CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Department Website: http://chemeng.nmsu.edu/
(575) 646-1214
martmitc@nmsu.edu
K.R. White*, interim department head, Ph.D. (Texas Tech) – M. C. Mitchell*, Ph.D. (Minnesota) – statistical mechanics, computer modeling and simulation, thermodynamic characterization of aerospace fuels; P. K. Andersen, Ph.D. (California-Berkeley) – chemical process simulation, engineering education, electrochemical systems; S. Deng, Ph.D. (Cincinnati) – adsorption, nanoporous materials, hydrogen fuel cells, water treatment; A. Ghassemi, Ph.D. (NMSU) – waste & environmental management and restoration, energy efficiency, pollution prevention, process control, risk assessment and decision theory; J. Houston, Ph.D. (Texas A &M) – biomedical engineering, biophotonics, flow cytometry; C. L. Johnson, D.Sc.(Washington University-emeritus) – high-temperature polymers; H. Luo, Ph.D. (Tulane) – nanostructured materials, thin films, magnetism, electrochemistry, photovoltaics; D. A. Rockstraw*, Ph.D. (Oklahoma) – chemical reaction engineering, novel separations, nanoporous materials
*Registered Professional Engineer
DEGREE: Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy
MAJOR: Engineering
CONCENTRATION: Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers graduate study leading to the Master of Science degree and the Ph.D. with an emphasis in chemical engineering. Admission to the program is in accord with the general regulations of the Graduate School. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for all applicants. All graduate students are required to pass all graduate engineering courses with a minimum grade of B.
DEGREE: Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
The graduate program is intended to provide advanced education in the fundamentals in chemical engineering. The program of study leading to the M.S. consists of 32 credits which includes required core courses (12 credits), tools courses (6 credits), a chemical engineering elective course (6 credits), thesis (6 credits), and graduate seminar (2 credits). Students may take tools courses (9 credits), a chemical engineering elective course (3 credits) or tools courses (6 credits) and chemical engineering elective course (6 credits). Students may take tools courses (9 credits), a chemical engineering elective course (3 credits) or tools courses (6 credits).
The required courses are:
| CH E 501 – Intermediate Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers (3 credits) |
| CH E 506 – Intermediate Transport Phenomena (s) (3 credits) |
| CH E 516 – Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering (3 credits) |
| CH E 542 – Intermediate Reactor Analysis and Design (3 credits) |
| CH E 590 – Graduate Seminar (2 credits: 1 credit/semester for two semesters) |
| CH E 599 – Master's Thesis (6 credits) |
The two tools courses must be selected from the list below, with one from Experimental Tools section and one from the Analytical Tools section. Two chemical engineering electives must be selected from courses numbered 450-589. The thesis may be pursued in absentia at various industrial sites by special arrangement.
Students with backgrounds in other branches of engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, or other related sciences are also eligible for admission to graduate programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering. For applicants with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than chemical engineering, undergraduate deficiency courses, which cannot be used towards the total credit requirement for the graduate degree, may be identified prior to admission and these classes must be passed with a minimum grade of B or better.
DEGREE: Doctor of Philosophy
MAJOR: Engineering
The program of study leading to the Ph.D. consists of 36 course credits and 18 dissertation credits which includes the required core courses (12 credits), tools courses (9 credits), two chemical engineering elective courses (6 credits), elective courses (6 credits), independent research (9 credits), dissertation (9 credits) and graduate seminar (3 credits). For students with an M.S. in chemical engineering, the additional program of study leading to the Ph.D. consists of a chemical engineering elective (3 credits), elective courses (6 credits), graduate seminar (1 credit), independent research (9 credits), and dissertation (9 credits). All Ph.D. students are required to pass a qualifying examination within 18 months of starting their Ph.D. studies and a comprehensive examination later. The dissertation must be defended before the doctoral committee and accepted by them.
The program of study leading to the Ph.D. is available to students who have either a B.S. or M.S. in chemical engineering. Students with only a B.S. will be required to complete the requirements for the M.S. described above (except for seminar and thesis courses) in addition to the Ph.D. requirements above.
