chemical engineering business plan

20 Small Business Ideas for Chemical Engineers Best Opportunities for Chemical Engineers Who Want to Build Their Own Business

Are you a chemical engineer looking to start your own business? If YES, here are 20 small business ideas for chemical engineers.

Chemical engineering in one of the most important professions, because chemical engineers are responsible for energy, clean air, safe drinking water and food, drug manufacturing and other consumer products. Chemical engineers possess the right set of knowledge to bring innovations, new solutions, applications and deliver different kinds of projects.

They are needed to help develop a wide range of products, to improve environmental protection, reduce CO2 emissions, reduce waste, improve solutions for more efficient energy use, work on sustainable development of technologies and products, improve services and more...

However, there are not so many of them starting their own businesses while there is every reason they should be: they are smart, creative and highly educated people.

If you studied chemical engineering and you want to be your own boss, here are 20 business ideas.  

• Product/process development business : Product development scientists are responsible for identifying and developing new processes for product manufacture. With the global changes that are taking place and increased needs for innovative solutions in environmental protection, emissions and waste reduction, this is a very potent business.
• Process design : Similar description to previous - the business is related to defining material and heat balances and equipment: types, dimensions, etc. for existing units, for processes in reconstruction or new processes.
• Chemical engineering consultancy : Many chemical engineers work for engineering consultancy and contracting firms. Chemical engineers who possess specialized knowledge or are in process of educating themselves, in fields such as process optimization, control, design, safety, pollution control, environmental protection, energy conservation, recycling and alternative energy are able to build consultancy companies and live from selling their knowledge.
• Education : You can set up an education business and train people who are interested in working in the chemical industry and some specific fields of chemical engineering.
• Predictive analytics & data expert - Predictive analytics encompasses a variety of statistical techniques from data mining, predictive modeling, and machine learning, that analyze current and historical facts to make predictions about future or otherwise unknown events. In business, predictive models exploit patterns found in historical and transactional data to identify risks and opportunities. Models capture relationships among many factors to allow assessment of risk or potential associated with a particular set of conditions, guiding decision-making for candidate transactions. The models represent opportunity for different process improvement and optimization and represent great business growth potential. 
• A recycling business : recycling is all about using discarded materials to create something new and useful. One of the industries chemical engineers do well is in recycling, as they can create just about anything from trash. You can set up a plant where you get to recycle either paper, metal or plastics and you would earn a lot of revenue from it. You can also think of a new product that can be gotten from the trash.
• Biofuels Production : another business idea that a chemical engineer can play with is to start a biofuels production business. Biofuels can be gotten from different wastes and materials and can be established on a small scale basis at any place where the main raw material to be used is easily available. There is a continuous search for renewable sources of fuel due to the rate of depletion of fossils. The term biofuel is used to define fuels that are obtainable from plants or animals. Being a renewable source, it is gaining attention all over the world today.
• Manufacturing plastics & bioplastics : Bioplastics are an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics such as PP (polypropylene) and PS (polystyrene) and possess comparable characteristics. They are transparent and can be processed easily into various commodities, for example into cups, bowls, and bottles. bioplastics still have a huge market and growth potential because technical progress and increasing production capacities enhance their competitiveness against petroleum-based plastics. It is expected that bioplastics share will continue to increase within the next years and replace old plastics.
• Sustainable waste management : The selection of a combination of techniques, technologies and management programs to achieve waste management objectives is called integrated waste management (IWM). The hierarchy of actions to implement IWM is reduction, reuse, recycle, treatment and final disposal. Different phases and materials require different knowledge, resources and activities which chemical engineers can help do and develop.
• Natural cosmetics manufacturing company : Many cosmetic products are formulated using chemicals and as such, a chemical engineer can start it. The popularity of natural and authentic products is rising, so if you have a unique idea, it could be a good opportunity to start your own natural cosmetics manufacturing company. Learn what’s involved in launching a product, decide if you have the energy & passion, then go ahead and try.
• Chemicals/technologies import and export business : this business is focused on the international trade and distribution of chemicals of various kinds including minerals, rare earth and oxides to businesses and industries that are in need of such chemicals and minerals. Your business can target industries that produce glass, ceramics, construction chemicals, foundry, steel industries, adhesive manufacturing industries, etc.
• Analytical chemist business : Analytical chemists assess the chemical structure and nature of substances. Their skills are needed for a variety of purposes including drug development, forensic analysis and toxicology. A chemical engineer can start his business as an Analytical Chemist who basically works in the laboratories along with the team of other scientists. He will be required to study chemical compounds in order to identify their construction. A chemical engineer may start his business in association with an environmental or pharmaceutical company.
• An energy managing business : Energy engineering or energy systems engineering is a broad field of engineering dealing with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, environmental compliance and alternative energy technologies. A chemical engineer may also become a freelance energy expert. In this role, he will be responsible for planning ways energy can be utilized effectively in companies. Heavy industries and manufacturing units are energy-intensive and a chemical engineer can provide the services to these manufacturing companies. He may improve the energy efficiency of lighting, campus utilities, laboratories, dining and residence halls, classrooms, etc.
• Start a winery : A winery is a building or property that produces wine, or a business involved in the production of wine. As a chemical engineer, starting a wine production company is right within your alley as you would excel in this trade. You can choose not to own a vineyard as well and opt for buying grapes from farmers. But if you have the capacity to also run a vineyard with your winery, then, by all means, do so.
• Start a brewery : If you have a passion to make your own beer, the craft beer market is booming. The technology is relatively simple and with moderate investment, it is possible to have an exciting business.
• Herbal Soap Making – The same as with natural cosmetics, the herbal industry is also growing globally. Awareness among the people about the benefits of using herbal products is the main reason behind it. The herbal soap making process is simple and it requires simple few raw materials. One can initiate this venture small-scale basis with moderate capital investment.
• Safety consultant - Process safety is extremely important today and requires specific procedures across the industries. Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to on-going chemical reactions.
• Process optimization expert - If you are an expert in specific process technologies or mathematical modeling, use your knowledge to determine the most effective operating conditions or operating equipment.
• Process control consultant - Perform tests throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables, including temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
• Alternative energy expert - Today there is a wide range of energy production options, from traditional ones to renewables. Having  knowledge of different technologies brings you into a position to suggest the best option for different industry needs.

Your browser does not support JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript or install newer browser - Firefox , Google Chrome , Safari , Opera , Internet Explorer 8+ .

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Guidebook for successful development of process simulation projects.

Free ebook Download

Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting your own chemical engineering business requires careful planning and strategic thinking. As a chemical engineer, you need a business plan that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your industry. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers comes in.

With this template, you can:

• Outline your business objectives and set clear goals for growth
• Conduct a thorough market analysis to understand your target audience and competition
• Create detailed financial projections to attract investors and secure funding
• Develop strategies for marketing, production, and distribution to ensure business success

Stay organized, focused, and one step ahead in the competitive world of chemical engineering with ClickUp's comprehensive Business Plan Template. Get started today and turn your dreams into a reality!

Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers Benefits

Starting your own business as a chemical engineer can be an exciting endeavor. With the Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers, you can take your vision and turn it into a reality. Here are some benefits of using this template:

• Provides a structured framework to outline your business objectives and strategies for success
• Helps conduct a thorough market analysis to identify your target audience and competition
• Allows you to create realistic financial projections and budgeting plans
• Assists in developing a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy to reach your target market
• Ensures a well-organized and professional business plan to attract investors and secure funding

Main Elements of Chemical Engineers Business Plan Template

If you're a chemical engineer looking to start your own business, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers is here to help you create a comprehensive and well-organized plan tailored to your industry.

Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Track the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• Custom Fields: Use custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize each component of your business plan.
• Custom Views: Access different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to easily navigate and work on various aspects of your plan.

With this template, you'll have all the tools you need to outline your business objectives, conduct market analysis, create financial projections, and develop strategies for growth.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers

If you're a chemical engineer looking to create a comprehensive business plan, follow these steps using the Business Plan Template in ClickUp:

1. Define your business concept and goals

Start by clearly defining your business concept and goals. What type of chemical engineering services will you provide? Are you targeting a specific industry or market? What are your short-term and long-term goals? Defining these aspects will help you lay a strong foundation for your business plan.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to outline your business concept and goals.

2. Research your target market

Before diving into the specifics of your business plan, conduct thorough research on your target market. Identify the industries or companies that require chemical engineering services, analyze their needs, and understand the competition. This information will help you tailor your business plan to meet the demands of your target market.

Utilize the Table view in ClickUp to organize and analyze your market research data.

3. Outline your services and pricing structure

Next, outline the specific services you will offer as a chemical engineer. Will you specialize in process design, optimization, or environmental consulting? Determine your pricing structure based on factors such as your expertise, overhead costs, and market rates. Be sure to highlight the unique value you bring to the table.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline each service offering and assign pricing considerations.

4. Develop a marketing and sales strategy

A solid marketing and sales strategy is crucial for attracting clients and growing your business. Identify the most effective channels to reach your target audience, whether it's through online platforms, industry conferences, or networking events. Determine how you will differentiate yourself from competitors and outline your sales approach.

Use the Gantt chart in ClickUp to visually plan and track your marketing and sales activities.

5. Financial projections and funding

Lastly, create detailed financial projections for your chemical engineering business. Estimate your revenue, expenses, and projected profits over the next few years. Include a breakdown of your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and any anticipated funding sources. This will help you understand the financial viability of your business and attract potential investors.

Utilize the Dashboards feature in ClickUp to monitor and track your financial projections and funding sources.

By following these steps and using the Business Plan Template in ClickUp, you can create a comprehensive and well-structured business plan that will set you on the path to success as a chemical engineer.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers who are in the process of starting their own businesses can use the Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers in ClickUp to create a comprehensive and well-organized plan for their company.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful business plan:

• Use the Topics View to outline the different sections of your business plan, such as executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section in your business plan, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
• The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan, ensuring that you stay on track.
• The Business Plan View provides a comprehensive overview of your entire plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make revisions.
• The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the template and create your business plan.
• Utilize the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize different parts of your business plan.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders by assigning tasks and leaving comments to ensure everyone is on the same page.

By using the ClickUp Business Plan Template for Chemical Engineers, you can create a detailed and professional business plan that sets your company up for success.

• Business Plan Template for Copywriters
• Business Plan Template for Utility Professionals
• Business Plan Template for Ranch Owners
• Business Plan Template for Vendor Selection
• Business Plan Template for Quantity Surveyor

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

• Product Roadmap
• Affiliate & Referrals
• On-Demand Demo
• Integrations
• Consultants
• Gantt Chart
• Native Time Tracking
• Automations
• Kanban Board
• vs Airtable
• vs Basecamp
• vs MS Project
• vs Smartsheet
• Software Team Hub
• PM Software Guide

50 Best Business ideas for Chemical Engineers

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Business ideas for Career People

Are you a chemical engineer looking to start a business to earn extra income? If YES, here are 50 best profitable small business ideas for chemical engineers.

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that impacts almost every sector of life. Chemical engineering is all about turning raw materials into useful, everyday products. The clothes we wear, the food and drink we consume and the everyday products we use mostly credit their existence to chemical engineers.

Chemical engineers are one creative set of people who use science and mathematics to develop a wide range of products for everyday use.

This means that there are no limits to the businesses a chemical engineering graduate can get involved in. If you studied chemical engineering and you want to be your own boss, here are 50 very lucrative business ideas you can start. Just pick the one that is within your budget, modify it to suit your tastes and you are good to go.

Best Business ideas for Chemical Engineers

1. product/process development business.

Product development scientists are responsible for identifying and developing new processes for product manufacture, as well implementing process controls to make sure the products are of a high quality and are manufactured in a reproducible manner.

A chemical engineer would make a great product development scientist. Development scientists work across the manufacturing industry on a diverse range of products, such as foods, medicines, cosmetics and paints, and they can as well start their own development centers.

2. Start a fibers and polymers processing industry

Chemical engineering is mostly about transforming raw materials into valuable products. You could set up an industry where you research on how to produce various unique household items through these fibers. You can specialize in making clothing materials, plastics and the likes in your industry.

3. Urea production plant

Urea, also known as carbamide, is a white crystalline solid containing 46% nitrogen. It is widely used in the agricultural industry as an animal feed additive and fertilizer.

It is also used in the production of certain creams, lotions, gels, ointments, and solutions which are used to moisturize the skin and to treat some nail problems. As a chemical engineering graduate, you can start a small urea production plant. There is good market for this product especially for export purposes.

4. Chemical engineering consultancy

Many chemical engineers work for engineering consultancy and contracting firms. On the other hand, if you are thoroughly grounded in the industry, you could set up your own consultancy firm where you would offer consultancy services to engineering related firms.

You can also consult for people working in pollution control, environmental protection, energy conservation, recycling and alternative energy.

5. Start a recycling business

Recycling is all about using discarded materials to create something new and useful. One of the industries chemical engineers do well is in recycling, as they can create just about anything from trash. You can set up a plant where you get to recycle either paper, metal or plastics and you would earn a lot of revenue from it. You can also think of a new product that can be gotten from the trash.

6. Agro Chemical Manufacturing

This chemical industry formulates and prepares fertilizer products, pesticides (e.g. herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) and other agricultural chemicals (e.g. insect repellents, sheep dips, fly sprays and flea powders). Agrochemical manufacturing is considered as one of the most profitable chemical engineering business ideas to start with a substantial capital investment.

7. BioDiesel Production

Another business idea that a chemical engineer can play with is to start a bio-diesel production business. Bio-diesel can be gotten from processing household wastes. A biodiesel production unit can be established on a small scale basis at any place where the main raw material to be used is easily available.

