Graduate Program

An introduction to the professions of chemical engineering and biological engineering; current research in these fields; career choices; guidance and advice on curricular matters and effective study techniques for chemical and biological engineering students.

(Also offered as NE 213)

Basic DC and AC circuits including capacitors and inductors and their applications in radiation measurement equipment and chemical process parameter measurements. Oscilloscopes, Op Amps, and Sensors and their use in the CBE and NE laboratories.

{Spring}

Extensive problem work in material and energy balances for steady state processes. Students will utilize physical properties, chemistry and computer skills to obtain solutions. Detailed examination of case studies demonstrating the fundamentals of process analysis.

Prerequisite: (CHEM 122 or CHEM 132) and CHEM 124L and PHYC 160.

{Fall}

Introductory computer solutions to chemical engineering problems using MATLAB and ASPEN. Topics covered will include thermodynamic equations, transport problems, material-energy balances, staged operations, and reaction engineering.

Prerequisite: 251.

{Spring}

Principles of chemical thermodynamics and their applications to energy conversion, phase and reaction equilibrium and the calculation of thermodynamic properties.

Prerequisite: 251.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of momentum and heat transport in both the molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences between transport types and the prediction of transport properties.

Prerequisite: (253 or NE 231) and MATH **316.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

(Also offered as NE 312)

A study of the unit operations involved with momentum and heat transfer. Focus will be on the basics of equipment design and how to synthesize a process from the basic units. Includes extensive use of computer techniques and design exercises.

Prerequisite: 311.

Corequisite: NE 313L.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

MATLAB application of numerical techniques to the solution of chemical engineering problems such as transport phenomena.  Included are linear/nonlinear equations; numerical integration/differentiation; regression and interpolation,; ordinary differential equations; optimization.

Prerequisite: 253 and MATH **316.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in chemical thermodynamics. The lab will include a module on computer aided data acquisition. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computer software for interpretation of experimental data.

Prerequisite: 253 and 302.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in fluids and heat transfer. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computational fluid dynamics software for interpretation of experimental data.

Prerequisite: 311.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

Continuation of 311. The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of mass transport in both molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences among mass, momentum and heat transport. Predication of mass transport properties. Design of separation systems based on mass transfer.

Prerequisite: 253 and 311.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

This course introduces concepts and principles of biomolecular engineering as they reflect the chemical engineering discipline. It builds on issues in biological systems to introduce contemporary technology avenues in biochemical, biomaterials, metabolic and tissue engineering.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

This course develops an understanding of materials from a molecular viewpoint. The structure, properties, and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and nanostructured materials are treated in an integrated fashion. Applications include nanotechnology, and biology.

Prerequisite: 302 and 311 and 317.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

(Also offered as CHEM 469 / 569; NSMS 412 / 512)

Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.

(Also offered as BME 517)

Emphasis on engineering principles and analysis of: (i) the cell as a complete system, including cellular subsystems, structures and functions; and (ii) select higher order systems of human physiology.

Prerequisite: 361 and BIOL 201L.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Laboratory experiments in mass transfer and unit operations. Students will plan experiments to study the operation of process equipment such as heat exchanger, distillation columns, etc. Fundamental experiments on mass transfer are also included.

Prerequisite: 312 and 321.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in kinetics and process control. Students will also do an in-depth project in their chosen chemical engineering concentration.

Prerequisite: **461.

Pre- or corequisite: 454.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

(Also offered as BME 547)

Students will develop research, presentation, and scientific writing skills for theses, proposals, invention disclosures and journal articles. The course includes oral presentations, case studies of research ethics, technology transfer and manuscript preparation.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

Senior year. Reports on selected topics and surveys; presentation and discussion of papers from current technical journals, and topics of interest to chemical and biological engineers.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

Application of special mathematical techniques to the analysis of chemical processes and the elements of process control. Computer experience suggested.

Prerequisite: 317.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Elementary principles of chemical reactor design and operation utilizing the kinetics of homogeneous and heterogeneous-catalytic reactions.

Prerequisite: 311 and 317.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

(Also offered as BME 572)

Introduction to biomaterials currently in use, including commercial and research applications. Includes an understanding of a material's properties, biological responses to the materials, clinical context of their use, manufacturing processes, and regulatory issues.

