Topic: What is the Chemical Engineering Curriculum Like?
The first step in researching the curriculum for the Chemical engineering program was to purchase the University of Nevada General Catalog for 2001-2002. Assessing the requirements of a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, you must first chose an option of concentration. Once that is determined the classes can be researched and the credit load counted. The credit load is very intense for a 4-year graduation date, and requires discipline for all the students attempting the program. The classes are also very technical and a very strict regiment must be adhered to, or delays in your graduation are possible.
The website (www.unr.edu/chemengr) provides information about the facility which teaches the curriculum and allows the student to become familiar with the faces behind the names. It is also is a means to lean about career placement after graduation, and opportunities available to the current student body. The course schedule, catalog and syllabi link was used to check for and last minute changes to the current class offerings and times.
The required text to Ch.E 101, Introduction to Chemical Process (Chapters 1 and 2), does introduce new concepts that a chemical engineer in the field might encounter. From a first year students point of view the ideas introduced were very exciting as well as the format. For those who love chemistry, physics and math, the curriculum is going to be very challenging and rewarding.
We asked a student to the Collage of Engineering (Civil, Class of 97) what we could expect from the curriculum (general engineering curriculum). He stated, "From day one, there was no slacking off since the credit load kept me very busy compared to my friends that were not enrolled as engineering majors. As long as you keep up, and do not allow yourself to get behind you will do fine." Other advice he offered was, "Try to participate in as many organizations and groups associated with engineering as possible." This individual loves his career choice, and since passing his P.E. examination he has had many new opportunities presented to him.
Other than the curriculum what does a chemical engineer do? The headline of the brochure for the American Chemical Institute of Chemical Engineers states that chemical engineers are responsible for the production of items, "from microchips to potato chips." The Princeton Review states, "Chemical engineering is a problem solving profession with a practical basis; expect to answer how more than any other question." Within their text they describe that a chemist might invent a better fertilizer, but the chemical engineer might design a means for mass production, which involves costs of production, human resources, environmental impact, efficiency, etc. They also describe average salary, average salary after 5 years, and surveys of work satisfaction.
In closing all of these resources helped us make a decision on a career path. The curriculum is very challenging but rewarding. We feel we have a good idea about some of the opportunities available to a graduate, and have interest in those areas.
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