There is a continuous search for renewable sources of fuel due to the rate of depletion of fossils. The term biofuel is used to define fuels that are obtainable from plants or animals. Being a renewable source, it is gaining attention all over the world today.

8. Cartridge Refilling Business

Cartridge refilling is another good business idea for a chemical engineer. Cartridge refilling is a great small-scale business that can easily be run from home, but a retail location ensures better profitability. If you have the equipment and skills, you can start this business.

9. Mini Cement Plant

Starting a mini cement plant might be capital intensive but it is a very lucrative business for a chemical engineer. Major raw materials needed for this industry are limestone, clay, pet coke and iron dust. Before you can start your plant, you have to get permission from the Pollution Control Board.

10. Start manufacturing plastics

Manufacturing plastics is very easy once you can gain access to the required raw materials. If you are stumped for cash, you can set up a mini plastics factory where you produce plastics that are needed for everyday use. As a chemical engineer, you would do well in this industry.

11. Start a water treatment plant

A lot of places still find it difficult to get access to clean water, and as a chemical engineer, you can set up a water treatment plant to ensure that such places have access to clean water. You can equally combine water treatment with water bottling where you get to sell your treated water in bottles.

This is an easier way to make profits from this business if you are in a place that does not really need water treatment services.

12. Specialize in the formulation of food and drinks

A good business a chemical engineer can specialize in is in the production of food and drinks. A lot of foods such as pasta came about as a result of experimentation, as a chemical engineer, you could set up an industry where you specialize in creating unique foods and drinks. With good marketing skills, you would make a fortune if you happen upon a unique creation.

13. Start a Training Institute

You can set up a training institute to train people who are interested in working in the chemical industry. Chemical engineers are professionals who have had adequate training. With your training, you can set up an institute where you get to train chemical engineers and you can offer diploma courses. You would make a lot of money by offering this service.

14. Ceramic Colour Manufacturing

Manufacturing the colour used in glazing ceramics is a good business for a chemical engineer. Underglaze Ceramic colors are commonly used for decoration. You can use them directly in enamel slip, pottery, colored wall tiles, sanitary wares etc.

You can initiate the manufacturing unit on small scale basis if you have financial challenges or if you are just a fledgling manufacturer.

15. Insecticide Formulation business

Insecticide formulation comes under the knowledge base of chemical engineers, so as a person that has experience in this field; you would surely make profits from it if your products are very effective. Registration and permission from the pollution control board is very necessary when starting this type of business.

16. Latex Rubber Thread Manufacturing

Another plastic related business a chemical engineer can dabble into is to manufacture latex rubber thread. Generally, hosiery industries are the major consumers of latex rubber threads. Apart from this, latex rubber thread is an essential raw material for fishing baits, toys and many of consumables.

Latex rubber thread manufacturing is a very profitable business idea. There are provisions for starting this business on a small scale.

17. Naphthalene Balls Making

Naphthalene balls are the popular household preservative of woolen clothes. They are also a popular deodorant tablet for the toilets, urinals, bathrooms etc. This product finds extensive application in cities and as such it has a good scope for growth.

Naphthalene ball making is one of the most profitable home based chemical business ideas that a chemical engineer can go into. Making naphthalene balls can be done on a small scale and even from home if one can get clearance from the local authorities.

18. Manufacture Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals are used in the cleaning industry. They are useful for washing utensils, hard surfaces, cloths and toilets. The chemicals could be in form of liquid, soap or powder.

You need to choose a specific type of product niche, but you can as well combine other products too. Knowledge of cleaning chemical manufacturing is essential. The type of equipment, chemicals and solutions you would need depends on the chemical you want to produce.

19. Chemical Based fire Extinguishers

Chemical based extinguishers are usually sprays that are used to put out infernos. The products are not only useful for putting out fires, but also for defense. Every car needs a fire extinguisher including homes, schools, factories and offices.

Fire extinguishers are mandatory in most government or public utilities. This manufacturing idea is suitable for chemical engineers.

20. Manufacture synthetic Fertilizer

Although the world is turning to organic fertilizers but there is still a place for synthetic products especially as developing countries still make use of them. Fertilizers are important for plant growth and farmers use billions of tons worldwide.

Cashing in on this huge market makes a lot of sense for a chemical engineer. Make sure your products strictly comply with government rules and regulations. Use effective marketing strategies and offer competitive prices to attract farmers. You can equally produce synthetic fertilizer for export.

21. Air Fresheners, Aftershave and Facial Cleaners

These products have different compositions and are under the chemical industry. An investor needs to choose a niche area and specialize. You need startup funds and a good chemical formula to start this business. Your product should get national food and drug certification before going to the market to avoid being penalized.

22. Rubber Gloves Manufacturing

Rubber gloves are essential items in the medical, automobile and manufacturing industry including food processing. The major purpose of using rubber gloves is to protect the hand and fingers from heat, abrasion, electric shocks, chemical attack and contamination through direct contact as in the case of medical examination gloves etc.

The rubber gloves manufacturing process is not complex. Additionally, you can easily procure the main raw material rubber latex.

23. Organic Chemical Manufacturing

Basically, organic chemical manufacturing is one of the most profitable chemical business ideas that is within the grasp of a chemical engineer.

A lot of people are currently switching to the use of organic chemicals and this business not only has market in the domestic market, it also has very good export potential. Selecting the right product and machinery is important in this business.

24. PET Jar Production

Different sizes of PET jars are an essential item in so many industries for various types of food and non-food items packaging . You can start this business and make profits from it if you market your jars optimally. Additionally, you can initiate this lucrative small business opportunity as small-scale basis with small capital investment.

25. Start a Cosmetics manufacturing company

Many cosmetic products are formulated using chemicals and as such, a chemical engineer can easily start it. The business is highly competitive and profitable because people are always using cosmetics. Millions of cosmetic products are sold daily worldwide and they attract good prices. Make sure you follow strict government rules regarding cosmetics production.

26.Start a pharmaceutical company

A chemical engineer is very qualified to start a pharmaceutical company of any scale. You may decide to start producing food supplements or teas that are beneficial for weight reduction, or foods/snacks that are all organic and free from normal industry chemicals and preservatives if you do not have the capacity to run a pharmaceutical company because of the licenses and huge startup costs.

27. Start a recruitment service

With loads of students graduating from the department of chemical engineering every year, there would need to find jobs relating to the industry, and the loads of small businesses springing up in the industry would need qualified workers. You can set up a recruiting service where you get to match chemical engineering graduates with their dream jobs.

28. Start a chemist and materials company

Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods. You can start a business and offer your services to companies.

29. Start manufacturing tires

Tires have become essential hardware for the automobile industry. They are part of the mobility of bicycles, cars, trucks, vans, heavy equipment and airplanes. The market is huge and highly competitive. To setup a tire manufacturing company you need serious cash for molding equipment, storage, marketing and operations.

The product is needed worldwide and manufacturers hardly meet the huge demand. Apart from new vehicles, old used tires need replacement to avoid accidents. If you are considering a very lucrative venture and have the financial capability, tire making is your best bet.

30. Chemicals import and export business

This business is focused on the international trade and distribution of chemicals of various kinds including minerals, rare earth and oxides to businesses and industries that are in need of such chemicals and minerals. Your business can target industries that produce glass, ceramics, construction chemicals, foundry, steel industries and adhesive manufacturing industries etc.

31. Start manufacturing perfumes

Perfumes are part of the fashion and beauty industry. For such small items they attract premium prices and lots of buyers.

To leverage on this massive industry, you need to produce quality products and brand the products properly in order to achieve lots of visibility. Try to produce high quality perfumes and use effective marketing strategies in order to carve a market niche for yourself.

32. Produce baking soda

In our society today, baking soda has a lot of uses. It can be used as a green cleaning agent, as a rising agent for cakes and pastries.

It helps to preserve the colour of vegetables and can be used as a teeth whitening agent amongst other uses, thus making the demand for this product quite high. As a chemical engineer, you can set up a small industry where you manufacture baking soda.

33. Start a micro encapsulation industry

Microencapsulation is a process in which active substances are coated by extremely small capsules. It is a new technology that has been used in the cosmetics industry as well as in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and food industries, being used in flavors, acids, oils, vitamins, microorganisms, among others.

This is one business a chemical engineer can comfortably start and make much profits from as long as they follow high ethical standards.

34. Waste disposal service

Chemical industries generate a lot of waste and a lot of them would be happy to have someone take those wastes off their hands. You could set up a waste disposal business as a chemical engineer. Additionally you could figure out what wastes have recycle potentials and use them to fund your recycle plant.

35. Become a Researcher

A chemical engineer can also start his own business as a researcher where he will assist businesses and clients in researching new processes of manufacturing chemicals and other products. Apart from doing the research work, a chemical engineer may also design programs, processes and machinery and facilitate the manufacturing of the products.

36. Analytical Chemist business

Analytical chemists assess the chemical structure and nature of substances. Their skills are needed for a variety of purposes including drug development, forensic analysis and toxicology.

A chemical engineer can start his business as an Analytical Chemist who basically works in the laboratories along with the team of other scientists. He will be required to study chemical compounds in order to identify their construction. A chemical engineer may start his business in association with an environmental or pharmaceutical company.

37. Start an energy managing business

Energy engineering or energy systems engineering is a broad field of engineering dealing with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, environmental compliance and alternative energy technologies. A chemical engineer may also become a freelance energy manager. In this role, he will be responsible for planning ways energy can be utilized effectively in companies.

Heavy industries and manufacturing units are energy-intensive and a chemical engineer can provide his services to these manufacturing companies. He may improve the energy efficiency of lighting, campus utilities, laboratories, dining and residence halls, classrooms, etc

38. Become a freelance Manufacturing engineer

Manufacturing engineers develop and create physical artifacts, production processes, and technology. It is a very broad area which includes the design and development of products. A chemical engineer can also start his own business as a freelance manufacturing engineer.

As a manufacturing engineer, he will be required to deal with various manufacturing science and practices including the research, layout, plan and development of processes, systems, tools, machines and equipment. Industries like semiconductor and steel manufacturers use the services of chemical engineers for production and for other reasons.

39. Start a chocolate factory

The scope of chemical engineering spans even to food, and a lot of innovation in this industry is credited to chemical engineers. You can start a chocolate factory where you research and produce different kinds of candies. If your chocolates are good, you would not have problems marketing your candies.

40. Start a dairy company

As a chemical engineer, you can start a dairy company where you process milk gotten from dairy farms. Your factory can bottle the milk, can them or make them into powdered form for export. You can also produce cheese and other milk derivatives.

41. Start a mini refinery

As a chemical engineer, you can start a mini refinery where you refine crude oil into various derivatives. Modular mini refineries may be in units from 4000 to 30,000 bpd, though some are as low as 1000 bpd capacity.

Mini-refineries can produce a variety of products from naphtha, gasoline, jet fuel and diesel. This business maybe capital intensive, but if you can put the funds together, you would have a very profitable business in your hands. You can pool funds with various other investors to start this business.

42. Start a winery

A winery is a building or property that produces wine, or a business involved in the production of wine . As a chemical engineer, starting a wine production company is right within your alley as you would excel in this trade. You can choose not to own a vineyard as well and opt for buying grapes from farmers. But if you have the capacity to also run a vineyard with your winery, then by all means do so.

43. Start a juice factory

Another business a chemical engineer can start is a juice factory. Fruit juice is one of the ready to serve items that gets the most orders in restaurants. Fruit juice production business can be initiated on a small scale basis. Product should be selected according to the availability of raw materials. You can package your juice both for export and for immediate consumption.

44. Iodized Salt Production

Iodized salt is a white crystalline powder salt fortified with Iodine. Iodine deficiency disorder can be easily avoided by consuming sufficient amounts of salt fortified with Iodine. Iodized salt production can be started on small scale basis also. As a chemical engineer, you can as well set up an iodized salt factory.

45. Rice Bran oil Production

Rice bran oil is considered the world’s healthiest oil. It is now being used by many restaurants in deep fryers to improve food flavor and eliminate Trans Fat. This oil is obtained from the core of rice and it is 100 percent natural.

The oil is rich in natural antioxidants and it has a sweet almond taste. It acts as an excellent dressing oil for salads, and it is ideal on raw foods and even in deep frying. As a chemical engineer, you can start a rice bran oil production plant as the market is very viable.

46. Tomato Processing

Tomato is a widely available vegetable and processed tomato products are also very popular. Some of the most popular tomato products are tomato sauce, puree, juice, ketchup etc. In initiating tomato processing, you can also produce tomato pulp for other small scale industries. Production process is not complex. Simple machinery and equipment are required.

47. Manufacture Lubricants

A lubricant is a substance, usually organic, introduced to reduce friction between surfaces and it ultimately reduces the heat generated when surfaces move. There are thousands of lubricants for different purposes.

To enter the lubricant business, you need to choose a niche and specialize in it. The quality of the lubricant you produce will sell the brand. To get noticed you need an effective marketing strategy and make sure you get government certification.

48. Manufacture feminine products

Feminine products are one of the fastest moving industries in the world today. Research has it that tampons alone are used by up to 70 percent of menstruating women in the united states. The remaining number use pads (cotton, cloth or synthetic) and cups.

Other feminine products such as douches, sprays, washes, and wipes, are used by 20-50% of women. This goes to show that the market for feminine products is quite huge. As a chemical engineer, you can start a company where you produce feminine products, but you have to ensure that your products are free of toxic chemicals.

49. Metabolic engineering research Centre

Metabolic engineering is the practice of optimizing genetic and regulatory processes within cells to increase the cells’ production of a certain substance. The ultimate goal of metabolic engineering is to use these organisms to produce valuable substances on an industrial scale in a cost effective manner.

