Undergraduate Courses

Overview

  • Courses numbered in the 1000s normally are taken in the first year; 2000s in the sophomore year; 3000s in the junior year; and 4000s in the senior year.
  • Graduate courses are those numbered in the 6000s and 7000s; 6000-level courses may be taken by advanced undergraduates.
  • The numbers in parentheses next to the course title indicate the number of hours of course credit.

Approved CBE Elective Courses

CENG 1180: Global Impacts and Opportunities in Chemical Engineering

This course connects core chemical engineering concepts to real-world applications—showcasing the global impact that chemical engineers have on our planet and the grand challenges that they are working to address. Topics include energy generation and renewability, advances in medicine, large-scale food production, revolutionary materials, and pollution prevention and sustainability. Students will learn through relevant readings, discussions, tours of local businesses, hands-on projects, and guest lectures from leaders in the field. The course incorporates an optional 20-hour service learning component. 

CENG 1890: Service Learning Component for CENG 1180

This course satisfies the lower-level service learning requirement. Students will apply the design process and critical thinking skills to meet the needs of our community partner, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Through a hands-on design project, reflection, and assessment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the engineering design process, and the importance of civic engagement to promote a sustainable future. Students participating in service learning should also be enrolled in CENG 1180.

CENG 2110 Material and Energy Balances (3)

Prerequisites: CHEM 1080, MATH 1220.
Basic concepts in mass and energy balances are presented in this introduction to chemical process engineering. Properties of pure materials and relevant equations of state are reviewed in illustrative examples.

CENG 2120 Thermodynamics I (3)

Concepts of energy, equilibrium, and reversibility are presented in the setting of the theoretical development of classical thermodynamics. Energy conversion cycles and elementary fluid mechanics are used to illustrate applied thermodynamics in chemical process technology.

CENG 2210 Professional Development for Chemical Engineers

This course is designed for students aiming to develop the soft skills necessary for life-long success as a professional engineer. Topics include effective written and oral communication, resume building, networking, employment search strategies, the interview process, teamwork and critical thinking. Learning will be reinforced through practical activities, including a mock interview, staged networking event, and oral presentations with class discussion and feedback.

CENG 2320 Transport Phenomena I (3)

Prerequisites: CENG 2110, 2120, equivalents or approval of instructor.
Principles of hydrostatics and fluid mechanics. Emphasis is on mass, energy and momentum balances. Fluid flow through pipes and other types of chemical engineering equipment are considered in detail. The fundamental operations of vector analysis and the development of basic differential equations that govern fluid flow are used to solve representative problems in which viscosity is important.

CENG 2500 Introduction to Biotechnology (3)

This course begins with an introduction to physical and biological properties of cells through cell and molecular biology teachings, and then expands with the application of these principles to the realm of biotechnology. Theory and practice of specific laboratory techniques will be covered and demonstrated, and typical data sets will be interpreted. Applications of biotechnology in the business and medical communities will be discussed.

CENG 3110 Thermodynamics II (3)

Basic concepts in physical and chemical equilibria. Systems of variable composition. Chemical reaction equilibria. Thermodynamic analysis of processes. Principles of statistical mechanics. Partition functions.

CENG 3230 Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineers (3)

In this course, students learn algorithms for solving various types of mathematical problems, including linear and nonlinear algebraic equations and systems of equations, differentiation, integration, and ordinary differential equations. Computing methods will be used as a tool for implementing these algorithms via the MATLAB package.

CENG 3240 Unit Operations Lab (4)

Prerequisites: CENG 2110, 2120, 2320, and 3390.
This course teaches the fundamentals of engineering problem solving through experience with pilot and full-scale industrial equipment. In addition to planning and performing hands-on chemical engineering experiments, students will practice collecting, correlating, and interpreting data, writing technical reports, giving oral presentations of technical material, and working with fellow team members toward a common goal.

CENG 3340 Separation Processes (3)

Prerequisites: CENG 2320, CENG 3390, equivalent, or approval of instructor.
The analysis and design of mass-transfer based separation processes. Fundamental concepts are derived and applied to representative industrial process configurations. Subject area coverage includes the fundamentals of mass transfer, as well as the design of countercurrent operations such as gas-liquid absorption, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction and leaching.

CENG 3390 Transport Phenomna II (3)

Prerequisites: CENG 2320.
The analysis of problems in conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. The formulation and solution of heat transfer problems by means of shell balances. Exact and numerical solutions to heat transfer problems. Correlations for convective heat transfer. Analogies between heat and momentum heat transfer. The application of basic principles of heat/mass transfer to heat exchange, evaporation, condensation, boiling and drying operations.

CENG 4130 Surface and Colloid Phenomena (3)

A study of surface and colloid chemistry. Topics include characterization of particles and surfaces, stability of colloidal systems, interactions of charged particles, and electrokinetic phenomena.

