Chemical Engineering (CHE)

Although chemical engineering has existed as a field of engineering for only 100 years, its name is no longer completely descriptive of this dynamic profession. The work of the chemical engineer is not restricted to the chemical industry, chemical changes or chemistry. Instead, modern chemical engineers are concerned with all the physical and chemical changes of matter that can produce an economic product or result that is useful to mankind.

The education of the chemical engineer is based on the fundamental sciences of physics and chemistry, on mathematical and computer techniques and on basic engineering principles. This background makes the chemical engineer extremely versatile and capable of working in a variety of industries; chemical, petroleum, materials, microelectronics, environmental, and food processing. It is also a good preparation for law and medical schools.

The chemical industry alone provides an opportunity for the chemical engineer to participate in the research, development, design or operation of plants for the production of new synthetic fibers, plastics, chemical fertilizers, vitamins, antibiotics, rocket fuels, nuclear fuels, paper pulp, photographic products, paints, fuel cells, transistors and the thousands of chemicals that are used as intermediates in the manufacture of these products.

The department’s mission is to offer high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in chemical engineering and to conduct research that helps educate graduate students and serves the needs of Florida and the nation.

To prepare students for life-long careers in the chemical engineering profession.

• To instill technical competence in mathematics, science and engineering,
• To develop problem-solving skills,
• To develop an ability to apply knowledge to practice,
• To develop the ability to design a component, unit or process that meets performance specifications,
• To develop the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
• To instill an ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for chemical engineering practice,
• To develop communication skills,
• To instill an ability to work well with others, including co-workers of different disciplines,
• To instill professional ethics,
• To provide opportunities to obtain the broad background, including contemporary issues, necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context, and
• To instill an ability to engage in life-long learning.

The department policy is to admit the best-qualified applicants as demonstrated by high academic achievement. Successful applicants must have earned a 2.5 grade point average or higher in the eight pre-professional courses and have earned a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in each of the pre-professional course sequences (calculus, chemistry and physics). For the purposes of determining admission to or retention in the department, grade point averages will be based on the last of no more than two attempts for each course. Students must maintain satisfactory progress (GPA of 2.0 or higher) in chemical engineering courses as well as in their overall record. Also, to proceed to succeeding courses, C grades or better are required in ECH 3101, 3023, 3203, 3223, 3264 and COT 3502 within two enrollments (including withdrawals) for each course. However, since enrollment in selected courses that are prerequisites to senior-level professional courses, may be limited, minimum performance may not guarantee completion of the curriculum.

Chemical Engineering

To remain ‘on track’ for this major a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria. The critical tracking courses appear in bold.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5
• 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work for semesters 1-5
• Complete 1 of 8 tracking courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts. (CHM2045, CHM2046, MAC2311, MAC2312, MAC2313, MAP2302, PHY2048, PHY2049)

• Complete 1 additional course with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

• Complete 2 additional courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

• Complete 2 additional courses with a minimum grade of C within two attempts

• Complete all 8 critical tracking courses with a minimum grade of C in each course within two attempts