Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu/.

Overview

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) provides the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain a thorough fundamental knowledge of all fields in chemical and biomolecular engineering.

In broad terms, research conducted in the Department can be divided into the following areas: catalysis and reaction engineering, electrochemical engineering, polymers and complex fluids, microsystems technology and microelectrics, molecular simulations and theory, interfacial engineering, biochemical and bioprocess engineering, biomedical engineering, and synthetic biology. The Department also collaborates with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory .

Undergraduate Programs

Chemical Engineering : BS
Chemical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering : BS (Joint Major offered in cooperation with the College of Engineering)
Chemical Engineering/Nuclear Engineering : BS (Joint Major offered in cooperation with the College of Engineering)

Graduate Programs

Chemical Engineering : PhD
Product Development Program : MS

Visit Department Website

Courses

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

CHM ENG 24 Freshman Seminars 1 Unit

The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.

CHM ENG 40 Introduction to Chemical Engineering Design 2 Units

Design and analysis of processes involving chemical change. Strategies for design, such as creative thinking and (re)definition of the design goal. Methods for analyzing designs, such as mathematical modeling, empirical analysis by graphics, and dynamic scaling by dimensional analysis. Design choices in light of process efficiency, product quality, economics, safety, and environmental issues.

CHM ENG 84 Sophomore Seminar 1 or 2 Units

Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores.

CHM ENG 90 Science and Engineering of Sustainable Energy 3 Units

An introduction is given to the science and technologies of producing electricity and transportation fuels from renewable energy resources (biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, and wave). Students will be introduced to quantitative calculations and comparisions of energy technologies together with the economic and political factors affecting the transition from nonrenewable to sustainable energy resources. Mass and energy balances are used to analyze the conversion of energy resources.

CHM ENG 98 Directed Group Studies for Lower Division Undergraduates 1 - 3 Units

Supervised research on a specific topic.

CHM ENG 98W Directed Group Study 1 Unit

Directed group study consisting of supplementary problem sets, review sessions, and discussions related to chemical engineering. Topics vary with instructor.

CHM ENG 140 Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis 4 Units

Material and energy balances applied to chemical process systems. Determination of thermodynamic properties needed for such calculations. Sources of data. Calculation procedures.

CHM ENG 141 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 4 Units

Thermodynamic behavior of pure substances and mixtures. Properties of solutions, phase equilibria. Thermodynamic cycles. Chemical equilibria for homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.

CHM ENG 142 Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering 4 Units

Analysis and prediction of rates of chemical conversion in flow and nonflow processes involving homogeneous and heterogeneous systems.

CHM ENG 150A Transport Processes 4 Units

Principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer with application to chemical processes. Laminar and turbulent flow in pipes and around submerged objects. Flow measurement. Heat conduction and convection; heat transfer coefficients.

CHM ENG 150B Transport and Separation Processes 4 Units

Principles of mass transfer with application to chemical processes. Diffusion and convection. Simultaneous heat and mass transfer; mass transfer coefficients. Design of staged and continuous separations processes.

CHM ENG 154 Chemical Engineering Laboratory 4 Units

Experiments in physical measurements, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, kinetics, and separation processes. Emphasis on investigation of basic relationships important in engineering. Experimental design, analysis of results, and preparation of engineering reports are stressed.

CHM ENG 160 Chemical Process Design 4 Units

Design principles of chemical process equipment. Design of integrated chemical processes with emphasis upon economic considerations.

CHM ENG 161S Industrial Chemical Process Design 6 Units

Design of chemical processes and equipment, with an emphasis on industry-sponsored and/or industry-tailored processes

CHM ENG 162 Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes 4 Units

Analysis of the dynamic behavior of chemical processes and methods and theory of their control. Implementation of computer control systems on process simulations.

CHM ENG 170A Biochemical Engineering 3 Units

This course intends to introduce chemical engineers to the basic concepts of biochemical engineering. The course focuses on the use of chemical engineering skills and principles in the analysis and design of biologically-based processes. The main emphasis will be on biochemical kinetics, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena as they apply to enzyme catalysis, microbial growth and metabolism, fermentation and bioreactor design, product recovery and downstream processing. Fundamental topics in biological sciences will be introduced as necessary throughout the course.

CHM ENG 170B Biochemical Engineering 3 Units

The second of a two-semester sequence intended to introduce chemical engineers to the basic concepts of biochemical engineering. The course focuses on the use of chemical engineering skills and principles in the analysis and design of biologically-based processes. The emphasis will be on biochemical kinetics, protein engineering, cell growth and metabolism, bioreactor design, downstream processing, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery, and ethics.

CHM ENG C170L Biochemical Engineering Laboratory 3 Units

Laboratory techniques for the cultivation of microorganisms in batch and continuous reactions. Enzymatic conversion processes. Recovery of biological products.

