UMaine CBE Overview

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHB) at the University of Maine has two strong undergraduate programs for a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. We also have active graduate programs for M.S. in both Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and a flexible Ph.D. degree program in Chemical Engineering. In addition, the Department offers a Fifth-Year Certificate in Pulp and Paper Management.

Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Programs at UMaine

Jenness HallOur Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering undergraduate programs at UMaine aim to provide a broadly based education together with a thorough training in the principles of chemical engineering and bioengineering. 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. Process modeling/simulation and design are emphasized during the final year of the program. In addition to the technical training in chemical engineering or bioengineering, 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.

What Chemical Engineers Do

What CHEs DoChemical 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. UMaine’s B.S. in Chemical Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

What Biomedical Engineers Do

What BENs DoBiomedical engineers work at the cutting edge of research and industry, and frequently address clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications of engineering. For example, they may be involved in diagnostic imaging of tissues, engineering surfaces to ensure compatibility of implants with the body, or creating sensors for monitoring the repair of biological systems. They also work on the design of artificial organs, the development of new methods to detect and treat cancer, the production of devices to measure biological agents, and the creation of ways to obtain the controlled release of drugs. UMaine’s B.S. in Bioengineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.


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