Academic Programs Catalog

College of Engineering

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs, one in chemical engineering and one in materials science and engineering. Students learn to convert low-value raw materials into high-value products. Students learn how to analyze and understand different processes and how, at the macroscopic, microstructural, and atomistic/molecular levels, these processes  result in different properties in the final product. Emphasis is placed on developing students who understand the technical aspects of production, the environmental, economic, and societal impact of engineering, and who possess a desire for lifelong learning and growth. Optional concentrations are available for students to focus their programs of study on areas of particular interest.

Graduates are trained to succeed in multidisciplinary teams that interface between disciplines. They work across a broad spectrum of fields including industrial chemicals, automotive, metals, plastics, petroleum processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, electronics, energy related materials, sensors, and biomedical technology. Within these fields, our graduates are involved in research and development of products and processes, in the design and operation of manufacturing facilities, and in management and product quality control.
 


Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers convert raw materials to finished products via pathways involving chemical and physical changes. The principles of mass, energy, and momentum conservation, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and economics are applied to develop new products and to design and operate manufacturing facilities to produce products that benefit society. Chemical engineering principles are, in turn, based on the sciences of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics, which form the underlying foundation of the discipline.

Students in this degree program will study the application of chemical engineering principles to biochemical and biomedical systems, nanoscale devices, polymer processing, and novel energy systems. Principles of sustainability, environmentally-friendly “green” processing, entrepreneurship, and other emerging topics are also addressed in courses and concentrations.

The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 128 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chemical Engineering major is met by completing Chemical Engineering 316 and 433.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Engineering may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements for All Majors in the College statement. The alternative track requirement for Integrative Studies in Biological Sciences in Chemical Engineering is Biological Science 161. Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Engineering for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (54 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM 355 Organic Laboratory I 2
    CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3
    CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3
    CHE 301 Chemical Engineering as a Profession 1
    CHE 311 Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer 3
    CHE 312 Mass Transfer and Separations 4
    CHE 316 Laboratory Practice and Statistical Analysis 4
    CHE 321 Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineering 4
    CHE 431 Chemical Reaction Engineering 4
    CHE 432 Process Analysis and Control 3
    CHE 433 Process Design and Optimization I 4
    CHE 434 Process Design and Optimization II 2
    CHE 473 Chemical Engineering Principles in Polymers and Material Systems 3
    Note: Students must have a minimum grade-point of 2.0 in CHE 201.
    b. One of the following (4 or 6 credits):
    (1) BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    (2) BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
    BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3
    Note: If BMB 462 is taken to fulfill requirements 3. b., it will also count as a technical elective in item 3. e.
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CHE 472 Polymeric Composite Materials Processing 3
    CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CEM 483 Quantum Chemistry 3
    CEM 484 Molecular Thermodynamics 3
    e. Technical Electives.
    Students must complete at least 6 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Concentrations in Chemical Engineering

In response to increasing interest in the application of chemical engineering principles to related fields, the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers concentrations in biochemical engineering, bioenergy, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, food science, and polymer science and engineering to students wishing an area of concentration in the degree. Concentrations are available to, but not required of, any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program  in chemical engineering. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

NOTE: Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering with a concentration may  require more than 128 credits. For any concentration, up to 3 credits of Independent Study (CHE 490) related to the subject area may be applied with approval of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Biochemical Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biochemical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., and 3.d. above and the following:
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
MGI 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
One of the following tracks (11 to 13 credits):
Track 1 (12 or 13 credits):
The following course (4 credits):
BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
Three of the following courses (8 or 9 credits):
BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
BMB 829 Special Problems in Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
MGI 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3
MGI 431 Microbial Genetics 3
Track 2 (11 or 12 credits):
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3
Two of the following courses (5 or 6 credits):
BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
BMB 829 Special Problems in Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
MGI 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3
MGI 431 Microbial Genetics 3
Bioenergy and Bioproducts
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a bioenergy and bioproducts concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits): 3
CHE 468 Biomass Conversion Engineering 3
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
CSS 467 Bioenergy Feedstock Production
One of the following courses (3 credits):
BE 469 Sustainable Bioenergy Systems 3
BE 869 Life Cycle Assessment for Bioenergy and Bioproduct Systems 3
One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 829 Economics of Environmental Resources 3
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy 3
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
Biomedical Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biomedical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
All of the following courses (10 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
PSL 431 Human Physiology I 4
One of the following courses (3 credits):
BME 860 NanoEngineering in Biomedicine 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
One of the following courses not taken above (3 or 4 credits):
ANTR 350 Human Gross Anatomy for Pre-Health Professionals 4
BME 860 NanoEngineering in Biomedicine 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
Environmental
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with an environmental concentration, the student must complete requirements 1., 2., and 3. a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
ENE 380 Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 3
Three of the following courses (9 credits):
CSS 865 Environmental Organic Chemistry 3
ENE 381 Environmental Chemistry: Equilibrium Concepts 3
ENE 483 Water and Wastewater Engineering 3
ENE 489 Air Pollution: Science and Engineering 3
GBL 480 Environmental Law and Sustainability for Business: From Local to Global 3
GLG 421 Environmental Geochemistry 4
IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
Food Science
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a food science concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., 3.c., and 3.d. above and all of the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits):
FSC 401 Food Chemistry 3
FSC 440 Food Microbiology 3
MGI 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
One of the following courses (3 credits):
BE 477 Food Engineering: Fluids 3
BE 478 Food Engineering: Solids 3
CEM 482 Science and Technology of Wine Production 3
CHE 483 Brewing and Distilled Beverage Technology 3
FSC 325 Food Processing: Unit Operations 3
FSC 455 Food and Nutrition Laboratory 3
FSC 470 Integrated Approaches to Food Product Development 3
FSC 481 Fermented Beverages 3
Polymer Science and Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a polymer science and engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., and 3.d. above and all of the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits):
CE 221 Statics 3
CHE 472 Polymeric Composite Materials Processing 3
ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
Two of the following courses (6 or 7 credits):
CHE 871 Material Surfaces and Interfaces 3
CHE 872 Polymers and Composites: Manufacturing, Structure and Performance 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3
PKG 323 Packaging with Plastics 4