As a chemical engineer, you can set up a center where you carry out research on cell metabolism in order to fashion out ways to increase productivity. Ensure you patent all your findings and you can live off the proceeds for a long time.

50. Textile manufacturing industry

The textile industry is primarily concerned with the design and production of yarn, cloth, clothing, and their distribution. The raw material to be used may be natural or synthetic. As a chemical engineer, you can carve a niche in the textile industry and start your business of manufacturing and distributing fabrics.

Related Posts:

• How to Become a Highly Paid Freelance Writer
• 31 Best Jobs Nurses Can Do from Home to Make Money
• 50 Ways a Teen Can Make Money in High School Without a Job
• 48 Best Weekend Side Hustle Jobs You Can Do for Extra Money
• 15 Best Side Hustle for Physician Assistant

• Contact AIChE
• Communities
• Learning & Careers
• Publications
• Careers at AIChE
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
• Young Professionals
• Operating councils
• Local Sections

Other Sites & Tools

Technical groups, follow aiche.

Search form

Career Paths for Chemical Engineers

• Jul 3, 2018
• Comments (5)

Topics: 

• Entrepreneurship
• Career Planning

Share This Post:

The mess on my desk is all because of chemical engineers; or, more specifically, the varied career paths chemical engineers have taken. From my teacup and takeout container, to the jumble of sticky notes and files, to my laptop, printer, and phone, chemical engineers have influenced every item.

Engineering career consultant and president of Quantum Success Solutions (Tucson, AZ), Alaina G. Levine, says this is because “Chemical engineers’ skill sets are widely applicable, which makes ChEs incredibly valuable across industries.” Levine notes that chemical engineers approach problems in a unique way: “They are trained to see pain points. They have the ability to figure out what the barriers are and create innovations to overcome them.”

The traditional career path

Chemical engineers on a traditional career path may work in the oil and gas, basic or specialty chemicals, or pharmaceutical industries. They may start as research, process development, or production engineers, and have job responsibilities that might include scaling up processes, designing processes and equipment, planning and testing production methods and byproduct treatment, or directing facility operations.

The growing demand

Anthony Actis, an environmental engineer with CDM Smith (Denver, CO), points out: “There is demand for chemical engineers who can excel in critical problem-solving and can work in multidisciplinary teams. There will always be demand for consultants, facility and process engineers, and the myriad of other specialties that ChEs can get into.” For example, chemical engineers are playing a growing role in environmental sustainability, where they develop cleaner ways to produce and use energy, plastics, paint, food products, and more.

Career shifts

Many chemical engineers, whether by choice or circumstance, do not stay in one job for their entire career. Many move into project management, where they are responsible for overseeing engineering project schedules and budgets. Others move into technical sales engineering where they have a hands-on role helping customers solve problems. Still others transition to leadership roles, where they manage people and budgets at a more strategic level. (Read the Career Corner articles “Transitioning to a Career in Sales Engineering,” p. 22, Apr. 2016, and “Transitioning to Management,” p. 68, June 2013, for more information).

Currently a consultant based in Voorhees, NJ, Henry Waldron started his career as an environmental engineer at a Fortune 500 company and progressed to divisional responsibilities for environmental, health, and safety compliance. When Waldron was an undergraduate, a veteran engineer counseled him to prepare for five or six different careers. “Chemical engineers are expected to be flexible enough to apply their skills across many different job descriptions. Over my professional career, I’ve experienced major career shifts. My engineering training combined with my thirst for knowledge allowed me to be successful at each,” says Waldron. He recommends pursuing an advanced degree or becoming a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) as other ways to prepare for a varied career path.

Somnath Basu, vice president of global engineering for Headworks International (Houston, TX), is another chemical engineer who has put his skills to work across various industries. “I had no difficulty moving from a processing engineering role in the petrochemical industry to environmental engineering. The core chemical engineering courses — separations, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and transport phenomena — empower chemical engineers to move into careers in process software, biotech, and biomedical, among other fields.”

Using chemical engineering as a launch pad to pursue your passion

While Waldron’s and Basu’s experiences have been in industries that traditionally provide careers for chemical engineers, some engineers do stray into completely different fields. Levine worked with a chemical engineer who loved to bake and turned baking chemical engineering-themed cupcakes and pastries into a successful career. While it may not seem that baking draws on chemical engineering skills, it does, in fact, use knowledge of chemistry, and requires problem-solving and creativity. “This engineer combined her skill set with her passion for baking and developed a unique and profitable enterprise. The idea is that you can use chemical engineering as a launch pad for whatever you want to do,” says Levine.

Entrepreneurship and the nontraditional path

Entrepreneurship offers another nontraditional path for chemical engineers, who can either start their own companies or join a startup. “Chemical engineers are trained to draw on resources from a variety of fields. They are adaptable and creative and can thrive in a fast-paced startup environment,” adds Levine. For example, one engineer obtained his master’s degree in chemical engineering and went to work for a supply chain management company, where he performed data analysis and coding. Because of his experience, he was recruited to work for a startup to design specific algorithms and later became head of the company. “This sounds like a typical career path — except that this company became a major online dating service,” notes Levine.

While it is good news that ChE skills are broadly applicable and valuable, it can be daunting for individual engineers to envision their next career step. “The key is to pinpoint problems that get you excited and that you are passionate about solving. Then, find a job that lets you solve those problems,” says Levine.

This article originally appeared in the Career Corner column in the February 2018 issue of CEP . Members have access online to complete issues, including a vast, searchable archive of back-issues found at aiche.org/cep .

When I decided to do Chemical Engineering in college I did not realize how much diversity was entailed in career options. I read this article and it confirms my understanding and belief that I made the right choice just need to find the right career option for me.

Down south in MS pulp and paper are king. Really our only option

If you are looking for the best engineering college in Gujarat- India then you have landed at the right place. Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University is the first of its kind which is established to promote startups in India. To achieve the objective, we have designed the curriculum in a way that directly deals with the current challenges of various industries. Visit for more information - https://www.swarrnim.edu.in

If you are looking for the best engineering college in Gujarat- India then you have landed at the right place. Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University is the first of its kind which is established to promote startups in India. To achieve the objective, we have designed the curriculum in a way that directly deals with the current challenges of various industries. Visit for more information - https://www.swarrnim.edu.in 

University of Florida

• Chemical Engineering

Although Chemical Engineering has existed for only 100 years, its name is no longer completely descriptive of this dynamic profession. The work of the chemical engineer is not restricted to the chemical industry, chemical changes, or chemistry. Instead, modern chemical engineers are concerned with all the physical, chemical, and biological changes of matter that can produce an economic product or result that is useful to humankind.

About this Program

• College: Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
• Credits for Degree: 130

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Department Information

As Chemical Engineers, the career options for students will be diverse and exciting. Students will develop the skills needed to design processes to produce anything made by chemical or biological means, including consumer products, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, semiconductors, biomaterials, pulp and paper, polymers, and more. Chemical Engineers use their knowledge of all branches of science and mathematics (not just chemistry) to solve problems at a variety of scales—from developing materials with features at the nanoscale all the way to designing a 250-foot-tall distillation tower and everything in between. Website

1006 Center Drive P.O. Box 116005 Gainesville, FL 32611-6005 Map

• Biomolecular Engineering Minor
• Combination Degrees

The education of the chemical engineer is based on the fundamental sciences of physics, chemistry and biology, on mathematical and computer techniques, and on basic engineering principles. This background makes the chemical engineer extremely versatile and capable of working in a variety of industries: chemical, biochemical, petroleum, materials, microelectronics, environmental, food processing, consumer products, consulting and project management. It is also good preparation for law and medical schools.

Department Requirements

Successful applicants must have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average in the better of two attempts of the eight preprofessional courses and a minimum 2.5 grade point average in the better of two attempts of the preprofessional calculus course sequence.

For the purposes of determining admission to or retention in the department, grade point averages will be based on no more than two attempts for each course. Students must maintain satisfactory progress (minimum GPA of 2.0) in chemical engineering courses and in their overall record.

Minimum grades of C are required in the courses listed below. These must be achieved within two enrollments (including drops and/or withdrawals) for each course, with the exception of ECH 4714 , for which the number of attempts allowed to earn a C is not limited.

Any course taken to satisfy a degree requirement (General Education, required course, or technical elective) cannot be taken S/U, with the exception of the following:

Educational Objectives

Within a few years of obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Florida, the recent graduates will achieve one or more of the following:

• Graduates will demonstrate professional engineering competence via promotions and/or positions of increasing responsibility.
• Graduates will be successful in pursuing advanced degrees in chemical engineering or in other disciplines.
• Graduates will be able to work in diverse professional environments as demonstrated in their pursuit of continuing education, professional certification/registration and/or career path into business, government, education, etc.

Chemical engineers apply math, chemistry, physics, biology, thermodynamics (classical and molecular), transport phenomena, and reaction kinetics to design products and to design, operate, control, optimize, and scale up manufacturing processes that rely on physical and bio/molecular transformations. Graduates of the Chemical Engineering undergraduate program contribute to the production of energy, including green energy, fertilizers, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals including antibiotics and vaccines, semiconductors and other components of cell phones and computers, fuel cells, batteries, consumer products, plastics, paint, paper, and a myriad of other products that benefit humankind.

To prepare students for lifelong careers in chemical engineering.

To offer high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in chemical engineering and to conduct research that helps educate graduate students and serves the needs of Florida and the nation.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

• 2.5 GPA in MAC 2311 , MAC 2312 and MAC 2313 sequence based on the best of two attempts
• Complete 2 of 8 critical-tracking courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts: CHM 2045 or CHM 2095 , CHM 2046 or CHM 2096 , MAC 2311 , MAC 2312 , MAC 2313 , MAP 2302 , PHY 2048 , PHY 2049
• 2.5 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses based on the best of two attempts
• 2.0 UF GPA required
• Complete 3 additional critical-tracking courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts
• Complete the remaining critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C within two attempts
• Complete  ECH 2934
• Complete ECH 3023
• Complete at least 4 additional upper division critical-tracking courses (reference Model Semester Plan)
• 2.0 CHE GPA required
• Complete at least 4 additional upper division critical-tracking courses
• Complete at least 5 additional upper division critical-tracking courses
• Complete at least 4 additional upper division critical-tracking courses
• Complete all remaining upper division critical-tracking courses

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Students may replace BME 3406 and a 3-credit technical elective by BSC 2010 and BSC 2011 (pre-health students are required to take BSC 2010 and BSC 2011 ). Pre-health students are recommended to take BSC 2010 instead of BME 3406 in semester 1 and use 9 technical elective credits for courses required by the pre-health program, BSC 2010L (1 credit), BSC 2011 (3 credits), BSC 2011L (1 credit), and BCH 4024 or CHM 3218 (4 credits).

To complete General Education requirements, a student must select a General Education course in the Humanities that features the UF Quest 1 subject area for 3 credits, a General Education course in the Social and Behavioral Science or Natural Science that features the UF Quest 2 subject area for 3 credits, a General Education course that features the International subject area for 3 credits, and a General Education course that features the Diversity subject area for 3 credits.

Minimum grade of C required.

Major Critical Path courses must be taken and completed in sequence.

Register for ECH 4224L immediately following completion of  ECH 3101 , ECH 3203 , and ECH 3223 .

One of the options for the technical elective in semester 7 is the first course of the Integrated Product and Process Design Program ( EGN 4951 ), which requires six credits of coursework and is offered as a sequence of two three-credit courses during Fall and Spring of the senior year. These two courses are pre-approved substitutes for three credits of technical electives and for ECH 4644 .

ECH 4644 may be substituted by the second semester of the Integrated Product and Process Design Program ( EGN 4951 ). This program requires six credits of coursework and is offered as a sequence of two three-credit courses during Fall and Spring of the senior year. These two courses are pre-approved substitutes for three credits of technical electives and for ECH 4644 .

Technical Electives 

Technical electives are defined as department-approved, upper-division courses with significant technical science, engineering, and/or math content. Provision is made to receive up to five credits of approved co-op, internship and/or research experience with no more than three credits coming from industry work and no more than three coming from academic research. Military courses cannot be used for technical electives.

The Chemical Engineering program enables students to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering principles to chemical engineering problems; to design and conduct chemical engineering experiments and to analyze and interpret the data; to design a chemical engineering system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints; and to communicate technical data and design information effectively in speech and in writing to other chemical engineers.

The Chemical Engineering BS Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,  https://www.abet.org , under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass an assessment by two or more faculty and/or industry practitioners of performance on a major design experience.
• Pass assessment in two courses of individual assignments targeted to each learning outcome. Assessment will be provided by the instructor of the course according to department standards.
• Complete an exit interview in your final semester.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student learning outcomes | slos.

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering principles to chemical engineering problems.
• Design and conduct chemical engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the data.

Critical Thinking

• Design a chemical engineering system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability constraints.

Communication

• Communicate technical data and design information effectively in writing and in speech to other chemical engineers.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Oral and written reports
• Group presentations
• Co-op and internship employer evaluations
• Additional assessments include the student survey and exit interview

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

All pages in 2024-2025 Academic Catalog.

• All bulletins
• Undergraduate
• Penn State Law
• Dickinson Law
• College of Medicine
• Departments

Chemical Engineering, B.S.

Program Code: CHE_BS

At which campus can I study this program?

Begin Campus

Any Penn State Campus

University Park

Program description.

