Department of Chemical Engineering

Anne Skaja Robinson, Head
Office: Doherty Hall 2100B
www.cheme.engineering.cmu.edu/

Chemical Engineering is a broad discipline that combines chemistry, mathematics, physics and biology with its own unique principles of chemical engineering science and process systems engineering to develop new products and manufacturing processes. Chemical engineering science refers to the material properties and models that help the chemical engineer understand and predict the transformation of chemical compounds at all stages of their conversion from raw materials to value added products. Process systems engineering provides methodologies for the systematic design, optimization, control, operation and analysis of a system of operations by which a product is manufactured, as well as the economic, safety and environmental assessment of these processes.

Modern chemical engineering practice brings together a deep understanding of molecular properties and process design to not only develop more energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes for currently existing products but also to develop new consumer and industrial products that provide enhanced functionality while making more efficient use of resources. As a result, the Chemical Engineering profession offers challenging and well-compensated careers in industries across the economy. Nearly all aspects of modern life use the products of chemical engineering. The pharmaceutical industry recruits chemical engineers to use their knowledge of chemical reaction engineering and separation processes to produce pure and effective pharmaceutical agents and drug delivery systems, and the biopharmaceutical industry attracts chemical engineers who can apply this expertise to biomanufacturing systems based on microbiology and biochemistry. In the chemical and energy sectors, chemical engineers develop catalysts and processes to improve yields in the production of commodity and specialty chemicals and petroleum-based fuels, and they develop new battery systems, fuel cells and biofuels to help build the renewable energy economy. Material manufacturers hire chemical engineers to develop large scale processes to synthesize polymers as resins for formulated products or as fabricated device components. The semiconductor industry seeks the chemical processing expertise of chemical engineers to manufacture chips, integrated circuits, or photovoltaic cells. Chemical engineers in the consumer products industries use their knowledge of chemical transformations to formulate and manufacture nearly all the products that people use in their everyday lives. Consulting companies seek chemical engineers for evaluation of the economic feasibility of industrial projects and to develop software for the design, analysis and operation of manufacturing processes. Finally, the curricular emphasis on the analysis and optimization of complex systems makes Chemical Engineering an excellent preparatory major for students interested in medical or business schools.

The Chemical Engineering curriculum develops deep problem solving skills through challenging, open-ended problems in chemical engineering science, process systems engineering, process system design and product design. Computing is integrated throughout the curriculum. The department’s Gary J. Powers Educational Computer Lab supports extensive use of mathematical modeling and simulation software. Students in the Robert Rothfus Laboratory and Lubrizol Analytical Laboratory learn to use computerized data acquisition and control systems as they develop experimental tests of chemical engineering theory or process design alternatives. With its focus on complex chemical and biochemical processes, Chemical Engineering is a natural pairing with the Additional Major in Biomedical Engineering or the Biomedical Engineering minor. Chemical Engineering students pursue many different minors.  It is particularly well aligned with the CIT Designated Minor in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces and the University’s Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

The Carnegie Mellon University Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree program strives to produce graduates who:

  • possess deep knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals and the ability to combine them with advanced modeling and computational strategies to solve complex problems;
  • strive for excellence in their professional activities, with a commitment to safety and ethical practices;
  • understand the impact of their work in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context, which includes valuing the perspective of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences;
  • are excellent communicators;
  • excel both as leaders and as members of working teams; and
  • are well prepared for immediate success in either professional employment or advanced education.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University will acquire:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics; 
  2. 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;
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  4. 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;
  5. 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;
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The department offers a number of special programs for students majoring in Chemical Engineering. In addition to the additional majors offered by the College of Engineering such as Biomedical Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy, students may choose from a variety of minors in technical areas offered by the College of Engineering.  Undergraduate research projects are also available in the areas of bioengineering, complex fluids engineering, environmental engineering, process systems engineering, and catalysis & surface science. The department offers the Chemical Engineering Summer Scholars (ChESS) program to support undergraduate research within the department. The department distributes application procedures to Chemical Engineering majors during the spring semester.  Students may participate in study abroad programs during their Junior year. In addition to the University Study Abroad programs, the department provides its own exchange programs with: RWTH Aachen in Germany, Imperial College in London, Great Britain, Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Argentina, and Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.  A summer exchange program in Dortmund, Germany is also available. Students may also participate in Practical Internships for Senior Chemical Engineering Students (PISCES), a one-year industrial internship program offered between the Junior and Senior years. Finally, qualified students may enroll in our Master of Chemical Engineering program. This degree is typically completed in the fifth year. However, depending on the number of advanced placement courses and course load at Carnegie Mellon, this degree could be awarded during the B.S. graduation, or after one additional semester.

Curriculum for Class of 2024 

Minimum units required for B.S. in Chemical Engineering389

The program in chemical engineering within the Department of Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Units
21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10
76-xxxDesignated Writing/Expression Course9
99-101Computing @ Carnegie Mellon3
06-100Introduction to Chemical Engineering12
09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
 44
Spring Units
21-122Integration and Approximation10
xx-xxxIntroductory Engineering Elective (other than ChE)12
33-141Physics I for Engineering Students12
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 43

SECOND YEAR

Fall Units
21-259Calculus in Three Dimensions10
or 21-254 Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus for Engineers
06-223Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics12
06-222Sophomore Chemical Engineering Seminar1
09-106Modern Chemistry II10
xx-xxxComputer Sci./Physics II * 10-12
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-210Experiential Learning I0
 52-54
Spring Units
06-261Fluid Mechanics9
06-262Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering12
09-221Laboratory I: Introduction to Chemical Analysis12
xx-xxxPhysics II/Computer Sci. *12-10
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-220Experiential Learning II0
 54-52
*

Computer Science/Physics II: Students should complete 15-110 Principles of Computing or 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science as well as 33-142 Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students by the end of the Sophomore year. The recommended sequence is 33-141 /33-142 for engineering students, however, 33-151/ 33-152 will also meet the CIT Physics requirement.

