Chemical Engineering
If you are interested in chemistry and biology and seek a challenging, well-paying career, you will find what you want in chemical engineering. It is an excellent discipline to put your math skills and problem-solving ability to work. This is not a narrow field; chemical engineering plays a part in much of the research that captures headlines today as it creates the world of tomorrow.
Chemical engineers draw upon the vast and powerful sciences of chemistry and biology to solve engineering problems, which directly benefits society and our way of life. From the use of polymers in medical applications to genetically modified crops to bioterrorism, chemical engineers tackle the most pressing issues facing us today.
Since the discipline involves both generation of new ideas as well as application of these ideas, chemical engineers are usually involved in all aspects of a given project and often serve as a connection between various disciplines. As a chemical engineer, you will be an expert at dealing with the discovery and design of new materials and processes, the chemical and physical changes of matter, and with the conversion of energy, to mention a few examples. Many chemical engineers use this knowledge in jobs that include
- Product design, development, and market research
- Economic feasibility studies
- Research, development and design of chemical processes
- Operation, maintenance, and scale-up of chemical and biochemical plants
- Process design for conservation of energy and environment
Chemical engineers apply their knowledge of mathematics and science to design and manufacture products useful to society and to minimize sources of pollution. Because of their unique blend of mathematics, science, and engineering practice, chemical engineers are in high demand in a wide range of industries and services. Some of these industries are outlined below. (Excerpted with permission from AIChE at http://www.aiche.org/CareersEducation/CareerDevelopment/index.aspx)
Chemical Process Industries (CPI) – The CPI’s focus is on the development, extraction, isolation, combination and use of chemicals and chemical by-products. Specialty areas include agricultural chemicals, catalysts, pharmaceutics, industrial gases, paints, varnishes, pigments, inks, petrochemicals, plastics, synthetic resins and composites, paper, rubber, soaps, detergents, perfumes, fats, oils, cosmetics, synthetic fibers, textiles, and films.
Biotechnology – The biotechnology industry uses living cells, materials produced by cells, and biological techniques developed through research, to create products for use in other industries. Work in the field of biotechnology has produced antibiotics, insulin, interferon, artificial organs, recombinant DNA, techniques for waste reduction and recycling, and hybrid plants that are insect resistant.
Electronics – Chemical engineers in the electronics industry are involved with material development and production. For example, chemical engineers are integrally involved in the manufacturing of microchips and intricate circuitry, using their training to develop the materials and processes that allow such circuits to be properly assembled.
Environmental, Safety & Health – In almost every industry, chemical engineers are involved in areas that concern the environment, waste minimization, and personal health and safety. With every process that involves the use and manipulation of raw materials, some by-products are produced. The chemical engineer is employed to minimize the production of by-products, if they are of no use, or find an appropriate use for them.
Food & Beverages – The food and beverage industry includes the handling, processing, preparation, packaging, and preservation of food and beverages.
Fuels – Those industries that fall under the category of fuels include petroleum and petroleum products production, refining, as well as nuclear and synthetic fuels. Chemical engineers are also involved in developing alternative energy sources.
Advanced Materials – Industries in the category of advanced materials use chemical engineers to help develop materials with different properties such as weight, strength, heat transfer, reflectivity, and purity.
