The Undergraduate Program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland
- What is chemical and biomolecular engineering?
- What will I learn if I major in chemical and biomolecular engineering?
- What kinds of projects do ChBE majors get to work on?
- Will I be able to get research experience as an undergraduate?
- What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S. in chemical engineering?
What is chemical and biomolecular engineering?
Traditionally, chemical engineers were—and still are—concerned with research and process development that can lead to new means of materials production or a better understanding of existing techniques. These materials and processes may be chemical, petrochemical, or biochemical. On-the-job challenges include the efficient operation of a chemical plant, its equipment, or subunits; quality control for products we use every day, like food, cosmetics, soap, paper, and paint; the technical services plants require to stay operational; the sale and distribution of products; and general management or executive direction.
Over the last 20 years, biology has taken its place alongside chemistry as one of the sciences forming the basis of the chemical engineering discipline. The profession has now expanded to include creating biochemical products such as pharmaceuticals, materials for biomedical applications, and new fuel sources from agricultural waste. Chemical and biomolecular engineers are also creating products at the nonoscale, including advanced drug delivery systems and "smart" fluids that respond to light and electrical signals.
What will I learn if I major in chemical and biomolecular engineering?
Students in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland learn to use a combination of mathematical, physical, chemical, and biological science concepts within a rigorous engineering design framework, graduating with a unique set of skills highly valued by a wide range of employers in industry, academia, and the government.
For more information about our program's goals, see:
For more information about admissions, and required and elective coursework, see:
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Sample Program
- Curriculum and Credit Requirements
- ChBE Courses
- ChBE Electives
TopWhat kinds of projects do ChBE majors get to work on?
Projects in undergraduate courses are diverse. For example, a course in particle science could include studying aerosol drug delivery systems, powder production for cosmetics or alternative energy applications, or means of reducing of particulate air pollutants such as diesel soot. A course on the engineering of soft nanostructured materials, or "soft condensed matter", introduces students to materials used in the production of everyday products like toothpaste and shampoo, and foods like Jello, yogurt, and ketchup. Students might also explore bioremediation, the process of using biological agents, especially bacteria, to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted soil or water; tiny computer circuitry built using chemical reactions; biosensors for human health and safety; and alternative energy sources such as solar cells.
Will I be able to get research experience as an undergraduate?
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An undergraduate student sets up the flame aerosol reactor in the P2OWDER (Pursuing Particulate Opportunities with Dedicated Engineering Research) lab, which focuses on nanoparticle research. Because particles are almost everywhere and in or on almost everything, they affect our environment and the products we use, for better or for worse. "Bad particles" cause allergies and air pollution, can interfere with manufacturing, or BE used for terrorism. "Good particles" are used in medications, paint, biosensors (to detect bad particles), agriculture, cosmetics, and research to improve fuel efficiency. Learn More » |
Research experience for undergraduates is an important part of our program, and an opportunity many ChBE departments do not or cannot offer. Approximately half of our students graduate with significant lab experience and most find it to be one of the high points of their undergraduate education.
Typically, students spend several semesters working closely with a faculty member on an individual research project—real research that involves developing and experimentally testing new chemical and biomolecular engineering technologies using state-of-the-art laboratory and computational facilities. Recent projects include developing a process to make metal powders for microelectronics applications, applying green chemistry concepts, and the development of tiny, biocompatible capsules to be used for targeted drug delivery.
Student research can be arranged to count toward class credit, or as on-campus employment, providing the student with extra financial support. Some of our students have even been invited to present findings at seminars and national chemical engineering conferences, while others have been published!
What kinds of jobs can I get with a B.S. in chemical engineering?
The wide range of the chemical and biomolecular engineering profession and the department’s unique strengths in nanotechnology and biotechnology prepare our students for outstanding careers. Students may find opportunities in industries such as chemicals (inorganic and organic), food processing and manufacturing, metallurgical engineering, polymers, energy conversion, environmental engineering, petroleum (refining, production, or petrochemical), and pharmaceuticals. Other possible careers include the research and development activities of many public and private research institutes and government agencies and labs. Our graduates have taken jobs with companies like DuPont, ExxonMobil, Proctor & Gamble, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Defense.
And on top of all of the options, and opportunities, chemical and biomolecular engineers have traditionally ranked at or near the top of starting salaries among all of the engineering professions!
To learn more about career paths for chemical and biomolecular engineers, see:
Our students also benefit from the Clark School's office of Engineering Co-op & Career Services, which gives students 24-hour access to engineering co-op, internship, summer, post-graduation, and part-time job listings. It also runs free resume clinics, career fairs, and other workshops for job seekers! Visit them online at www.coop.eng.umd.edu to learn more.
Questions?
Questions about the undergraduate program in chemical and biomolecular engineering may be sent to chbeundergrad@umd.edu.
