Introduction to Chemical Engineering
This course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques used in chemical engineering, including material balances and thermodynamics.
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Early data puts Chemical Engineering at 3.5/5 for difficulty from 2 ratings. More responses will make this picture clearer.
Average difficultyBased on 2 students across 2 schools.View review makeupEarly data
3.5/ 5
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What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
50% would recommend it
Based on 2 reviews across 2 schools
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What you will study and do
Curriculum and careers
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that combines principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to solve problems related to the production and use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. Students learn to design processes for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and manage byproducts treatment.
Core course themes
Chemical Process Calculations
Focuses on the mathematical methods used to analyze and solve chemical engineering problems involving material and energy balances.
Fluid Mechanics
Explores the behavior of fluids in motion and at rest, essential for designing equipment like pumps and reactors.
Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers
Introduces the principles of thermodynamics with applications to chemical engineering processes and systems.
Heat and Mass Transfer
Studies the transfer of heat and mass, critical for designing processes like distillation and drying.
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Examines the principles of reaction kinetics and reactor design for chemical processes.
Common roles
- Process Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Biochemical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Materials Scientist
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Chemical Engineering by school
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Student reviews
CriticalAdvice & things to know
Definitely consider what you want your job to look like when you graduate. I did not realize I was just going to be a process engineer when I graduated that doesn't really have much say in designing or doing much creative work which I didn't expect.
Sep 2026
MixedCourses & teaching
Very interesting major for sure lots of good content but also can be difficult
Apr 2026
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