Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering

GARY M. SCOTT, Chair
205 Walters Hall
315-470-6501 FAX 315-470-6945

• Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering website
  

Participating Faculty:

AMIDON (Biorefinery, Fiber Properties, Paper Properties, Manage-ment, Pulping, Bleaching, De-inking), S. CHATTERJEE (Transport Phenomena, Design, Simulation, Pollution Abatement), BUJANOVIC (Chemistry of Lignocellulosics and Products, Lignin Structure and Reactivity, Pulping, Bleaching), FRANCIS (Bioenergy, Chemical Engineering, Pulping), KEENAN (Microbiology, Applied Biochemistry, Forest-based Bioprocesses, Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics, Bio-ethanol Production), LAI (Chemistry of Wood, Pulping, Bleaching, Bioproduct Development), LIU (Bioengineering, Fermentation, Kinetics, Separation, Pulping, Bleaching, Fiber Properties), RAMARAO (Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation, Flow Phenomena, Process Control), SCOTT, Chair (Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Paper Machine Operations, Recycling, Modeling)

The paper engineering, paper science, and bioprocess engineering programs provide a broad base of study in the field of paper and bio-based products to prepare graduates for professional positions in the pulp, paper, bioproduct and other industries. This bio-based industry is the fifth largest in the nation and is very strong inter-nationally. The college pioneered instruction for the pulp and paper industry in 1920 with the formation of a paper science and engineering department and has maintained a leading position in this area of professional education. Recently, the department’s pioneering efforts have led to new technologies in the biorefinery, biochemical, and bioprocessing areas.

These programs have a long-standing reputation for preparing graduates for such rewarding positions as research chemists, process engineers, technical service representatives, and managers. Graduates have advanced to positions of leadership in research, management, technical operations, and sales in the pulp and paper industry as well as allied industries of heavy equipment manufacture, process chemicals, and other bio-based industries. Other graduates have gone on to successful careers in medical, chemical and other varied fields.

The programs provide education in the physical sciences and chemical engineering, with specific emphasis on those aspects that relate to the sustainable manufacture of pulp and paper, and other products from wood and other lignocellulosic materials. This includes the chemistry, anatomy, and components of wood; the conversion of wood to pulp, paper, and other products; and the chemistry and physics of paper and paper formation. The engi-neering programs include the basics of chemical engineering with a foundation of unit operations and specialized courses, for example, in air and water pollution abatement from an industrial perspective. The paper engineering program extends this foundation to present a chemical engineering education tailored specifically to the pulp and paper industry. The bioprocess engineering program extends a chemical engineering education with a focus on biomass feedstocks and biological processes rather than a focus on petroleum. The industry is now using advanced chemistry and biotechnology to improve its utilization of renewable carbon and hydrogen in lignocellulosics. The paper science program takes a more science-based (e.g., chemistry or biology) approach to the study of pulp and paper systems. With the science program, students are able to more deeply explore a particular aspect of the industry. The paper engineering and paper science programs have identical first years, allowing students to switch between programs without loss of course credits. Similar lower-division schedules among all three programs allow students to switch programs with only minimal disruption.

The Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering is located in Walters Hall, which is devoted to education and research in pulp, paper, bioproduct, bioenergy, and allied fields. In addition to a large number of special purpose laboratories and highly sophis-ticated scientific equipment, there is a pilot plant equipped with machinery and instrumentation for studies of pulping, pulp cleaning and screening, recycling, refining, and papermaking. Equipment includes two complete paper machines, one 48-inch and one 12-inch; two pressurized refiners for mechanical pulping; and auxiliary equipment. An environmental engineering laboratory includes various methods of paper recycling and waste treatment. A state-of-the-art laboratory for testing paper and other materials is in service. Facilities also include equipment for the biological treatment and the separation processes for production of specialized chemicals and polymers from wood, including a 400-liter fermenter, nanoseparation equipment, and incubators for the growth of ligninolytic organisms. This equipment, as well as the extensive chemical engineering laboratory, is employed for both education and research. Computer hardware and software are continually updated for teaching and research in process control and simulation.