Chemical Engineering is one of the most versatile professions--you'll find Chemical Engineers employed in a broad array of industries ranging from pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies to semiconductor manufacturing to start-up companies converting the latest laboratory discoveries to large-scale commercial production. Chemical Engineers work with catalysts to develop new ways to manufacture medicines and plastics; they develop control systems that enable the safe production of products from semiconductors to household soap; they design chemical and petroleum plants; they research the effects of artificial organs on blood flow; and they develop the equipment and processes necessary for advances in biotechnology. While chemistry emphasizes the facts and principles of science, chemical engineering emphasizes its practical application for the development of new products and processes.

The undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering provides students with fundamental skills in problem solving, analysis, and design, along with hands-on experience in practical applications. The curriculum builds upon the traditional foundation in the chemical and energy-related industries and introduces new material in the life sciences, polymers, and environmental fields.

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineers draw extensively on a strong foundation in the chemical, physical, and biological sciences. They focus on the processes involved in making new products or treating the environment, such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, alternative fuels, therapeutic proteins, and artificial organs. Chemical engineering is a broad discipline that encompasses many different scientific principles in engineering and technology. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food and energy solutions.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You like to problem solve using chemistry and mathematics in critical global challenges in a variety of areas including pharmaceuticals, food, energy, environmental sustainability, medicine, law, and finance.
• You like to work with others to design processes and equipment to create chemical products safely and economically.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, students must satisfy the following requirements by the end of the semester during which the admission to major process is carried out.

• Completed 29-55 cumulative credits (credits completed at Penn State for which a quality letter grade was earned)
• Completed with a C or better the following courses: EDSGN 100 , CHEM 110 , MATH 140 , MATH 141 , and PHYS 211
• Attained at least a 2.6 cumulative grade point average

In the event that the major is under enrollment control, a higher minimum cumulative grade-point average is likely to be needed and students must be enrolled in the College of Engineering or Division of Undergraduate Studies at the time of confirming their major choice.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, a minimum of 133 credits is required:

27 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GS courses; 9 credits of GWS courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44 .

Students may substitute 6 credits of ROTC for part of this requirement in consultation with department.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
• Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Arts (GA): 3 credits
• Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
• Humanities (GH): 3 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
• Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

• Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

• GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
• GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher : 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First year engagement.

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

• United States Cultures: 3 credits
• International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80 ). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate program in chemical engineering at Penn State has been designed so that students can identify and pursue their personal and professional goals while obtaining a strong foundation in the principles and practice of chemical engineering.  The program aims to produce graduates who will attain one or more of the following:

• Careers as practicing chemical engineers in traditional chemical and energy-related industries as well as in expanding areas of materials, environmental, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
• Advanced degrees in chemical engineering (or a related technical discipline), medicine, law, or business.
• Positions that provide the technical, educational, business, and / or political leadership needed in today's rapidly changing, increasingly technological, global society.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. The Chemical Engineering program is designed to enable students to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• 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
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• 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
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Stephanie Velegol Acting Associate Department Head for Undergraduates, Teaching Professor 224 Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-4907 [email protected]

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Chemical Engineering, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

If you are starting at a campus other than the one this plan is ending at, please refer to: http://advising.engr.psu.edu/degree-requirements/academic-plans-by-major.aspx

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H / CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T / CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15 / ENGL 30H and CAS 100A / CAS 100B / CAS 100C . Each course is 3 credits.

College Notes:

• Please see the Chemical Engineering Advising Handbook for lists of courses for the CHE Elective, Engineering Elective, Professional Elective, Physical Chemistry Elective, and Materials Elective.
• Health and Physical Activity Elective: Students who complete the ROTC Program may substitute 3 ROTC credits for the GHW requirement and 3 ROTC credits for a professional elective.
• This course offered at University Park in spring semester only: CHE 300 .

Career Paths

Our chemical engineering graduates work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, specialty chemicals, and oil and gas. They also serve as consultants for various engineering applications including challenges in the environment. Chemical Engineers can go to graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. Some chemical engineers also chose to go to medical school or law school.

A chemical engineer might work on a team to improve a process for making a pharmaceutical drug to increase the supply and decrease the cost.

A chemical engineer might design a new material that will make our clothing more comfortable and functional.

A chemical engineer might develop a solution to pressing environmental problems like an oil spill or global climate change.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Our students go on to graduate school and conduct research in topics including materials, energy, water treatment, biotechnology, and catalysis. Application of this research include: energy production and storage, large scale production of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, treatment of water and air, large scale production of affordable consumer products, and reduction of CO 2 .

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

• American Institute of Chemical Engineering

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at University Park is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org , under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 121 Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-2574 [email protected]

https://www.che.psu.edu

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

The PDF will include content on the Overview tab only.

The PDF will include content on the How to Get In tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Program Requirements tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Learning Outcomes tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Academic Advising tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Suggested Academic Plan tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Career Paths tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Accreditation tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Professional Licensure/Certification tab only.

The PDF will include content on the Contact tab only.

Download Complete Bulletin PDFs

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Chemical engineering - bs.

The chemical engineering curriculum provides a balanced education in virtually all aspects of chemical engineering principles and practice and includes education in economics, language, philosophy and culture and communication. Chemical engineering courses emphasize fundamentals and methods that are applicable to the analysis, development, design and operation of a wide variety of chemical engineering systems and processes, thereby providing the necessary background for entry into the wide array of activities described above. At the same time, specific example applications provide the student with insight into the ability of chemical engineers to work in such a variety of areas. The curriculum is structured to offer students an opportunity to extend and apply the fundamentals developed in the basic courses toward more focused areas of specialization. The sequence of courses converges in the senior year into a comprehensive capstone design course that includes elements of economics, safety and environmental issues. The course provides an experience much like that of an industry design project. It is this philosophy of fundamentals, applications and design that has enabled our chemical engineering graduates to adapt readily to a dynamic and rapidly changing world and to solve problems they have not previously experienced.

The freshman year is identical for degrees in aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, data engineering, electrical engineering, electronic systems engineering technology, environmental engineering, industrial distribution, industrial engineering, interdisciplinary engineering, manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, multidisciplinary engineering technology, nuclear engineering, ocean engineering, and petroleum engineering (Note: not all programs listed are offered in Qatar). The freshman year is slightly different for chemical engineering, biomedical engineering and materials science and engineering degrees in that students take CHEM 119 or CHEM 107 / CHEM 117 and CHEM 120 .  Students pursuing degrees in biological and agricultural engineering should refer to the specific curriculum for this major. It is recognized that many students will change the sequence and number of courses taken in any semester. Deviations from the prescribed course sequence, however, should be made with care to ensure that prerequisites for all courses are met.

A grade of C or better is required.

Entering students will be given a math placement exam. Test results will be used in selecting the appropriate starting course which may be at a higher or lower level.

Of the 21 hours shown as University Core Curriculum electives, 3 must be from creative arts (see AREN curriculum for more information), 3 from social and behavioral sciences (see DAEN and IDIS curriculum for more information), 3 from language, philosophy and culture (see CVEN, EVEN and PETE curriculum for more information), 6 from American history and 6 from government/political science. The required 3 hours of international and cultural diversity and 3 hours of cultural discourse may be met by courses satisfying the creative arts, social and behavioral sciences, language, philosophy and culture, and American history requirements if they are also on the approved list of international and cultural diversity courses and cultural discourse courses.

BMEN, CHEN and MSEN require 8 hours of fundamentals of chemistry which are satisfied with  CHEM 119 or CHEM 107 / CHEM 117 and CHEM 120 ; Students with an interest in BMEN, CHEN and MSEN can take CHEM 120 second semester freshman year.  CHEM 120 will substitute for CHEM 107 / CHEM 117 .

For BS-PETE, allocate 3 hours to core communications course ( ENGL 210 , COMM 203 , COMM 205 , or COMM 243 ) and/or 3 hours to UCC elective. For BS-MEEN, allocate 3 hours to core communications course ( ENGL 203 , ENGL 210 , or COMM 205 ) and/or 3 hours to UCC elective.

For a list of approved specialty options, please see a chemical engineering advisor.

All students are required to complete a high-impact experience in order to graduate. The list of possible high-impact experiences is available in the CHEN advising office.

A grade of C or better is required in all CHEN courses.

Total Program Hours 128

University Catalogs

• General Information
• Undergraduate
• Search Courses

Print Options

Bachelor of science in chemical engineering.

• ABET Student Outcomes

Portable Computing Devices

Honors program, area 1, process systems and product engineering, area 2, materials engineering, area 3, environmental engineering, track a: cellular and bioprocess engineering, track b: biomedical engineering, area 5, energy technologies, area 6, engineering economics and business leadership.

Chemical engineering is one of the most broadly-based engineering disciplines. Its field of practice covers the development, design, and control of processes and products that involve molecular change, both chemical and biological, and the operation of such processes. Because many of the products that sustain and improve life are produced by carefully designed and controlled molecular changes, the chemical engineer serves in a wide variety of industries. These industries range from chemical and energy companies to producers of all types of consumer and specialty products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, polymers, advanced materials, and solid-state and biomedical devices.

Careers are available in industry, government, consulting, and education. Areas of professional work include research and development, operations, technical service, product development, process and plant design, market analysis and development, process control, and pollution abatement.

The chemical engineering degree program prepares students for professional practice in chemically related careers after the bachelor's degree or an advanced degree. Chemical engineering graduates are expected to attain the following capabilities at or within a few years of graduation: apply the fundamentals of science and engineering to solve important chemical engineering problems in industry, government or academic settings; communicate effectively and demonstrate the interpersonal skills required to lead and/or participate in multidisciplinary projects; apply life-long learning to meet professional and personal goals of their chosen profession, including graduate study; articulate and practice professional, ethical, environmental and societal responsibilities, and value different global and cultural perspectives. To meet the program objective, the faculty has designed a rigorous, demanding, and state-of-the-art curriculum that integrates lectures and laboratory experience in basic science, mathematics, engineering science, engineering design, and the liberal arts.

ABET Student Outcomes:

• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• 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
• an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• 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
• an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, crate a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Students entering chemical engineering are required to have a laptop computer at their disposal. Laptops do not need to be brought to campus on a daily basis, but individual courses may require that a laptop be brought to certain lectures, labs, and/or exams. Minimum requirements for the laptop are listed on the department’s website .

Course requirements are divided into three categories: lower-division courses in the major, upper-division courses in the major, and other required courses. Enrollment in some upper-division Chemical Engineering courses requires completion of eight hours of lower-division Chemical Engineering coursework ( Chemical Engineering 210 , 317 and 319 ) and 11 hours of non-Chemical Engineering coursework ( Chemistry 353 , Mathematics 427J ,  Physics 303L  and  105N ) in the major, while earning a grade of C- or better in each course. In addition, each student must complete the University's Core Curriculum . In some cases, a course required for the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering may also be counted toward the core curriculum; these courses are identified below. 

In the process of fulfilling engineering degree requirements, students must also complete coursework to satisfy the following flag requirements: one independent inquiry flag, one course with a quantitative reasoning flag, one ethics flag, one global cultures flag, one cultural diversity in the United States flag, and two writing flags. The independent inquiry flag, the quantitative reasoning flag, the ethics flag, and the two writing flags are carried by courses specifically required for the degree; these courses are identified below. Courses that may be used to fulfill flag requirements are identified in the Course Schedule .

Chemical engineering students who are in the Engineering Honors Program and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.50 may take the honors research course, Chemical Engineering 679H . In this course the student performs research over two consecutive semesters under the supervision of a faculty member, makes two oral presentations, and writes a thesis. Chemical Engineering 679H may be used to fulfill either the approved area electives requirement or the approved area electives in chemical engineering requirement.

Technical Option Areas

Because of the broad training in natural sciences and engineering received by the chemical engineer, opportunities are provided for students also to develop particular talents and interests in one or two areas of emphasis. Each student must complete 12 semester hours in one of the following areas or six semester hours in each of two areas. These courses must include at least two engineering courses, of which one must be in Chemical Engineering. If two technical option areas are selected, then two courses from each technical option area should be completed. The technical area courses should be discussed with a faculty advisor during faculty advising for the next registration period. The courses listed in each area do not constitute a complete list of technical option area courses but illustrate the types of courses that are generally suitable for a given area. A list of suggested complementary biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry electives for each of the technical option areas is available from the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Office and published on the departmental Web page.

Students who are interested in seeking an advanced degree in chemical engineering are encouraged to discuss their plans with the graduate advisor or another faculty member. They should also inquire about undergraduate research positions in the department.

For all areas, Chemical Engineering 377K  or 377L  may be counted as chemical engineering electives. Chemical Engineering 377K may be counted only once toward the degree. For all areas, 3 hours of so-op may be counted as an engineering elective.

The chemical process industry is one of the most advanced in the applications of modern design and control techniques and computer technology. Competence in design, economics, fault detection, optimization, control, and simulation is essential in this industry. Chemical engineers are also frequently involved in the development of new consumer and specialty products, an assignment that requires not only technical skills but also an understanding of the principles of successful marketing and quality control. Chemical engineering courses in this technical focus area cover topics such as optimization and statistical quality control, while courses in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering deal with both theory and applications in statistics, computer control, economic analysis, and operations research.

Chemical Engineering 341 , Design for Environment Chemical Engineering 342 , Chemical Engineering Economics and Business Analysis   Chemical Engineering 356 , Optimization: Theory and Practice Chemical Engineering 376K , Process Evaluation and Quality Control Chemical Engineering 379 , Topics in Chemical Engineering * Electrical and Computer Engineering 370K , Computer Control Systems Electrical and Computer Engineering 379K * Architectural Engineering 323K , Project Management and Economics   Mechanical Engineering 335 , Engineering Statistics   Mechanical Engineering 348F , Advanced Mechatronics II   Mechanical Engineering 353 , Engineering Finance   Mechanical Engineering 366L , Operations Research Models   Marketing 320F , Foundations of Marketing Upper-division mathematics course

*Approved topics

Advances in technology and improvements in our quality of life are linked to the development, processing, and manufacture of engineering materials. Materials span the spectrum from “hard” to “soft” materials and include metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers; all are prepared in carefully controlled chemical processes. These materials are used technologically in objects such as catalysts, fuel cells, microelectronic devices, membranes, solar cells, and high-performance plastics. With advancements in analytical probes and modeling, our understanding of materials has become increasingly more molecular and the traditional boundaries between disciplines have faded to the extent that this is a truly interdisciplinary area. Chemical engineers can assume a creative role in this area when provided with the appropriate fundamentals and applications background.

