Chemical Engineering Courses

Note: The course numbers/titles below that are linked to another page will take you to a page with the course's objectives and outcomes.

Also see:

College of Engineering Bulletin
Official University Time Schedule

230. Material and Energy Balances (was Thermodynamics I)

Prerequisites: Eng 101, Chem 130, and Math 116. I (4 credits)
An introduction to material and energy balances in chemical engineering applications, including environmental and biological systems. Engineering problem solving, the equilibrium concept, first law of thermodynamics. Introduction to chemical engineering as a profession.

290. Directed Study, Research, and Special Problems

Prerequisite: First or second year standing, and permission of instructor. I, II, III, IIIa, IIIb (to be arranged)

Provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to work in chemical engineering research or in areas of special interest such as design problems. For each hour of credit, it is expected that the student will work three or four hours per week. Oral presentation and/or written report due at end of term.

330. Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics (was Thermodynamics II)

Prerequisite: ChemE 230. II (3 credits)
Development of fundamental thermodynamic property relations and complete energy and entropy balances. Analysis of heat pumps and engines, and use of combined energy-entropy balance in flow devices. Calculation and application of total and partial properties in physical and chemical equilibria. Prediction and correlation of physical/chemical properties of various states and aggregates.

341. Fluid Mechanics

Prerequisite: Phys 140, ChE 230, Math 215, P/A by Math 216. II
(4 credits)
Fluid mechanics for chemical engineers. Mass, momentum, and energy balances on finite and differential systems. Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes, equipment, and porous media. Polymer processing and boundary layers. Potential, two-phase, and non-Newtonian flow.

342. Heat and Mass Transfer

Prerequisites: ChemE 230, ChemE 341, and Math 216. I (4 credits)
Theories and applications of heat and mass transport phenomena, emphasizing their analogies and contrasts. Fourier's law. Steady and unsteady thermal conduction. Heat transfer coefficients. Heat exchangers. Condensation and boiling. Radiation, Kirchoff's law and view factors. Fick's law. Steady and unsteady diffusion. Mass transfer coefficients. Absorbers. Simultaneous heat and mass transfer.

343. Separation Processes

Prerequisite: ChemE 230. I (3 credits)
Introduction and survey of separations based on physical properties, phase equilibria, and rate processes. Emphasis on analysis and modeling of separation processes. Staged and countercurrent operations. Includes applications to chemical, biological, and environmental systems.

344. Reaction Engineering and Design

Prerequisites: ChemE 330, ChemE 342. II (4 credits)
Fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering. Rate laws, kinetics, and mechanisms of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. Analysis of rate data. Diffusion limitations. Design of industrial reactors.

360. Chemical Engineering Laboratory I

Prerequisite: ChemE 342. I, II (4 credits)
Experimentation in thermodynamics and heat, mass, and momentum transport on a bench scale. Measurement error estimation and analysis. Lecture, laboratory, conferences, and reports. Technical communications.

405. (ENGR 405). Problem Solving and Troubleshooting in the Workplace

Prerequisite: Senior Standing. I (3 credits)
The goals of this course are to help students hone and enhance their problem solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills and to ease the transition from college to the workplace. The course will have outside speakers to discuss "Do's " and "Dont's" on your first permanent job, cross cultural communication skills, and financial planning. Students will work in teams to carryout the home problems, interactive computer problems and the term project.

412(MacroSE 412)(MSE 412). Polymeric Materials

Prerequisite: MSE 220 or 250 and Chem 210. I (3 credits)
The synthesis, characterization microstructure, rheology, and processing of polymeric materials. Polymers in solution and in the liquid, liquid-crystalline, crystalline, and glassy states. Engineering and design properties, including viscoelasticity, yielding, and fracture. Forming and processing methods. Recycling and environmental issues.

414(MacroSE 414)(MSE 414). Applied Polymer Processing

Prerequisite: MSE 412 or equivalent. II (3 credits)
Theory and practice of polymer processing. Non-Newtonian flow, extrusion, injection molding, fiber, film and rubber processing. Kinetics of and structural development during solidification. Physical characterization of microstructure and macroscopic properties. Component manufacturing and recycling issues, compounding and blending.

444. Applied Chemical Kinetics

Prerequisites: Chem 260 or 261, ChE 344 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of chemical and engineering kinetics from a molecular perspective. Relationship between kinetics and mechanism. Kinetics of elementary steps in gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid reaction media. Gas-solid and surface reactions. Heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. Kinetics and mechanisms of chemcial processes such as polymerization, combustion, and enzymatic reactions.