For those students who have not taken 06-100 as one of the two Introductory Engineering Electives, 06-100 should be taken in the Fall Semester of the Sophomore year. The General Education Course normally taken during that semester may be postponed until the Junior year. These students should consult with their faculty advisors as soon as possible.

At the end of the Sophomore year, a student should have completed the following required basic science and computer science courses:

09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
09-106Modern Chemistry II10
09-221Laboratory I: Introduction to Chemical Analysis12
15-110Principles of Computing10-12
or 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
33-141Physics I for Engineering Students12
33-142Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students12
99-10xComputing @ Carnegie Mellon3

THIRD YEAR

Fall Units
06-325Numerical Methods and Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering6
06-326Optimization Modeling and Algorithms6
06-322Junior Chemical Engineering Seminar **2
06-323Heat and Mass Transfer9
09-217Organic Chemistry I9-10
or 09-219 Modern Organic Chemistry
06-310Molecular Foundations of Chemical Engineering9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-310Experiential Learning III0
 50-51
Spring Units
06-361Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering9
06-363Transport Process Laboratory9
06-364Chemical Reaction Engineering9
xx-xxxAdvanced Chemistry Elective**/***9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 54

FOURTH YEAR

Fall Units
06-421Chemical Process Systems Design12
06-423Unit Operations Laboratory9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 48
Spring Units
06-463Chemical Product Design ****9
06-464Chemical Engineering Process Control9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 45
**

For students pursuing a Chemical Engineering/Biomedical Engineering double major, the Chemical Engineering Junior Seminar course 06-322 Junior Chemical Engineering Seminar is replaced by the Biomedical Engineering course Professional Issues in Biomedical Engineering 42-201 Professional Issues in Biomedical Engineering.  Students pursuing a Chemical Engineering/Engineering and Public Policy double major are waived from taking the Advanced Chemistry Elective. They will take 36-220.

***

Advanced Chemistry Elective may be any technical course offered by the Department of Chemistry for at least 9 units at the 200-level or above (such as Organic chemistry 2), or one of the following: 03-232 Biochemistry I,  06-607 Physical Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces, or 06-609/09-509 Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules.  Students may petition the Undergraduate Committee to approve other chemistry-focused courses offered by other departments on a case-by-case basis.

****

06-463 Chemical Product Design for Classes of 2024 and beyond is a 9 unit course.  For Classes up to 2023, it is a 6 unit course.

The 06-463 Chemical Product Design requirement is waived for students completing 42-401 Foundation of BME Design (6 units, fall) AND 42-402 BME Design Project (9 units, spring).

NOTES:

  • In addition to the graduation requirement of an overall QPA of 2.0 (not counting the First Year), the Department of Chemical Engineering requires a cumulative QPA of 2.0 in all chemical engineering courses (all those numbered 06-xxx).

  • Minimum number of units required for graduation:  389.

  • All mathematics (21-xxx) courses required for the engineering degree taken at Carnegie Mellon must have a minimum grade of C in order to be counted toward the graduation requirement for the BS engineering degree.

  • A minimum grade of C must be achieved in any required mathematics (21-xxx) course that is a pre-requisite for the next higher level required mathematics (21-xxx) course.

  • Overloads are permitted only for students maintaining a QPA of 3.5 or better during the preceding semester.

  • Electives: To obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, students must complete 06-100 and one other Introductory Engineering Elective.  There are also five Unrestricted Electives.  Students must discuss choice of electives with their faculty advisors. 

  • Undergraduate Research: Independent research projects are available by arrangement with a faculty advisor.  Many students conduct these research projects for elective credit by enrolling in 06-20006-300, or 06-400 (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Research Projects) or 39-500 CIT Honors Research Project for eligible Seniors.

  • Advanced undergraduates may also take Chemical Engineering graduate courses (600+ level).

Curriculum for Class of 2025 and Beyond

Minimum units required for B.S. in Chemical Engineering391

The program in chemical engineering within the Department of Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

First Year

Fall Units
21-120Differential and Integral Calculus10
76-xxxDesignated Writing/Expression Course9
99-101Computing @ Carnegie Mellon3
06-100Introduction to Chemical Engineering12
09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
 44
Spring Units
21-122Integration and Approximation10
xx-xxxIntroductory Engineering Elective (other than ChE)12
33-141Physics I for Engineering Students12
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 43

Second Year

Fall Units
21-254Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus for Engineers11
06-223Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics12
06-222Sophomore Chemical Engineering Seminar1
09-106Modern Chemistry II10
xx-xxxComputer Sci./Physics II * 10-12
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-210Experiential Learning I0
 53-55
Spring Units
06-261Fluid Mechanics9
06-262Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering12
09-221Laboratory I: Introduction to Chemical Analysis12
xx-xxxPhysics II/Computer Sci. *12-10
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-220Experiential Learning II0
 54-52
*

Computer Science/Physics II: Students should complete 15-110 Principles of Computing or 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science as well as 33-142 Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students by the end of the Sophomore year. The recommended sequence is 33-141 /33-142 for engineering students, however, 33-151/ 33-152 will also meet the CIT Physics requirement.

