Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

The chemical engineering BS degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) and prepares students for graduate study and/or professional practice.

Acceptance Information

See the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Acceptance Criteria in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements

Please see Degrees and Policies.

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 (TAs) do?

TAs grade homework and supervise labs.

For course descriptions, please see Courses.

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, six National Science Foundation Young Investigator awards, two members of the National Academy of Engineering, and a recipient of the National Medal of Science (the nation's highest scientific honor), as well as numerous other national research and teaching awards. Our faculty ranks also include a SUNY Distinguished Professor and a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.

See a list of our Undergraduate Faculty.

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 hour) 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_courses.shtml.

Seniors can work as interns with local industry. The Engineering Career Institute provides assistance in locating industrial internship opportunities.

Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience
Undergraduate research experiences are available for course credit. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity serves as a clearing house for information regarding undergraduate research opportunities. Alternatively, research activities may instead be arranged directly between students and faculty members

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.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a biotechnology minor for chemical engineering majors.