460. Chemical Engineering Laboratory II

Prerequisite: ChemE 343, ChemE 360. I, II (4 credits)
Experimentation in rate and separation processes on a scale which tests process models. Introduction to the use of instrumental analysis and process control. Laboratory, conferences, and reports. Technology communications.

466. Process Dynamics and Control

Prerequisites: ChemE 343, ChemE 344. I (3 credits)
Introduction to process control in chemical engineering. Application of linearization methods to the analysis of open-loop and closed-loop process dynamics. Stability analysis and gain/phase margins. Controller modes and settings. Applications to the control of level, flow, heat exchangers, reactors, and elementary multivariable systems.

470. Colloids and Interfaces

Prerequisites: ChemE 343, ChemE 344. I (3 credits)
This is a first course in colloid and interface science. The repulsive forces and attractive forces at interfaces are described along with the dynamics of the interfaces. Topics include the stability of macroemulsions, the formulation and properties of microemulsions, and surface metal-support interactions of catalysts.

472. Polymer Science & Engineering

Preceded or accompanied by ChemE 344. II (4 credits)
Polymer reaction engineering, characterization and processing for chemical engineers. Polymerization mechanisms, kinetics and industrial equipment. Thermodynamics of polymer solutions, morphology, crystallization and mechanical properties. Polymer processing equipment and technology. Adhesives, diffusion in polymers, reactive polymeric resins and biological applications of macromolecules.

487. Chemical Process Simulation and Design

Prerequisites: ChemE 360,Chem 344 and (MSE 250 or MSE 220), or graduate standing. I, II (4 credits)
Process conceptualization and design. Computer simulation of process and components. A major team design project with progress reports, oral presentation, and a technical report with engineering drawings and economics.

490. Advanced Directed Study, Research and Special Problems

Prerequisite: ChemE 230 & ChemE 341 or ChemE 290 or equivalent. I, II, III, IIIa, IIIb (to be arranged)
Laboratory and/or conferences. Provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to work in research or areas of special interest such as design problems and economic studies. Not open to graduate students. ChE 490 Course Descriptions (PDF)

496.Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor I, II, III, IIIa, IIIb
(2-4 credits)
Selected topics pertinent to chemical engineering.

510. Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering

Prerequisites: graduate standing, differential equations. II (3 credits)
Linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, integral equations with chemical engineering applications. Analytical techniques and preliminaries for numerical methods, including: spectral analysis, orthogonal polynomials, Green's functions, separation of variables, existence and uniqueness of solutions.

511. (MacroSE 511)(MSE 511). Rheology of Polymeric Materials

Prerequisite: a course in fluid mechanics or permission of instructor. (3 credits)
An introduction to the relationships between the chemical structure of polymer chains and the rheological behavior. The course will make frequent reference to synthesis, processing, characterization, and use of polymers for high technology applications.

512. (MacroSE 512)(MSE 512). Physical Polymers

Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing in engineering or physical science. (3 credits)
Structure and properties of polymers as related to their composition, annealing and mechanical treatments. Topics include creep, stress-relaxation, dynamic mechanical properties, viscoelasticity, transitions, fracture, impact response, dielectric properties, permeation, and morphology.

516. Applied Pharmacokinetics and Toxicokinetics

Prerequisite: CHE 344 or equivalent. (3 credits) II
This course focuses on (1) ADME process (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination) and the major pathways and mechanisms (e.g. transporters, liver enzymes, etc.); (2) basic concepts of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and their application in drug discovery/development; (3) introduction to pharmacokinetic analysis using WINNONLIN.

517. (Mfg 517). Biochemical Science & Technology

Prerequisite: ChE 344, Biol 311 or equivalent. Permission by Instructor (3 credits)
Concepts necessary in the adaptation of biological and biochemical principles to industrial processing in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Topics include rational screening, functional genomics, cell cultivation, oxygen transfer, etc. Lectures, problems, internet, and library study will be used.

519. (Pharmaceutics 519) Pharmaceutical Engineering

Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, permission by instructor. (3 credits)
Concepts necessary in the adaptation of engineering principles to pharmaceutical and life sciences related industries. Topics include process engineering in drug discovery, high throughput characterization and optimization of new chemical entities, solid-state engineering and intelligent pharmaceutical manufacturing systems. Lectures, problems, internet and library study will be used to develop the ideas presented.

520. (PharmSci 761)Population Pharmacokinetics

Prerequisite: PharmSci 560 or permission of instructor. (2 credits)
This course teaches the basic concepts in population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling and its application in drug development. The material covers both the theoretical practical aspects of the population approach. Software (WINNONLIN, NONMEM, and SPLUS) will be installed in a centralized area for hands-on training and learning.