CHM ENG 171 Transport Phenomena 3 Units

Study of momentum, energy, and mass transfer in laminar and turbulent flow.

CHM ENG 176 Principles of Electrochemical Processes 3 Units

Principles and application of electrochemical equilibria, kinetics, and transport processes. Technical electrolysis and electrochemical energy conversion.

CHM ENG C178 Polymer Science and Technology 3 Units

An interdisciplinary course on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymer materials. Emphasis on the molecular origin of properties of polymeric materials and technological applications. Topics include single molecule properties, polymer mixtures and solutions, melts, glasses, elastomers, and crystals. Experiments in polymer synthesis, characterization, and physical properties.

CHM ENG 179 Process Technology of Solid-State Materials Devices 3 Units

Chemical processing and properties of solid-state materials. Crystal growth and purification. Thin film technology. Application of chemical processing to the manufacture of semiconductors and solid-state devices.

CHM ENG 180 Chemical Engineering Economics 3 Units

Optimal design of chemical processes and unit operations, emphasizing the interactions between technical and economic considerations. Analysis of process risks. Chemical and biomolecular process design in the presence of uncertainties. Interest rate determinants and their effects on chemical process feasibility and choices. Relationships between structure and behavior of firms in the chemical processing industries. Multivariable input-output analyses.

CHM ENG 185 Technical Communication for Chemical Engineers 3 Units

Development of technical writing and oral presentation skills in formats commonly used by chemical engineers.

CHM ENG H193 Senior Honors Thesis 3 Units

A senior honors thesis is written in consultation with the student's faculty research advisor. This is a required course for students wishing to graduate with honors in Chemical Engineering.

CHM ENG H194 Research for Advanced Undergraduates 2 - 4 Units

Original research under direction of one of the members of the staff.

CHM ENG 195 Special Topics 2 - 4 Units

Lectures and/or tutorial instruction on special topics.

CHM ENG C195A The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research.

CHM ENG 196 Special Laboratory Study 2 - 4 Units

Special laboratory or computational work under direction of one of the members of the staff.

CHM ENG 197 Field Study in Chemical Engineering 1 - 4 Units

Supervised experience in off-campus organizations relevant to specific aspects and applications of chemical engineering. Written report required at the end of the term. Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for the bachelor's degree.

CHM ENG 198 Directed Group Study for Undergraduates 1 - 3 Units

Supervised research on a specific topic. Enrollment is restricted; see Introduction to Courses and Curricula section in the General Catalog.

CHM ENG 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

CHM ENG 230 Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering 3 Units

Mathematical formulation and solution of problems drawn from the fields of heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics employing ordinary and partial differential equations, variational calculus, and Fourier methods.

CHM ENG 240 Thermodynamics for Chemical Product and Process Design 3 Units

Topics covered include molecular thermodynamics of pure substances and mixtures, interfacial thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and computer simulations.

CHM ENG 244 Kinetics and Reaction Engineering 3 Units

Molecular processes in chemical systems, kinetics and catalysis. Interaction of mass and heat transfer in chemical processes. Performance of systems with chemical reactors.

CHM ENG 245 Catalysis 3 Units

Adsorption and kinetics of surface reactions; catalyst preparation and characterization; poisoning, selectivity, and empirical activity patterns in catalysis; surface chemistry, catalytic mechanisms and modern experimental techniques in catalytic research; descriptive examples of industrial catalytic systems.

CHM ENG 246 Principles of Electrochemical Engineering 3 Units

Electrode processes in electrolysis and in galvanic cells. Charge and mass transfer in ionic media. Criteria of scale-up.

CHM ENG 248 Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry 3 Units

Principles of surface and colloid chemistry with current applications; surface thermodynamics, wetting, adsorption from solution, disperse systems, association colloids, interacting electrical double layers and colloid stability, kinetics of coagulation, and electrokinetics.

CHM ENG 250 Transport Processes 3 Units

Basic differential relations of mass, momentum, and energy including creeping, laminar, and turbulent flow, boundary layers, convective-diffusion in heat and mass transfer, and simultaneous multicomponent mass and energy transport. Analytic mathematical solution of the equations of change using classical techniques including: separation of variables, similarity solutions, and Laplace and Fourier transforms.

CHM ENG 256 Advanced Transport Phenomena 3 Units

Formulation and rigorous analysis of the laws governing the transport of momentum, heat, and mass, with special emphasis on chemical engineering applications. Detailed investigation of laminar flows complemented by treatments of turbulent flow systems and hydrodynamic stability.