Restriction: permission of instructor or BME graduate advisor.

{Fall, odd years}

Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.

Prerequisite: 302.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

{Spring upon demand}

(Also offered as BME 579; NSMS 574)

A review of the current strategies involved in the design of engineered tissues and organs. The principles underlying the implementation of selected cells, biomaterial scaffolds, soluble regulators, and culture conditions will be addressed.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring, odd years}

This course will introduce computational tools and statistical methods important for chemical engineering practice, including fundamental concepts of statistics, numerical statistical analysis applications and methods for the design of experiments. 

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Advanced studies in various areas of chemical and biological engineering.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Principles and practices of chemical engineering design, including process flow sheets, equipment design and specification, process modeling and simulation, economic analysis, and hazard analysis. In-depth design of at least one commercial-scale chemical process.

Prerequisite: 253 and 302 and 312 and 321.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Fall}

Continued practice in creative chemical engineering design, including safety, health and environmental issues. Detailed project on a major open-ended process design or research problem.

Prerequisite: 493L.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Spring}

Senior thesis for students seeking departmental honors.

Restriction: admitted to B.S.Ch.E. program.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

A course which permits various faculty members to present detailed examinations of developing sciences and technologies in a classroom setting.

Restriction: admitted to School of Engineering.

{Offered upon demand}

Colloquia, special lectures and individual study in areas of current research. A maximum of 3 credits can be applied toward degree.

{Fall, Spring}

Students will work on developing research proposals for their masters or doctoral degree. The course will involve oral presentations of proposals and journal article critiques.

{Fall}

Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.

Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.

Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.

(Also offered as CHEM 569 / 469; NSMS 512 / 412)

Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.

{Offered upon demand}

(Also offered as BME 517)

Emphasis on engineering principles and analysis of: (i) the cell as a complete system, including cellular subsystems, structures and functions; and (ii) select higher order systems of human physiology.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Equations of change applied to momentum, energy and mass transfer. Analogies between these phenomena and their limitations. Transport dependent on two independent variables, unsteady state problems.

{Spring}

(Also offered as NE 525)

Mathematical methods used in chemical and nuclear engineering; partial differential equations of series solutions transport processes, integral transforms. Applications in heat transfer, fluid mechanics and neutron diffusion. Separation of variables eigen function expansion.

{Fall}

 Van Swol

Introduces various intermolecular interactions in solutions and in colloidal systems; colloidal systems; surfaces; interparticle interactions; polymer-coated surfaces; polymers in solution, viscosity in thin liquid films; surfactant self-assembly; and surfactants in surfaces.

Advanced thermodynamics with reference to its application in chemical engineering.

{Fall}

(Also offered as BME 547)

Students will develop research, presentation, and scientific writing skills for theses, proposals, invention disclosures and journal articles. The course includes oral presentations, case studies of research ethics, technology transfer and manuscript preparation.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Fall}

Advanced study, design or research either on an individual or small group basis with an instructor. Recent topics have included convective diffusion, reactor safety, inertial confinement fusion and nuclear waste management.

Rate equations for simple and complex chemical processes, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. Experimental methods and interpretation of kinetic data for use in chemical reactor design and analysis. Applications to complex industrial problems.

{Spring}

(Also offered as BME 572)

Introduction to biomaterials currently in use, including commercial and research applications. Includes an understanding of a material's properties, biological responses to the materials, clinical context of their use, manufacturing processes, and regulatory issues.

Restriction: permission of instructor or BME graduate advisor.

{Fall, odd years}

May be counted an unlimited number of times toward degree, with departmental approval, since content varies. Credit is determined based on the content of the course.

{Offered upon demand}

Analysis of the motion of both charged and neutral aerosol particles; molecular and convective diffusion, particle size and classification, coagulation, precipitation and particle capture, current aerosol research and instrumentation.

{Offered upon demand}

Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.

{Spring upon demand}

(Also offered as BME 579; NSMS 574)

A review of the current strategies involved in the design of engineered tissues and organs. The principles underlying the implementation of selected cells, biomaterial scaffolds, soluble regulators, and culture conditions will be addressed.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

{Spring, odd years}

This course will introduce computational tools and statistical methods important for chemical engineering practice, including fundamental concepts of statistics, numerical statistical analysis applications and methods for the design of experiments. 

{Fall}

See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.