For those students who have not taken 06-100 as one of the two Introductory Engineering Electives, 06-100 should be taken in the Fall Semester of the Sophomore year. The General Education Course normally taken during that semester may be postponed until the Junior year. These students should consult with their faculty advisors as soon as possible.

At the end of the Sophomore year, a student should have completed the following required basic science and computer science courses:

09-105Introduction to Modern Chemistry I10
09-106Modern Chemistry II10
09-221Laboratory I: Introduction to Chemical Analysis12
15-110Principles of Computing10-12
or 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science
33-141Physics I for Engineering Students12
33-142Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students12
99-10xComputing @ Carnegie Mellon3

Third Year

Fall Units
06-325Numerical Methods and Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering6
06-326Optimization Modeling and Algorithms6
06-322Junior Chemical Engineering Seminar **2
06-323Heat and Mass Transfer9
09-217Organic Chemistry I9-10
or 09-219 Modern Organic Chemistry
06-310Molecular Foundations of Chemical Engineering9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
39-310Experiential Learning III0
 50-51
Spring Units
06-361Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering9
06-363Transport Process Laboratory9
06-364Chemical Reaction Engineering9
xx-xxxAdvanced Chemistry Elective**/***9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 54

Fourth Year

Fall Units
06-421Chemical Process Systems Design12
06-423Unit Operations Laboratory9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 48
Spring Units
06-463Chemical Product Design ****9
06-464Chemical Engineering Process Control9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxUnrestricted Elective9
xx-xxxGeneral Education Course9
 45
**

For students pursuing a Chemical Engineering/Biomedical Engineering double major, the Chemical Engineering Junior Seminar course 06-322 Junior Chemical Engineering Seminar is replaced by the Biomedical Engineering course Professional Issues in Biomedical Engineering 42-201 Professional Issues in Biomedical Engineering.  Students pursuing a Chemical Engineering/Engineering and Public Policy double major are waived from taking the Advanced Chemistry Elective. They will take 36-220.

***

Advanced Chemistry Elective may be any technical course offered by the Department of Chemistry for at least 9 units at the 200-level or above (such as Organic chemistry 2), or one of the following: 03-232 Biochemistry,  06-607 Physical Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces, or 06-609/09-509 Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules.  Students may petition the Undergraduate Committee to approve other chemistry-focused courses offered by other departments on a case-by-case basis.

****

06-463 Chemical Product Design for Classes of 2024 and beyond is a 9 unit course.  For Classes up to 2023, it is a 6 unit course.

The 06-463 Chemical Product Design requirement is waived for students completing 42-401 Foundations of Biomedical Engineering Design (6 units, fall) AND 42-402 Biomedical Engineering Design Project (9 units, spring).

Notes:

  1. In addition to the graduation requirement of an overall QPA of 2.0 (not counting the First Year), the Department of Chemical Engineering requires a cumulative QPA of 2.0 in all chemical engineering courses (all those numbered 06-xxx).

  2. Minimum number of units required for graduation:  391.

  3. All mathematics (21-xxx) courses required for the engineering degree taken at Carnegie Mellon must have a minimum grade of C in order to be counted toward the graduation requirement for the BS engineering degree.

  4. A minimum grade of C must be achieved in any required mathematics (21-xxx) course that is a pre-requisite for the next higher level required mathematics (21-xxx) course.

  5. Overloads are permitted only for students maintaining a QPA of 3.5 or better during the preceding semester.

  6. Electives: To obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, students must complete 06-100 and one other Introductory Engineering Elective.  There are also five Unrestricted Electives.  Students must discuss choice of electives with their faculty advisors. 

  7. Undergraduate Research: Independent research projects are available by arrangement with a faculty advisor.  Many students conduct these research projects for elective credit by enrolling in 06-200, 06-300, or 06-400 (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Research Projects) or 39-500 CIT Honors Research Project for eligible Seniors.

  8. Advanced undergraduates may also take Chemical Engineering graduate courses (600+ level).

Additional Major in Engineering and Public Policy (EPP)

Students may pursue an additional major in Chemical Engineering and EPP.  This double major is built around electives in Social Analysis, Probability and Statistics courses, and projects.  Specific course choices should be discussed with a faculty advisor and an EPP advisor.
 

Additional Major in Engineering Design, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EDIE)

Students may pursue an additional major in Chemical Engineering and EDIE. Specific course choices should be discussed with a faculty advisor and an EDIE advisor.

Additional Major in Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Students may pursue an additional major in Chemical Engineering and BME. Specific course choices should be discussed with a faculty advisor and a BME advisor.

Minors with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering students are eligible for any CIT Designated Minor.  Those minors that are especially well suited to Chemical Engineers include: Additive Manufacturing, Audio Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Colloids, Polymers & Surfaces, Electronic Materials, Global Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Behavior of Materials, and Robotics.  The minor requirements may be fulfilled with electives.  Other minors, such as the Supply Chain Management minor in association with the Tepper School of Business, are also available outside of CIT.  These should be discussed with a faculty advisor.

Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces Minor

Professor Robert Tilton, Director of CPS Minor
Location: Doherty Hall A207C

The sequence of courses in the Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces (CPS) designated minor provides an opportunity to explore the science and engineering of fine particles and macromolecules as they relate to complex fluids and interfacially engineered materials. These topics are very relevant to technology and product development in industries that manufacture pharmaceuticals, coatings and paints, pulp and paper, biomaterials, surfactants and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, food, textiles and fibers, nanoparticles, polymer/plastics, composite materials.

Course Requirements

Minimum units required for minor:45

This minor requires a total of five classes with a minimum of 45 units. The following four courses are mandatory:

06-609/09-509Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules9
06-607Physical Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces9
06-426Experimental Colloid Surface Science9
06-466Experimental Polymer Science9

In addition, the student must take one CPS related elective course from the following list:

06-612Formulation Engineering12
06-610Rheology and Structure of Complex Fluids9
09-502Organic Chemistry of Polymers9
27-565Nanostructured Materials9
27-477Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering9

Other CPS electives are possible but must be approved by the Director of the CPS minor, Professor Tilton

The Chemical Engineering curriculum develops deep problem solving skills through challenging, open-ended problems in chemical engineering science, process systems engineering, process system design and product design. Computing is integrated throughout the curriculum. The department’s Gary J. Powers Educational Computer Lab supports extensive use of mathematical modeling and simulation software. Students in the Robert Rothfus Laboratory and Lubrizol Analytical Laboratory learn to use computerized data acquisition and control systems as they develop experimental tests of chemical engineering theory or process design alternatives. With its focus on complex chemical and biochemical processes, Chemical Engineering is a natural pairing with the Additional Major in Biomedical Engineering or the Biomedical Engineering minor. Chemical Engineering students pursue many different minors.  It is particularly well aligned with the CIT Designated Minor in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces and the University’s Minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

Practical Internships for Senior Chemical Engineering Students (PISCES)

Chemical Engineering students may apply in the fall of their Junior year for a salaried, one-year PISCES internship with a partner company. Admitted students begin their internships after completion of the Junior year. Following the internship, students return to complete their Senior year. There are several advantages of a one full-year internship, including the opportunity to gain a breadth of professional experience that is not generally possible in a shorter program, more opportunity to make important contributions to the partner company, and the opportunity to complete Senior year courses in their normal sequence with no need for curriculum rearrangements. Interested students should consult with their faculty advisors.

International Chemical Engineering Exchange Programs

Chemical Engineering students may apply during their Sophomore year to spend their Junior year at RWTH Aachen in Germany, Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Argentina, or at Imperial College in London, Great Britain.  A summer exchange program in Dortmund, Germany is also available. These exchange programs provide a great opportunity for students to obtain international experience while taking courses very similar to those offered at Carnegie Mellon. Students considering any of these programs should consult with their faculty advisors, and students considering the Aachen program in particular are advised to take at least one introductory German course before or during their Sophomore year.

Fifth Year Master of Chemical Engineering (MChE)

The CIT Integrated Masters/Bachelors (IMB) Degree program provides the opportunity for qualified undergraduate students to obtain a master's degree in Chemical Engineering with one or two extra semesters of study. The goal is to deepen our graduates' understanding of the fundamentals of chemical engineering, and to provide them with a broader set of professional skills or to expose them to other technical disciplines.

The MChE program is a 96 unit course work degree aimed at undergraduate students from Carnegie Mellon and candidates from other universities.  Unfortunately, no financial support is available.  For Carnegie Mellon students, the degree typically would be completed in their fifth year.  Depending on advanced placement and semester overloads, however, CMU students can complete the degree at the time of the B.S. graduation or with one additional semester.  All students must have graduate status once they have completed their B.S. degree; beyond eight semesters, degree program students must have full-time graduate student status in at least one (e.g., their final) semester whether or not they have already completed their BS degree.  Upon graduating from this program, students seek industrial positions or placement in graduate programs at other universities.  Students in the MChE program may apply for the PhD program at Carnegie Mellon University via the normal application process.  Their applications are considered alongside all the other applications received that year.  If accepted into the PhD program, they enter it after completing the MChE degree.

A minimum of five completed semesters in residence as an undergraduate student and an overall QPA of 3.0 is required for eligibility.  Taking the GRE and recommendation letters are not required.  The application fee is waived for currently-enrolled undergraduate Chemical Engineering students.

The MChE program differs from the MS program because the MChE program does not require a project report or thesis.

Course Descriptions

About Course Numbers:

Each Carnegie Mellon course number begins with a two-digit prefix that designates the department offering the course (i.e., 76-xxx courses are offered by the Department of English). Although each department maintains its own course numbering practices, typically, the first digit after the prefix indicates the class level: xx-1xx courses are freshmen-level, xx-2xx courses are sophomore level, etc. Depending on the department, xx-6xx courses may be either undergraduate senior-level or graduate-level, and xx-7xx courses and higher are graduate-level. Consult the Schedule of Classes each semester for course offerings and for any necessary pre-requisites or co-requisites.


