Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering
Location: 101 Lucas Building, Phone: (409) 880-8784
Chair: Thomas Ho
Chemical engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and other natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind. The chemical engineer enters into almost every modern industry. From petroleum to synthetic rubber, from semiconductor to medicines, the chemical engineer engages in design, research, development, production, sales, and management. Among the fields in which the chemical engineer is of prime importance are petroleum, petrochemicals, metals, plastics, paints, drugs and foods, paper, glass, dyes, synthetic fibers, and a host of others.
The Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering was among the first at Â鶹AV to seek accreditation for its undergraduate program. The bachelor's program in chemical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, .
Mission
The Chemical Engineering Department will provide the program, environment, facilities, faculty, and staff to prepare and educate each student to be a leader/problem-solver for industry, academia, or government.
Program Educational Objectives
The following broad statements describe what the department’s undergraduate chemical engineering graduates are fully expected to attain a few years after graduation.
- Successfully pursue a chemical engineering career in traditional and non-traditional industries and/or pursue an advanced degree
- Engage in lifelong learning and advance the practice of chemical engineering in a socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible manner
- Advance professionally with increasing leadership and responsibility beyond entry level
Student Outcomes
The student outcomes used by the chemical engineering program are those published in the ABET “Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs” document. Those outcomes are as follows:
a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
g) an ability to communicate effectively
h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
i) a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning
j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Program Criteria
The Chemical Engineering Program criterion as listed in the ABET "Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs" is as follows:
The curriculum must provide a thorough grounding in the basic sciences including chemistry, physics, and biology, with some content at an advanced level, as appropriate to the objectives of the program. The curriculum must include the engineering application of these basic sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and/or biological processes, including the hazards associated with these processes.
Degree Offered