Chemical Engineering 322M , Molecular Thermodynamics   Chemical Engineering 323 , Chemical Engineering for Micro- and Nanofabrication   Chemical Engineering 355 , Introduction to Polymers   Chemical Engineering 379 * Chemistry 341 , Special Topics in Laboratory Chemistry   Chemistry 354 , Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy   Chemistry 354L , Physical Chemistry II Chemistry 367L , Macromolecular Chemistry Chemistry 376K , Advanced Analytical Chemistry Electrical and Computer Engineering 339 , Solid-State Electronic Devices   Mechanical Engineering 349 , Corrosion Engineering   Mechanical Engineering 359 , Materials Selection   Mechanical Engineering 374S , Solar Energy Systems Design   Physics 338K , Electronic Techniques   Physics 355 , Modern Physics and Thermodynamics   Physics 375S , Introductory Solid-State Physics

Chemical engineers are uniquely qualified to contribute to the solution of environmental problems and to design processes and products that minimize environmental hazards. From pollution prevention by process optimization, to new understanding of chemical processes that occur in the environment, to new materials for advanced catalysts and carbon-free energy sources, chemical engineers are creating the “green” technologies needed to sustain the planet.

Chemical Engineering 341 , Design for Environment   Chemical Engineering 357 , Technology and Its Impact on the Environment   Chemical Engineering 359 , Energy Technology and Policy Chemical Engineering 376K , Process Evaluation and Quality Control Chemical Engineering 379 * Civil Engineering 341 , Introduction to Environmental Engineering   Civil Engineering 342 , Water and Wastewater Treatment Engineering   Civil Engineering 364 , Design of Wastewater and Water Treatment Facilities   Civil Engineering 369L , Air Pollution Engineering   Civil Engineering 370K , Environmental Sampling and Analysis   Mechanical Engineering 374S , Solar Energy Systems Design   Mechanical Engineering 379M , Topics in Mechanical Engineering

Area 4, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Biomedical Engineering

Chemical engineers are developing innovative solutions to practical problems in biotechnology and in the biochemical, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. This track is designed to prepare students for a career or research in the areas of applied cellular engineering and bioprocess engineering in the chemicals and pharmaceutical industry. Chemical engineering and elective courses are available that cover chemical engineering principles applied to biological systems and the fundamentals of biomolecular, cellular, and metabolic processes. This track is also suitable for students interested in biofuels. Chemical Engineering 339 , Introduction to Biochemical Engineering Chemical Engineering 339P , Introduction to Biological Physics   Chemical Engineering 379 * Biochemistry 369 , Fundamentals of Biochemistry   Biochemistry 370 , Physical Methods of Biochemistry   Biology 325 , Genetics   Molecular Biosciences 326R , General Microbiology Molecular Biosciences 355 , Microbial Biochemistry   *Approved topics

This track is designed to prepare students for careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries that deal with medical systems or improvement of health treatment alternatives. This is also a natural track to be followed by students who plan to attend medical school. Chemical engineering courses and electives are available that cover the application of chemical engineering principles to the design of new medical and therapeutic devices, as well as to the understanding of physiological processes.

Chemical Engineering 339 , Introduction to Biochemical Engineering   Chemical Engineering 339P , Introduction to Biological Physics   Chemical Engineering 339T , Cell and Tissue Engineering   Chemical Engineering 355 , Introduction to Polymers Chemical Engineering 379 * Molecular Biosciences 320 , Cell Biology   Biology 325 , Genetics   Molecular Biosciences 326R , General Microbiology   Integrative Biology 365S , Human Systems Physiology   Biomedical Engineering 352 , Engineering Biomaterials   Biomedical Engineering 353 , Transport Phenomena in Living Systems   Biomedical Engineering 365R , Quantitative Engineering Physiology I   Biochemistry 369 , Fundamentals of Biochemistry   Electrical and Computer Engineering 374K , Biomedical Electronic Instrument Design   Mechanical Engineering 354 , Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering

The need for energy sustainability and new energy technologies provides some of the most significant scientific and engineering challenges that face society. Chemical engineers are uniquely qualified to address these issues and contribute new solutions to the problem. Technologies include solar energy utilization in the form of photovoltaics, biofuels and solar fuels; new and more efficient ways to extract fossil fuels from existing reservoirs; alternative power sources like wind, geothermal, and nuclear. Policy is also an important and active area that involves chemical engineers. Chemical engineering and other elective courses are available that teach fundamentals of energy technology and policy.

Chemical Engineering 323 , Chemical Engineering for Micro- and Nanofabrication   Chemical Engineering 339 , Introduction to Biochemical Engineering   Chemical Engineering 341 , Design for Environment   Chemical Engineering 355 , Introduction to Polymers   Chemical Engineering 357 , Technology and Its Impact on the Environment   Chemical Engineering 359 , Energy Technology and Policy Chemical Engineering 379 * Civil Engineering 341 , Introduction to Environmental Engineering   Electrical and Computer Engineering 339 , Solid-State Electronic Devices   Mechanical Engineering 374S , Solar Energy Systems Design   Mechanical Engineering 379M , Topics in Mechanical Engineering   Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering 430 , Drilling and Well Completions

Chemical engineers who understand the economic and policy issues faced by modern chemical and materials companies are needed to solve the challenges of modern industry. Globalization, sustainability, safety and modern labor practices, intellectual property protection, and the process of innovation are all issues facing modern industry. This focus area is designed to prepare students for business leadership in a technical arena.

Chemical Engineering 342 , Chemical Engineering Economics and Business Analysis   Chemical Engineering 356 , Optimization: Theory and Practice Chemical Engineering 379 , Topics in Chemical Engineering * Architectural Engineering 323K , Project Management and Economics   Economics 304K , Introduction to Microeconomics   Economics 304L , Introduction to Macroeconomics   Economics 328 , Industrial Organization   Economics 339K , International Trade and Investment Economics 351K , Current Issues in Business Economics   International Business 378 , International Business Operations   Mechanical Engineering 353 , Engineering Finance   Mechanical Engineering 366L , Operations Research Models   Marketing 320F , Foundations of Marketing   Marketing 460 , Information and Analysis

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2024-2025 General Information Catalog

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

2024-2026 Law School Catalog

2024-2025 Medical School Catalog

2024-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemical Engineering

About the Program

Bachelor of science (bs).

The College of Chemistry offers a major in Chemical Engineering leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, through the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The program equips the student for professional work in development, design, and operation of chemical processes and of process equipment. Students with high scholastic attainment are well prepared to enter graduate programs. The curriculum is accredited by ABET .

Admission to the Major

For information on admission to the major, please see the  College of Chemistry Admissions tab  in this Guide.

Minor Programs

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers undergraduate minors in Chemical Engineering and Responsible Process Implementation. For information regarding how to declare these minors, please contact the department. Please be sure to consult with your college or school for information on rules regarding overlap of courses between majors and minors.

Joint Major Programs with the College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering : BS Chemical Engineering/Nuclear Engineering : BS

Visit Department Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed in the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.

General Guidelines

• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 must be maintained in all courses undertaken at UC Berkeley, including those from UC Summer Sessions, UC Education Abroad Program, UC Berkeley in Washington Program, and XB courses from University Extension.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses taken in the college is required in order to advance and continue in the upper division.
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all upper division courses taken at the University is required to satisfy major requirements.
• Students in the College of Chemistry who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a chemical and biomolecular engineering or chemistry course for which a grade of C- or higher is required must repeat the course at UC Berkeley.

For information regarding grade requirements in specific courses, please see the notes sections below.

For information regarding residence requirements and unit requirements, please see the College Requirements tab.

Please note, the Academic Guide is updated only once a year. For the most current information on requirements please a look at the College of Chemistry  website .

Lower Division Requirements

• Students should take  CHEM 4A  and  CHEM 4B  during their freshman year, and CHEM 12A  and  CHEM 12B  during their sophomore year.
• A grade of C- or better is required in CHEM 4A before taking CHEM 4B , in CHEM 4B before taking more advanced courses, and in CHEM 12A  before taking CHEM 12B .
• A grade of C- or better is required in CHEM 12A before taking BIOLOGY 1A or CHEM 12B .
• A grade of C- or better in CHM ENG 140 is required before enrolling in any other chemical engineering courses.
• ENGIN W7 may be substituted for ENGIN 7 .
• ENGIN 7 must be taken before or concurrently with CHM ENG 141 and before CHM ENG 150B .
• Students should start MATH 1A in the first semester of their freshman year.
• Students should start PHYSICS 7A  in the second semester of the freshman year.

Upper Division Requirements

 A course used toward satisfaction of the open elective program or a concentration cannot also be used toward satisfaction of another college or major requirement.

A maximum of 6 units of research can be applied toward electives.

Open Elective Program

Students who do not choose a concentration must complete the following requirements for the open elective program:

  CHM ENG 196  may not be used to fulfill this elective requirement.

  Other engineering courses may be approved by the CBE Department.

Physical and Biological Sciences Electives List

Lower Division Engineering Electives List

Upper Division Engineering Electives List

Concentrations

The concentrations are Biotechnology, Chemical Processing, Energy and Environment, Materials Science and Technology, Business and Management, and Applied Physical Science. Students who plan to declare a concentration must do so no later than the end of their junior year. Double concentrations are not permitted.

Biotechnology

Chemical Processing

Energy and Environment

Materials Science and Technology

Students may take MEC ENG 122  without the prerequisite of  MEC ENG 108 .

Business and Management

Applied Physical Science

Minor Requirements

Chemical engineering minor.

Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. These programs have set requirements.

• All minors must be declared no later than one semester before a student's Expected Graduation Term (EGT). If the semester before EGT is fall or spring, the deadline is the last day of RRR week. If the semester before EGT is summer, the deadline is the final Friday of Summer Sessions. To declare a minor, contact the department advisor for information on requirements, and the declaration process.
• All courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements below must be taken for graded credit.
• A minimum of three of the upper division courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements must be completed at UC Berkeley.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.
• Students must consult with their college/school for information regarding an overlap of courses between their majors and minors.

Requirements

Students who have completed courses in other departments at Berkeley that are essentially equivalent to  CHM ENG 141  and  CHM ENG 150A  can substitute other courses from the above list.

College Requirements

All students in the College of Chemistry are required to complete the University requirements of  American Cultures ,  American History and Institutions , and  Entry-Level Writing .  In addition, they must satisfy the following College requirements:

Reading and Composition

In order to provide a solid foundation in reading, writing, and critical thinking the College requires lower division work in composition.

• Chemical Engineering majors: A-level Reading and Composition course (e.g., English R1A) by end of the first year
• Chemical Biology and Chemistry majors: A- and B-level courses by end of the second year
• R&C courses must be taken for a letter grade
• English courses at other institutions may satisfy the requirement(s); check with your Undergraduate Adviser
• After admission to Berkeley, credit for English at another institution will not be granted if the Entry Level Writing requirement has not been satisfied

Humanities and Social Sciences Breadth Requirement: Chemistry & Chemical Biology majors

The College of Chemistry’s humanities and social sciences breadth requirement promotes educational experiences that enrich and complement the technical requirements for each major.  

• 15 units total; includes Reading & Composition and American Cultures courses
• Remaining units must come from the following L&S breadth areas, excluding courses which only teach a skill (such as drawing or playing an instrument):

Arts and Literature Foreign Language 1,2 Historical Studies International Studies Philosophy and Values Social and Behavioral Sciences

To find course options for breadth, go to the  Berkeley Academic Guide Class Schedule , select the term of interest, and use the 'Breadth Requirements' filter to select the breadth area(s) of interest.

• Breadth courses may be taken on a  Pass/No Pass  basis (excluding Reading and Composition)
• AP, IB, and GCE A-level exam credit  may be used to satisfy the breadth requirement

1  Elementary-level courses may not be in the student's native language and may not be structured primarily to teach the reading of scientific literature.

2  For Chemistry and Chemical Biology majors, elementary-level foreign language courses are not accepted toward the 15 unit breadth requirement if they are used (or are duplicates of high school courses used) to satisfy the Foreign Language requirement.

Foreign Language (Language Other Than English [LOTE]) Requirement

Applies to Chemistry and Chemical Biology majors only.

The LOTE requirement may be satisfied with one language other than English, in one of the following ways:

• By completing in high school the third year of one language other than English with minimum grades of C-.
• By completing at Berkeley the second semester of a sequence of courses in one language other than English, or the equivalent at another institution. Only LOTE courses that include reading and composition, as well as conversation, are accepted in satisfaction of this requirement. LOTE courses may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
• By demonstrating equivalent knowledge of a language other than English through examination, including a College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Examination with a score of 3 or higher (if taken before admission to college), an SAT II: Subject Test with a score of 590 or higher, or a proficiency examination offered by some departments at Berkeley or at another campus of the University of California.

