What is CBE?
Chemical and biological engineering is a powerful blend of basic sciences and the skills to work quantitatively to describe, predict, and control all changes of matter. This provides the foundation to create new materials and products, develop new processes for improved manufacture of products, or design new devices to improve health, the environment, or utilization of energy resources.
With a Bachelor of Science degree, you are prepared for a profession in many different fields, including pharmaceuticals, energy, biotechnology, environmental, nanotechnology, advanced materials, sensors and biosensors, biomedical, food, and chemicals. Historically, starting salaries and demand for chemical engineers have generally been at or near the top among all undergraduate degrees. A BS in chemical and biological engineering is also an excellent foundation for further study, whether for an MS or PhD degree in engineering (chemical and biological, biomedical, or environmental) or for a professional degree in medicine, business, or law.
Chemical and Biological Engineering includes a study of the basic sciences: chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, and exposure to humanities and the social sciences. You will learn engineering design, analysis, and control, and methodology to mathematically describe chemical, biological, and thermal changes to material. This core forms the basis for contributing to many different areas of great interest to industry and society, including the manufacture of chemicals and electronic devices to processing of food, and environmental remediation, as well as methods for medical diagnosis and treatment and tissue engineering. Students may pursue interdisciplinary studies programs or minors. Popular options include minors in chemistry and environmental engineering, and interdisciplinary studies programs in biotechnology and biomedical engineering.
CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS:
· Interest and ability in math, chemistry, biology, and physical sciences
· Problem solving and logic
· Creativity
· Able to draw information and ideas from a variety of sources
· Perseverance
· Curiosity
· Versatility
· Leadership ability
· Strong verbal and writing skills
· Ability to work effectively with a team and independently
· Able to meet deadlines
· Strong aptitude for computer applications
For a more in depth look at chemical engineering and the contributions of the profession, look here.