06-100 Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Fall and Spring: 12 units
We equip students with creative engineering problem-solving techniques and fundamental chemical engineering material balance skills. Lectures, laboratory experiments, and recitation sessions are designed to provide coordinated training and experience in data analysis, material property estimation for single- and multi-phase systems, basic process flowsheet, reactive and non-reactive mass balances, problem solving strategies and tools, and team dynamics. The course is targeted for CIT First Year students.
06-200 Sophomore Research Project
Fall and Spring
Research projects under the direction of the Chemical Engineering faculty. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the faculty supervisor. The agreement should then be summarized in a one-page project description for review by the faculty advisor of the student. A final written report or an oral presentation of the results is required.
06-222 Sophomore Chemical Engineering Seminar
Fall: 1 unit
This course provides an overview of the chemical engineering profession. It discusses the rationale for the curriculum, career paths, resume writing, written communication skills, and ethics, and also involves a project on the use and manufacture of chemicals.
06-223 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Fall: 12 units
This course introduces students to thermodynamic state variables and the analysis of phase and chemical equilibrium in single- and multi-component chemical systems. Key topics include application of mass, energy and entropy balance equations to analyze processes with change of state and interconversion of energy between heat and work in open or closed systems; state property changes associated with phase change; equations of state to represent the pressure-volume-temperature relationship for pure materials and mixtures; Gibbs phase rule; phase equilibrium criteria; ideal and non-ideal mixtures; fugacity and prediction of pure liquid vapor pressure; fugacity and activity coefficients to predict multi-component vapor-liquid and liquid-liquid phase equilibrium; analysis of flash and other processes involving multi-component phase change; equilibrium constants and equilibrium conversions in chemically reacting systems.
Prerequisites: 06-100 and (33-141 or 33-121 or 33-151)
06-261 Fluid Mechanics
Spring: 9 units
The principles of fluid mechanics as applied to engineering, including unit operations, are discussed; examples include flow in conduits, process equipment, and commercial pipes, flow around submerged objects, and flow measurement. Microscopic mass and momentum balances are described, including the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations, and modern solution techniques will be explored. Microscopic flow structures will be determined for flow visualization. Boundary layer theory, turbulence, and non-Newtonian fluids are also discussed. A case-study project based on new technological advancements is also required.
Prerequisites: 21-254 and (33-141 or 33-121 or 33-151) and 06-223
06-262 Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering
Spring: 12 units
Mathematical techniques are presented as tools for modeling and solving engineering problems. Modeling of steady-state mass and energy balance problems using linear and matrix algebra, including Gaussian elimination, decomposition, and iterative techniques. Modeling of unsteady-state engineering problems using linear and nonlinear differential equations. Analytical techniques, including Laplace transforms, and numerical techniques for the solution of first-and higher-order differential equations and systems of differential equations arising in engineering models. Finally, the modeling of processes affected by chance and subject to experimental error; statistical and regression techniques within the context of experimental design and analysis of experimental data.
Prerequisites: 21-254 and 06-223
06-300 Junior Research Project
Fall and Spring
Research projects under the direction of the Chemical Engineering faculty. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the faculty supervisor. The agreement should then be summarized in a one-page project description for review by the faculty advisor of the student. A final written report or an oral presentation of the results is required.
06-310 Molecular Foundations of Chemical Engineering
Fall: 9 units
Students will learn to use the tools of molecular engineering that define the modern development of chemical engineering, using a combination of theory and computation. The theme throughout the course is the use of molecular engineering tools to specify alternative compositions and conditions for chemical engineering design. Applications will include the prediction of macroscopic transport properties and equations of state, and the ability to tune them via judicious specification of system composition; rate laws and rate constants for complex reacting systems, including multi-step heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions; and principles of non-covalent association and self-assembly in the context of sustainable chemical engineering product design. Students will investigate contemporary molecular engineering case studies focused on renewable energy, human health or solutions to environmental problems.
Prerequisites: 06-223 and 09-106
06-322 Junior Chemical Engineering Seminar
Fall: 2 units
This course discusses career choices for chemical engineers, professional practice, including alternate career paths, global industry, and graduate studies. It also emphasizes writing, interview skills, and oral presentations. Safety, environmental and ethical issues are illustrated in projects and via invited lectures.
06-323 Heat and Mass Transfer
Fall: 9 units
This course presents the fundamentals of heat and mass transfer, including steady-state and transient heat conduction and molecular diffusion, convection of heat and mass, and thermal radiation, with application to heat and mass transfer processes. Development of dimensionless quantities for engineering analysis is emphasized.
Prerequisites: 06-261 and (21-260 or 06-262) and (33-152 or 33-122 or 33-142)
06-325 Numerical Methods and Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering
Fall: 6 units
This course will focus on applying numerical methods and machine learning to chemical engineering problems. Students will learn how modern programming environments (on laptops and in the cloud) can run python code. Programming concepts such as defining functions and plotting quantities will be reviewed. Students will learn how to apply and debug numerical integration techniques to systems of ODEs. Solving systems of nonlinear equations and black-box optimization will be covered. Machine learning will be introduced starting with the statistics of linear and non-linear regression with regularization. Polynomial fitting and interpolation will be covered. With this base, students will learn how to apply machine learning techniques such as gaussian process regression and neural networks to regression tasks. A small project will be included near the end to encourage creative applications to chemical engineering problems.
Prerequisites: 06-262 and (15-110 or 15-112)
06-326 Optimization Modeling and Algorithms
Fall: 6 units
Formulation and solution of mathematical optimization problems with and without constraints. Objective functions are based on economics or functional specifications. Both discrete and continuous variables are considered.
Prerequisite: 06-262
06-361 Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering
Spring: 9 units
This course comprises many of the standard operations in chemical plants such as gas absorption, heat exchange, distillation and extraction. The design and operation of these devices is emphasized. A project dealing with a novel unit operation is also investigated.
Prerequisite: 06-323
06-363 Transport Process Laboratory
Spring: 9 units
Develop skills for proposing, designing, planning, implementing, interpreting, and communicating the results of experiments in fluid flow and heat and mass transfer. Oral and written reports are required.
Prerequisites: 06-323 and 06-261
06-364 Chemical Reaction Engineering
Spring: 9 units