CHM ENG C268 Physicochemical Hydrodynamics 3 Units

An introduction to the hydrodynamics of capillarity and wetting. Balance laws and short-range forces. Dimensionless numbers, scaling and lubrication approximation. Rayleigh instability. Marangoni effect. The moving contact line. Wetting and short-range forces. The dynamic contact angle. Dewetting. Coating flows. Effect of surfactants and electric fields. Wetting of rough or porous surfaces. Contact angles for evaporating systems.

CHM ENG C270 Protein Engineering 3 Units

An in-depth study of the current methods used to design and engineer proteins. Emphasis on how strategies can be applied in the laboratory. Relevant case studies presented to illustrate method variations and applications. Intended for graduate students.

CHM ENG 274 Biomolecular Engineering 3 Units

Fundamentals in biomolecular engineering. Structures, dynamics, and functions of biomolecules. Molecular tools in biotechnology. Metabolic and signaling networks in cellular engineering. Synthetic biology and biomedical engineering applications.

CHM ENG 295B Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Electrochemical, Hydrodynamic, and Interfacial Phenomena 2 Units

Current and advanced study in chemical engineering, primarily for advanced graduate students.

CHM ENG 295K Design of Functional Interfaces 3 Units

This course introduces students to the concepts and techniques involved in the design and physical characterization of advanced functional materials consisting of well-defined interfaces. Throughout the course, principles of supramolecular chemistry on solid surfaces are applied to functional systems. Materials with different connectivity and structure at the active site are compared for development of understanding. Specific topics include catalysis, separations, encapsulation, and biomedicine.

CHM ENG 295N Polymer Physics 3 Units

This course, which is based on Gert Strobl's book addresses the origin of some of the important physical properties of polymer liquids and solids. This includes phase transitions, crystallization, morphology of multiphase polymer systems, mechanical properties, response to mechanical and electric fields, and fracture. When possible, we will develop quantitative molecular models that predict macroscopic behavior. The course will address experimental data obtained by microscopy, light and neutron scattering, rheology, and dielectric relaxation.

CHM ENG 295P Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Introduction to New Product Development 3 Units

This course is part of the product development initative sponsored by the department of chemical engineering. It focuses on real-life practices and challenges of translating scientific discovery into commercial products. Its scope is limited in most circumstances to situations where some knowledge of chemical engineering, chemistry, and related disciplines might prove to be particularly useful. The course primarily uses case studies of real-world new product development situations to simulate the managerial and technical challenges that will confront students in the field. We will cover a wide range of topics including basic financial, strategic and intellectual property concepts for products, managing risk and uncertainity, the effective new product development team, the evolving role of corporate R&D, the new venture product company and the ethics of post-launch product management.

CHM ENG 295Q Special Topics in Chemical Engineering: Advanced Topics in New Product Development 3 Units

This course is a part of the product development initiative sponsored by the department of chemical engineering. The course builds on the coverage in 295P of real-life practices of translating scientific discovery into commercial products. We will cover a wide range of advanced product development concepts including technology road maps, decision analysis, six sigma, product portfolio optimization, and best practices for field project management.

CHM ENG C295A The Berkeley Lectures on Energy: Energy from Biomass 3 Units

After an introduction to the different aspects of our global energy consumption, the course will focus on the role of biomass. The course will illustrate how the global scale of energy guides the biomass research. Emphasis will be places on the integration of the biological aspects (crop selection, harvesting, storage, and distribution, and chemical composition of biomass) with the chemical aspects to convert biomass to energy. The course aims to engage students in state-of-art research.

CHM ENG C295R Applied Spectroscopy 3 Units

After a brief review of quantum mechanics and semi-classical theories for the interaction of radiation with matter, this course will survey the various spectroscopies associated with the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays to radio waves. Special emphasis is placed on application to research problems in applied and engineering sciences. Graduate researchers interested in systematic in situ process characterization, analysis, or discovery are best served by this course.

CHM ENG C295Z Energy Solutions: Carbon Capture and Sequestration 3 Units

After a brief overview of the chemistry of carbon dioxide in the land, ocean, and atmosphere, the course will survey the capture and sequestration of CO2 from anthropogenic sources. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of materials synthesis and unit operation design, including the chemistry and engineering aspects of sequestration. The course primarily addresses scientific and engineering challenges and aims to engage students in state-of-the-art research in global energy challenges.

CHM ENG 296 Special Study for Graduate Students in Chemical Engineering 1 - 6 Units

Special laboratory and theoretical studies.

CHM ENG 298 Seminar in Chemical Engineering 1 Unit

Lectures, reports, and discussions on current research in chemical engineering. Sections are operated independently and directed toward different topics.

CHM ENG 299 Research in Chemical Engineering 1 - 12 Units

Research.

CHM ENG 300 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering 2 Units

Discussion, problem review and development, guidance of large scale laboratory experiments, course development, supervised practice teaching.