The paper engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET).

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Bachelor of Science in Bioprocess Engineering

The bioprocess engineering program prepares students for careers as engineers in biologically-related fields, filling positions that are typically filled by chemical engineers following additional training. As we begin the 21st century, growth and development worldwide will need to be done in an ecologically-friendly manner that looks to the long-term future of the environment. The bioprocess engineering program seeks to educate engineers versed in the traditional chemical engineering fields with a focus on developing products and energy from sustainable sources, especially from wood and other lignocellulosic materials rather than non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels.

Students study a broad base of topics in the fundamentals of engineering focused on the chemical and biological processing of raw materials from sustainable sources. Emphasis in this program is on using renewable biomass resources to replace petroleum in energy and industrial product applications. Examples of such tech-nology include the production of ethanol, acetic acid, polymers, and other chemicals that have traditionally been produced from fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas.

Students gain valuable experience through a capstone-design experience in which they work on significant problems in the design and implementation of new technologies. In addition, a summer internship is required of all students during which they gain valuable skills and experience in terms of technical knowledge and pro-fessional development. Both of these experiences serve to integrate the knowledge gained in their coursework with real-world work experiences commonly seen in their first positions after graduation.

The curriculum consists of a number of categories of courses. The general education component, which is required of all ESF students, broadens the students’ perspectives on global and societal issues, an important component of any education. Students also take a number of courses in math and the basic sciences—chemistry, physics, and biology—to provide the background for the courses that prepare students for engineering practice. The engineering courses cover a variety of topics that are traditional for a chemical engineering pro-gram, supplemented with courses specific to bioprocess engineering.

Students may be admitted to the bioprocess engineering program as first-year students with appropriate science backgrounds from their high school or as transfer students at any level with accommodations for coursework requirements. Students who have the associate degree in engineering science, chemical technology, biological sciences, or general science and mathematics are encouraged to apply as transfer students.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Lower Division Required Courses (56 credits)

APM	153	Computing Methods	PE 1	3
APM	485	Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists	M 2	3
BPE	132	Orientation Seminar: Bioprocess Engineering	ES 3	1
CLL	190	Writing and the Environment	G 4	3
CLL	290	Writing, Humanities, and the Environment	G	3
EFB	226	General Botany	G,NS 5	4
EFB	285	Principles of Zoology	NS	4
FCH	150	General Chemistry I	NS	3
FCH	151	General Chemistry Laboratory I	NS	1
FCH	152	General Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	153	General Chemistry Laboratory II	NS	1
FCH	221	Organic Chemistry I	NS	3
FCH	222	Organic Chemistry Laboratory I	NS	1
FCH	223	Organic Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	224	Organic Chemistry Laboratory II	NS	1
FOR	207	Introduction to Economics	G	3
MAT	295	Calculus I	G,M	4
MAT	296	Calculus II	M	4
MAT	397	Calculus III	M	4
PHY	211	General Physics I	G,NS	3
PHY	221	General Physics Laboratory I	NS	1

Electives (12 credits)

General Education Course: American History	G	3
General Education Course: Western Civilization	G	3
General Education Course: Other World Civilization	G	3
General Education Course: The Arts	G	3

Upper Division Required Courses (46 credits)

APM	395	Probability and Statistics for Engineers	M	3
BPE	304 305 498	Summer Internship in Bioprocess Engineering OR Co-op Experience in Bioprocess Engineering OR Research Experience in Bioprocess Engineering	ES	2
BPE	310	Colloid and Interface Science in Bioprocess Engineering	ENG 6	3
BPE	320	Bioseparations	ENG	3
BPE	335	Transport Phenomena	ENG	3
BPE	336	Transport Phenomena Laboratory	ENG	1
BPE	421	Bioprocess Kinetics and Systems Engineering	ENG	3
BPE	440	Bioprocess and Systems Laboratory	ENG	3
BPE	481	Bioprocess Engineering Design	ENG	3
CLL	405	Writing for Science Professionals		2
ERE	223	Statics and Dynamics	ES	4
ERE	362	Mechanics of Materials	ES	3
ESF	200	Information Literacy		1
PSE	361	Engineering Thermodynamics	ENG	3
PSE	370	Principles of Mass and Energy Balances	ENG	3
PSE	371	Fluid Mechanics	ENG	3
PSE	480	Engineering Design Economics	ENG	3

Free Electives (3 credits)

Free Elective

3

Directed Electives (15 credits)

in biology, chemistry and engineering, selected from the following:

Biology Elective Courses (3-6 credits)

BTC	401	Molecular Biology Techniques	3
BTC	425	Plant Biotechnology	3
BTC	426	Plant Tissue Culture Methods	3
EFB	120	The Global Environment & the Evolution of Human Society	3
EFB	303	Introductory Environmental Microbiology	4
EFB	307	Principles of Genetics	3
EFB	308	Principles of Genetics Laboratory	1
EFB	320	General Ecology	4
EFB	325	Cell Physiology	3
EFB	326	Diversity of Plants	3
EFB	336	Dendrology	3
EFB	400	Toxic Health Hazards	3
EFB	413	Introduction to Conservation Biology	3
EFB	427	Plant Developmental Biology	3
EFB	440	Mycology	3
EFB	445	Plant Ecology	3
EFB	505	Microbial Ecology	3
EFB	516	Ecosystems	3
EFB	518	Systems Ecology	4
EFB	522	Ecology, Resources and Development	2
EFB	530	Plant Physiology	3
EFB	531	Plant Physiology Laboratory	2
FOR	321	Forest Ecology and Silviculture	3
FOR	345	Introduction to Soils	3
WPE	376	Decay of Wood Products	3

Chemistry Elective Courses (3 credits)

CHE	375	Structural and Physical Biochemistry	3
FCH	390	Drugs from the Wild	3
FCH	440	Introduction to Chemical Ecology	3
FCH	524	Topics in Natural Products Chemistry	3
FCH	530	Biochemistry I	3
PSE	350	Pulping and Bleaching Processes	3

Engineering Elective Courses (6-9 credits)

CEN	461	Environmental Chemistry and Analysis	3
CEN	545	Physiochemical Methods in Waste Treatment	3
CIE	341	Environmental Engineering I	3
CIE	342	Environmental Engineering II	4
ERE	440	Water Pollution Engineering	3
ERE	441	Air Pollution Engineering	3
ERE	506	Hazardous Waste Management	3

Students must take at least 6 credits of additional courses in engineering. At least one course must be from the environmental engineering courses listed above. Additional engineering electives may be any upper-division engineering course approved by the advisor. The directed electives must total at least 15 credits.

TOTAL MINIMUM CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE

132

Summer Orientation Program

All entering students (both first-year and transfer students) in the bioprocess engineering program are required to participate in the BPE Orientation Program (BPE 132) held at the end of May at an ESF field location in the Adirondacks. The exact dates of the three-day program are typically established in March. It is quite beneficial for students to attend this orientation before starting classes, as the student can learn a great deal about the curriculum and the bioprocess industry. The purpose of the program is to familiarize the student with the basic aspects of the bioprocess industry, to prepare the student for the fall courses, and to prepare the student for summer job interviews that also begin in the fall semester. The orientation program includes tours of industrial facilities and extensive discussions of the tours.

Internships, Co-ops, and Research Experiences

Bioprocess engineering students enjoy the advantage of hands-on learning in the bioprocess and allied industries through internships and co-ops. All students are required to complete a two-credit internship, co-op, or research program in the industry. Internships provide students with valuable experience, financial benefits, and two credits toward graduation. Students must submit a report and give a presentation for completion of the internship.

