Program Overview

---

Overview of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Program

The Chemical and Biological Engineering program at Northwestern University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of chemical and biological engineering. The program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering.

Academics

The academic program in Chemical and Biological Engineering is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of chemical and biological engineering, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.

Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate program in Chemical and Biological Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemical Engineering. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of chemical engineering, including coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering.

• Chemical Engineering Major (BS Degree)
  • Curriculum & Requirements
  • ABET Objectives & Outcomes
• Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering Minor
• Combined BS/MS Program
• Special Programs
• Research Opportunities
• Student Handbook

Graduate Study

The graduate program in Chemical and Biological Engineering offers Master of Science and PhD degrees. The program is designed to provide students with advanced education and training in the principles and practices of chemical and biological engineering, including coursework and research opportunities.

• Chemical & Biological Engineering (MS)
  • Master of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Curriculum & Requirements
• Chemical & Biological Engineering (PhD)
  • PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Curriculum & Requirements
• Master of Science in Biotechnology
• Admissions

Curriculum and Requirements

The curriculum for the PhD program in Chemical and Biological Engineering is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of chemical and biological engineering, as well as advanced training in research and scholarship.

Courses in the Department

• Four core, graduate-level chemical engineering courses:
  • CHEM ENG 401 Mathematical Methods for Chemical Engineering
  • CHEM ENG 420 Transport
  • CHEM ENG 408 Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reactor Design
  • CHEM ENG 404 Advanced Thermodynamics
• Two electives within the department
• Two out-of-department technical electives
• Two other technical electives, either within or outside the department

Out of Department and Other Electives

• At least two must be non-departmental electives: Choose from 300- or 400-level courses in other science and engineering departments.
• Note that most 300-level courses required for the BS degree at Northwestern in other science and engineering departments cannot be taken for credit toward a graduate degree.

Non-Chemical Engineering BS Students

If students have not taken undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics, heat/mass transfer, and reactor engineering, they will be required to take the Northwestern courses before they take the graduate-level equivalent. Other courses may also be recommended. Alternately, students may take and pass (B or better) a comprehensive exam prior to the start of the relevant graduate course.

Research Areas

The department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University has a strong research program with faculty expertise in a variety of areas, including:

• Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
• Sustainability and Energy
• Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
• Polymers and Soft Materials
• Complex Systems and Data Science

Faculty and Staff

The department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University has a diverse and accomplished faculty and staff, with expertise in a variety of areas. The faculty are committed to providing students with a comprehensive education and training in the principles and practices of chemical and biological engineering.

News and Events

The department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including seminars, colloquia, and conferences. These events provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with each other and with the broader academic and professional community.