These products range from plastics, paper and fuels to medicines and computer microchips. The education of the chemical engineer covers advanced chemistry, physics, mathematics, general engineering, computer applications, material balances, energy balances, economics, chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, kinetics and reator design, unit operations and trasport processes, and process control, with laboratories emphasizing these ares along with oral and written communication skills.
Chemical engineers work in many phases of the production of chemicals and chemical products.
Like all engineers, they apply the theories of science to arrive at practical and economical solutions of society's technical problems and needs. They take the new innovations and research discoveries to the marketplace. Their work may involve production, operations, customer service, sales, or research in industries producing petroleum and petrochemicals, plastics, forest products, semiconductors, microchips, metals, paper, pharmaceuticals, or foods. Meaningful careers are also available with governmental agencies or private foundations associated with space, energy, chemicals, and the environment. In this class you will gain an understanding of the training and background of a chemical engineer.