Fundamental concepts in the kinetic modeling of chemical reactions, the treatment and analysis of rate data. Multiple reactions and reaction mechanisms. Analysis and design of ideal and non-ideal reactor systems. Energy effects and mass transfer in reactor systems. Introductory principles in heterogeneous catalysis.
Prerequisites: 06-310 and 06-323
06-400 Senior Research Project
Fall and Spring
Research projects under the direction of the Chemical Engineering faculty. The nature of the project, the number of units, and the criteria for grading are to be determined between the student and the faculty supervisor. The agreement should then be summarized in a one-page project description for review by the faculty advisor of the student. A final written report or an oral presentation of the results is required.
06-421 Chemical Process Systems Design
Fall: 12 units
Screening of processing alternatives. Computational strategies for preliminary material and energy balances in large chemical processes. Preliminary sizing of process equipment. Cost estimation, economics, and evaluation for chemical plants. Strategies for synthesizing energy networks and separation sequences. Preliminary design of a large industrial project.
Prerequisites: 06-364 and 06-361
06-423 Unit Operations Laboratory
Fall: 9 units
Open-ended laboratory projects illustrate the principles of unit operations in Chemical Engineering. In this course students select, with course staff review, current societal problems to which chemical engineering subject knowledge can be applied. Students work in teams to design and implement an experimental plan to evaluate proposed solutions. Teams must work together to identify constraints and relationships between the unit operations they work on. Students must document implementation feasibility (cost, scheduling, analytic capability, etc.) and clearly identify the criteria and methods for assessing experimental results. Oral and written reports are required.
Prerequisites: 06-361 and 06-364
06-426 Experimental Colloid Surface Science
Fall: 9 units
Laboratory exercises will deal with preparation and stabilization of colloids, flocculation, micellar aggregates, surface tension, contact angle, spreading and adsorption. Basic concepts will be related to practical problems of wetting, lubrication, foaming, adhesion, coatings and corrosion.
Prerequisites: 09-221 and 06-607
06-462 Optimization Modeling and Algorithms
Spring: 6 units
Formulation and solution of mathematical optimization problems with and without constraints. Objective functions are based on economics or functional specifications. Both discrete and continuous variables are considered.
Prerequisite: 06-421
06-463 Chemical Product Design
Spring: 9 units
Computer-aided design of a chemical product. Course involves design of molecular structure, microstructure, or devices/processes that effect chemical change. This is a project-based course, for which an extensive report must be submitted.
Prerequisite: 06-421
06-464 Chemical Engineering Process Control
Spring: 9 units
This course presents basic concepts of process dynamics and feedback control. Included are selection of measurements and manipulated variables, definition of transfer functions, creation of block diagrams and closed loop configurations. The course also covers concepts of open loop and closed loop stability, and tuning of PID controllers.
Prerequisite: 06-325
06-466 Experimental Polymer Science
Spring: 9 units
Macromolecular behavior in bulk and in solution will be explored in experiments on tensile strength, elasticity, swelling of networks, solution viscosity, melt flow, and polymerization reactions. Particular reference will be made to aspects affecting production and fabrication of polymeric materials.
Prerequisites: 09-221 and (06-609 or 09-509)
06-606 Computational Methods for Large Scale Process Design & Analysis
Spring: 9 units
This course deals with the underlying computer-aided design techniques for steady-state and dynamic simulation, numerical solution and decomposition strategies for large systems of sparse nonlinear algebraic equations, stiff ordinary differential equations, strategies for mixed algebraic/differential systems and computer architectures for flowsheeting systems.
Prerequisites: 06-361 and 06-262
Course Website: http://numero.cheme.cmu.edu/course/06606.html
06-607 Physical Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces
All Semesters: 9 units
Thermodynamics of surfaces; adsorption at gas, liquid, and solid interfaces; capillarity; wetting, spreading, lubrication and adhesion; properties of monolayers and thin films; preparation and characterization of colloids; colloidal stability, flocculation kinetics, micelles, electrokinetic phenomena and emulsions.
06-609 Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules
Fall: 9 units
This course develops fundamental principles of polymer science. Emphasis is placed on physio-chemical concepts associated with the macromolecular nature of polymeric materials. Engineering aspects of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of these materials are discussed in relation to molecular structure. Topics include an introduction to polymer science and a general discussion of commercially important polymers; molecular weight; condensation and addition synthesis mechanisms with emphasis on molecular weight distribution; solution thermodynamics and molecular conformation; rubber elasticity; and the rheological and mechanical properties of polymeric systems. Students not having the prerequisite listed may seek permission of the instructor.
06-610 Rheology and Structure of Complex Fluids
Fall: 9 units
This course will cover the basic concepts of rheology and mechanical behavior of fluid systems. Both the experimental and theoretical aspects of rheology will be discussed. The basic forces influencing complex fluid rheology and rheology will be outlined and discussed; including excluded volume, van der Waals, electrostatic and other interactions. Methods of characterizing structure will be covered including scattering techniques, optical polarimetry and microscopy. Examples will focus on several types of complex fluids including polymer solutions and melts, gelling systems, suspensions and self-assembling fluids.
06-612 Formulation Engineering
Intermittent: 12 units
Students will learn the scientific and design principles needed for careers in complex fluid formulation-based industries such as consumer products, pharmaceuticals, paints, agrochemicals or lubricants. The essential science and engineering principles of colloids, surfactants, interfaces and polymer solutions will be introduced. Students will learn to use these principles in combination with experimental measurements and statistical design of experiments tools to design effective liquid product formulations within specified economic, material and even aesthetic constraints. The lecture portion of the course is complemented by weekly lab sessions where student teams will design, prepare, test and improve their own formulations for a commercial complex fluid product, such as a detergent or an ink, that meets performance goals within specified constraints.
06-614 Special Topics: Atmospheric Nanoparticles and Climate
Fall and Spring: 12 units
This course will examine the physicochemical properties of atmospheric nanoparticles and the chemical processes that form these particles. We will also cover basic techniques for characterizing atmospheric nanoparticles using fundamentals of aerosol physics and chemistry. The last portion of the course will explore how atmospheric nanoparticles affect the Earth's radiative budget and ultimately climate. Students will apply their atmospheric nanoparticle knowledge to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of various atmospheric geoengineering techniques proposed in literature. Though this course targets atmospheric nanoparticles, it is also broadly applicable to anyone interested applications of aerosolized nanoparticles. Prerequisites: undergraduate chemistry and physics
06-623 Mathematical Modeling of Chemical Engineering Processes
Fall: 12 units