527. Fluid Flow

Prerequisite: ChemE 341. (3 credits)
Applications of fluid dynamics to chemical engineering systems. Theory and practice of laminar and turbulent flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in conduits and other equipment. Multi-phase flow. Introduction to the dynamics of suspended particles, drops, bubbles, foams, and froth. Selected topics relevant to chemical and other engineering disciplines.

528. Chemical Reactor Engineering

Prerequisite: ChemE 344. (3 credits)
Analysis of kinetic, thermal, diffusive, and flow factors on reactor performance. Topics include batch, plug flow, backmix reactors, empirical rate expressions, residence time analysis, catalytic reactions, stability, and optimization.

530. (Bioinformatics 530). Introduction to Bioinformatics, Systems Biology and Predictive Modeling

Prerequisites: None (3 credits)

This course introduces the characteristics of genomic and other high throughput expression technologies. Background on molecular biology, algorithms and relational databases will be covered and the focus will be (i) Relationship between emerging technology data and biological functions and (ii) Application of systems biology and predictive modeling in drug discovery.

531. Introduction to Chemoinformatics

Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing. Permission by instructor. (3 credits)
This course is designed to give students an overview of chemoinformatics techniques, in particular their application in the pharmaceutical industry. Topics include: representation and use of chemical structures, chemical databases, molecular modeling, 3D visualization and computation, ADME/tox prediction, and hot topics in the pharmaceutical industry.

538. Statistical and Irreversible Thermodynamics

Prerequisite: ChemE 330. (3 credits)
The laws of probability and statistics are applied to microscopic matter to yield properties of macroscopic systems. Relations between classical and statistical thermodynamics are developed. Coupling of irreversible processes is treated through the entropy balance and microscopic reversibility.

542. Intermediate Transport Phenomena

Prerequisite: graduate standing. (3 credits)
Foundations of transport phenomena. Heat and mass transfer with chemical reaction in three dimensions, selective motion. Unsteady energy and mass balances in three dimensions. Distributions in more than one variable. Boundary layer theory. Estimation of interfacial transport coefficients. Dispersive flows: Taylor Dispersion. Application to equipment design.

543. Advanced Separation Processes

Prerequisite: ChE 343 (3 credits)
Forces for adsorption, equilibrium adsorption isotherms, sorbent materials, pore size distribution, heterogeneity, predicting mixture adsorption, rate processes in adsorption/adsorbers, adsorber dynamics, cyclic adsorption processes, temperature and pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation processes, polymer membranes, dialysis, electrolysis, pervaporation, reverse osmosis, research projects.

548. Electrochemical Engineering

Prerequisite: ChemE 344. (3 credits)
Analysis of electrochemical systems from a theoretical and practical point of view. Topics include the application of electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics to batteries, fuel cells, electroplating, electrosynthesis, and corrosion.

554 (MSE 554). Computational Methods in MS&E and ChemE

Prerequisite: none. I (3 credits)
Broad introduction to the methods of numerical problem solving in Materials Science and Chemical Engineering. Topics include numerical techniques, computer algorithms, and the formulation and use of computational approaches for the modeling and analysis of phenomena peculiar to these disciplines.

557 (MSE 557). Computational Nanoscience of Soft Matter

Prerequisites: Differential equations course, and a statistical thermodynamics or statistical mechanics course. I (3 credits)
Provides an understanding of strategies, methods, capabilities, and limitations of computer simulation as it pertains to the modeling and simulation of soft materials at the nanoscale. The course consists of lectures and hands-on, interactive simulation labs using research codes and commercial codes. Ab initio, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo and mesoscale methods.

558 (MATSCIE 558) (Macro 558). Foundations of Nanotechnology

Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. I (3 credits)
The focus of this course is on the scientific foundations of nanotechnology. The effects of nanoscale dimensions on optical, electrical, and mechanical properties are explained based on atomistic properties and related to applications in electronics, optics, structural materials and medicine. Projects and discussions include startup technological assessment and societal implications of the nanotechnology revolution.

580 (Eng 580). Teaching Engineering

Prerequisite: graduate standing. II (alternate years) (3 credits)
Aimed at doctoral students from all engineering disciplines interested in teaching. Topics include educational philosophies, educational objectives, learning styles, collaborative and active learning, creativity, testing and grading, ABET requirements, gender and racial issues. Participants prepare materials for a course of their choice, including course objectives, syllabus, homework, exams, mini-lecture.