Required Courses:
| CH E 690 – Graduate Seminar (3 credits: 1 credit/semester- for three semesters) |
| CH E 700 – Doctoral Dissertation (minimum 9 credits) |
| An Independent Research Program (minimum 9 credits) |
The chemical engineering electives must be selected from courses numbered 450-589 or 600-689. The two elective courses must be letter-graded course work numbered 500 or greater (excluding seminar courses, individual study courses) from any engineering or natural science (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics) graduate program.
Courses which will satisfy the tools course electives are given below: If a student wishes the faculty to consider accepting another course as an experiment tools or analysis tools elective, they must submit a request in writing to the department head. The graduate faculty will then vote to approve or disapprove the request.
Experimental Tools
| A ST 505 – Statistical Inference I |
| A ST 506 – Statistical Inference II |
| BCHE 494 – Techniques in Genetic Engineering |
| BIOL 506 – Biological Electron Microscopy |
| BIOL 591 – Principles of Confocal Microscopy |
| BIOL 592 – Microscopy Practicum |
| CHEM 471 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis |
| CHEM 472 – Analytical Methods for Toxic Organics and Metal Ions in the Environment |
| CHEM 521 – Chemical Instrumentation |
| CHEM 526 – Advanced Analytical Chemistry |
| CHEM 528 – Electroanalytical Techniques |
| CHEM 529 – Spectrochemical Analysis |
| CHEM 539 – Spectroscopy |
| CHEM 606 – Physical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry |
| GEOL 562 – Analytical Geochemistry |
Analysis Tools
| A ST 503 – SAS Basics |
| A ST 504 – Statistical Software Applications |
| C S 450 – C Programming |
| C S 452 – Java Programming |
| C S 475 – Artificial Intelligence I |
| E E/ PHYS 577 – Fourier Methods in Electro-Optics |
| MATH 517 – Complex Variables |
| MATH 518 – Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems |
| MATH 519 – Calculus of Variations and Optimal Control |
| MATH 531 – Ordinary Differential Equations |
| MATH 532 – Partial Differential Equations |
| PHYS 495 – Mathematical Methods of Physics I |
| PHYS 496 – Mathematical Methods of Physics II |
All graduate students must select a thesis or dissertation advisor by the end of their first semester in the chemical engineering graduate program. Graduate teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and traineeships are available. For consideration for financial assistance, completed applications must be received by March 1. All support is contingent upon availability, eligibility and satisfactory progress toward the degree.
For further information on the Department of Chemical Engineering, please consult the web page http://chemeng.nmsu.edu.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
- CH E 451. Engineering Economy 3 cr.
- Discounted cash flows, economics of project, contract and specifications as related to engineering design. Same as I E 451.
- CH E 452. Chemical Process Design & Economic Evaluation 3 cr.
- Concepts in chemical engineering process design, including: capital and manufacture cost estimation; discounted cash flows; interest; taxes; depreciation; profitability analysis; project specifications. Prerequisite(s): CH E 307 and CH E 441.
- CH E 452 L. Chemical Process Simulation 1 cr. (3P)
- Construction and convergence of chemical processes in a process simulator. Students will understand how to access variables, define and converge design specifications and converge tear/recycle streams. Prerequisite(s): ChE 352L. Corequisite(s): ChE 452.
- CH E 455. Chemical Plant Design 3 cr.
- Analysis of integrated process plants. Design for optimum operability, reliability, safety, and control. Process analysis of performance, optimization, and energy integration (pinch technology). Requires individual solution of the AICHE student contest problem, or equivalent, according to rules of contest. Written report covering work is required. Prerequisite(s): CH E 452.
- CH E 455 L. Chemical Plant Simulation 1 cr. (3P)
- Construction, convergence, and optimization of chemical processes in a process simulator. Dynamic process simulation and control. Prerequisite(s): Ch E 412, Ch E 452L. Corequisite(s): ChE 455.