Numerical approaches to solving problems relevant to chemical engineering applications. In this course, advanced mathematical topics relevant to chemical engineering will be used to solve complex problems. Topics include linear algebra, nonlinear equation solving, initial value and boundary value problems for solution of differential equations, numerical optimization, probability and stochastic methods. Significant focus will be placed on numerical rather than analytical solution to problems. Primary Software Package(s): Mathematical programming environment.
06-625 Chemical and Reactive Systems
Fall: 12 units
In this course process simulation software will be used to develop models of chemical and reactive systems. The models will be used to predict the performance of the system, as well as to probe how process modifications, e.g. process conditions, reactor types or sequences, etc? affect system performance. The effects of the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic databases of chemical properties on the performance predictions will be explored. Methods to incorporate new thermodynamic and kinetic data into chemical and reactive system simulations will be examined. Thermochemical and kinetic data for reactions will be estimated for use in process simulation software. Primary Software Package(s): Molecular modeling and process simulation software.
06-634 Drug Delivery Systems
Fall and Spring: 9 units
The body is remarkable in its ability to sequester and clear foreign entities - whether they be "bad" (e.g. pathogens) or "good" (e.g. therapeutic drugs). This course will explore the design principles being used to engineer modern drug delivery systems capable of overcoming the body's innate defenses to achieve therapeutic effect. Specifically, we will study the chemistry, formulation, and mechanisms of systems designed to deliver nucleic acids, chemotherapeutics, and proteins across a variety of physiological barriers. Scientific communication plays a prominent role in the course, and students will have several opportunities to strengthen their communication skills through journal club presentations, proposal writing and constructive feedback. This is a graduate level course that is also open to undergraduate seniors.
06-663 Analysis and Modeling of Transport Phenomena
Spring: 12 units
Students will learn the basic differential equations and boundary conditions governing momentum, heat, and mass transfer. Students will learn how to think about these equations in dimensionless terms and will apply them to model physical and chemical processes. The primary mode for solving them will be numerical. Analytical results for classical problems of high symmetry also will be presented to serve as a basis for comparison and validation. Software: A finite element and computational transport tool.
06-665 Process Systems Modeling
Spring: 12 units
Simulation and optimization of complex flowsheets, synthesis of separation systems, planning and enterprise-wide optimization, process control and molecular design. Primary Software Package(s): Process Simulation software. Target Audience: first year masters students in chemical engineering Prerequisite skills: analytical and mathematical skills typical of an undergraduate engineering degree or technical degree.
06-679 Introduction to Meteorology
Fall and Spring: 12 units
Provide you with the basics of meteorology, with a focus on large-scale atmospheric motion. By the end of the class you will understand the basics of atmospheric dynamics, including horizontal and vertical motion, as well as the vertical structure of the atmosphere (atmospheric stability and boundary-layer dynamics). You will understand what makes weather happen and you will understand weather maps and charts. You will be able to critically watch the nightly weather forecast and you will be able to access available meteorological databases to make informed predictions of your own. Finally, you will understand atmospheric transport and boundary-layer dynamics, which will serve as a foundation for other coursework involving atmospheric transport and air-pollution if you are pursuing those topics more deeply.
06-681 Special Topics: Data Science and Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering
Spring: 6 units
This class will examine topics related to data science and machine learning in chemical engineering. This may include topics in data visualization and modeling, differentiable programming, and the use of data and models to design experiments. The course will emphasize computational implementations of these topics using Python, with applications in chemical engineering. Students will need to be comfortable with scientific programming using Python. Students who have take 06-623 and/or 06-625 should have the skills needed in this class.
06-682 ST: Data Science & Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering:Scientific Software
Spring: 6 units
Creating scientific research software This class will introduce topics in software engineering for scientific research. We will cover using a shell for running command line programs, automation tools for building software, version control systems, and how to create and distribute software packages. Prior programming experience with Python is highly recommended. The course will include a final project in developing a software package that is to be used in scientific research.
06-685 Special Topics: Bioseparations and Spectroscopy
Spring: 12 units
This course gives an introduction to key principles of bioseparations and process analytical technologies relevant to the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. Transport modeling principles are applied to sedimentation/centrifugation, flocculation, and filtration of antibodies and plasmid DNA from raw cell culture. Polishing methods such as Protein A chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography are a particular focus. Chemical means to graft affinity ligands to commercial media are discussed along with in-line spectroscopic techniques. A molecular-level basis of light absorbance and fluorescence is established and the selection and conjugation of fluorophores to biomolecules of interest is presented. Means to assess the state of antibody aggregation and the proper folding of protein-based therapeutics are covered in the context of spectroscopic identification. Finally, the course will provide an overview of the diverse metrics needed for analysis of biomacromolecules as well as the variety of techniques used to analyze quality of produced materials by comparing cost, speed, accuracy and precision.
06-702 Advanced Reaction Kinetics
Spring: 12 units
Advanced application of engineering and scientific principles to the study of complex chemical reaction systems. Catalytic and noncatalytic reactions in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, fast reaction techniques, and isothermal and non-isothermal reaction design.
06-705 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Fall: 12 units
Advanced application of the general thermodynamic method to chemical engineering problems. Second law consequences, estimation and correlation of thermodynamic properties, and chemical and phase equilibria.
06-713 Mathematical Techniques in Chemical Engineering
Fall: 12 units
Selection, construction, solution, and interpretation of mathematical models applicable to the study of chemical engineering problems. Mathematical topics emphasized include divergence, curl and gradient operators, vector field theory, the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations by infinite series, separation of variables, Green's functions, regular and singular perturbations, and boundary-layer techniques.
06-714 Surfaces and Adsorption
Fall and Spring: 12 units
A survey of solid surfaces and gas-solid interactions. Topics include the structure and electronic properties of metal surfaces, the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption and desorption processes, and concepts in heterogeneous catalysis. The course emphasizes the application of recent experimental techniques in studying these problems.
06-722 Bioprocess Design
Fall and Spring: 12 units
This course is designed to link concepts of cell culture, bioseparations, formulation, and delivery together for the commercial production and use of biologically-based pharmaceuticals; products considered include proteins, nucleic acids, and fermentation-derived fine chemicals. Associated regulatory issues and biotech industry case studies are also included. A fair knowledge of cell culture and fermentation operations is assumed.