CENG 4150 Reactor Design (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 2240.
The design and analysis of chemical, biological, and polymerization reactor systems are achieved by application of the principles of chemical kinetics and equilibrium coupled with mass and energy transport. Specific areas of study include kinetics, ideal reactors, multiple reactor systems, non-ideal flow and mixing, and catalysis.

CENG 4310 Chemical Process Design (3)

Prerequisites: Senior standing or departmental approval.
The elements of industrial design and supporting economics are presented in the context of a representative design project. This course extends the student's early background in unit operations with practical elements of business practices including fundamental design strategies, process simulation software, economics, and principles of safety and environmental issues. In addition to all major elements of chemical engineering, a strong emphasis is placed on written and oral communication skills.

CENG 4400 Introduction to Gene Therapy (3)

A survey of the fundamental aspects of gene delivery and their application to gene therapy. Topics include various viral and non-viral gene carriers, carrier/DNA interaction and complex formation, complex interactions with cells and cell structures, targeting, gene editing, and gene therapy applications.

CENG 4450 Applied Biochemistry I (3)

Prerequisite: CHEM 2410/2430.
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry and chemical processes involved with the molecules that are utilized by living organisms. This two-semester series will provide an in-depth coverage of carbon- and nitrogen-containing molecules such as sugars, fats, proteins, and DNA. In the first semester, enzyme kinetics and catalysis will be covered, along with carbohydrates and their metabolism. The metabolic pathways and associated bioenergetics of glycolysis and the TCA cycle will be examined in detail. The material will be related to everyday life, diet, nutrition, and exercise performance.

CENG 4460 Applied Biochemistry II (3)

Prerequisite: CENG 4450.
This course is a continuation of CENG 4450 (please refer to the related course description). Principles taught in CENG 4450 will be extended as they are applied to lipids and nitrogen-containing molecules, and the metabolism of each. Example molecules include fats, triglycerides, DNA, amino acids, heme, and urea.

CENG 4500 Chemical Process Control (3)

Prerequisite: MATH 2240.
An introduction to linear control theory, in which processes are described mathematically through transfer functions. Conventional three-mode controllers are specified. Other topics are introduced including cascade control, feedforward control, dead-time compensation, and multivariable control.

CENG 4710 Biochemical Engineering (3)

Prerequisite: CENG 2500 or equivalent.
An advanced course in biochemical engineering. Topics include enzyme-catalyzed and cell-associated reactions, engineering aspects of recombinant DNA technology, cell culture, bioreactors and tissue engineering.

CENG 4750 Practice School (6)

Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
Students are placed in groups of three or four and are assigned to a project at a local industrial facility, hospital, or government agency. The project is one of current concern to the organization and may range from a study of an operating process to the development of a new process. The projects are open-ended and the students are expected to apply the principles of good design practice involving realistic constraints such as economics, safety, reliability, aesthetics, ethics, and social impact. Students normally are assigned to a project which fulfills certain career goals. This internship, under the direction of a faculty member, utilizes engineers and other personnel at the host site. Students are required to submit interim and final written and oral reports.

CENG 4770 Advances in Biotechnology (3)

The objectives of the course are to enhance understanding of the basic principles of biotechnology and to introduce the most current biotechnology research. Topics include gene therapy, microbial pesticides, genetically engineered food, stem-cell technology and tissue engineering.

CENG 4810/4820 Undergraduate Independent Studies (1-4)

Under special circumstances, course credit is granted to students undertaking independent research studies. A project adviser should be identified and permission for enrollment filed with the department chair prior to registration.

CENG 4890 Polymer Engineering and Science (3)

Fundamentals of polymer science and engineering, including synthesis, characterization, properties and processing of polymeric materials. An overview of polymer structure, including classification, tacticity, conformation and configuration will be given. Synthetic techniques will be reviewed, including addition and condensation polymerization and copolymerization. Polymer thermodynamics will be described, including an introduction to Flory-Huggins theory, as well as polymer-polymer miscibility and blends. A brief overview of characterization will be given, including molecular weight and glass transition temperature determination. Properties will be discussed, including mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymers and elastomers. The time-temperature superposition principle will be described, as well as a brief introduction to processing techniques.

CENG 4891: Service Learning for CENG 4750 

Through this course, students will learn how engineers are engaged in the community everyday either through careers in public service, through the corporate responsibility initiatives of traditional industry employers, or simply through individual volunteer efforts.  By engaging in service activities with community partners, students will be prepared to participate in and/or implement such programs wherever they find employment after graduation.

CENG 4910/4920 Chemical Engineering Independent Study Service Learning (0, Fulfills Tier 1 or Tier 2 Service Learning Requirement)

Students conducting independent research studies in the Albert lab who wish to obtain service learning credit will assist with (Tier 1) or independently design (Tier 2) a 1 hour outreach workshop appropriate for 5th to 7th grade girls, then implement this workshop at the Girls in STEM at Tulane event. Students wishing to earn service learning credit through this option must have completed at least one semester of research with Dr. Albert prior to the semester in which they wish to receive service learning credit.

