Bachelor of Science in Polymer Science and Engineering - Biomaterials Track

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree with a major in polymer science, which is designed to prepare the student both for employment in polymer-based industry and for graduate education in polymer science. The Bachelor of Science degree program in Polymer Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Case School of Engineering is proud that the polymer science and engineering program was the first such undergraduate program in the country to receive accreditation from the Engineering Council for Professional Development. The curriculum combines courses dealing with all aspects of polymer science and engineering with basic courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, depending on the needs and interests of the student. The student chooses a sequence of technical electives, in consultation with a faculty advisor, allowing a degree of specialization in one particular area of interest, e.g., biomaterials, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or physics. In addition to required formal laboratory courses, students are encouraged to participate in the research activities of the department, both through part-time employment as student laboratory technicians and through the senior project requirement: a one or two semester project that involves the planning and performance of a research project. Polymer science undergraduates are also strongly encouraged to seek summer employment in industrial laboratories during at least one of their three years with the department. In addition to the general undergraduate curriculum in macromolecular science, the department offers three specialized programs which lead to the BS with a macromolecular science major. The cooperative program contains all the course work required for full-time resident students plus one or two six-month cooperative sessions in polymer-based industry. The company is selected by the student in consultation with his or her advisor, depending on the available opportunities. The dual-degree program allows students to work simultaneously on two baccalaureate level degrees within the university. It generally takes five years to complete the course requirements for each department for the degree. The BS/MS program leads to the simultaneous completion of requirements for both the master’s and bachelor’s degrees. Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 may apply for admission to this program in their junior year. Program Educational Objectives This program will produce graduates who: Are competent, creative, and highly valued professionals in industry, academia, or government. Are flexible and adaptable in the workplace, possess the capacity to embrace new opportunities of emerging technologies, and embrace leadership and teamwork opportunities, all affording sustainable engineering careers. Continue their professional development by obtaining advanced degrees in Polymer Science and Engineering or other professional fields, as well as medicine, law, management, finance or public policy. Act with global, ethical, societal, ecological, and commercial awareness expected of practicing engineering professionals. Student Outcomes As preparation for achieving the above educational objectives, the BS degree in Polymer Science and Engineering is designed so that students attain: an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs an ability to function in multi-disciplinary teams an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility an ability to communicate effectively