Faculty

SHELLEY ANNA, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Harvard University; Carnegie Mellon, 2003–

JOANNE BECKWITH, Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Michigan; Carnegie Mellon, 2022–

LORENZ T. BIEGLER, Covestro University Professor Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Wisconsin; Carnegie Mellon, 1981–

DAPHNE WUI YARN CHAN, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2022-–

MICHAEL M. DOMACH, Emeritus, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Cornell University; Carnegie Mellon, 1983–

NEIL M. DONAHUE, Lord University Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2000–

ANDREW J. GELLMAN, Lord Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon, 1992–

GABRIEL GOMES, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Florida State University; Carnegie Mellon, 2022–

HAMISH GORDON, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Oxford; Carnegie Mellon, 2022–

CHRYSANTHOS GOUNARIS, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Princeton University; Carnegie Mellon, 2013–

IGNACIO E. GROSSMANN, R. R. Dean University Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Imperial College, University of London; Carnegie Mellon, 1979–

ANNETTE JACOBSON, Emeritus, Teaching Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University; Carnegie Mellon, 1988–

COTY JEN, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Carnegie Mellon, 2018–

MYUNG S. JHON, Emeritus, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Chicago; Carnegie Mellon, 1980–

ADITYA KHAIR, Professor of Chemical Engineering – PhD, California Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2010–

JOHN KITCHIN, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Delaware; Carnegie Mellon, 2006–

CARL LAIRD, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon; Carnegie Mellon, 2021–

TAGBO NIEPA, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Syracuse University; Carnegie Mellon, 2023–

GRIGORIOS PANAGAKOS, Assistant Research Professor – Ph.D., Technical University of Denmark; Carnegie Mellon, 2018–

ANNE SKAJA ROBINSON, Trustee Professor of Chemical Engineering and Department Head – Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Carnegie Mellon, 2019–

JAMES W. SCHNEIDER, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Carnegie Mellon, 1999–

PAUL J. SIDES, Emeritus, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon, 1981–

SUSANA C. STEPPAN, Emeritus, Associate Teaching Professor – PhD, University of Massachusetts; Carnegie Mellon, 2004–

ROBERT D. TILTON, Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Stanford University; Carnegie Mellon, 1992–

ANA INES TORRES, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of Minnesota; Carnegie Mellon, 2022–

ZACHARY ULISSI, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Carnegie Mellon, 2017–

ELIZABETH WAYNE, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering – PhD, Cornell; Carnegie Mellon, 2019–

ARTHUR W. WESTERBERG, Emeritus, University Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., DIC, Imperial College, University of London; Carnegie Mellon, 1976–

KATHRYN WHITEHEAD, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., University of California; Carnegie Mellon, 2012–

B. ERIK YDSTIE, Emeritus, Professor of Chemical Engineering – Ph.D., Imperial College, University of London; Carnegie Mellon, 1992–

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