Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.
Chemical engineers work in
manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction,
pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals,
polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries,
among others. Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on
their knowledge of mathematics and science, particularly chemistry, to
overcome technical problems safely and economically. And, of course,
they draw upon and apply their engineering knowledge to solve any
technical challenges they encounter.
Specifically,
chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems
involving the production or use of chemicals and other products.
They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical
manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and
treating byproducts, and supervise production. In addition, their expertise is also applied in the area of law, education, publishing,
finance, and medicine, as well as many other fields that require technical insights.
Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing
industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those
producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. In
addition, they work in healthcare, biotechnology, and business
services. Chemical engineers apply principles of physics,
mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as
chemistry. Some may specialize in a particular chemical process,
such as oxidation or polymerization. Others specialize in a
particular field, such as nanomaterials, or in the development of
specific products. They must be aware of all aspects of chemical
manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the
environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
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Chemical Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Overview:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering |
Preparation:
Undergraduate Courses, Electives, Computer Literacy,
Coops/Internships, Graduate School |
Day in the Life:
What to expect; typical job functions |
Earnings:
Salaries and salary data |
Employment:
Geographic concentrations, international experience |
Industries:
Industries employing chemical engineers |
Professional Development:
Advancement, Mentors, Networking, Licensing |
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions |
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
Internet Resources:
 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
AIChE
Student Chapters
Canadian
Society for Chemical Engineering
European
Federation of Chemical Engineering
Institution
of Chemical Engineers |
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
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