Students who complete a co-op in addition to the 12-week internship find the experience highly valuable because they are often able to see engineering projects through to their completion. Generally, students who have had the co-op experience are more highly recruited for permanent employment.

The co-op position, when taken in conjunction with the summer internship, consists of a work period approximately seven months in duration, either beginning in May and ending in December, or beginning in January and ending in August. Usually it takes students who complete a co-op one extra year to complete the degree requirements. Co-op students are enrolled for two credits and are required to submit a project report to fulfill the require-ments for the class.

The employment interview schedule generally begins in mid-October with scheduling preference given to Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation member companies. Some companies schedule interviews for co-ops and summer internships at the same time they hold interviews for permanent positions. Other companies choose to hold interviews for co-ops and interns in the spring semester.

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Bachelor of Science in Paper Engineering

The paper engineering program is designed to provide greater depth in chemical engineering education for students preparing for an engineering career in the pulp, paper, and allied industries as well as many other industries. Students graduating from this program are well-suited for employment as process engineers in the paper and allied chemical industry, as well as many other career opportu-nities. Graduates are well prepared to move into assignments in the engineering field and advance quickly to positions of responsibility in the analysis and design of processes, products and equipment.

Courses present the principles of engineering with the disciplines and examples selected especially for the pulp and paper industry. Courses include study in the basic sciences—chemistry, physics, computer science—as well as engineering topics such as statics and dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, electricity, and design. The general education component, which is required of all ESF students, broadens the students’ perspectives on global and societal issues, an important component of any education. The engineering courses cover a variety of topics that are traditional for a chemical engineering program, supplemented with courses specific to pulp and paper engineering.

Students in the program gain valuable experience through a capstone-design experience in which they work on significant problems in the design and implementation of new technologies, typically in conjunction with a local recycled-paper mill. In addition, a summer internship is required of all students in which they gain valuable skills and experience in terms of technical knowledge and professional development. Both of these experiences serve to inte-grate the knowledge gained in their coursework with real-world work experiences commonly seen in their first positions after graduation.

Students may enter the bachelor of science program as first-year students or as transfer students at any class level with accommo-dations for program requirements. Students who have the associate degree in engineering science, chemical technology, general engineering, chemistry, or general science and mathematics are encouraged to apply as transfer students.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Lower Division Required Courses (55 credits)

Courses                                                                                       Credits

APM	153	Computing Methods	PE 7	3
APM	485	Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists	M 8	3
CLL	190	Writing and the Environment	G 9	3
CLL	290	Writing, Humanities and the Environment	G	3
ERE	225	Engineering Graphics	PE	1
FCH	150	General Chemistry I	G, NS 10	3
FCH	151	General Chemistry Laboratory I	NS	1
FCH	152	General Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	153	General Chemistry Laboratory II	NS	1
FCH	221	Organic Chemistry I	NS	3
FCH	222	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	NS	1
FCH	223	Organic Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	224	Organic Chemistry II Laboratory	NS	1
FCH	380	Analytical Chemistry I	NS	3
FOR	207	Introduction to Economics	G	3
MAT	295	Calculus I	G,M	4
MAT	296	Calculus II	M	4
MAT	397	Calculus III	M	4
PHY	211	General Physics I	G,NS	3
PHY	221	General Physics Laboratory I	NS	1
PHY	212	General Physics II	NS	3
PHY	222	General Physics Laboratory II	NS	1

Electives (12 credits)

General Education Course: American History	G	3
General Education Course: Western Civilization	G	3
General Education Course: Other World Civilizations	G	3
General Education Course: The Arts	G	3

Upper Division Required Courses (55 credits)