Humanities and Social Sciences Breadth Requirement: Chemical Engineering major

• 22 units total; includes Reading and Composition and American Cultures courses
• Breadth Series requirement: As part of the 22 units, students must complete two courses, at least one being upper division, in the same or very closely allied humanities or social science department(s).  AP credit may be used to satisfy the lower division aspect of the requirement.
• Breadth Series courses and all remaining units must come from the following lists of approved humanities and social science courses, excluding courses which only teach a skill (such as drawing or playing an instrument):

Arts and Literature Foreign Language 1,2 Historical Studies International Studies Philosophy and Values

• AP, IB, and GCE A-level exam  credit may be used to satisfy the breadth requirement

2  For chemical engineering majors, no more that six units of language other than English may be counted toward the 22 unit breadth requirement.

Class Schedule Requirements

• Minimum units per semester: 13
• Maximum units per semester: 19.5
• 12 units of course work each semester must satisfy degree requirements
• Chemical Engineering freshmen and Chemistry majors are required to enroll in a minimum of one chemistry course each semester
• After the freshman year, Chemical Engineering majors must enroll in a minimum of one chemical engineering course each semester

Semester Limit

Students who entered as freshmen: 8 semesters

Chemistry & Chemical Biology majors who entered as transfer students: 4 semesters

• Chemical Engineering and Joint majors who entered as transfer students: 5 semesters

Summer sessions are excluded when determining the limit on semesters. Students who wish to delay graduation to complete a minor, a double major, or simultaneous degrees must request approval for delay of graduation before what would normally be their final two semesters. The College of Chemistry does not have a rule regarding maximum units that a student can accumulate.

Senior Residence

After 90 units toward the bachelor’s degree have been completed, at least 24 of the remaining units must be completed in residence in the College of Chemistry, in at least two semesters (the semester in which the 90 units are exceeded, plus at least one additional semester).

To count as a semester of residence for this requirement, a program must include at least 4 units of successfully completed courses. A summer session can be credited as a semester in residence if this minimum unit requirement is satisfied.

Juniors and seniors who participate in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) for a full year  may meet a modified senior residence requirement. After 60 units toward the bachelor’s degree have been completed, at least 24 (excluding EAP) of the remaining units must be completed in residence in the College of Chemistry, in at least two semesters. At least 12 of the 24 units must be completed after the student has already completed 90 units. Undergraduate Dean’s approval for the modified senior residence requirement must be obtained before enrollment in the Education Abroad Program.

Minimum Total Units

A student must successfully complete at least 120 semester units in order to graduate.

Minimum Academic Requirements

A student must earn at least a C average (2.0 GPA) in all courses undertaken at UC, including those from UC Summer Sessions, UC Education Abroad Program, and UC Berkeley Washington Program, as well as XB courses from University Extension.

Minimum Course Grade Requirements

Students in the College of Chemistry who receive a grade of D+ or lower in a chemical engineering or chemistry course for which a grade of C- or higher is required must repeat the course at Berkeley.

Students in the College of Chemistry must achieve:

C- or higher in CHEM 4A before taking CHEM 4B

C- or higher in CHEM 4B  before taking more advanced courses

C- or higher in CHEM 12A  before taking CHEM 12B  

GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses taken in the college in order to advance to and continue in the upper division

Chemistry or chemical biology majors must also achieve:

C- or higher in CHEM 120A  and CHEM 120B  if taken before  CHEM 125  or CHEM C182

2.0 GPA in all upper division courses taken at the University to satisfy major requirements

Chemical engineering students must also achieve:

C- or higher in CHM ENG 140  before taking any other CBE courses

C- or higher in CHM ENG 150A  to be eligible to take any other course in the 150 series

Chemical engineering students who do not achieve a grade of C- or higher in CHM ENG 140  on their first attempt are advised to change to another major. If the course is not passed with a grade of C- or higher on the second attempt, continuation in the Chemical Engineering program is normally not allowed.

Minimum Progress

To make normal progress toward a degree, undergraduates must successfully complete 30 units of coursework each year. The continued enrollment of students who do not maintain normal progress will be subject to the approval of the Undergraduate Dean. To achieve minimum academic progress, the student must meet two criteria:

Completed no fewer units than 15 multiplied by the number of semesters, less one, in which the student has been enrolled at Berkeley. Summer sessions do not count as semesters for this purpose.

• A student’s class schedule must contain at least 13 units in any term, unless otherwise authorized by the staff adviser or the Undergraduate Dean.

Student Learning Goals

The mission of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is:

• To educate people for careers of leadership and innovation in chemical engineering and related fields.
• To expand the base of engineering knowledge through original research and by developing technology to serve the needs of society.
• To benefit the public through service to industry, government, and the engineering profession.

Fulfillment of this mission is achieved in part by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering's accredited undergraduate degree program in chemical engineering. The undergraduate curriculum comprises both a technical curriculum and breadth requirements.

The goals of chemical engineering breadth requirements are to teach the arts of writing clearly and persuasively, to develop the skills to read carefully and evaluate evidence effectively, and to instill an awareness of humanity in historical and social contexts. The Berkeley American Cultures requirement affirms the value of diversity in acquiring knowledge.

The technical curriculum in chemical engineering seeks to provide students with a broad education emphasizing an excellent foundation in scientific and engineering fundamentals.

Learning Goals for the Major

1-An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complx engineering problems by applying the 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 a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

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

7-An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Major maps are experience maps that help undergraduates plan their Berkeley journey based on intended major or field of interest. Featuring student opportunities and resources from your college and department as well as across campus, each map includes curated suggestions for planning your studies, engaging outside the classroom, and pursuing your career goals in a timeline format.

Use the major map below to explore potential paths and design your own unique undergraduate experience:

View the Chemical Engineering Major Map.

CHM ENG 24 Freshman Seminars 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2019 The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Freshman Seminars: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week

Additional Format: One hour of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering/Undergraduate

Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final exam required.

Freshman Seminars: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 40 Introduction to Chemical Engineering Design 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Spring 2020 Design and analysis of processes involving chemical change. Strategies for design, such as creative thinking and (re)definition of the design goal. Methods for analyzing designs, such as mathematical modeling, empirical analysis by graphics, and dynamic scaling by dimensional analysis. Design choices in light of process efficiency, product quality, economics, safety, and environmental issues. Introduction to Chemical Engineering Design: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Math 1B OR Chem 4A

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and one and one-half hours of discussion per week.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.

Introduction to Chemical Engineering Design: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 84 Sophomore Seminar 1 or 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Spring 2010 Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores. Sophomore Seminar: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: At discretion of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 5 weeks - 3-6 hours of seminar per week 10 weeks - 1.5-3 hours of seminar per week 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of seminar per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-5 hours of seminar per week 8 weeks - 2-4 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: unit(s):one hour of seminar per week; 2 unit(s):two hours of seminar per week. unit(s):one and one-half hours of seminar per week; 2 unit(s):three hours of seminar per week for 10 weeks. unit(s):two hours of seminar per week; 2 unit(s):four hours of seminar per week for 8 weeks. unit(s):two and one-half hours of seminar per week; 2 unit(s):five hours of seminar per week for 6 weeks. unit(s):three hours of seminar per week; 2 unit(s):six hours of seminar per week for five weeks.

Sophomore Seminar: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 90 Science and Engineering of Sustainable Energy 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 An introduction is given to the science and technologies of producing electricity and transportation fuels from renewable energy resources (biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, and wave). Students will be introduced to quantitative calculations and comparisions of energy technologies together with the economic and political factors affecting the transition from nonrenewable to sustainable energy resources. Mass and energy balances are used to analyze the conversion of energy resources. Science and Engineering of Sustainable Energy: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A or 4A

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Instructors: Bell, Segalman

Science and Engineering of Sustainable Energy: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 98 Directed Group Studies for Lower Division Undergraduates 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022 Supervised research on a specific topic. Directed Group Studies for Lower Division Undergraduates: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Credit Restrictions: Enrollment is restricted; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of directed group study per week

Additional Format: One hour of work per week per unit.

Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.

Directed Group Studies for Lower Division Undergraduates: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 98W Directed Group Study 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2015 Directed group study consisting of supplementary problem sets, review sessions, and discussions related to chemical engineering. Topics vary with instructor. Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: This Chemical Engineering 98W is planned for students who are concurrently enrolled in Chemical Engineering 140

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Twenty hours of independent study per week.

Directed Group Study: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 101 Chemical Business Fundamentals I 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This upper division course for science and engineering students is the first of a two-course series that covers the business fundamentals for technology professionals. This course is only offered as part of a four-course summer minor program in Responsible Process Implementation within the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Through the use of applicable cases and examples from the chemical and process industries, students will learn the basic concept of business and the role that technology professionals are expected to play in a business environment. Chemical Business Fundamentals I: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 10 hours of lecture and 3 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Ten hours of lecture and three hours of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).

Chemical Business Fundamentals I: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 102 Chemical Business Fundamentals II 4 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This upper division course for science and engineering students is the continuation of a two-course series that covers the business fundamentals for technology professionals. This course is only offered as part of a four-course summer minor program in Responsible Process Implementation within the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. It is intended to introduce the marketing, product development, and operational aspects of a business enterprise , to help technology professionals optimize their effectiveness when performing their duties within a multifunctional organization, and to illuminate the effects of their actions and decisions on the performance of a business entity. Chemical Business Fundamentals II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CHMENG S101

Chemical Business Fundamentals II: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 103 New Process Implementation: Concept to Commercialization 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This upper division course for science and engineering students is to be taken in the second 6-week summer session of the summer minor program in Responsible Process Implementation within the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Students will use all of the materials presented in this program to address process design and control challenges. Specifically, they will learn how to make process design and control decisions that satisfy all of the technical requirements and optimize the economic benefits while addressing the ethical, environmental, and social impact. New Process Implementation: Concept to Commercialization: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CHM ENG 101 & CHM 101

New Process Implementation: Concept to Commercialization: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 104 Ethics and Professional Social Responsibility 1 Unit

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 This upper division course for science and engineering students covers the concept of environmental ethics and responsibility in the chemical industry. This course is only offered as part of a summer minor program in Responsible Process Implementation by the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. It is intended to impress upon the importance of professional social responsibilities of engineering decision making. Topics of discussion include corporate citizenship , business and stakeholder relationship, environmental responsibilities, engineering and technology ethics and other key aspects of engineering professional social responsibilities such as social justice, health, safety and welfare of stakeholders. Ethics and Professional Social Responsibility: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: CHM ENG 101

Summer: 6 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week for 6 weeks.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.

Ethics and Professional Social Responsibility: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 130 Mathematics and Statistics in Chemical Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 The purpose of this course is to teach students the analytical, numerical, and statistical methods required for setting up and solving mathematical problems, with emphasis on CBE applications. Methods for solving algebraic equations, initial value problems, boundary value problems, and partial differential equations, as well as probability theory, will be covered. Programming tools such as Python and Matlab will be used in this course. This is not a programming course. The majority of the learning will be through the active use of these programs by the students in solving assigned problems. Mathematics and Statistics in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

Mathematics and Statistics in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 140 Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Material and energy balances applied to chemical process systems. Determination of thermodynamic properties needed for such calculations. Sources of data. Calculation procedures. Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 4B (may be taken concurrently) or Chemistry 1B; and Physics 7B (may be taken concurrently)

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.

Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 141 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Thermodynamic behavior of pure substances and mixtures. Properties of solutions, phase equilibria. Thermodynamic cycles. Chemical equilibria for homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 140 with a grade of C- or higher; Engineering 7, which may be taken concurrently

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture and One hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 142 Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Analysis and prediction of rates of chemical conversion in flow and nonflow processes involving homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 141 with a grade of C- or higher; 150B, which may be taken concurrently

Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 143 Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 The purpose of Chemical Engineering Modeling and Computations in Chemical Engineering is to teach students the methodologies used in setting up mathematical models of simple chemical processes and operations, and the numerical techniques used to simulate them. Included are techniques to obtain physical properties of mixtures/solutions using equations of state. This is followed by simple processes such as vapor liquid equilibrium, separation operations such as distillation, heat transfer, and chemical reactions in ideal reactors such as stirred tank and plug flow. Later on, real chemical process equipment and processes are modeled and simulated, using many of the techniques learned earlier. Programming languages such as Matlab and... Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Objectives & Outcomes

Course Objectives: The focus of this course is on developing insights into chemical processes and operations through the use of modeling and computations. This is not a programming course. The instructors will provide introduction to the use of Aspen and the other codes, but the majority of the learning will be through the active use of these programs by the students in solving assigned problems.

Student Learning Outcomes: The course will be consistent with the overall objectives of the Chemical Engineering curriculum as outlined in the ABET guidelines.

Prerequisites: E7 and CHM ENG 140

Computational Methods in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 150A Transport Processes 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer with application to chemical processes. Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes and around submerged objects. Flow measurement. Heat conduction and convection; heat transfer coefficients. Transport Processes: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 140 with a grade of C- or higher; Math 54, which may be taken concurrently

Transport Processes: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 150B Transport and Separation Processes 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Principles of mass transfer with application to chemical processes. Diffusion and convection. Simultaneous heat and mass transfer; mass transfer coefficients. Design of staged and continuous separations processes. Transport and Separation Processes: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 141 with a grade of C- or higher; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 150A with a grade of C- or higher; Engineering 7

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Six hours of lecture and two hours of discussion per week for 8 weeks.

Transport and Separation Processes: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 154 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Experiments in physical measurements, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, kinetics, and separation processes. Emphasis on investigation of basic relationships important in engineering. Experimental design, analysis of results, and preparation of engineering reports are stressed. Chemical Engineering Laboratory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 141, 142, and 150B

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture and 8 hours of laboratory per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 16 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and eight hours of laboratory per week. Two hours of lecture and sixteen hours of laboratory per week for 8 weeks.

