2024-2025 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Undergraduate Study

AICHE members

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) club members staff an information table at Discover UCLA Engineering. New first-year students at this event are introduced to engineering clubs and organizations; and meet current students, faculty, and staff.

Chemical Engineering BS

The chemical engineering curricula offer a high quality, professionally oriented education in modern chemical engineering. The biomedical engineering, biomolecular engineering, environmental engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing engineering options provide students with an opportunity for exposure to a subfield of chemical and biomolecular engineering. In all cases, balance is sought between engineering science and practice.

The chemical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Capstone Major

The Chemical Engineering major is a designated capstone major. The capstone project requires students to first work individually and learn how to integrate chemical engineering fundamentals taught in prior required courses; they then work in groups to produce a paper design of a realistic chemical process using appropriate software tools. Graduates should be able to design a chemical or biological system, component, or process that meets technical and economical design objectives, with consideration of environmental, social, and ethical issues, as well as sustainable development goals. In addition, they should be able to apply their knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and chemical and biological engineering to analysis and design of chemical and biochemical processes and products; function on multidisciplinary teams; identify, formulate, and solve complex chemical and biological engineering problems; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Educational Objectives

The chemical and biomolecular engineering undergraduate program educational objectives are to produce chemical and biomolecular engineering alumni who (1) draw readily on a rigorous education in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology in addition to the fundamentals of chemical engineering to creatively solve problems in chemical and biological technology; (2) incorporate social, ethical, environmental, and economic considerations, including the concept of sustainable development, into chemical and biomolecular engineering practice; (3) work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex multifaceted problems that may require different approaches and viewpoints to arrive at a successful solution; and (4) pursue careers in chemical and biomolecular engineering and related fields as demonstrated by professional success at positions within industry, government, or academia.

Learning Outcomes

The Chemical Engineering major has the following learning outcomes:

Chemical Engineering Core Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 18 courses as follows. Students may select either Civil Engineering M20 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M20.

The Major

Complete 13 required courses, three technical breadth courses (12 units), two capstone design courses, and two chemical engineering elective courses (8 units) as follows:

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Analysis and Design

Complete both of the following courses:

Chemical Engineering Electives

Select two elective courses (8 units) from:

Biomedical Engineering Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 18 courses as follows. Students may select either Civil Engineering M20 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M20.

The Major

Complete 14 required courses, 12 units of technical breadth, two capstone design courses, and 4 units of biomedical electives as follows:

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Analysis and Design

Complete both of the following courses:

Biomedical Elective

Select one biomedical elective course (4 units) from the following. Another chemical engineering elective may be substituted with approval of the faculty adviser.

Biomolecular Engineering Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 18 courses as follows. Students may select either Civil Engineering M20 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M20.

The Major

Complete 14 required courses, 12 units of technical breadth, two capstone design courses, and 4 units of biomolecular electives as follows:

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Analysis and Design

Complete the following two courses:

Biomolecular Elective

Select one biomolecular elective course (4 units) from the following. Another chemical engineering elective may be substituted with approval of the faculty adviser.

Environmental Engineering Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete 18 courses as follows. Students may select either Civil Engineering M20 or Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M20.

The Major

Complete 13 required courses, 12 units of technical breadth, two capstone design courses, and 8 units of electives.

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Analysis and Design

Complete the following two courses:

Electives

Select two elective courses (8 units) from the following. Another chemical engineering elective may be substituted with approval of the faculty adviser.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineering Option

Preparation for the Major

Complete the following 18 courses.

The Major

Complete 15 required courses, 12 units of technical breadth, two capstone design courses, and 8 units of electives as follows:

Technical Breadth

Complete three technical breadth courses (12 units) selected from approved lists available on the technical breadth web page.

Capstone Analysis and Design

Complete the following two courses:

Elective

Select one elective course (4 units) from chemical engineering or from the following list:

Policies

The Major Policies

Approved lists of technical breadth courses are available on the technical breadth web page.

For information on UC, school, and general education requirements, see Requirements for BS Degrees or the GE Requirement web page.