APM	395	Probability and Statistics for Engineers	M	3
BPE	335	Transport Phenomenon	ENG 11	3
CLL	405	Writing for Science Professionals	PE	3
ERE	440	Water Pollution Engineering	ENG	3
ESF	200	Information Literacy	PE	1
FCH	360	Physical Chemistry I	NS	3
PSE	132	Orientation Seminar: Paper Science and Engineering	ES 12	1
PSE	300	Introduction to Papermaking	ES	3
PSE	302	Pulp and Paper Laboratory Skills	ES	1
PSE	304	Mill Experience	ES	2
PSE	350	Pulping and Bleaching Processes	ES	3
PSE	351	Pulping and Bleaching Laboratory	ES	2
PSE	361	Engineering Thermodynamics	ENG	3
PSE	370	Principles of Mass and Energy Balances	ENG	3
PSE	371	Fluid Mechanics	ENG	3
PSE	436	Pulp and Paper Unit Operations	ENG	3
PSE	465	Paper Properties	ES	4
PSE	468	Papermaking Processes	ES	3
PSE	480	Engineering Design Economics	ENG	3
PSE	481	Engineering Design	ENG	3
WPE	386	Structures and Properties of Wood	PE	2
WPE	390	Fiber Identification Laboratory	PE	1

Science Directed Electives (6 credits)

Select from the following:

FCH	361	Physical Chemistry II	NS	3
PSE	466	Paper Coating And Converting	ES	3
PSE	467	Papermaking Wet End Chemistry	ES	3

Engineering Directed Electives (12 credits)

Select from the following:

ELE	231	Electrical Engineering Fundamentals  I	ENG	3
ERE	223	Statics And Dynamics	ENG	4
ERE	362	Mechanics Of Materials	ENG	3
ERE	441	Air Pollution Engineering	ENG	3
PSE	477	Process Control	ENG	3

Total minimum credits for the degree                                                                        140 credits

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Bachelor of Science in Paper Science

The paper science program allows those students who are more science-focused to prepare for careers in the pulp, paper, and allied industries. Students graduating from this program are well-suited for employment in many different facets of the industry, the allied chemical industry, as well as in applications of chemistry and biology. This program prepares the student for careers in the technical, mana-gerial, or technical representative areas that extend in many directions.

The program consists mainly of chemistry, some engineering courses, and specialized courses relating to the manufacture and use of pulp and paper products. The student may choose to complete one of the options described below, with some options requiring the completion of a minor. The option electives allow the student to specialize in a subject area of interest. This program prepares the student for careers in the technical, management, or technical representative areas with opportunities to extend interests in other directions.

Students may be admitted to the paper science program as first-year students with appropriate science backgrounds from their high school or as transfers at any level with accommodations for course-work requirements.  Students who have the associate degree in engineering science, chemical technology, or science and mathematics are encouraged to apply as transfer students.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Lower Division Required Courses (48 credits)

APM	153	Computing Methods	PE	3
CLL	190	Writing and the Environment	G	3
CLL	290	Writing, Humanities and the Environment	G	3
ERE	225	Engineering Graphics	PE	1
FCH	150	General Chemistry I	G, NS 13	3
FCH	151	General Chemistry Laboratory I	NS	1
FCH	152	General Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	153	General Chemistry Laboratory II	NS	1
FCH	221	Organic Chemistry I	NS	3
FCH	222	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory	NS	1
FCH	223	Organic Chemistry II	NS	3
FCH	224	Organic Chemistry II Laboratory	NS	1
FCH	380	Analytical Chemistry I	NS	3
FOR	207	Introduction to Economics	G	3
MAT	295	Calculus I	G,M	4
MAT	296	Calculus II	M	4
MAT	397	Calculus III	M	4
PHY	211	General Physics I	G,NS	3
PHY	221	General Physics Laboratory I	NS	1
PHY	212	General Physics II	NS	3
PHY	222	General Physics Laboratory II	NS	1

Electives (12 credits)