CHM ENG 375 Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemical Engineering 2 Units

Discussion, problem review and development, guidance of large scale laboratory experiments, course development, supervised practice teaching.

CHM ENG 602 Individual Studies for Graduate Students 1 - 8 Units

Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D.

Faculty

Professors

Nitash P. Balsara, Professor. Chemical engineering, synthesis and characterization of soft microstructured polymer materials, nucleation, neutron scattering, depolarized light scattering.
Research Profile

Alexis T. Bell, Professor. Chemical engineering, heterogeneous catalysts, spectroscopic techniques.
Research Profile

Douglas S. Clark, PhD, Professor. Chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, cell culture, biocatalyst engineering, microsystems, extremozymes, genomics of extremophiles, metabolic flux analysis, enzyme technology, bioactive materials.
Research Profile

David B. Graves, Professor. Chemical engineering, plasma processing, dynamics (MD), plasma-surface chemistry, high pressure micro-scale grow, electronic materials, plasma biomedicine.
Research Profile

Enrique Iglesia, Professor. Chemical engineering, catalytic materials, heterogeneous catalysis, chemical reaction engineering, methane and biomass coversion processes, refining processes, hydrogen generation, alkane activation deoxygenatiion and desulfurization catalysis, zeolites.
Research Profile

Jay D. Keasling, Professor. Chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, metabolic engineering of microorganisms, degradation of environmental contaminants, environmentally friendly synthesis, biodegradable polymers, mineralization of organophosphate nerve agents, pesticides, biofuels.
Research Profile

Roya Maboudian, Professor. Surface and interfacial science and engineering, thin-film science and technology, micro- and nano-systems technology, surface science and engineering of M/NEMS, silicon carbide technology, harsh-environment sensors, biologically-inspired materials synthesis.
Research Profile

Susan J. Muller, Professor. Chemical engineering, fluid mechanics, Rheology, complex fluids, microfabrication processes, Genetic Engineering of Protein Polymers, Finite Element Modeling of Bubbles, Stress Fluids, Taylor-Couette instabilities.
Research Profile

Clayton J. Radke, Professor. Chemical engineering, surface & colloid science technology, protein/polymer/surfactant adsorption from solution, two-phase enzymatic catalysis, interfacial surfactant transport, electrokinetics, pore-level fluid mechanics, contact-lens & eye mechanics.
Research Profile

Jeffrey A. Reimer, Professor. Materials chemistry, chemical engineering, electrocatalysis, magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, nanostructures, spin.
Research Profile

David Schaffer, Professor. Neuroscience, chemical engineering, bioengineering, stem cell biology, gene therapy.
Research Profile

Rachel A. Segalman, Professor. Chemical engineering, plastic electronic, stable conductive molecules, polymer properties, nanoscale morphology, oxidizable chemicals, nanoscale polymer.
Research Profile

Associate Professors

Alexander Katz, Associate Professor. Chemical engineering, nanoengineering, catalytic imprinted silicas, catalysts in biological systems, catalysis, chemical sensing.
Research Profile

Assistant Professors

Bryan D. Mccloskey, Assistant Professor.

Danielle Tullman-Ercek, PhD, Assistant Professor. Bioenergy, synthetic biology, protein engineering, bionanotechnology.
Research Profile

Wenjun Zhang, PhD, Assistant Professor. Synthetic biology, chemical biology, natural product biosynthesis, biofuel synthesis, enzyme discovery and characterization, biomolecular engineering.
Research Profile

Adjunct Faculty

Brian Lee Maiorella, Adjunct Faculty.

Lecturers

Carlo G. Alesandrini, Lecturer.

Paul Bryan, Lecturer.

Colin Cerretani, Lecturer.

Shannon Ciston, Lecturer.

Dean C.Draemel, Lecturer.

Gregory R.Schoofs, Lecturer.

Steve Sciamanna, Lecturer.

Ravi Upadhye, Lecturer.

P. Henrik Wallman, Lecturer.

Marjorie Went, Lecturer.

Contact Information

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

201 Gilman Hall

Phone: 510-642-2291

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Jeffrey Reimer, PhD

Phone: 510-643-3951

cbechair@berkeley.edu

Vice Chair for Undergraduate Education

Alexander Katz, PhD

Phone: 510-643-3248

askatz@berkeley.edu

Vice Chair for Graduate Education

Nitash Balsara, PhD

Phone: 510-642-8973

nbalsara@berkeley.edu

Head, Graduate Admissions

Danielle Tullman-Ereck, PhD

Phone: 510-642-7160

dtereck@berkeley.edu

Graduate Adviser

Carlet Altamirano

Phone: 510-642-1533

carleta@berkeley.edu

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