Chemical engineering provides a solid background for those who want to work in the chemical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.  Chemical engineers discover and implement new processes and products that are useful and economical. Students may continue their education in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, environmental engineering or medical school.  Chemical engineers are also in demand for their analytical skills by financial corporations.

The curriculum emphasizes general proficiency in science and mathematics in the first two years followed by profession-oriented work in the final two. The latter is flexible enough for students to take elective courses in their field of interest or, for those who do well, to do an independent research project. The main laboratories are equipped for work on bench-scale and pilot plant scale equipment in the areas of fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, separation processes, and chemical reaction engineering.

Design concepts and analytical techniques are integrated into the curriculum, which includes extensive use of state-of-the-art computer systems.

Sophomores may take advantage of Lafayette's program to study abroad. Juniors and seniors may undertake independent studies and research projects in conjunction with faculty. Seniors may also do honors theses.

For more information:
Polly Piergiovanni, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Head
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
(610) 330-5431
piergiop@lafayette.edu

 

The Best of Both Worlds
The advantages of studying engineering AND the liberal arts at Lafayette
 

Student and Faculty News

Michelle Mendoza '11 Studies the Geologic History of Hawaii
Chemical engineering major writes about the three weeks she spent studying lava flows and waterfalls on a faculty-led winter course
New Team-Taught Course Will Probe Intersection of Natural Sciences and Engineering
Steven Mylon, assistant professor of chemistry, and James Ferri, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, will share the classroom
In Pursuit of a Ph.D.
Jessica Jenkins ’07 writes about studying for a career in healing environmental damage
Students Will Study Engineering and Spanish Culture in New Faculty-led Semester in Madrid
James Ferri, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, will host the program’s first trip in spring 2010
Professors James Ferri and Lauren Sefcik Receive $357,000 National Science Foundation Grant
New equipment will enhance teaching and undergraduate research in the chemical and biomolecular engineering department
Women in Engineering: Lafayette is a Leader
The College ranks No. 9 nationally in percentage of women engineering grads, reports the American Society for Engineering Education
Students Teach Fourth Graders the Basics of Engineering
Members of Lafayette's Society of Women Engineers worked with students at Forks Elementary School in Easton
Caroline Szczepanski '09 Looks at the Effects of Organic Catalysts in Chemical Reactions
Chemical engineering major writes about her honors project under the guidance of Patricia Darcy, assistant professor of chemical engineering
Nathaniel M. Newman '09 Explores Green Design
Chemical engineering major is performing an independent study with Javad Tavakoli, professor of chemical engineering
The Best of Both Worlds
Studying engineering at Lafayette provides an added dimension of excellence. Strong programs in the liberal arts allow engineering majors greater breadth and flexibility in their course of study



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