Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
307 Furnas Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4200
Phone: 716.645.2911
Fax: 716.645.3822
Web: www.cheme.buffalo.edu
Carl R. F. Lund
Chair
David A. Kofke
Director of Undergraduate Studies
kofke@eng.buffalo.edu
About the Department
Chemical engineering is concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the design and manufacture of chemical, biological, and material products. It is an evolving discipline, increasingly concerned with product design as much as process design, and with the microscopic as much as the macroscopic. The department is at the forefront of this trend, with expertise in nanotechnology, bioengineering, and molecular science. The undergraduate curriculum accommodates these and other trends in technology, within the context of the core knowledge areas of chemistry and transport phenomena that set the discipline apart from other fields of engineering.
In 2003, the department modified its name to reflect the increasing importance of biology in chemical engineering applications, and our substantial faculty expertise in this area.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: B.S.
Combined: B.S./M.B.A.
About Our Degrees
The chemical engineering discipline will change very much over the course of one’s career, and even at any given instant the possible career paths are broad and diverse. Accordingly, the degree program aims to impart general principles that will serve the graduate well in a variety of professional settings. We emphasize fundamental chemical engineering principles, which provide the context for instruction in critical thinking, technical communication, design, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. A strong emphasis is placed on laboratory and plant safety.
Acceptance Criteria - B.S.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 in technical and engineering courses.
Acceptance Information
Deadlines: Rolling
Degree Requirements
See the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Courses
The curriculum includes many elective courses that permit the student to pursue particular interests related to chemical engineering. Often these are used by the student to develop depth in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, information technology, or materials science; other students use these courses across disciplines to develop instead their brealih of expertise.
The typical class size for:
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 50
Upper level/advanced courses is: 45
In Chemical Engineering, what do student teaching assistants (TA's) do?:
They grade homework and supervise labs.
For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
Faculty are very active in education and research, and are well recognized within and outside the university for their accomplishments. Distinctions include four recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; five National Science Foundation Young Investigator awards; a member of the National Academy of Engineering and recipient of the National Medal of Science (the nation’s highest scientific honor); as well as numerous other national research and teaching awards.
Special Academic Opportunities
Independent Study and Research
These are arranged directly with faculty.
Internships
Seniors can work with local industry (students are placed in industry through the Engineering Career Institute). Co-op opportunities are also available.
Extracurricular Activities
The student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is very active, and hosts many fundraisers to support group activities. Each year students participate in the national “Chem-E Car” competition, traveling to the national meeting to compete.
Students and faculty also have regular joint activities, such as bowling outings and an annual banquet. “Town meetings” are held each semester to solicit feedback and constructive criticism from students on the curriculum and operation of the courses.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
The Department of Biological Sciences offers a biotechnology minor for chemical engineering majors.
Career Information
Any company concerned with the design, production, or use of materials has need for chemical engineers. Consequently, many diverse industries employ chemical engineers. Historically a large fraction work for either petroleum or chemical companies, but lately many are finding employment in nontraditional industries, such as electronics. B.S. graduates find work in production, design, operations, sales, or process development. With further study graduates also move into careers in medicine, law, education, and management.
The AIChE has much more detailed information about careers and opportunities. See http://www.aiche.org/careerservices/.
Salary Information
A typical starting salary is now about $50,000/year (up-to-date information can be found at the AIChE web site). A B.S. is sufficient for a typical starting position, except research and development where an M.S. or Ph.D. is needed.
What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?
15%
What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?
Variable with year; sometimes close to 100%. Up-to-date information for the profession is available at the AIChE Web site.
Aulitional Resources
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Departmental name change: http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol35/vol35n18/columns/qa.html