Chemical Engineering Laboratory: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 160 Chemical Process Design 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Design principles of chemical process equipment. Design of integrated chemical processes with emphasis upon economic considerations. Chemical Process Design: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 142, 150B, and 154. 154 can be taken concurrently

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 6 hours of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Six hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week for 8 weeks.

Chemical Process Design: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 161S Industrial Chemical Process Design 6 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Design of chemical processes and equipment, with an emphasis on industry-sponsored and/or industry-tailored processes Industrial Chemical Process Design: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: Teach students the strategies used in the design of chemical processes through an authentic industrial project.

Student Learning Outcomes: • Develop an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. • Develop the ability to design an integrated chemical engineering-based process to meet stated objectives within realistic constraints. • Establish proficiency in the design process and project management fundamentals. • Gain an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 142, 150B, and 154

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 6 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Six hours of lecture and six hours of discussion per week for 8 weeks.

Instructors: Bryan, Sciamanna

Industrial Chemical Process Design: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 162 Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Analysis of the dynamic behavior of chemical processes and methods and theory of their control. Implementation of computer control systems on process simulations. Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 142 and 150B; Mathematics 53 and 54

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of laboratory per week

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of computer laboratory per week.

Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 170A Biochemical Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course intends to introduce chemical engineers to the essential concepts of bioprocessing for applications in the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries. The course focuses on the use of chemical engineering skills and principles, including but not limited to kinetics and reactor design, thermodynamics and transport phenomena in the analysis and design of biologically-based processes, as well as the economical analysis and ethics. The main emphasis of 170A, the first of a two-semester sequence will be on the upstream bioprocess of how to make products by designing unit operations and processes around living systems of cells. Biochemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: BIO ENG 11 or MCB 102 (or equivalent) highly recommended. Chem Eng 150B and Chem Eng 142 or concurrent, or consent of instructor(s)

Instructors: Zhang, Ryder

Biochemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 170B Biochemical Engineering 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course intends to introduce chemical engineers to the essential concepts of bioprocessing for applications in the biopharmaceutical, industrial biotech, and food tech industries. The course focuses on the use of chemical engineering skills and principles, including but not limited to kinetics and reactor design, thermodynamics and transport phenomena in the analysis and design of biologically-based processes, as well as the economical analysis and ethics. The main emphasis of 170B, the second of a two-semester sequence will be on the downstream bioprocess of recovery, separations and purification of bio-based products. Biochemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: 170

CHM ENG C170L Biochemical Engineering Laboratory 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2018, Spring 2014, Spring 2013 Laboratory techniques for the cultivation of microorganisms in batch and continuous reactions. Enzymatic conversion processes. Recovery of biological products. Biochemical Engineering Laboratory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical Engineering 170A (may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 7 hours of laboratory and 1 hour of lecture per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture and seven hours of laboratory per week.

Also listed as: CHEM C170L

Biochemical Engineering Laboratory: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 171 Transport Phenomena 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Fall 2018, Spring 2011 Study of momentum, energy, and mass transfer in laminar and turbulent flow. Transport Phenomena: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 150B

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Transport Phenomena: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 176 Principles of Electrochemical Processes 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 Principles and application of electrochemical equilibria, kinetics, and transport processes. Technical electrolysis and electrochemical energy conversion. Principles of Electrochemical Processes: Read More [+]

Principles of Electrochemical Processes: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C178 Polymer Science and Technology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Spring 2015 An interdisciplinary course on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymer materials. Emphasis on the molecular origin of properties of polymeric materials and technological applications. Topics include single molecule properties, polymer mixtures and solutions, melts, glasses, elastomers, and crystals. Experiments in polymer synthesis, characterization, and physical properties. Polymer Science and Technology: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Junior standing

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Also listed as: CHEM C178

Polymer Science and Technology: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 179 Process Technology of Solid-State Materials Devices 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Chemical processing and properties of solid-state materials. Crystal growth and purification. Thin film technology. Application of chemical processing to the manufacture of semiconductors and solid-state devices. Process Technology of Solid-State Materials Devices: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Engineering 45; one course in electronic circuits recommended; senior standing

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture/laboratory per week.

Process Technology of Solid-State Materials Devices: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 180 Chemical Engineering Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2020 Optimal design of chemical processes and unit operations, emphasizing the interactions between technical and economic considerations. Analysis of process risks. Chemical and biomolecular process design in the presence of uncertainties. Interest rate determinants and their effects on chemical process feasibility and choices. Relationships between structure and behavior of firms in the chemical processing industries. Multivariable input-output a nalyses. Chemical Engineering Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 142 and 150B. Consent of instructor

Chemical Engineering Economics: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 182 Nanoscience and Engineering Biotechnology 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2020 This nanoscale science and biomolecular engineering course will cover emerging topics in applied biotechnology and nanotechnology. Topics include enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibition, recombinant protein generation, cell culture, genome editing, drug design, nanoparticle-based gene and drug delivery, fluorescence imaging, and sensors. The course will also probe the interface of biology with nanomaterials, and standard microscopic techniques to image biological structures and nanoscale materials. Nanoscience and Engineering Biotechnology: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Bio 1A or BioE 11 and Physics 7A

Instructor: Landry

Nanoscience and Engineering Biotechnology: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 183 Climate Solutions Technologies 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020 This course for upper division students in science and engineering disciplines covers energy and climate and specific technologies that can be implemented to reduce global warming. Topics include renewable energy (wind and solar), carbon management technologies including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage, and Negative Emissions Technologies. The technologies will be described and compared from an upper level chemical engineering perspective that includes fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and separations. We will also cover carbon economics and policies and life-cycle analysis. The course will be framed from a systems-thinking perspective. Throughout the course we will focus on key aspects of communicating climate science. Climate Solutions Technologies: Read More [+]

Course Objectives: After taking this course, students should be able to discuss and explain to peers the role of CO2 in the earth’s climate, the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle and how it relates to the fate of greenhouse gases on many time scales, and the role of fossil fuel combustion in the energy landscape and in CO2 emissions. Students in this class will gain experience in applying principles of systems thinking, engineering design and analysis to specific technologies that are relevant for mitigating climate change in the immediate future. Students will appreciate the critical role that communication plays in the path to implementation of solutions and will be comfortable engaging in a discussion about climate solutions with technical and non-technical peers. Students will gain a basic understanding of economics relative to climate policies, and of climate solutions currently being discussed by policymakers; they will gain an understanding of how these individual solutions fit into a global scheme. Students will gain knowledge about the most current technologies available for producing energy renewably, managing carbon, and reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

Prerequisites: Chem 1A,B or 4A,B, Phys 7A,B, Math 1A,B

Instructor: Went

Climate Solutions Technologies: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG H193 Senior Honors Thesis 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015 A senior honors thesis is written in consultation with the student's faculty research advisor. This is a required course for students wishing to graduate with honors in Chemical Engineering. Senior Honors Thesis: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Senior standing, approval of faculty research advisor, overall GPA of 3.4 or higher

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 9 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Nine hours of independent study per week.

Senior Honors Thesis: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG H194 Research for Advanced Undergraduates 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Original research under direction of one of the members of the staff. Research for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of 3.4 overall at Berkeley and consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Individual conferences.

Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.

Research for Advanced Undergraduates: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 195 Special Topics 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Fall 2019 Lectures and/or tutorial instruction on special topics. Please refer to the Notes section in the Academic Guide for the current course description. Special Topics: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-4 hours of independent study per week

Special Topics: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG C195A The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research. The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1B or Chemistry 4B, Mathematics 1B, Biology 1A

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit under special circumstances: Repeatable when topic changes with consent of instructor.

Instructors: Bell, Blanch, Clark, Smit, C. Somerville

Also listed as: BIO ENG C181/CHEM C138/PLANTBI C124

The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 196 Special Laboratory Study 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023 8 Week Session Special laboratory or computational work under direction of one of the members of the staff. Special Laboratory Study: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2-3 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 5-8 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 3.5-6 hours of independent study per week 10 weeks - 3-4.5 hours of independent study per week

Special Laboratory Study: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 197 Field Study in Chemical Engineering 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 Supervised experience in off-campus organizations relevant to specific aspects and applications of chemical engineering. Written report required at the end of the term. Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for the bachelor's degree. Field Study in Chemical Engineering: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of fieldwork per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of fieldwork per week 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of fieldwork per week 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of fieldwork per week

Additional Format: Three hours of field work per week per unit.

Instructor: Strauss

Field Study in Chemical Engineering: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 198 Directed Group Study for Undergraduates 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022 Supervised research on a specific topic. Enrollment is restricted; see Introduction to Courses and Curricula section in the General Catalog. Directed Group Study for Undergraduates: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Completion of 60 units of undergraduate study and in good academic standing

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-3 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-7.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: One hour of lecture per week per unit.

Directed Group Study for Undergraduates: Read Less [-]

CHM ENG 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015 Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 2.5-10 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of independent study per week 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Four hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. One and one-half to Six hours of Independent study per week for 10 weeks. One and one-half to Seven and one-half hours of Independent study per week for 8 weeks. Two and one-half to Ten hours of Independent study per week for 6 weeks.

Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Department of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

201 Gilman Hall

Phone: 510-642-2291

Department Chair

Bryan McCloskey

[email protected]

Undergraduate Dean

121 Gilman Hall

[email protected]

Director of Undergraduate Student Services

Phone: 510-643-0550

[email protected]

Academic Advisor

Shamaya Pellum

Phone: 510-643-1745

[email protected]

Jahzeel Flores Morales

Phone: 510-642-7919

[email protected]

Mellia Kanani

Phone: 510-642-3451

[email protected]

Intake Advisor

Maritsi Perez

Phone: 510-664-5264

[email protected]

Print Options

When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Chemical engineering, bsche.

The chemical engineering program offers students a broad education built on fundamentals in science, mathematics, and engineering, which are then applied to contemporary problems using modern tools, such as computational software and computer-aided design. Chemical engineers have traditionally been employed in chemical, petrochemical, agricultural chemical, pulp and paper, plastics, cosmetics, and textiles industries and in consulting and design firms. Today, chemical engineers also play an integral role in bioprocesses and biomedicine, Big Data and artificial intelligence, sustainability and energy, and study of advanced materials, including nanotechnology. For example, chemical engineers are creating new materials needed for space exploration, alternative energy sources, and faster, self-powered computer chips. In biotechnology and biomedicine, chemical engineers are working to understand human diseases, developing new therapies and drug delivery systems, and producing new medicines through cell culture techniques. Chemical engineers employ nanotechnology to revolutionize sensors, security systems, and medical diagnostics and treatments. In addition to creating important products, chemical engineers are also involved in protecting our environment by exploring ways to reduce acid rain and smog; to recycle and reduce wastes; to develop new sources of environmentally clean energy; and to design inherently safe, efficient, and “green” processes. The role of a chemical engineer is to develop new products and to design processes while reducing costs, increasing production, and improving the quality and safety of new products. 

The degree also serves as a springboard to advanced study in chemical engineering or postgraduate pathways including law school, business school, or medical/health professions school. 

Visit the department website for program educational objectives.

• Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.  
• Certain options within the program may be  required  at certain campuses or for certain program modalities.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality. 

Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where specified and complete any additional courses needed beyond specific college and major requirements to satisfy graduation credit requirements.

Universitywide Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to complete the  Universitywide Requirements .

NUpath Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to complete the  NUpath Requirements .

NUpath requirements Interpreting Culture (IC), Understanding Societies and Institutions (SI), Engaging Differences and Diversity (DD), and Integrating Knowledge and Skills Through Experience (EX) are not explicitly satisfied by required engineering coursework. Successful completion of a cooperative education experience fulfills the EX requirement. Students are responsible for satisfying unfulfilled NUpath requirements with general elective coursework.  

Engineering Requirements

Concentration or Electives Option

A concentration is not required.  Students may complete the electives option in lieu of a concentration.

• Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems
• Complex and Computational Systems
• Energy and Sustainability
• Materials and Nanotechnology
• Electives  

Supporting Courses: Mathematics/Science 

Complete all mathematics/science courses with a minimum of 30 semester hours.

Supporting Courses: Advanced Science 

Professional Development

Writing Requirements

Required General Electives

Major GPA Requirement

A 2.000 minimum GPA is required in CHME coursework.

Program Requirement

134 total semester hours required

Students can substitute  Engineering Design ( GE 1110 )  and  Engineering Problem Solving and Computation ( GE 1111 )  for  Cornerstone of Engineering 1 ( GE 1501 )  and  Cornerstone of Engineering 2 ( GE 1502 )  .

Concentration in Biomolecular and Biomedical Systems

Concentration in Complex and Computational Systems

Concentration in Energy and Sustainability

Concentration in Materials and Nanotechnology

Electives Option

Sample Plans of Study

Four years, two co-ops in summer 2/fall.

Four Years, Two Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1

Five Years, Three Co-ops in Summer 2/Fall

Five Years, Three Co-ops in Spring/Summer 1

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Chemical Laboratory Business Plan

Start your own chemical laboratory business plan

Granite Industries, Inc.

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Granite Industries, Inc. (Granite) is a specialty chemical formulator, lab analysis agency, and toll manufacturer, selling products to companies from cosmetics manufacturers to food supplement marketers. We manufacture and distribute Creatine Monohydrate, an approved food supplement used to improve strength, endurance, and muscle mass. Granite also produces five other speciality chemicals that will be detailed later in this document. A strong knowledge-based management team, with a combined thirty-years of experience in this industry, incorporated Granite.

Granite is a niche player in the speciality- and industrial-chemicals business, focusing on value-added products which are not widely or readily available in the United States. We have perfected unique manufacturing processes resulting in lower manufacturing costs and high profitability. We have established a network of strategic alliances with distribution companies who lack our capability to ascend from laboratory to commercial scale and manufacture products in accordance with quality specifications.

