Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, BSE
Chemical Engineers apply concepts from the physical sciences (chemistry and physics) and life sciences (biochemistry and microbiology) to the design and optimization of processes for the efficient production of products ranging from fuels and chemicals to pharmaceuticals to advanced materials. Penn’s chemical engineering department provides students with both a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and exposure to modern chemical engineering technologies. The program's versatility allows our students to excel in diverse careers in the chemical industries, research, medicine, law, government, and education.
For more information: https://www.seas.upenn.edu/prospective-students/undergrad/majors/chemical-and-bimolecular-engineering/
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) Major Requirements
37 course units are required.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | ||
| ENGR 1050 | Introduction to Scientific Computing | 1 |
| CBE 1600 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering | 1 |
| CBE 2300 | Material and Energy Balances of Chemical Processes | 1 |
| CBE 2310 | Thermodynamics of Fluids | 1 |
| CBE 3500 | Fluid Mechanics | 1 |
| CBE 3510 | Heat and Mass Transport | 1 |
| CBE 3530 | Molecular Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics | 1 |
| CBE 3600 | Chemical Process Control | 1 |
| CBE 3710 | Separation Processes | 1 |
| CBE 4000 | Introduction to Product and Process Design | 1 |
| CBE 4100 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory | 1 |
| CBE 4510 | Chemical Reactor Design | 1 |
| CBE 4590 | Product and Process Design Projects | 1 |
| Math and Natural Science | ||
| MATH 1400 | Calculus, Part I | 1 |
| MATH 1410 | Calculus, Part II | 1 |
| MATH 2400 | Calculus, Part III | 1 |
| MATH 2410 | Calculus, Part IV | 1 |
| or ENM 2510 | Analytical Methods for Engineering | |
| PHYS 0140 | Principles of Physics I (without laboratory) 1 | 1 |
| or PHYS 0150 | Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
| or PHYS 0170 | Honors Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion | |
| or MEAM 1100 | Introduction to Mechanics | |
| PHYS 0141 | Principles of Physics II (without laboratory) 1 | 1 |
| or PHYS 0151 | Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
| or PHYS 0171 | Honors Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation | |
| or ESE 1120 | Engineering Electromagnetics | |
| CHEM 1012 | General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 1101 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 0.5 |
| CHEM 1022 | General Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 1102 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 0.5 |
| CHEM 2410 | Principles of Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| or CHEM 2411 | Principles of Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory | |
| Advanced Chemistry Elective: CHEM 2420, CHEM 2421, CHEM 2210, MSE 2210 | 1 | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| CBE Elective (3000 level or above) | 1 | |
| Engineering Elective 2 | 1 | |
| Lab Elective: CHEM 2411 & CHEM 2421, CHEM 2230, CBE 4800, CBE 3300 A & B | 1 | |
| Select 2 Math, Natural Science or Engineering courses 3 | 2 | |
| Ethics Requirement | ||
| EAS 2030 | Engineering Ethics 4 | 1 |
| or CBE 3200 | Basic Chemical Process Safety | |
| General Electives | ||
| Select 4 Social Science or Humanities courses | 4 | |
| Select 2 Social Science or Humanities or Technology in Business and Society courses | 2 | |
| Select one Free Elective Course | 1 | |
| Total Course Units | 37 | |
- 1
One less Technical Elective required if PHYS 0150 Principles of Physics I: Mechanics and Wave Motion/PHYS 0151 Principles of Physics II: Electromagnetism and Radiation or 0170/0171 taken.
- 2
CBE 3990 can be used
- 3
Independent Study (CBE 0099) can be used
- 4
CBE 3200 also counts as engineering elective
Concentrations
Students can select one of the following concentrations:
- Energy and the Environment
- Pharmaceutics and Biotechnology
- Polymers and Soft Matter Science and Engineering
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.