- CH E 456. Advanced Chemical Process Simulation 3 cr.
- Advanced techniques in computational simulation of chemical processes using process simulation software. Restricted to CH E majors. Prerequisite: CH E 452L or consent of instructor.
- CH E 464. Polymer Science 3 cr.
- Synthesis, structure, property relationships of synthetic polymers. Prerequisite: CH E 361.
- CH E 466. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology 3 cr.
- Introduction to fundamentals and applications. Includes the thermodynamics; electrochemical kinetics and fuel cell electrode catalyst; systems and design and reforming; hydrogen production, storage, and safety; applications of fuel cells in stationary power generation, portable power, and automotives. Prerequisites: CHEM 111G and PHYS 215G.
- CH E 468. Adsorption 3 cr.
- Introductory course includes adsorption equilibrium and kinetics theories; materials and characterization; processes and design. Selected applications of adsorption processes in chemical, pharmaceutical and environmental industries. Prerequisites: CH E 301 and CH E 306. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 470. Introduction to Nuclear Energy 3 cr.
- Atomic and nuclear structure, nuclear stability and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, detection and measurement of radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, radiation doses and hazard assessment, principles of nuclear reactors, and applications of nuclear technology. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111, MATH 192.
- CH E 471. Health Physics 3 cr.
- Introduction to Radiation Protection, Radiation/Radioactivity, Radioactive Decay/Fission, Interaction of Radiation and Matter, Biological Effects of Radiation, Radiation Measurement/Statistics, Sampling for Radiation Protection Purposes, Radiation Dosimetry, Environmental Transport, Radiation Protection Guidance, External Radiation Protection, Internal Radiation Protection, Waste Management, and Hazards Analysis and Control. Prerequisite(s): MATH 192, CH E 470. Crosslisted with: WERC 471
- CH E 473. Nuclear Regulations and Compliance Practices 3 cr.
- Introduction, through the use of case studies, to the best technical compliance practices for regulations governing the siting, licensing, constructing, operating and decommissioning of nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): MATH 191G and (CHEM 111G or Chem 115). Crosslisted with: WERC 473
- CH E 474. Power Plant Design 3 cr.
- Principles of electric power generation. Review of combustion, heat transfer, and thermodynamic power cycles. Analysis of hydroelectric, fossil fuel, nuclear, and alternative power systems. Environmental and economic considerations. Prerequisite(s): MATH 191G, CHEM 111G.
- CH E 475. Nuclear Reactor Theory 3 cr.
- An overview of the properties of nuclei, nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, resonance reactions, moderation of neutrons, will be followed by mathematical treatment of the neutronics behavior of fission reactors, primarily from a theoretical, one-speed perspective. Criticality, fission product poisoning, reactivity control, reactor stability and introductory concepts in fuel management, slowing down and one-speed diffusion theory. Corequisites: MATH 392. Prerequisites: CHEM 112G, PHYS 215G, MATH 291G.
- CH E 476. Nuclear Fuel Cycles 3 cr.
- Physical and chemical processes in the conventional nuclear fuel cycle: uranium mining and milling, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, reactor operations, interim storage, reprocessing and recycling, waste treatment and disposal. Alternative fuel cycles and future prospects. Prerequisite(s): CH E 470.
- CH E 477. Introduction to Bioengineering 3 cr.
- Introductory course includes both biomedical and biochemical engineering topics; tissue engineering, biomedical systems, artificial organs, biology from an engineering viewpoint, engineering principles of bioprocesses, biochemical engineering, physiologic systems modeling and introduction to applications for recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisites: CHE 201.
- CH E 490. Senior Seminar 1 cr.
- Orientation to professional practice. Oral presentations by invited speakers, faculty, and students. Prerequisite: senior standing. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 491. Special Topics 1-4 cr.
