Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Major

PREPARES YOU TO DEVELOP CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND APPLY THEM TO CHANGE RAW MATERIALS INTO USEFUL ONES

The Chemical Engineering program at Penn, in continuous operation since 1893, ranks among the finest in the country. The recent name change to include the word “Biomolecular” recognizes the important role modern disciplines such as molecular biology and genetic engineering now play in our profession.

Our modern program combines engineering principles with concepts from chemistry, physics, and biology. Our flexible Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) curriculum includes theory, problem-solving techniques and experimental work. Small classes encourage professor-student interactions and the senior process design course utilizes the expertise of industrial colleagues from local chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Our interdisciplinary approach prepares students for leadership roles in industry, academia, and the public sector in a variety of technical areas including chemical, petrochemical and materials processing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental remediation, and energy storage and conversion. The breadth of our curriculum is also of particular value to those seeking additional education in medicine, law, and business.

Educational Objectives of the CBE Program

The undergraduate program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering strives to provide our students with opportunities to:

• excel in engineering practice and research careers in the chemical, biochemical, energy, and materials industries;
• use our versatile program to excel in other career paths such as business, medicine, law, government, and education;
• excel in top-ranked engineering graduate programs and professional schools;
• be critical, creative, and independent thinkers who use their technical expertise to address societal needs;
• be recognized as leaders in their chosen fields; and
• be sensitive to the social, ethical,and technical implications of their work on the environment, safety, and health of citizens worldwide.

CBE Sample Curriculum