CENG H4990 Honors Thesis (3)

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering with high Latin Honors (i.e., Magna or Summa Cum Laude) must register for this course during the Fall Semester of their Senior Year.

CENG 6000 Chemical Engineering Research Seminar (0)

Students are exposed to the important research findings, presented by invited speakers as well as by professors and advanced Ph.D. candidates of our own department.

CENG 6110 Thermodynamics and Properties of Matter (3)

Prerequisite: CENG 3110.
Molecular thermodynamics of multi-component systems are reviewed with particular attention to separation processes. Thermal and chemical equilibrium properties are examined for pure and mixed fluids.

CENG 6130 Surface and Colloid Phenomena (3)

A study of surface and colloid chemistry. Topics include characterization of particles and surfaces, stability of colloidal systems, interactions of charged particles, and electrokinetic phenomena.

CENG 6160 Heterogeneous Catalysis (3)

A study of the fundamental concepts underlying catalytic processes in the petroleum processing industry and in synthetic fuels research. Topics include molecular theories of adsorption and catalysis, catalyst design and formulation, instrumental methods of catalyst characterization, transport in catalysts, shape-selective catalysis, etc. Applications discussed include catalytic cracking, reforming, hydrodesulfurization, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, direct and indirect coal liquefaction, etc.

CENG 6330 Advanced Separations Design (3)

Prerequisites: CENG 2320, 3330, 3340 or approval of instructor.

CENG 6390 Transport Phenomna II (3)

Prerequisites: CENG 2320.
The analysis of problems in conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. The formulation and solution of heat transfer problems by means of shell balances. Exact and numerical solutions to heat transfer problems. Correlations for convective heat transfer. Analogies between heat and momentum heat transfer. The application of basic principles of heat/mass transfer to heat exchange, evaporation, condensation, boiling and drying operations.

CENG 6400 Introduction to Gene Therapy (3)

A survey into the fundamental aspects of gene delivery and their application to gene therapy. Topics include various viral and non-viral gene carriers, carrier/DNA interaction and complex formation, complex interactions with cells and cell structures, targeting, gene editing, and gene therapy applications.

CENG 6420 Advanced Materials Design (3)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Fundamentals of condensed matter are elaborated upon, namely bonding, structure, physical properties, phase equilibria and thermodynamics of solids. Characterization of condensed phases as it reviewed. Manipulation of material properties for specific applications is discussed.

CENG 6450 Applied Biochemistry I (3)

Prerequisite: CHEM 2410/2430.
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry and chemical processes involved with the molecules that are utilized by living organisms. This two-semester series will provide an in-depth coverage of carbon- and nitrogen-containing molecules such as proteins and DNA and certain cofactors. In the first semester enzyme kinetics and catalysis will be covered, along with carbohydrates and their metabolism. The metabolic pathways and associated bioenergetics of glycolysis and the TCA cycle will be examined in detail. The material will be related to everyday life, diet, nutrition, and exercise performance.

CENG 6460 Applied Biochemistry II (3)

Prerequisite: CENG 6450.
This course is a continuation of CENG 6450 (please refer to the related course description). Principles taught in CENG 6450 will be extended as they are applied to lipids and nitrogen-containing molecules, and the metabolism of each. Example molecules include fats, triglycerides, DNA, amino acids, heme, and urea. The interplay of biochemistry and molecular biology will also be examined.

CENG 6710 Biochemical Engineering (3)

Prerequisite: CENG 2500 or equivalent.
An advanced course in biochemical engineering. Topics include enzyme catalyzed and cell-associated reactions, engineering aspects of recombinant DNA technology, cell culture, bioreactors and tissue engineering.

CENG 6770 Advances in Biotechnology (3)

The objectives of the course are to enhance understanding of the basic principles of biotechnology and to introduce the most current biotechnology research. Topics include gene therapy, microbial pesticides, genetically engineered food, stem-cell technology and tissue engineering.

CENG 6860 Readings and Research (1-4)

CENG 6890 Polymer Engineering and Science (3)

Fundamentals of polymer science and engineering, including synthesis, characterization, properties and processing of polymeric materials. An overview of polymer structure, including classification, tacticity, conformation and configuration will be given. Synthetic techniques will be reviewed, including addition and condensation polymerization and copolymerization. Polymer thermodynamics will be described, including an introduction to Flory-Huggins theory, as well as polymer-polymer miscibility and blends. A brief overview of characterization will be given, including molecular weight and glass transition temperature determination. Properties will be discussed, including mechanical properties of semi-crystalline polymers and elastomers. The time-temperature superposition principle will be described, as well as a brief introduction to processing techniques.