Our distributors and our customers have given us an opportunity to provide products beyond our present capability. We need to add equipment, increase our inventory, and establish marketing and support activities.

Sales and Projections

We have had sales increase steadily over the last three years. These numbers give us a strong reference point on which we have based our sales projection for the upcoming three fiscal years. Our projected sales for the three years of this plan are shown in the Sales Forecast table.

Funding Requirements

We are seeking adequate capital to enable us to expand our operation and become a major factor in the production of chemicals in the industrial, consumer, and textile markets Our signature product is Creatine Monohydrate; we manufacture both the powdered and liquid forms. We are the only company in the world capable of manufacturing this product in liquid form. Our market research shows that the demand for this product alone justifies the expansion of our facilities.

Note: Customer and Distributor company names and financial information have been removed from this sample plan to protect proprietary and confidential information.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of this business plan are outlined below:

• Sales increasing by leaps and bounds through Year 3.
• Gross Margin the envy of the industry.
• Net Profits increases commensurate with sales growth.

1.2 Mission

We have the management team and the chemical formulations to become a major player in the specialized niche we serve. We have developed new technology and processes that are in demand by other chemical manufacturers as well as by major distributors who do not have the ability to produce our speciality products. We see our mission as not only that of toll and custom manufacturer, but as a trade supplier where we can reach the end-user market with products we consider to be proprietary. We seek a fair and responsible profit, enough to keep the company financially healthy for the long term and to satisfactorily compensate owners and investors for their money and risk.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Granite began operations as a custom and toll chemical manufacturer. The management team consists of a president and CEO, a vice president of operations and marketing and a physician.

Note: Names have been removed for confidentiality.

2.1 Company History

Beginning in June, we spent the remainder of our first year outfitting our manufacturing facility, which included equipment installation and build-out. We became fully operational the first quarter of our second year. Our concentration was on small lot toll manufacturing and custom orders. In that same quarter we were approached by Customer A, LLC to become a subcontractor for a $23 million order they had from Manufacturer A. They offered us a mirror contract to produce Creatine Monohydrate. It was necessary for us to expand facilities to meet the requirements and we were successful in obtaining an SBA loan through Wachovia Bank. The loan process took 12 months and we were only able to accommodate a small part of the Customer A order during that period through financial support from the principals. Customer A had to have a back-up producer during this period. Unfortunately that producer failed to meet Manufacturer A’s quality standards and Customer A defaulted on the contract. This also ended our contract.

We returned to our original plan which has continued to the present time. Our experience with Customer A brought us to realize that the market for Creatine Monohydrate exceeds $300 million. Creatine is an FDA approved food supplement which is used by athletes and weekend sports enthusiasts alike. More importantly, we realized that we would be the only domestic source of this product. Proceeding from that point, and with no marketing program other than word-of-mouth, we achieved increasing sales in the succeeding years. Our financials in this document provide the details as well as our projections. We are convinced that this is a lucrative market and that, with adequate equipment and marketing, we can capture a significant part of it.

Note: Customer and Distributor company names and financial information have been removed from this sample plan to protect proprietary and confidential information.

2.2 Company Ownership

Granite incorporated in Delaware as a C Corporation. The company is owned in equal shares by the three members of the management team.

Creatine Monohydrate . This is a dietary supplement commonly used by athletes to improve strength, endurance, and muscle mass. Creatine has become the most popular body building supplement in use today. It is sold in many forms through health food stores, drug stores, and discount chains. The leading producers of Creatine are in Europe, and only a few recently in the United States. The distribution system is complex, with manufacturers selling through a layered system. We have developed a Creatine-based drink which is one-of-a-kind. We hope to begin marketing the product in 2001. Sales potential is well over $1 million per year.

Kelate Cu . This is a specialty product used in cosmetics. It is distributed through Distributor A by special arrangement. Their largest customers are Estee Lauder and Revlon. We project sales of this product to be between $140,000 and $175,000 per year.

Melasyn 100 . This is a synthetic form of natural melanin. It is used as a pigment for vitiligo preparation and as a self tanning agent. It is water soluble, which makes it easy to formulate in cosmetic preparations. We are working with Customer A to supply this product to Distributor A. We project sales of $250,000 in 2001.

G-REZ DB . This is a specialty coating material used on industrial buffing pads. We developed the product at the request of the Customer C and sales can reach $300,000 in 2001.

Ion Exchange Resins . We provide a toll drying service for Customer D at a level of $35,000 per year. We feel this can increase substantially with additional equipment.

Recrystallized Flavoring Product A . This is a crude Flavor A extract. We purify the extract into an edible grade flavoring using our proprietary recrystallization process. It is then used in both food and tobacco industries. We teamed with Distributor B, the world’s largest distributor of Flavor A, to develop the process. Broker A is the broker. Estimated sales based on current demand levels are $75,000 in 2001.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

We are a highly technical niche player with a specialized product line that is in great demand. Our target markets are the distributors who have established relationships with speciality products firms, textile chemical companies, and consumer products outlets. We are essentially the manufacturing arm for these distributors and can provide development services, as well as products for them.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Our market is divided into three segments:

• Industrial Products : In this segment our customers include Customer B, Customer D and Distributor A.
• Consumer Products : Handled primarily through distributors.
• Textile Products : Customers are: Customer E, Customer C, Customer F and Customer G.

Customer Profiles :

• Customer E . This family of  companies are manufacturers and distributors of textile speciality chemicals. Our sales to them in 1999 were $59,000, and were $72,000 in 2000. Our sales to them are estimated to grow to $250,000.
• Customer A . A marketing and chemical broker company. We provide product and process development and manufacturing services. They are the agent for Creatine Monohydrate, Kelate CU, and Melasyn 100. The potential here is over $2 million in sales.
• Broker A . A marketing company and chemical broker. We process ion exchange resins and purified Flavoring Product A for them. We can anticipate $200 to $300,000 in sales to them per year.
• Distributor A . A marketing company. They specialize in cosmetic and personal care products. They are the distributors of Kelate Cu, Melasyn 100, and Provitamin B-5, all of which we produce for them.
• Customer B . We produce corrosion inhibitors for them.
• Customer C . The world’s largest supplier of industrial buffing pads. We have developed special coatings for them which have been approved and recommended to their worldwide subsidiaries.
• Customer D . Manufacturers and distributors of ion exchange resins. We provide both custom and toll manufacturing processes for them. Custom and toll manufacturers are two types of distributors that Granite serves. A custom manufacturer may provide the materials for Granite to use the formula and processes on. A toll manufacturer provides their own materials and formulation for Granite to mix the product.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Consumer Market : This is potentially our biggest market for Creatine Monohydrate; it is limited only by our ability to produce. We have distributors who are begging for the product and we have back orders now, so it is only logical that we will devote most of our time meeting this demand. We look at the potential in this market as the basis for our growth.

Industrial Products : Here, we are selling both through distributors as well as direct to manufacturers. This is an untapped market and has been sustained by our reputation and ability to meet formulation criteria. We know that a marketing effort in this segment will produce sales that could quite possibly bring this segment to an equal level with the consumer market.

Textile Products : We have enough experience within this segment to know that once our manufacturing capability is up and running we could actually devote an entire marketing effort to this segment alone. Both our toll and custom manufacturing capability is strategically attractive to all textile manufacturers, including growing markets outside the U.S.

4.3 Industry Analysis

The chemical industry is characterized by a wide variety of companies ranging in size from the large companies such as DuPont and Monsanto to smaller specialty firms such as ours. The companies are generally organized by either end-use markets or product technology. In the past decade there has been a general trend in the industry to change emphasis from chemicals to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The cost of product development and the need to operate factories at high levels of capacity have caused chemical companies of every size to outsource parts of the chemical and manufacturing processes. This has created opportunities for smaller companies to create and occupy niches in development and contract manufacturing. The outsource industry providers occupy a market segment commonly identified as custom and toll manufacturers.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

In the mainstream business, channels are critical to volume. Manufacturers and distributors with impact in the international chemical market desperately need speciality and toll manufacturers like us to meet the demand. There are many specialty manufacturers, all of whom seem to have carved out a specific niche of expertise, and upon whom these major manufacturers depend for products. In competition, it seems that the line is drawn at the level of quality performance. We have achieved that level and are recognized for a high standard of quality performance. Companies who would seem to be our competition have subcontracted production to us because they do not have the ability to supply that level of quality.

We have achieved another milestone in the industry by developing certain formulations which we estimate would cost another firm $450,000 to duplicate. The Creatine Monohydrate formulation and process is one of them. We have the only process in the world that can produce this supplement in liquid form. It is extremely important that we seize this opportunity and begin to exclusively market this product.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

We address the market through three business segments: speciality products, textile chemicals, and consumer products. We are a highly technical niche player who has developed strong alliances with distributors who have powerful channel relationships but lack manufacturing or product development capabilities.

Our marketing strategy assumes that we will serve these distributors in three ways:

• Toll Manufacturers , where our customer provides the raw materials and the formulation and we mix to his/her specifications.
• Custom Manufacturers , where our customer may provide materials but we provide the formulation and the processes.
• Trade Supplier , where we develop and sell our own lines of products based on industry and customer needs.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Our competitive edge is in the formulations and manufacturing processes we have developed for the production of the seven products in which we specialize. As detailed above, we are in an excellent position to capture a significant part of the $300 million Creatine Monohydrate market. We simply need to establish a marketing program and begin to promote our capability.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy is outlined below in three phases.

• Phase One is to accommodate our existing customers and to make sure that current orders and subsequent orders are maintained.
• Phase Two will commence when our facilities are expanded. We will then be able to accept new clients and contact companies who have shown interest in our products and be able to accommodate their orders.We plan to hire a high-quality sales person to assist in defining our marketing program.
• Phase Three will begin with the hiring of two additional sales representatives who will develop our end-user program wherein we will begin to sell our own product lines.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

Our sales forecast assumes no significant change in costs or prices, which is a reasonable assumption for the past two years.

Our sales increased from 1997 to 1999. We anticipate a slight drop in 2000 due to financial constraints. All of these sales were without the benefit of a marketing program. We feel that with a good marketing program and adequate manufacturing facilities we can achieve substantially increased sales goals in 2001 and 2002. While this seems ambitious, we rely on our distributors’ projections and based on that, we know we will be able to literally sell to the production capacity of our manufacturing facilities.

5.3 Milestones

The following table shows specific milestones, with responsibilities assigned, dates, and budgets. We are focusing, in this plan, on a few key milestones that can be accomplished. In addition, shortly following funding we will hire a vice president of marketing and two office personnel. Plant personnel will be added as equipment and facilities are operational.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

We have a strong management team that can boast of over 30 years experience in technical and management expertise. Each member has a specific contribution. The president and CEO has spent 20 years working in the chemical industry, and is adept at expanding companies that are well-grounded, but lacking in funding. The vice president of Granite is a specialist in consulting for small business on strategic planning and growth programs. And the final member of the team contributes expertise in start-ups among the pharmaceutical industry. Together, this team has a proven background of expertise and is more than capable of transforming Granite into a leading specialty chemical manufacturer.

Note: Names and resume information have been removed from this sample plan to protect proprietary and confidential information.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Our present plan is to immediately bring two people into the manufacturing operation, followed by an additional two or three throughout the next year. We need to begin looking for a capable marketing professional who has a background in chemical sales. We would like to bring that person on board mid 2001. Followed by one or two sales representatives with both interpersonal and telephone marketing skills. We will also employ support personnel as required.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

We plan to support our growth and debt obligations through increased sales and cash flow. Our major debt with Wachovia Bank is secured by personal and company collateral. Our financials do not include our estimate of the value of proprietary chemical formulations, nor the value of assignable customer contracts.

7.1 Important Assumptions

Positive The assumptions that support our projections in these tables are: The move to larger facilities and the additional equipment will result in increased production; and the back orders and new orders will be shipped. We have excellent agreements with our primary sources of supply and assume there will be no change in these relationships.We also assume that the demand for Creatine and our other products will continue to increase as evidenced in our market research.

Negative Another company could develop some of the formulations we have, in which case we would lose some of the technical and market advantage we now have. This will also decrease our valuation. If we cannot find a capable marketing person, who is both sales and technically savvy, in time to get into this market, we would be at a disadvantage. Our hope is that whomever takes an equity position in this project will add marketing expertise. Technology changes, as do buying habits and social structure. A major change in any one of these areas can have a detrimental effect on our business.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

Our Break-even Analysis is based on running costs, the “burn rate” costs we incur to keep the business running, not on theoretical fixed costs that would be relevant only if we were closing. Between payroll, rent, utilities, and other basic day to day costs, we think the monthly figure shown below is a good estimate of fixed costs. Our average variable costs are shown as well. Our COS will be approximately 44% of sales, and we anticipate a healthy profit margin before taxes and debt service in 2001, increasing in 2002.

Our assumptions in average unit sales and average cost per kilogram depend on averaging. We do not really need to calculate an exact average because this is sufficiently close to help us to understand what the real break-even point will be.

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

Our profit projection before taxes or debt service for 2001 is attainable. In 2002, we anticipate an increase in net profit, and in 2003 as well.

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

Our cash position at the present time is negligible due to financial constraints in maintaining production for existing orders and being unable to expand to meet future demand. We expect to manage cash flow over the next three years with a couple infusions of new equity investment. We feel that, with the accompanying increases in accounts receivable and inventory, we can extend our line of short term credit. Because of our toll manufacturing capability, inventory can be maintained at a fairly constant level. Receivables, however, will increase dramatically in 2001, and possibly double by 2003.

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet