Related Majors Comparison for Chemical Engineering

Explore how the chemical engineering bachelor's degree compares with three related degrees within Michigan Technological University, offering insight into curriculum similarities, shared foundational courses, flexible electives, and distinct core requirements.

Compare Four Related Degrees

In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across undergraduate majors. Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives.

Here we can compare four related majors through select second and third year courses.

Chemical Engineering

CM 2110 - Material and Energy Balances

Application of material and energy balances to chemical processes. Fundamental concepts covered include: process flow diagrams, engineering charts and tables, vapor-liquid equilibrium, and stoichiometry.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121) and (CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151))

CM 3230 - Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers

First and second law applied to closed and open systems. Topics include energy conservation, heat cycles, entropy and enthalpy calculations on engineering systems; property estimation for pure components and mixture constituents, and multicomponent phase equilibria.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and MA 2160 and PH 2100

CM 3110 - Transport Phenomena and Unit Operations I

Introduce and apply concepts of momentum transfer (fluid mechanics) and heat transfer to unit operations. Presents the basic equations of momentum and heat transfer by conduction and radiation, along with transport equations that can be used in engineering analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560) and MA 3160 and PH 2100

CM 3240 - Stagewise Separation Processes

This course will relate thermodynamic principles to separation processes. Mass balances, energy balances, and other fundamental concepts are applied in selected equilibrium stagewise and rate-based material multiphase separations (distillation, absorption, stripping, extraction, washing, packed bed, membrane-based, and leaching operations).

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 3230 and MA 2160

CM 3510 - Chemical Reaction Engineering

A study of chemical reaction engineering including design and analysis of chemical reactors, the fundamentals of chemical kinetics, and analysis of reaction rate data.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and CM 3110 and CM 3230 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

Chemistry

CH 2430 - Mechanistic Organic Chemistry

This course is an introduction to organic chemistry focusing on providing the understanding of chemical reactivity of various types of organic molecules through a mechanistic perspective. The emphasis is given to mastering substitution, elimination, and addition mechanisms and their relevance to various kinds of organic compounds

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Co-Requisite(s): CH 2411
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1160 and CH 1161

CH 3310 - Analytical Chemistry I

This course covers quantitative analytical chemistry, emphasizing gravimetric, volumetric, spectrophotometric, and potentiometric methods. Key topics include chemical equilibrium, titrations, electrochemistry, separations, and spectrophotometry for chemical analysis and problem-solving.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Co-Requisite(s): CH 3311
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

CH 3510 - Physical Chemistry I - Thermodynamics, Equilibrium and Kinetics

Ideal and non-ideal gas laws, the kinetic theory of gases, equations of state, liquid-vapor equilibrium, the laws of thermodynamics, solid-liquid-vapor equilibria, the chemical potential, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, the phase rule, phase diagrams, and chemical kinetics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1122 or (CH 1160 and CH 1161) and MA 2160 and (PH 2200(C) or PH 2260(C))

CH 4710 - Biomolecular Chemistry I

Examines chemical concepts underlying biomolecules and bioprocesses and interconnections between biology and chemistry. Bioorganic mechanisms and biophysical concepts in biochemistry are emphasized. Topics include biomolecules including proteins and nucleic acids and bioprocesses including catalysis and gene action.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 2420 or CH 2440

Environmental Engineering

GE 2000 - Understanding the Earth

Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring

CEE 3200 - Thermodynamics/Fluid Mechanics

Provides engineering students with a unified understanding of the fundamental conservation laws and property accounting applied to thermodynamic and fluid dynamic systems. Topics will include but are not limited to: ideal gas behavior; heat, work, and energy; 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics; heat pumps; cycles; hydrostatics; Bernoulli; pipe flow and loss; and lift and drag.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150 and CH 1151 and PH 2100 and (ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T or CS 1111 or CS 1121 or CS 1131) and MA 2160

CEE 3501 - Environmental Engineering Fundamentals

Basic principles and calculations for environmental engineering. Covers application of mass balance, energy balance, and physical/chemical/biological principles to water and wastewater treatment, surface water quality, air quality, solid waste management, and groundwater quality.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering - Environmental, Ecological Engineering, Environmental Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1160 or MA 1161) and MA 2160 and (CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151))

CEE 3502 - Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Analysis

Introduction to environmental data acquisition and interpretation, fundamentals of environmental monitoring, instrumentation, measurement techniques, and statistical analyses. Measurements are conducted in a variety of engineered and natural environments. Probability and statistical analyses are applied to the collected data.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160 and (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

CEE 3620 - Water Resources Engineering

Introduction to hydrologic engineering, including rainfall-runoff modeling and hydrologic frequency analysis. Analysis and design of hydraulic systems such as pipe networks and storm water management systems. Computational, field, and experimental laboratory sessions reinforce lectures and provide hands-on learning opportunities.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 3200 or CEE 3200) and (MA 3710(C) or MA 2710(C) or MA 2720(C) or CEE 3502(C) or CEE 3710(C))

Biomedical Engineering

BE 2400 - Cellular and Molecular Biology

General principles and engineering applications of science and biology, including cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150 and MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121

BE 2700 - Biomedical Signals & Systems

Introduces the origin, processing and interpretation of biological signals. Mathematical modeling techniques used in the analysis of linear systems. Topics include: Fourier, Laplace and z-transforms, signal comparison techniques, power spectrum analysis, 2-dimensional signals, transfer functions, convolution, and simulations. Prerequisite of CH1150, MA2160, and PH2100 with a C or better is required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150 and PH 2100 and MA 2160 and ENG 1102

