What Chemical and Biological Engineers Do

Chemical and Biological Engineers are concerned primarily with the design, operation, and management of processing systems to alter and upgrade raw materials into products that are more useful to society and therefore more valuable. In the design and operation of such facilities two competing concerns are generally paramount: the need to minimize both costs and environmental impact. Our engineering training provides a unique background for solving problems, especially those involving physical, chemical and/or biological changes in materials. Although our engineers are employed in many different industries, the basic training is general and not industry-specific. You will find our graduates in industrial settings, consulting firms, as well as governmental agencies. Our undergraduate programs provide a solid foundation on which to build with graduate education. An engineering education is also an excellent component of training for a professional career that leads to management or other pre-professional programs such as pre-med and pre-law. For more information, visit American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Chemical and Biological Engineering Programs at UMaine

Our Chemical and Biological Engineering undergraduate programs at UMaine aim to provide a broadly based education together with a thorough training in the principles of chemical and biological engineering. A sound foundation in science (physics, chemistry and/or biology and mathematics) is required; much of your time during the first two years will be devoted to these subjects. During the junior year the focus shifts towards “engineering science” courses such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, process control and unit operations. Process modeling/simulation and design are emphasized during the final year of the program. In addition to the technical training in chemical or biological engineering, there is considerable emphasis on communications skills, teamwork, and computer proficiency throughout the program.

Graduate research projects cover a wide area of chemical and biological engineering topic and are related to particular faculty interests. These include both fundamental and applied topics.  External research support comes from industrial sources and from various government funding agencies. Several graduate research assistantships are available.

Career Opportunities

Chemical and Biological Engineering graduates find employment in all the major process industries: petroleum refining, petrochemicals, commodity chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, extractive metallurgy, production of semiconductors, governmental agencies, private consulting companies, and the pulp and paper industry. Job functions cover a wide range of activities including research and development, process design, control, operation and management of production facilities, and technical sales.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, chemical and biological engineers are among the highest paid engineers with starting salaries for B.S. graduates in excess of $50,000 per annum. Some of the companies that have hired significant numbers of UMaine CHB graduates in recent years include: Procter and Gamble, Nalco, Teradyne, SAPPI, National and Fairchild Semiconductor, P.H. Glatfelter, Honeywell-Measurex, Millipore, USDA, US-EPA, as well as other biotechnology firms and consulting firms.

Cooperative “Work Experience” Program and Internship Opportunities

Many CHB students participate in our well established co-op program that provides 6-8 months of practical training and work experience with one of the participating companies. This program provides students with insight into the operation of an industrial company, direct experience with the type of work carried out by practicing chemical engineers, and an additional source of financial support. Qualified students find themselves competitive for the National Science Foundation research experience as well as other internship programs. Because we offer the third-year core courses in summer, students who participated in the co-op program can still complete their degree programs in four years.

Extracurricular Activities

Although your academic record is important, it is not the only important component of an engineering education at UMaine. Prospective employers generally look for well rounded graduates with broad interests, good communication skills, and well developed leadership abilities. Participating in extracurricular activities is a good way to enhance and develop such skills. There are numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities including the student run professional societies (AIChE, SBE, IBE, TAPPI and PIMA), intramural sports, student government, Maine Bound Outdoor Leadership Schools and various other programs organized through the campus and community life programs.

Scholarships

CHB students are eligible for a wide range of need- and merit-based scholarships through our department, the College of Engineering, and the University of Maine. For more information on these scholarships, please call 207-581-2277 or contact us.

In addition, the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation supports 100 upper class students per year with full Maine resident tuition scholarship and provides 25 first year students with stipends of $1,000 each. Entry scholarships are offered to competitive first-year students based on their high school records. For more information about the opportunities, contact the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation or call 207-581-2297.

Contacts