Chemical Engineering
From Unofficial Guide to Engineering
Contents |
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineers contribute to a broad spectrum of technical activity reaching into nearly every aspect of advanced technology. This breadth of activity is illustrated by a vast range of representative endeavors: fibers and films from man-made polymers, new liquid and gaseous fuels from coal, drug and antibiotic manufacture, food preservation, unique chemicals from enzymatic reactions, thin-film processes for electronic devices, new catalysts for energy needs, removal of air and water pollutants, nuclear fuel reprocessing, solar energy system development, new battery and fuel-cell systems, and countless others. The chemical engineers' interest in these fields is in the invention and development of materials and processes useful to society. Historically, their work has been pivotal and indispensable. The unique element of their involvement in these fields is their capability to plan and implement chemical transformations and separations. In the complex processes of both nature and industry, chemical and physical phenomena are nearly always closely associated. It is the interaction between such phenomena that the chemical engineer seeks to master.
What careers are available in Chemical Engineering?
Chemical Engineering is often thought of as being process design -- running plants to create materials, chemicals, and other substances. However, since it is such a diverse field it ties into many, if not all of the major sciences and many other fields. Aside from Chemical Process Industries, Chemical Engineers have found positions in fields such as: Electronics, Environmental, Fuels, Advanced Materials, Design and Construction, Biotechnology, Foods and Beverages, and even Business, Law, and the Government.
- Chemical Process Industries
Chemical Engineers are commonly pictured as working in Chemical Process industries. Generally, these jobs involve working with chemicals to make other chemicals, plastics and polymers, paper, soap, and many other materials.
- Advanced Materials
Usually in this field, Chemical Engineers work to develop better materials for a variety of uses, such as metals and plastics better for airplanes, different types of glass, or even making better chemicals for developing pictures.
- Biotechnology
Biotechnical Chemical Engineers design the processes for the care, feeding, and collecting of living beings used to create new and better drugs, artificial organs, or even DNA for research.
- Business
Engineers in a business environment have several positions they could take. For example, a sales and marketing engineer would assist customers by providing training, selling products, and working to meet the needs of their clients. A Technical Services engineer would also work with customers to help troubleshoot problems with a process or a specific machine. A consultant could work with many different clients and help decide and design exactly what's necessary for each.
- Design and Construction
As their name indicates, design and construction chemical engineers work to design, construct, and troubleshoot processes, machinery, and equipment for safe and efficient plants.
- Electronics
Chemical Engineers in the electronics industry could be involved in designing better materials, or even in manufacturing microchips.
- Environmental
Chemical Engineers always are concerned with the environment. A Chemical Engineer focusing on the environment would work to minimize wastes and by-products, or find new uses for them. They also try to design safer working areas.
- Fuels
Chemical Engineers are often thought to work solely in petroleum companies. This has been a traditional workplace for them. However, modern Chemical Engineers have found positions working with nuclear and synthetic fuels and designing alterate energy sources.
- Foods and Beverages
New packaging, safer techniques, or flavor improving ingredients are a few of the things a Chemical Engineer could design working in the Foods and Beverages industry.
- Law
Intellectual property and patent law are two very important things for Chemical Engineers to keep in mind. Some Chemical Engineers can become attorneys working to ensure patents are not infringed upon by other companies.
Chemical Engineering at Berkeley
The College of Chemistry offers a major in chemical engineering leading to the B.S. degree. 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 the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
The department is richly endowed with human and material resources to accomplish its educational objectives. Eighteen full-time faculty members with expertise spanning nearly every major area of the field conduct the courses from sophomore level through the graduate level. All are actively engagged in research.
AICHE is a student group that provides chemical engineering students to learn more about the opportunities they have as chemical engineers.
Student Comment
“The study is very rigorous! Grasping the fundamentals and mastering their applications do not come spontaneously. The survivial kit I have acquired is to collaborate with peers and interact with the faculty members, who are very accessible and friendly. At first, I thought this major has a lot to deal with chemistry, but is really not. To me, choosing chemical engineering as my major is a safe bet. Basically, with this major, I can work in a broad range of disciplines. Let's say, as a Chem E, I can also do ME's stuff but not vice versa. Of course, this is just my perspective. Anyway, this major makes me think out of the box.”--David Law (Class of 2007)
Links
Chemical Engineering department at Berkeley: http://cheme.berkeley.edu/