584. (BiomedE 584)(Biomaterials 584). Tissue Engineering

Prerequisites: Bio 311, ChE 517, or equivalent biology course; senior standing (3 credits)
Fundamental engineering and biological principles underlying field of tissue engineering are studied, along with specific examples and strategies to engineer specific tissues for clinical use (e.g., skin). Student design teams propose new approaches to tissue engineering challenges.

595. Chemical Engineering Research Survey

(1 credit)
Research activities and opportunities in Chemical Engineering program. Lectures by University of Michigan faculty and guest lecturers. Topics are drawn from current research interests of the faculty.

596.(Pharmaceutics 596)(Biomed 596) Health Science and Engineering Seminar

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (1 credit)
This seminar will feature invited speakers from pharmaceutical, biomedical, and other life sciences-related industries, and academic institutions.

597.(Pharmacy 597) Regulatory Issues for Scientists, Engineers, and Managers

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. (2 credits)
Science- and technology-based rationale behind various regulatory isuures involved in pharmaceutical and related industries.

598. Advanced Special Topics in Chemical Engineering

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor. (2-4 credits)
Selected topics pertinent to chemical engineering.

606. Microfluidic Science and Engineering

Advised Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission from the instructor. (3 credits)
This course exposes students to both the theoretical and applied aspects of microfluidics, with a particular emphasis on designing microfluidic biological assays. The class provides broad exposure to fluid dynamic, surface phenomena, and mass transfer concepts related to microfluidics in an effort to provide a theoretical underpinning for microfluidic device design.

616. (BiomedE 616). Analysis of Chemical Signalling

Prerequisites: Math 216, Biochemistry 415. II (3 credits)
Quantitative analysis of chemical signalling systems, including receptor/ligand binding and trafficking, signal transduction and second messenger production, and cellular responses such as adhesion and migration.

617. (Mfg 617). Advanced Biochemical Technology

Prerequisite: ChemE 417 or permission of instructor. II (3 credits)
Practical and theoretical aspects of various unit operations required to separate and purify cells, proteins, and other biological compounds. Topics covered include various types of chromatography, liquid/liquid extractions, solid/liquid separations, membrane processing and field-enhanced separations. This course will focus on new and non-traditional separation methods.

628. Industrial Catalysis

Prerequisite: ChemE 528. (3 credits)
Theoretical and experimental aspects of heterogeneous catalysis and surface science. Design, preparation, and characterization of catalysts. Kinetics of heterogeneous catalytic reactions, thermal and diffusional effects in catalytic reactors. Case studies of important industrial catalytic processes.

629. (Physics 629): Complex Fluid

Prerequisite: ChemE 527. (3 credits)
Structure, dynamics, and flow properties of polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, and other substances with both liquid and solid-like characteristics.

686. (CEE 686) (ENSCEN 686). Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability

Prerequisite: Senior or Graduate Standing. (2-3 credits)
Case studies focusing on utilization of principles of environmental sustainability in professional practice. Development of environmental literacy through study of both current and historical environmental issues.

695. Research Problems in Chemical Engineering

(to be arranged)
Laboratory and conferences. Provides an opportunity for individual or group work in a particular field or on a problem of special interest to the student. The program of workis arranged at the beginning of each term by mutual agreement between the student and a member of the faculty. Any problem in the field of chemical engineering may be selected. The student writes a final report on his project.

696. Selected Topics in Chemical Engineering

(to be arranged)

697. Problems in Chemical Engineering

(to be arranged)

698. Directed Study in Chemical Engineering

(to be arranged)
This project course is intended to provide students with relevant industrial project experience. The program of work is arranged at the beginning of each term by mutual agreement between the student and a member of the faculty. Any problem in the field of chemical engineering may be selected. The student writes a final report on the project.

751(Chem 751)(MacroSE 751)(MSE 751)(Physics 751). Special Topics in Macromolecular Science

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (2 credits)
Advanced topics of current interest will be stressed. The specific topics will vary with the instructor.

895. Seminar in Chemical Engineering

(to be arranged)

990. Dissertation/Pre-Candidate

I, II, III (2-8 credits); IIIa, IIIb (1-4 credits)
Election for dissertation work by doctoral student who has not yet been admitted to status as candidate. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment.

995. Dissertation/Candidate

Prerequisite: Graduate School authorization for admission as a doctoral candidate. I, II, III (8 credits); IIIa, IIIb (4 credits)
Election for dissertation work by doctoral student who has been admitted to status as a candidate. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment.