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Academic Catalog
Department of Chemical Engineering

The academic programs in the department of Chemical Engineering (CHE) emphasize fundamental engineering science and engineering skills pertaining to chemical engineering with specialization in the pulp, paper and allied industries, and the bioprocess and chemical industries. Programs include courses in traditional areas of applied chemistry, industrial bioprocessing/biotechnology, chemical engineering, and pulp and paper technology.

The department’s educational programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are committed to preparing students for leadership roles in the paper and bioproducts industries. The department comprises nine distinguished faculty members who maintain research programs in a wide range of areas including biopulping, wood pulping and bleaching chemistry, paper physics and papermaking, chemical and process engineering, materials science, and surface and colloid science, among others.

Bachelor of Science in Bioprocess Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering

This ABET accredited (as chemical engineering) program, prepares you to enter leading biological pharmaceutical companies and industry, biomaterials and bioresources companies and industry in the engineering profession. You can specialize in biocatalysis, biomaterials, biofuels and several other cutting edge areas of this technology.

The bioprocess engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
APM 307 Multivariable Calculus   4
APM 485 Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists   3
ECH 132 Orietation and Introduction to Chemical Engineering   1
ECH 133 Introduction to Chemical Engineering II    
BPE 300 Introduction to Industrial Bioprocessing   3
EFB 103 General Biology II: Cell Biology and Genetics G 3
EFB 104 General Biology II Laboratory G 1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1
ECH 202 Principles of Mass Energy Balances   3
ECH 212 Engineering Thermodynamics   3

General Education Electives

Students are required to take two among the following five.

Course Codes* 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
General Education Course: Foreign Language G 3

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 395 Probability and Statistics for Engineers   3
  Professional Experience: BPE 498 or BPE 304 + BPE 306   2*
ECH 312 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics & Colloids   3
ECH 322 Fluid Mechanics   3
BPE 321 Biomolecular Kinetics   3
BPE 330 Unit Operations Laboratory   3
ECH 335 Transport Phenomena   3
BPE 420 Bioseparations   3
BPE 421 Bioprocess Kinetics and Systems Engineering   3
BPE 440 Bioprocess and Systems Laboratory   3
BPE 450 Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering Product Design   3
BPE 481 Bioprocess Engineering Design   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Professional Writing/Paper & Bioprocess Engineering   2
ECH 324 Process Operations Laboratory   3
ECH 355 Engineering Design Economics   3
ECH 371 Process Control   3
EFB 325 Cell Biology   3

*Professional experience: BPE304 must be taken in the summer + BPE306 in the after right after, while BPE498 can be taken in any semester.

Directed Electives

13 credits out of the following.

Course Credits
Science Electives 3-6
Junior or higher Biology, Biochemistry, or Engineering Electives 7-10

The list of directed elective courses is available in the student handbook and from the student’s advisor. Students are encouraged to select elective courses to focus on one concentration area from among the following: biomolecular engineering, biochemical engineering, biopolymer engineering, bioenergy engineering, biomaterials, environmental engineering, industrial engineering or paper engineering.

Internships, Co-ops, and Research Experiences

Bioprocess engineering students enjoy the advantage of hands-on learning in the bioprocess and allied industries through faculty-guided internships and cooperative education (co-op) assignments. All students are required to complete an internship, co- op or research experience in the industry or in a research setting. Internships provide students with valuable experience and financial benefits. There is a two credit course following the Bioprocess Engineering experience to summarize the experience with a report and a presentation for completion of the internship.

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 128


Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
APM 307 Multivariable Calculus   4
APM 485 Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists   3
ECH 132 Orietation and Introduction to Chemical Engineering I   1
ECH 133 Introduction to Chemical Engineering II    
ECH 202 Principles of Mass Energy Balances   3
ECH 212 Engineering Thermodynamics   3
EFB 103 General Biology II: Cell Biology and Genetics G 3
EFB 104 General Biology II Laboratory G 1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FCH 223 AND
FCH 224 or
PSE 223
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Introduction to Lignocellulosics
  3
1
4
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics   3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1

 

General Education Electives

Students are required to take two among the following five.

Course Codes* 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
General Education Course: Foreign Language G 3

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 395 Probability and Statistics for Engineers   3
  Professional Experience: BPE 498 or BPE 304 + BPE 306   2*
ECH 312 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics & Colloids   3
ECH 322 Fluid Mechanics   3
ECH 323 Transport Phenomena   3
ECH 324 Process Operations Laboratory   3
ECH 341 Chemical Reaction Engineering Kinetics   3
ECH 355 Engineering Design Economics   3
ECH 371 Process Control   3
ECH 422 Unit Operations   3
ECH 442 Chemical Reaction Engineering & Process Safety   3
ECH 454 Chemical Engineering Product Design   3
ECH 455 Capstone Chemical Engineering Laboratory   3
ECH 457 Chemical Engineering Design   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Writing for Science Professionals   2

*Professional experience: ECG 304 must be taken in the summer and ECH 306 in the Fall semester immediately after, while ECH 498 can be taken in any semester.

