UB Programs At-A-Glance

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.cbe.buffalo.edu

David A. Kofke
Chair

Jeffrey R. Errington
Director of Undergraduate Studies
jerring@eng.buffalo.edu

About the Program

Chemical engineering concerns the design, scale-up, and operation of chemical processes, and the understanding and design of technologically useful materials. Chemical engineers are responsible for the economical, safe, and environmentally benign production of useful quantities of vital materials— from grams of a new drug to tons of a commodity chemical. Chemical engineers use these same skills to understand and manipulate natural processes, such as in biological systems. The program at UB is broadly based to prepare graduates for positions in engineering development, design, economic evaluation, sales, construction, production, and management. A number of undergraduates go on to graduate work and careers in research, and some pursue degrees in medicine, business, or law.

Students intending to major in chemical engineering should have strong backgrounds in chemistry and mathematics. Sophomore- and junior-year students take a combination of theoretical and applied courses in chemical engineering, in addition to several courses in physical and organic chemistry. The senior year extends this base and builds upon it with courses in design and electives. Many of the courses are accompanied by laboratory sessions. Communication skills, both oral and written, are stressed through laboratory reports. Some senior students are exposed to research in a senior projects course; others obtain industrial experience through local internships or through the chemical engineering co-op program.

In 2003 the department changed its name (adding “Biological”) to reflect the important and growing contributions that chemical engineers make in the field of biological applications. The profession is evolving to meet the increasing need for engineers who speak the languages of chemistry and biology, and who possess strong quantitative skills. Although the degree offered by the department is still in chemical engineering, several courses are offered to permit study of biological engineering, and there is even more opportunity to focus in biology through selection of electives following a Biological Engineering track.

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. We strongly emphasize 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 breadth of expertise.

The typical class size for:

Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 50
Upper level/advanced courses is: 45

In Chemical Engineering, what do 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 three recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, five National Science Foundation Young Investigator awards, and 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.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities


Notable Program Features

Internships and Co-Ops
Students are encouraged to participate in work experience classes and research opportunities as part of their undergraduate experience

Work experience is available through the Engineering Career Institute program in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as in departmental co-op and internship classes. The Engineering Career Institute (EAS 396, 1 academic credit) provides career-effectiveness skills and co-op placement assistance during the junior year. This may be followed by one to three co-op work experiences (EAS 496, 2 academic credit hours). Descriptions of co-op courses may be found at http://undergrad-catalog.buffalo.edu/academicprograms/eas.shtml.

Seniors can work as interns with local industry. Students are placed in industry through the Engineering Career Institute.

Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
Undergraduate research experiences are available for course credit (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity or Independent Study). The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, http://curca.buffalo.edu, serves as a clearing house for information regarding undergraduate research opportunities. Alternatively, research activities may instead be arranged directly between students and faculty members

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 and Further Study

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 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 a master's degree or Ph.D. is needed.

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.


What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?

20%


Additional Resources

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

Departmental name change: www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol35/vol35n18/columns/qa.html

Links to Further Information About This Program

Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:05 EST