The surface science of colloidal and biological systems is studied with application to the separation of bioproducts, enzymatic catalysis in organic solvents, interfacial transport phenomena, and the thermodynamics of surfactant aggregation and solubilization. Surface chemistry is applied to novel, ultrafine materials of 1-10 nm. Since 1916, the David H. Koch School of Chemical Engineering Practice has been a major feature of the graduate education in the department. In this unique program, students receive intensive instruction to broaden their education not only in the technical aspects of the profession, but also in communication skills and human relations, which are frequently decisive factors in the success of an engineering enterprise. The practice school program stresses problem solving in an engineering internship format, where students undertake projects at industrial sites under the direct supervision of resident MIT faculty.
Credit is granted for participation in the practice school in lieu of preparing a master's thesis.
The operation of the practice school is similar to that of a small consulting company. The resident staff work closely with the technical personnel of the host companies in identifying project assignments with significant educational merit, and with solutions that make important contributions to the operation of the host plants. At the practice school, students work on three or four different projects. Groups and designated group leaders change from one project to another, giving every individual an opportunity to be a group leader at least once. To complete the requirements of at least 66 subject units, of which 42 units must be in H-level subjects, together with an acceptable thesis, generally takes four terms.