Bachelor of Chemical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program in Chemical Engineering is a four-year undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Chemical Engineering. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of chemical engineering, preparing them for careers in diverse sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, environmental management, petrochemicals, and materials manufacturing. The program also builds a strong platform for students who wish to pursue higher studies or engage in research and development.

Program Objectives

The primary objective of the B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering program is to produce skilled graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program aims to:

• Impart a strong grounding in core areas of chemical engineering
• Develop proficiency in the use of modern engineering tools and simulation software.
• Foster problem-solving, design, and analytical skills.
• Cultivate ethical awareness, teamwork, and communication capabilities essential for professional success.
• Encourage innovation and research in areas of national and global significance,

Curriculum Structure

The program is structured over eight semesters and consists of a balanced mix of theoretical coursework, laboratory experiments, design projects, and industrial training. It covers foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, along with specialized engineering courses and general education components.

Key Course Categories:

1.      Basic Sciences & Mathematics : Calculus, Linear Algebra, Laplace and Matrices, General and Physical Chemistry, Physics.

2.      Core Chemical Engineering Courses :

o    Fundamentals : Material and Energy Balances, Thermodynamics, Transport Phenomena etc.

o    Design & Analysis : Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Dynamics and Control, Process Design etc.

o    Application & Operations : Separation Processes, Heat and Mass Transfer, Analytical Instrumentation etc.

3.      Sessional Courses : Unit Operations, Reaction Engineering, Mass Transfer, Process Control, Fuel and Energy, Analytical Instrumentation, Particle Technology.

4.      Computational Tools : MATLAB, Aspen Plus / HYSYS, AutoCAD for process simulation and design.

5.      Humanities & Social Sciences : Courses aimed at developing communication, ethics, and societal awareness.

6.      Thesis : An independent research-based investigation conducted in the final year under faculty supervision. The thesis helps students apply engineering principles to real-world problems and often aligns with departmental research areas like carbon capture, waste valorization, or renewable energy.

7.      Design Project : Final year project involving process design, experimental investigation, or simulation work.

8.      Industrial Training : Internship or industry visit to bridge academic learning with real-world experience.

Teaching Methodology

A combination of lectures, tutorials, group assignments, laboratory work, and project-based learning is employed. Continuous assessment through quizzes, term tests, reports, and presentations ensures active engagement.

Assessment and Evaluation

Student performance is evaluated through a semester-based grading system involving coursework, midterm and final exams, lab work, project submissions, and oral presentations. Industrial training and final year projects are assessed through written reports and viva voce.

Facilities and Resources

The Department of Chemical Engineering is equipped with modern laboratories for undergraduate teaching and research. Facilities include:

• Unit operations lab.
• Reaction engineering and kinetics lab.
• Process control lab.
• Analytical Instrumentation lab
• Environmental Engineering lab.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the B.Sc. program in Chemical Engineering are well-prepared to enter a wide range of industries including:

• Chemical manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Petroleum and gas
• Food and beverage processing
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Cement, pulp and paper
• Fertilizer
• Energy and power sector
• Environmental and sustainability consulting

Additionally, many graduates pursue higher education and research opportunities both at home and abroad.

Relevance to National Development

Given Bangladesh’s rapid industrialization, energy transition goals, and environmental challenges, chemical engineers are increasingly vital to national development. Graduates contribute to sustainable industrial growth, pollution control, clean energy development, and circular economy initiatives.

This program also supports local industries through final year projects, internships, and collaborations involving industrial waste utilization, CO₂ capture, energy efficiency studies, and process optimization — areas that align with national and SDG priorities.

Research and Innovation Focus

Although primarily an undergraduate program, students are encouraged to participate in research activities in collaboration with faculty. Past projects have included:

• Carbon capture via mineral carbonation
• Biogas upgrading and utilization
• Renewable fuel alternatives from agricultural waste
• Industrial wastewater treatment techniques

Students have also taken part in national conferences and inter-university competitions, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific curiosity.

Future Developments

The department plans to further enhance the B.Sc. program by introducing elective courses in areas such as biochemical engineering, nanomaterials, energy systems, and green chemical processes. There are also long-term plans to establish postgraduate programs and industry-academic partnerships for greater research output.