Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering

Location: 101 Lucas Building, Phone: (409) 880-8054

Chair: Dr. Thomas Ho

Chemical engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and other natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind. The chemical engineer enters into almost every modern industry. From petroleum to synthetic rubber, from semiconductor to medicines, the chemical engineer engages in design, research, development, production, sales, and management. Among the fields in which the chemical engineer is of prime importance are petroleum, petrochemicals, metals, plastics, paints, drugs and foods, paper, glass, dyes, synthetic fibers, and a host of others.

The Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering was among the first at 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ to seek accreditation for its undergraduate program. The bachelor's program in chemical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, .

Mission

The mission of the Department of Chemical Engineering is to provide students with high quality, accessible undergraduate and graduate chemical engineering education; to engage and empower students with skills and knowledge to thrive in professional careers; and to serve society through economic and technological development of Southeast Texas and beyond.

Program Educational Objectives

Constituents: Current students, alumni, employers, and faculty

1. Advance professionally with increasing leadership and responsibility beyond entry level in an industry relevant to chemical engineering.
2. Contribute to organizational objectives with significant societal benefits in an environmentally and ethically responsible manner.
3. Engage in life-long learning through professional activities and training, the pursuit of higher educational degrees, and individual professional development.

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes used by the chemical engineering program are those published in the ABET “Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs” document.  Those outcomes are as follows:

a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
g) an ability to communicate effectively
h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
j) a knowledge of contemporary issues
k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Program Criteria

The Chemical Engineering Program criterion as listed in the ABET "Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs" is as follows:

Curriculum:

The curriculum must provide a thorough grounding in the basic sciences including chemistry, physics, and/or biology, with some content at an advanced level, as appropriate to the objectives of the program. The curriculum must include the engineering application of these basic sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and/or biological processes, including the hazards associated with these processes.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
Master of Engineering (M.E.)
Master of Engineering Science (M.E.S.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)