General Education Course: American History	G	3
General Education Course: Western Civilization	G	3
General Education Course: Other World Civilizations	G	3
General Education Course: The Arts	G	3

Upper Division Required Courses (40 credits)

CLL	405	Writing for Science Professionals		3
ESF	200	Information Literacy		1
FCH	360	Physical Chemistry I		3
FCH	361	Physical Chemistry II		3
PSE	132	Orientation Seminar: Paper Science and Engineering	ES	1
PSE	300	Introduction to Papermaking	ES	3
PSE	302	Pulp and Paper Laboratory Skills	ES	1
PSE	304	Mill Experience	ES	2
PSE	350	Pulping and Bleaching Processes	ES	3
PSE	351	Pulping and Bleaching Laboratory	ES	2
PSE	370	Principles of Mass and Energy Balances	ENG 14	3
PSE	465	Paper Properties	ES	4
PSE	466	Paper Coating and Converting	ES	3
PSE	467	Papermaking Wet End Chemistry	ES	3
PSE	468	Papermaking Processes	ES	3
WPE	386	Structures and Properties of Wood		2
WPE	390	Fiber Identification Laboratory		1

Engineering Electives (12 credits selected from the following:)

BPE	335	Transport Phenomena	ENG	3
ERE	440	Water Pollution Engineering	ENG	3
ERE	441	Air Pollution Engineering	ENG	3
PSE	361	Engineering Thermodynamics	ENG	3
PSE	371	Fluid Mechanics	ENG	3
PSE	436	Pulp and Paper Unit Operations	ENG	3
PSE	477	Process Control	ENG	3
PSE	480	Engineering Design Economics	ENG	3
PSE	481	Engineering Design	ENG	3

Technical Elective Courses (14-18 credits)

Students completing the paper science program must complete 14-18 credits of technical electives in order to satisfy the graduation requirements. Courses taken to satisfy the engineering electives above cannot also be used to satisfy the technical elective requirement. This technical elective requirement can be satisfied by completing one of the college-wide minors listed below:

• Bioprocess Science
• Computer and Information Technology
• Construction Management
• Entrepreneurship
• General Management Studies
• Marketing

Students not completing one of the listed minors must complete at least 14 credits of department-approved technical elective concentration coursework in the following areas:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Pollution abatement
• Applied mathematics
• Computer modeling
• Mechanics
• Engineering design
• Materials science
• Forestry and forest management
• Biotechnology
• Wood science
• Other department-approved areas

Free Electives (3-6 credits)

Total minimum credits for the degree                                                                          132 credits

Summer Orientation Program

All entering students (both freshman and transfer students) in the paper science or paper engineering programs are required to participate in the PSE 132 Orientation Program held at the end of May at an ESF field location in the Adirondacks. The exact dates of the three-day program are typically established in March. The purpose of the program is to familiarize the student with the basic aspects of the paper industry, to prepare the student for the fall courses, and to prepare the student for summer job interviews that also begin in the fall semester. The orientation program includes tours of pulp and paper mills and extensive discussions of the tours. It is quite beneficial for students to attend this orientation before starting classes, as the student can learn a great deal about the curriculum and the paper industry.

Internships and Co-ops

Paper science and paper engineering students enjoy the advantage of hands-on learning in the pulp, paper, and allied industries through paid internships and co-ops. All students are required to complete a two-credit, 12-week summer intern program in the industry (PSE 304). Internships provide students with valuable experience, financial benefits, and two credits toward graduation. Students must submit a mill report for completion of the internship.

Students who complete a co-op in addition to the 12-week internship find the experience highly valuable because they are often able to see engineering projects through to their completion. Generally, students who have had the co-op experience are recruited for permanent employment.

The co-op position is approximately seven months in duration, either beginning in May and ending in December, or beginning in January and ending in August. Usually it takes students who complete a co-op one extra year to complete degree requirements. Co-op students are enrolled for two credits and are required to submit a co-op project report in addition to the mill report required for the two-credit summer internship course.

The employment interview schedule generally begins in mid-October with scheduling preference given to Syracuse Pulp and Paper Foundation member companies. Some companies schedule interviews for co-ops and summer internships at the same time they hold interviews for permanent positions. Other companies choose to hold interviews for co-ops and interns in the spring semester.

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Minors

Students are eligible to take any of the minors that are offered at ESF. The two minors most commonly completed are the general management studies minor and the computer and information technology minor, which are summarized below. See page 9 for complete description of the course requirements for these and other minors at ESF.

Bioprocess Science Minor

The bioprocess science minor is available to students in the paper science and paper engineering programs who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and who desire to develop greater knowledge of bioprocess science and its related fields.

Computer and Information Technology Minor

The computer and information technology minor is available to all ESF undergraduates who want to develop greater skill in computer science and information technology applications. By understanding of the basic principles behind software development, students can more effectively use these tools in their chosen fields. The minor courses can be used to satisfy the technical electives in the paper science program.

General Management Studies Minor

The general management studies minor may be taken in conjunction with the bioprocess science, paper science, or paper engineering programs. In the paper science program, the minor courses can be used to satisfy the technical electives. Students should complete a course in microeconomics and a course in accounting prior to entering the junior year.

Paper Science Minor

The paper science minor is available to students in the bioprocess engineering program who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8, and who desire to develop greater knowledge of paper science and its related fields.

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Graduate Program

The department participates in graduate education leading to the master of science, master of professional studies, and doctor of philosophy degrees through the Division of Engineering. See the Division of Engineering webpage for more information.

Graduate studies reflect the strong trend toward diversification in the industry and offer opportunities for study in a variety of subjects related to the manufacture of pulp and paper as well as other products, chemicals, and energy from sustainable raw material sources. Individual study programs are designed to meet specific personal needs.

An important component of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs is thesis research under direction of a major professor. Much of this research is carried out under the auspices of one of the premier research institutes of the world, the Empire State Paper Research Institute (ESPRI), a renowned organization supported jointly by ESF and the Empire State Paper Research Associates, an international consortium of leading industrial companies. ESPRI’s research activities aim to generate new information regarding the fundamentals, the science, the engineering and the technology of the production of products and chemicals from renewable resources such as wood in an ecologically sound manner. Recent work has been directed to fundamental investigations of pulping, bleaching, coproducts from wood, additives, paper recycling, effluent disposal, the papermaking process, the properties of paper, reactions of wood components during mechanical and chemical treatments, novel wood component separa-tion techniques, new biotechnologically based pulping methods, process modeling paradigms, the structure of wood and wood fibers, evaporation, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and chemical recovery. Pilot scale equipment in Walters Hall is often used as an integral part of these research programs.

Many research projects are carried out in cooperation with other College departments. Examples of such projects include a wide-ranging study of toxicity of paper industry effluents in cooperation with the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, and a cooperative project on the theoretical and experimental analysis of the mechanical properties of fiber and paper with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Syracuse University. Cooperative studies enable access to the latest equipment in the computer field, including supercomputers.

The department enjoys excellent external support in the form of graduate assistantships, fellowships, and grants from ESPRI, and other industry sources, as well as a number of government granting agencies.

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   Professional education course
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   Math course
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   Engineering science course
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   Meets the requirements for general education skills and knowledge area. A complete listing of ESF or Syracuse University courses that meet the general education standards established by SUNY is listed on page 8 and on the Internet at www.esf.edu/GenEd.pdf
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   Natural science course
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   Engineering course
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   Professional education course
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   Math course
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   Meets the requirements for general education skills and knowledge area. A complete listing of ESF or Syracuse University courses that meet the general education standards established by SUNY is listed on page 8 and on the Internet at www.esf.edu/GenEd.pdf
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    Natural science course
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    Engineering course
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    Engineering science course
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    Natural science course
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    Engineering course