| Chemical
engineering arose from the need to apply physical, chemical,
and engineering principles to the processing of such varied
products as fuels, drugs, foods, plastics, metals, microelectronics, and basic
chemicals. Undergraduate preparation for this field is therefore
especially broad and balanced, drawing on chemistry, mathematics,
physics, and in some cases, biology. The graduates of a chemical
engineering program are well prepared not only for industrial
practice but also for graduate work in such diverse fields as
biochemical, biomedical, or nuclear engineering; chemistry;
environmental or energy studies; materials science; semiconductors, medicine;
business administration; and law. Indeed, we seek to educate
the future leaders of our technological society.
Many chemical
engineers serve in the traditional chemical process industries
of petroleum, natural gas, chemicals, paper, and plastics.
Some develop new products or through research, while others
carry out the pilot studies and design work to bring innovations
from the laboratory into manufacturing operations. Many are
engaged in the operation and management of process plants.
Others are in marketing, developing new applications for,
or solving problems arising from, the use of these products.
Often a chemical engineer moves from one of these functions
to the next as an idea develops-into a full-scale production
facility. Chemical engineers have long aided in energy and
materials production from oil, gas, coal, and high-energy
chemicals. They are involved in the research, development,
and production of energy from alternative energy resources.
Similarly, their chemical expertise and broad knowledge of
processes are valuable in the identification and control of
environmental effects from one's use of natural resources,
in health care and pharmaceuticals, and in areas such as electronic
materials production. A chemical engineer's career path is
varied and rewarding, allowing individual talents to grow
and be fully utilized.
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