- Lecture and/or laboratory instruction on special topics in chemical engineering. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits under different subtitles listed in the Schedule of Classes. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 498. Undergraduate Research 1-3 cr. (6+9P)
- Provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to work in research or areas of special interest such as design problems and economic studies under the direction of a faculty member. Written report and oral presentation in CH E 490, Senior Seminar, covering work required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and department head. Approval of written application. Maximum of 3 credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
- CH E 501. Intermediate Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers 3 cr.
- Advanced applications of the first and second law to chemical process systems. The calculus of thermodynamics, equilibrium and stability criteria. Properties relationships for real fluids, both pure materials and mixtures. An introduction to molecular thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Chemical Engineering graduate students must make B or better.
- CH E 506. Intermediate Transport Phenomena (s) 3 cr.
- Covers the analysis of simultaneous momentum, energy, and mass transport. Development of integral and local balance equations in vector-tensor form. Application of vector-tensor analysis to transport equations. Boundary layer theory and turbulence. Chemical engineering graduate majors must make B or better.
- CH E 513. Intermediate Chemical Engineering Data Analysis (s) 3 cr.
- Intermediate topics in the design and analysis of typical chemical engineering experiments. Topics covered include: linear models, constrained experimental space, non-linear models, model discrimination, and response surface methodologies. Consent of instructor required.
- CH E 516. Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering 3 cr.
- Survey of numerical methods for solving problems commonly encountered in heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and chemical reaction engineering.
- CH E 530. Environmental Management Seminar I 1 cr.
- Survey of practical and new developments in hazardous and radioactive waste management provided through a series of guest lectures and reports of ongoing research.
- CH E 539. Intermediate Environmental Modeling 3 cr.
- Same as CH E 436 with differentiated assignments for graduate students. Prerequisite(s): MATH 392 or CH E 201.
- CH E 541. Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Engineering (s) 3 cr.
- Same as Ch E 441 with differentiated assignments for graduate students. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
- CH E 542. Intermediate Reactor Analysis and Design (s) 3 cr.
- Application and analysis of equations of continuity to multicomponent reaction systems. Introduction to homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, single-phase combustion, and shock reaction systems. Chemical engineering majors must earn B or better.
- CH E 566. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology 3 cr.
- Same as Ch E 466 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.
- CH E 568. Intermediate Adsorption 3 cr.
- Same as CH E 468, with differentiated assignments for graduate students.
- CH E 577. Intermediate Biochemical Engineering 3 cr.
- Introductory course includes both biomedical and biochemical engineering topics; tissue engineering, biomedical systems, artificial organs, biology from an engineering viewpoint, engineering principles of bioprocesses, biochemical engineering, physiologic systems modeling and introduction to applications for recombinant DNA technology. Taught with Ch E 477 with differentiated assignments for graduate students.
- CH E 590. Graduate Seminar 1 cr.
- Presentations on topics of professional interest in chemical engineering. Includes seminars by faculty, graduate students, and invited speakers from academia, government, and industry. Required each semester for every M.S. student. All graduate degree candidates required to give seminar. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 592. Intermediate Selected Topics 1-4 cr.
- Lecture and/or laboratory instruction on selected topics of current research interest. Subtitled in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department head. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 598. Special Research Programs 1-3 cr.
- Individual investigations either analytical or experimental. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
- CH E 599. Master's Thesis 0-88 cr.
- Thesis.
- CH E 621. Advanced Topics in Unit Operations, Equipment Design, and Operation 3 cr.
- Selected topics of current interest in analysis of unit operations, equipment design and operation, and/or closely related areas. May be subtitled in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
- CH E 690. Graduate Seminar 1 cr.
- Presentations on topics of professional interest in chemical engineering. Includes seminars by faculty, graduate students, and invited speakers from academia, government, and industry. Required each semester for every Ph.D. student. All candidates for graduate degrees required to give seminar. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Restricted to majors.
- CH E 698. Special Research programs 1-6 cr.
- Advanced topics for current research. Course subtitled in the Schedule of Classes. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits under different subtitles.
- CH E 700. Doctoral Dissertation 0-88 cr.
- Individual research in selected topics of current interest in chemical engineering. Prerequisite: must be doctoral student or have consent of department head.