE degree and curriculum place strong emphasis on the basic sciences, but a vital feature remains the high degree of confidence and practical ability gained from laboratory and design courses. The Chemical and Biological Engineering High Bay Facility provides state-of-the-art visualization equipment for research and instruction in continuous and batch distillation and reaction engineering.

The Chemical and Biological Engineering Design component of this curriculum includes development of student creativity, use of open-ended problems, development and use of modern design theory and methodology, formulation of design problem statements and specifications, consideration of alternative solutions, feasibility analyses, concurrent engineering design, technical research, and detailed system descriptions. The introduction of realistic constraints, such as economic factors, safety, reliability, aesthetics, ethics and environmental and social impacts, are used to fully develop each design experience.

Program Objectives: Within a few years of graduation, UA chemical engineering graduates will be able to:

• Provide solution strategies for a wide variety of technical applications, including the design and improvement of chemical or biological processes
• Work independently and in teams to solve problems and effectively communicate technical issues and solutions to engineering colleagues, non-technical professionals, and lay persons
• Make decisions that are ethical, safe, and environmentally responsible

Student Outcomes: Student learning outcomes include the following:

• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• 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
• 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
• an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Career Opportunities: Students find careers in the following industries: petroleum, plastics, pulp and paper, food, consumer products, biotechnology, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical, environmental.