Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Department

The newly-formed Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering draws on the rich tradition of our Mechanical and Chemical Engineering programs that produce quality graduates for industry and graduate school and includes two ABET-accredited programs: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. 

Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering program at CBU provides a design-oriented and laboratory intensive program emphasizing hands-on experience and teamwork. We provide an education that balances theory and practice within two traditional concentrations:

• Energy Systems – focuses on energy conversion and fluid/thermal systems
• Mechanical Systems – addresses the dynamics and mechanics of a system/component

The curriculum of the Mechanical Engineering Department is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice, and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning as well as professional growth. The course of study begins with a strong foundation in mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering sciences, and culminates in a series of design courses. This sequence requires the student to apply material learned in foundation courses to practical design problems in other areas. Traditional classroom instruction is supported with extensive laboratory experience to insure a solid foundation in traditional and emerging areas of mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Program Highlights

• Technical electives help you customize your education. Courses in Aerodynamics, Thermal Environmental Engineering, Intermediate Manufacturing, and Selection of Materials
• A Capstone Experience challenges students to apply what they have learned in a comprehensive design project often done in conjunction with an internship or engineering practitioner. This two-semester experience requires students to engage in a complete design cycle from concept development through design, analysis, manufacturing, report writing, and presentation.
• Our ASME Student Chapter provides students with opportunities to enhance leadership skills, build relationships with peers and alumni, and network with business leaders through conferences and seminars.
• The annual ASME Student Professional Development Conference gives students the opportunity to compete in academic and professional activities with regional engineering schools. Competitions in student design, technical paper writing, and presentation help develop skills in oral presentation, written communication, and real-time problem solving.
• The NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge gives students the opportunity to design and build a human-powered vehicle that is raced over a half-mile simulated lunar terrain course at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.
• The SAE Baja Competition simulates a real-world engineering design project where students are challenged to design, build, and test an off-road vehicle (Mini-Baja) that is raced over the harshest elements of rough terrain.

Chemical Engineering

The Chemical Engineering program at CBU prepares students to succeed in the chemical process industries and beyond through a hands-on and theory-based curriculum. We provide an education that balances theory and practice within two concentrations:

Chemical Engineering — applies knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering techniques to create, design, and improve processes to manufacture materials we encounter every day, including: Fuels, Polymers & Plastics, Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Microprocessors, and Consumer Products. Chemical engineering degrees are flexible. The practical, quantitative, problem-solving skills learned may be applied to a wide array of careers. Careers in chemical engineering are rewarding. Surveys of starting salaries almost always list ChEs near the top. Polls of working chemical engineers indicate a high degree of job satisfaction.

Biochemical Engineering — supplements the traditional ChE skills with additional study of biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. This knowledge enables the extension of chemical engineering principles to applications in biotechnology including commercial enzymes, food and food additives, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels. These processes use living cells in biochemical reactors, called “fermentors”, to conduct the manufacturing. The resulting mixtures are extremely complex, so bioseparations are one of the most important – and expensive – parts of biotech processes. Reactors and separations are the bedrock of chemical engineering, so it should be clear why ChEs are important in the broad application of biotechnology.

Chemical Engineering Program Highlights

ChE students may additionally opt to pursue a biochemical engineering emphasis to open pathways into biotechnology careers, including pharmaceuticals, commercial enzymes, food additives, and biofuels. The CBU biochemical engineering track includes all the course required for medical school admission, and so offers a “pre-med” option for highly motivated students.

The Chemical & Biochemical Engineering program allows students to add a certificate in packaging engineering to their program to increase their career options. We also offer elective courses in industrial safety and air pollution for students who are interested in regulatory affairs or environmental careers.

All Chemical & Biochemical Engineering courses at CBU feature small class sizes and are taught by experienced faculty. Our laboratory facilities provide hands-on experiences to supplement and reaffirm classroom learning. Students are also encouraged to pursue internship opportunities with local firms to further reinforce the theory and practice taught at CBU.

Our Chemical and Biochemical Engineering students learn that teamwork is critical to professional success, and have opportunities through the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and other campus organizations to cultivate leadership skills. For those interested, numerous chances to develop “soft skills” in communications, group dynamics, and leadership are available.

Recent graduates have moved on to careers in energy (petroleum refining, biofuels, natural gas processing and distribution), paper manufacturing and packaging, cosmetics and consumer products, and industrial gases and chemicals. Others have pursued advanced degrees in engineering (chemical, biomedical, and materials), pharmaceutical science, and medicine.