Directed Electives

13 credits out of the following.

Course Credits
Junior or higher engineering directed electives 9-12
Science Electives 3-6

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 127


Bachelor of Science in Paper Engineering

Paper Engineering

The paper engineering program is a chemical engineering-based curriculum designed to provide greater depth in fiber and paper processing for students preparing for an engineering career in the pulp, paper and allied industries.

The pulp and paper industry is at the forefront of the renewable resources industry. It represents the first industry that uses biomass in large quantities to produce commodity and specialized products. 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 and equipment. The paper engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
APM 307 Multivariable Calculus   4
APM 485 Differential Equations for Engineers and Scientists   3
ECH 132 Orientation and Introduction to Chemical Engineering I   1
ECH 133 Introduction to Chemical Engineering II   1
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FCH 223
AND
FCH 224
OR
PSE 223
Organic Chemistry II

Organic Chemistry Laboratory II

Introduction to Lignocellulosics





3

1

4
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics   3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1
PSE 200 Introduction to Papermaking   3
PSE 201 The Art and Early History of Papermaking G 3
PSE 202 Pulp and Paper Laboratory Skills   1
ECH 202 Principles of Mass and Energy Balances   3
ECH 312 Engineering Thermodynamics   3

General Education Electives

Students are required to take one among the following four.

Course Codes* Credits
General Education Course: American History G 3
General Education Course: Western Civilization G 3
General Education Course: Other World Civilization or The Arts G 3
General Education Course: Foreign Language G 3

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 395 Probability and Statistics for Engineers   3
ECH 322 Fluid Mechanics   3
ECH 323 Transport Phenomena   3
ECH 324 Process Operations Laboratory   3
ECH 355 Engineering Design Economics   3
ECH 371 Process Control   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Professional Writing/Paper & Bioprocess Engineering   2
PSE 304 Professional Internship   1
PSE 306 Professional Synthesis   1
PSE 350 Fiber Processing   3
PSE 450 Pulping and Bleaching   3
PSE 462 Papermaking Processes I   3
PSE 465 Fiber and Paper Properties   4
PSE 467 Papermaking Wet End Chemistry   3
PSE 478 Papermaking Processes II   2
PSE 481 Engineering Design   3

ESF 200 and EWP 407 are to be taken in the same semester in the same time block. Please consult your advisor if you have questions.

Directed Electives

Course Credits
Engineering Directed Electives 9-12
Science Electives 3-6

The list of directed elective courses is available in the student handbook and from the student’s advisor. Some courses are available in an exchange program with Germany.

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 128


Bachelor of Science in Renewable Materials Science

Renewable Materials Science

The renewable materials science program educates students in the science of materials and products made from renewable resources. The program provides an in-depth knowledge of materials such as wood, paper, modern packaging materials, natural fiber materials and advanced materials emphasizing sustainability, environmental consciousness and minimizing environmental footprint.

Students can explore a variety of careers in modern packaging, natural products and renewable materials industries, focused on technical, scientific and managerial tracks. The program will have the following options: paper, wood and polymer science. The third option is conducted with the Department of Chemistry.

Paper Science Option

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
EFB 336 Dendrology   3
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FCH 360 Physical Chemistry I   3
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
GNE 271 Statics   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1
PSE 201 The Art and Early History of Papermaking G 3
PSE 223 Introduction to Lignocellulosics   4
PSE 361 Engineering Thermodynamics   3
RMS 132 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science I   1
RMS 133 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science II   1
RMS 200 Renewable Materials and Composites from Lignocellulosics   3

Lower Division GenEd (general education) Courses

Students are required to take one course from among the following four, as well as taking a total of 30 credit hours of General Education coursework in total.

Course Codes* 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: Foreign Language G 3

 

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
BPE 310 Colloid and Interface Science   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Professional Writing/Paper & Bioprocess Engineering   2
GNE 273 Mechanics of Materials   3
PSE 370 Principles of Mass and Energy Balance   3
PSE 456 Management in Industry   3
RMS 335 Transport Properties of Materials   3
RMS 387 Renewable Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 388 Wood and Fiber Identification Laboratory   2
RMS 422 Composite Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 465 Renewable Materials and Surfaces: Testing   3
RMS 468 Product Design: Timber or Paper   3
RMS 481 Capstone Project/Senior Thesis   3

ESF 200 and EWP 444 are to be taken in the same semester in the same time block. Please consult your advisor if you have questions.

Paper Science Electives

Students are required to take 4 Paper Science directed electives (12 credits).

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
BPE 335 Transport Phenomena   3
ERE 440 Water and Wastewater Treatment   3
GNE 461 Air Pollution Engineering   3
PSE 361 Engineering Thermodynamics   3
PSE 371 Fluid Mechanics   3
PSE 477 Process Control   3
PSE 480 Engineering Design Economics   3
PSE 481 Engineering Design   3

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124


Wood Science Option

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
PSE 201 The Art and Early History of Papermaking G 3
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
EFB 336 Dendrology   3
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FCH 360 Physical Chemistry I   3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
GNE 271 Statics   3
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1
PSE 223 Introduction to Lignocellulosics   4
PSE 361 Engineering Thermodynamics   3
RMS 132 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science I   1
RMS 133 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science II   1
RMS 200 Renewable Materials and Composites from Lignocellulosics   3
Liberal Arts Electives     6

 

Lower Division GenEd (general education) Courses

Students are required to take one General Education courses from among the following four, as well as taking a total of 30 credit hours of General Education coursework in total.

Course Codes* Credits
General Education Course: Foreign Language G 3
General Education Course: American History G 3
General Education Course: Western Civilization G 3
General Education Course: Other World Civilization G 3

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
BPE 310 Colloid and Interface Science   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Professional Writing/Paper & Bioprocess Engineering   2
GNE 273 Mechanics of Materials   3
PSE 456 Management in Industry   3
RMS 322 Wood Machining   3
RMS 335 Transport Properties of Materials   3
RMS 387 Renewable Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 388 Wood and Fiber Identification Laboratory   2
RMS 422 Composite Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 465 Renewable Materials and Surfaces: Testing   3
RMS 468 Product Design: Timber or Paper   3
RMS 481 Capstone Project/Senior Thesis   3

ESF 200 and EWP 444 are to be taken in the same semester in the same time block. Please consult your advisor if you have questions.

Wood Science Electives

Students are required to take 4 Wood Science electives, selected from the following (12 credits).

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
CME 326      
CME 330 Building Code of New York State   3
CME 404 Applied Structures   3
CME 410      
CME 444 Materials Marketing   3
MCR 480 Fundamentals of Microscopy   3
MCR 580 Microtechnique of Wood   3
PSE 438 Biorenewable fibrous and nonfibrous products   3

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124


Polymer Science Option

Lower Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
PSE 201 The Art and Early History of Papermaking G 3
APM 205 Calculus I for Science and Engineering G 4
APM 206 Calculus for Science and Engineering II G 4
EWP 190 Writing and the Environment G 3
EWP 290 Research Writing and Humanities G 3
FCH 150 General Chemistry I G 3
FCH 151 General Chemistry Laboratory I G 1
FCH 152 General Chemistry II G 3
FCH 153 General Chemistry Laboratory II G 1
FCH 221 Organic Chemistry I   3
FCH 222 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   1
FCH 223 Organic Chemistry II   3
FCH 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II   1
FOR 207 Introduction to Economics G 3
GNE 160 Computing Methods for Engineers and Scientists   3
GNE 271 Statics   3
PHY 211 General Physics I G 3
PHY 212 General Physics II   3
PHY 221 General Physics I Laboratory   1
PHY 222 General Physics II Laboratory   1
RMS 132 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science I   1
RMS 133 Introduction to Renewable Materials Science II   1
RMS 200 Renewable Materials and Composites from Lignocellulosics   3

Lower Division GenEd (general education) Courses

Students are required to take one among the following four General Education Courses, plus one free elective.

Course Codes* Credits
General Education Course: Foreign Language G 3
General Education Course: American History G 3
General Education Course: Western Civilization G 3
General Education Course: Other World Civilization G 3
Free Elective   3

Upper Division Required Courses

Course Number Course Codes* Credits
APM 391 Introduction to Probability and Statistics G 3
BPE 310 Colloid and Interface Science   3
ESF 200 Information Literacy   1
EWP 444 Professional Writing/Paper & Bioprocess Engineering   2
FCH 360 Physical Chemistry I   3
FCH 361 Physical Chemistry II   3
FCH 380 Analytical Chemistry I   2
FCH 381 Analytical Chemistry II: Spectroscopic, Chromatographic and Electroanalytical Instrumental Technique   3
FCH 497 Undergraduate Seminar   1
FCH 498 Introduction to Research   1 - 5
FCH 550 Polymer Science: Synthesis and Mechanisms   3
FCH 551 Polymer Techniques   3
FCH 552 Polymer Science: Properties and Technology   3
GNE 273 Mechanics of Materials   3
PSE 456 Management in Industry   3
MCR 480 Fundamentals of Microscopy   3
RMS 387 Renewable Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 388 Wood and Fiber Identification Laboratory   2
RMS 422 Composite Materials for Sustainable Construction   3
RMS 465 Renewable Materials and Surfaces: Testing   3

Electives

Course Credits
Polymer Science Electives 9

 

Total Minimum Credits For Degree: 124