BL 2010 - Anatomy & Physiology l

Comprehensive introductory course in vertebrate anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the human body. Interrelates structure with function in regard to maintaining homeostasis and normal functioning of the body. Covers the integument, skeletal system, muscles, the nervous system, and special senses.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer

BE 3300 - Statics and Dynamics

Course provides overview of two and three-dimensional force and structure systems and their applicability to human body. Course topics will include principle of equilibrium, concept of free-body diagram, moment of inertia, centroids. Kinematics and equations of motion, principle of energy, work and momentum. Course materials tailored for biological applications, particularly for applications at human organ level.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): BE 2400 and (MA 2321 or MA 2320 or MA 2330) and (MA 3521 or MA 3520 or MA 3530) and BL 2010(C)

BE 3700 - Biomedical Instrumentation

Introductory theory of measurement and analysis from biological systems. Covers the principles and use of transducers, data recording and analysis systems and signal processing techniques. Example measurements include life science research and clinical measurements such as the vital signs.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Co-Requisite(s): BE 3701
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3010 and PH 2200 and BL 2020 and BE 2700

Review Typical Four-year Outlines for Course Sequences

Advisors create sample plans and flow charts to help you understand course requirements, electives, pre-requisites, and credit loads.

Typical Four-year Outlines

These depend on the year you enroll, or your audit year. Students can take courses in the summer, if needed.

Common First Year

Engineering majors have a common first year program.

Finding the right major means navigating a landscape of options. In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across majors. This allows you to complete many course requirements and still be on track if you should decide to change majors. In engineering, the first year may look like this:

Year 1 Fall

CH 1150 - University Chemistry I

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1153 - University Chem Recitation I

Problem solving session to support University Chemistry I - CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 1135(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CM 1000 - Introduction to Chemical Engineering

Introduces chemical engineering as a profession using the theme of industrial chemical production. Covered concepts include process flow diagrams, unit operations, green engineering, and career opportunities. Guest speakers from industry will provide their perspectives on working as a chemical engineer.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall

ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving

An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

UN 1015 - College Writing, Reading, and Research

This course develops students' critical reading, writing, and research skills with a focus on strategies for information literacy, genre analysis, and source-based writing. Class projects ask students to write in multiple genres with attention to audience, purpose, and context.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Year 1 Spring

CH 1160 - University Chemistry II

A continuation of CH 1150. Introduces more complex concepts in chemistry, including kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Additional topics may include chemistry of the metals and non-metals, biochemical systems, and nuclear chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture concepts.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1161
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

CH 1161 - University Chemistry Laboratory II

Laboratory to accompany CH1160.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1160
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design

Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or ENG 1101T or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100))

MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135 or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

In this sample plan, there is only one major-related course required during the first two semesters, CM 1000.

Design and Research Capstone

You will have the design and research experience as a senior.

Engineering students and those in the sciences will participate in a research or design project for their capstone or senior year. Engineering students can choose Senior Design or Enterprise for their capstone initiative. A student may find a research project at any time in their undergraduate career.

ChE Senior Design Option

CM 4861 - Capstone Design Project

Team projects to optimize designs for new ventures with realistic constraints. Requires process synthesis, market research, economic evaluation, and risk analysis techniques. Develops skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and communication.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 4860(C) and CM 3980

ChE Enterprise Option

ENT 4950 - Enterprise Project Work V Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals. Must be project ready as defined by major.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geospatial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engrg, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Network & System Admn, Electrical Eng Tech, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Surveying Engineering, Information Technology; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): (BE 3350 and BE 3700 and BE 3800 and BE 4900 and ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (CEE 3620 or (CEE 3810) or FW 3330) or CM 4855(C) or (CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760) or (ENT 3960 and EE 3131) or (EE 3280 and EE 3261(C)) and EE 3910 and (EE 3174(C) or EE 3171(C) or EE 3173(C)) or (GE 3890 and GE 3880) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) and (MA 3710(C) or MA 2710(C) or MA 2720(C)) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) and (MEEM 3901 or ME 3901) and (MEEM 3911 or ME 3911) and EE 3010(C) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960 and (MA 3710(C) and MA 2710(C) and MA 2720(C)) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and AE 3511 and AE 4550(C) and AE 4560(C)) and (MEEM 3400 or ME 3400) and (MEEM 3600 or ME 3601(C)) or MSE 3190 or (CMG 3250 and CMG 4120(C) and CMG 4210 and CMG 3200) or (EET 3281 and EET 4253(C)) or SAT 3812(C) or SU 4100(C) or ENG 3505(C) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (MET 4200 and MET 3500(C) and MET 3451(C)) or MET 4210

ENT 4960 - Enterprise Project Work VI Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): ENT 4950 and (BE 4900 or CEE 3620 or CEE 3810 or CM 4855 or CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760 or (EE 3174 or EE 3171 or EE 3173) or GE 3890 or MSE 4141(C) or CMG 4210 or (EET 4253 and EET 3281) or (MET 4460 and MET 4210) or (SAT 4541 and SAT 3812) or SU 4100 or ENG 4505(C) or EE 3010 and (MEEM 3600 or ME 3601) and (MEEM 3750 or ME 3750) and (MEEM 3201 or ME 3201) or (EE 3280 and EE 3261))