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering majors learn to select and create materials used to realize engineering designs in fields such as bioengineering, microelectronics and aerospace. They also learn how to manipulate the elements of matter into the atomic arrangements that ensure efficient and cost-effective materials performance, demanded by today’s advanced applications.

Through the core course work, students gain the scientific and engineering foundation needed to design metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite materials and, in turn, components manufactured from these materials. Students may enhance the knowledge they gain in metals, ceramics, and polymers by completing a concentration in biomedical materials, manufacturing, polymers, or metallurgy. Students may also choose to enroll in electives of complementary fields such as business, electronic materials, or statistics. Honors students are encouraged to request an honors option with the instructors of MSE courses listed in item 3.a. below.

The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 128 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Materials Science and Engineering major is met by completing Materials Science and Engineering 466.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Engineering may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements for All Majors in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Engineering for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (41 credits):
    CE 221 Statics 3
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry  3
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    ECE 345 Electronic Instrumentation and Systems 3
    ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
    MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
    MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal and Optical Properties of Materials 3
    MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
    MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
    MSE 331 Materials Characterization Methods I 2
    MSE 360 Fundamentals of Microstructural Design 3
    MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
    MSE 381 Materials Characterization Methods II 2
    MSE 466 Design and Failure Analysis (W) 3
    STT 351 Probability and Statistics for Engineering 3
    Electrical and Computer Engineering 302 and 303 may be substituted for Electrical and Computer Engineering 345.
    b. Four of the following courses (12 credits):
    ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
    MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
    MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
    MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
    MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
    MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Alluminum Alloys 3
    c. Complete at least 6 credits from 400-level courses within the College of Engineering.
    d. Complete at least 3 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Concentrations in Materials Science and Engineering

Students may elect to complete a more focused set of courses to enhance their ability to function at the interface with another scientific, engineering, or business discipline. Concentrations are available to, but not required of, any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a concentration may require more than 128 credits. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

Biomedical Materials Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills in human biology and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a biomedical materials engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (25 credits):

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
ANTR 350 Human Gross Anatomy for Pre-Health Professionals 3
CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
ME 495 Tissue Mechanics 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
2. One of the following courses (4 credits):
PSL 250 Introduction to Physiology 4
PSL 310 Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals 4
3. Two of the following courses (6 credits):
MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 474 Ceramics and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
4. At least 3 credits from a list of approved technical electives.

Manufacturing Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills with business and design engineers for manufacturing projects and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a manufacturing engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (21 credits): 

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
ECE 415 Computer Aided Manufacturing 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
ME 478 Product Development 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
2. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
GBL 323 Introduction to Business Law 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3
MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
Completion of this concentration fulfills requirement 2. of the admission requirements for the Master of Science degree in Manufacturing and Engineering Management offered by The Eli Broad College of Business.

Metallurgical Engineering
To enhance the student’s ability to characterize, process, and design with metals in association with mechanical engineers and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a metallurgical engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (21 credits):

1. All of the following courses (18 credits):
ME 423 Intermediate Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
ME 475 Computer Aided Design of Structures 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
MSE 481 Spectroscopic and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ME 425 Experimental Mechanics 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3

Polymeric Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills to facilitate interactions with chemical engineers and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a polymeric engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (22 credits):

1. All the following courses (19 credits):
CE 321 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics 4
CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHE 472
Composite Materials Processing
3
CHE 473
Chemical Engineering Principles in Polymers and Materials Systems
3
MSE 426
Introduction to Composite Materials
3
Any approved 890-891 independent study or topics course
3
2. Complete at least 3 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.


Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

The Minor in Materials Science and Engineering, which is administered by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, provides students with a basic foundation in materials science that is applicable to many disciplines. The minor also offers opportunities for students to work in industry, research, or government, as well as to prepare for graduate study in materials science.

The minor is available as an elective to students in a bachelor’s degree program in the College of Engineering, other than the Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering. With the approval of the college, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor must apply to the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. To be accepted into the minor, the student must be admitted into the College of Engineering. Enrollment for some MSE courses may be limited. Application forms are available at www.chems.msu.edu.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

Complete 18 credits from the following:

1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
MSE 360 Fundamentals of Microstructural Design 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal and Optical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
3. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
MSE 410 Materials Foundations for Energy Applications 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 466 Design and Failure Analysis (W) 3
MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
MSE 481 Spectroscopic and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
A course used to fulfill requirement 2. above may not be used to fulfill this requirement.