Program Overview

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Master of Science

The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering provides a stimulating academic community where students engage in a highly personalized learning and research environment. The graduate program provides qualified students with deeper and broader training than is possible at the undergraduate level. The Master of Science program provides students with opportunities to obtain specialized knowledge and expertise through advanced coursework in chemical engineering and related disciplines, to engage in interdisciplinary research opportunities (thesis option), and to impact their communities through service learning.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• demonstrate a mastery of advanced chemical engineering concepts;
• effectively communicate scientific concepts and/or research results in both written and oral formats to scientific and general audiences;
• demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to safe and ethical behavior through adherence to best safety practices and academic integrity principles; and
• demonstrate the ability to serve as a STEM ambassador through outreach and service activities.

Students completing the program with thesis will additionally demonstrate the abilities to:

• perform independent research on an original topic in chemical engineering; and
• critically identify and solve research problems, summarize disciplinary information, and evaluate research findings.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science program in chemical and biochemical engineering without thesis requires a minimum of 33 s.h. The Master of Science program in chemical and biochemical engineering with a thesis requires a minimum of 30 s.h. in approved graduate courses. Students who pursue the thesis option may earn up to 6 s.h. in CBE:5999 MS Thesis Research: Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. All students must maintain a UI cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00.

Core Courses

Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 in the five core courses.

• One of these:
  • CBE:5104: Introduction to Literature Review and Technical Writing (non-thesis)
  • CBE:5105: Introduction to Literature Review and Proposal Writing (thesis)
• All of these:
  • CBE:5110: Intermediate Thermodynamics
  • CBE:5115: Transport Phenomena I
  • CBE:5120: Data Science in Chemical and Engineering Systems
• One of these:
  • CBE:3205: Introduction to Biochemical Engineering
  • CBE:5315: Polymer Chemistry
  • CBE:5425: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

Professional Development Experience

Professional growth extends beyond the curriculum and the research laboratory. Graduate professionals must be able to identify and lead educational and research enterprises that advance the scope and impact of the discipline. Important skills include building professional networks, developing a comprehensive outlook for identifying emerging directions in the field, the ability to explain scientific and engineering principles to a variety of audiences, and more. A student’s professional development experience must be developed in consultation with their research mentor and approved by the director of graduate studies.

Electives

Students supplement the core curriculum with electives tailored to their interests.

Additional Requirements

All thesis students must take ENGR:7270 Engineering Ethics during their first semester and CBE:5000 Seminar in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering each semester in residence. MS thesis students are required to present at CBE:5000. MS thesis students are also required to serve as a teaching assistant at least once during the duration of their graduate studies. Non-thesis students must take CBE:5100 Graduate Professional Development Seminar in each of their final two semesters in the program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. Applicants must provide:

• Completed application form
• Unofficial transcript(s)
• Optional: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores
• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation

Admission to the department is competitive and is based on an applicant's previous coursework, research, and/or industrial experience. The admissions committee looks for evidence that an applicant has demonstrated qualities such as creativity, self-initiative, dedication, and perseverance exhibited by successful master's degree students.

Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree in chemical engineering or a related science or engineering discipline. Applicants are expected to have a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in work for their undergraduate degree.

Career Advancement

Chemical and biochemical engineers work in a wide range of industries, including petroleum and specialty chemical production, polymer and plastic production, food processing, energy, microelectronics production, pharmaceutical production, biochemical processing, environmental monitoring and compliance, applied climate research, and big data analytics. Potential jobs include production, process development, plant design and construction, fundamental research, strategic planning, and policy-making.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor.

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • CBE:5104: Introduction to Literature Review and Technical Writing
    • CBE:5120: Data Science in Chemical and Engineering Systems
    • ENGR:7270: Engineering Ethics
    • Elective course
  • Spring:
    • CBE:5425 or CBE:5315 or CBE:3205
    • CBE:5110: Intermediate Thermodynamics
    • Elective course
• Second Year:
  • Fall:
    • CBE:5100: Graduate Professional Development Seminar
    • Elective course
    • Elective course
    • Elective course
  • Spring:
    • CBE:5100: Graduate Professional Development Seminar
    • CBE:5115: Transport Phenomena I
    • Elective course
    • Master's Final Exam

All students must pass a final examination. Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.