Chemical Engineering

James H. Edgar, Head

University Distinguished Professors: Fan and Edgar; Professors: Erickson, Glasgow, Hohn, Pfromm, Rezac, and Schlup; Assistant Professors: Anthony and Berry; Emeriti Professors: Akins, Kyle, and Matthews.

1005 Durland Hall
785-532-5584
Fax: 785-532-7372
E-mail: che@k-state.edu
www.che.k-state.edu

Chemical engineers contribute to society by providing an essential link between the basic chemical sciences and commercial application and production. Chemical engineering is a core engineering discipline, firmly rooted in the basic sciences. As a result, chemical engineering graduates have a broad array of career choices available to them. Chemical engineers find employment in the chemical and allied industries including energy, petrochemicals, biotechnology, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, the environment, and microelectronics.

Educational objectives

In consultation with the stakeholders for our baccalaureate program, the department has established the following program mission, objectives, and outcomes. The program objectives describe the career and professional accomplishments expected of our graduates during their first few years in the profession. The program outcomes describe what our students are expected to know and be able to do upon graduation. These program objectives and outcomes are directed toward the further development and continuous improvement of our undergraduate program.

Mission

The mission of the chemical engineering undergraduate program is to produce graduates who strive to better the human condition throughout the world by application of their technical knowledge and professional skill.

Objectives

As engineers, graduates will: (1) be well grounded in the fundamentals of chemical engineering so as to be prepared for the spectrum of career opportunities available to them, (2) have developed the professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and engineering ethics, necessary to practice their profession in a diverse world, (3) be capable of meeting the challenges of a world characterized by rapidly increasing technical complexity, (4) have an awareness of the impact of technology on society, (5) contribute both to society in general and to their profession in particular, and (6) compete favorably while pursuing advanced studies and become lifelong learners.

Outcomes

Graduates will have: (1) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering, (2) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, (3) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data, (4) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs, (5) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams, (6) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility, (7) an ability to communicate effectively, (8) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context, (9) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning, (10) a knowledge of contemporary issues, and (11) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Areas of concentration

If a student desires to emphasize a particular area such as biochemical, food, computer and control systems, energy, materials, or environmental engineering, there are three possibilities: areas of emphasis, minors, and secondary majors.

For an area of emphasis the student selects appropriate technical electives. Lists of recommended technical electives for some of the areas for emphasis commonly chosen are available at our departmental website.

Students interested in preparing for medical or law school should consult the Pre-Professional Programs section of this catalog.

A student may also complete requirements for a secondary major in an area such as natural resources and environmental sciences or biological engineering . Other opportunities are described in the Secondary Majors section of this catalog.

Selection of technical electives and choices for areas of concentration should be made in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.