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Degree Options:

B.Eng. (Co-op Optional)

Bachelor of Engineering

The B.Eng degree in chemical engineering is ...

Current Student Inquiries:

Email:
Phone:
+1 905.525.9140 x 24957
Office:
JHE 374
Future Student Information

Overview

Chemical engineering uses the basic principles of chemistry, math, physics, biology and economics to design, operate and troubleshoot processes used to manufacture materials, develop energy sources and create new products from the nanoscale to automobiles. 

"Chemical Engineering is heavily involved in various industries that interest me. This includes food processing, pharmaceuticals, and water filtration. Like other streams, it is always cool to see things you've learned about being used in the world." - Matthew Ferguson, Chemical Engineering and Society

What makes this program unique?

  • Students develop a strong foundation in basic sciences and have the opportunity to participate in courses aimed at developing problem solving, team, self-assessment and lifelong learning skills
  • There are three specialization streams: Water-Energy Technologies, Process Systems Engineering, and Polymer Materials and Manufacturing

Important information:

Degree Type

Undergraduate Degree

LENGTH

4 years

Co-op and Experiential Learning

Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

Engineering Co-op Program

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Undergraduate Co-op Program is administered by the Engineering Co-op and Career Services Department (ECCS).

Example Employers:

  • Xerox Canada
  • Imperial Oil
  • Hatch
  • Dow Chemical
  • Suncor/Petro-Canada
  • Uniroyal
  • GE Water & Process Technologies

Learn more

Extracurricular Activities

McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

  • Chemical Engineering Club
  • Engineering Without Borders
  • McMaster Solar Car Team
  • MAC Formula Electric

Learn more

Careers and Research

Career Paths

  • Process & refine fuels (gasoline, natural gas, propane)
  • Develop sustainable energy systems
  • Manufacture silicon chips
  • Produce the food we eat
  • Resolve environmental problems

Research Areas

  • Energy production and energy systems
  • Biological interface engineering and nanotechnology
  • Water and wastewater treatment

Learn more about research

Course Sequencing Information

Always refer to the undergraduate calendar as the most authoritative reference.

Level II: 36 units (2017-2018)

Term 1

Term 2
  Chem 1AA3
Introductory Chemistry II
ChE 2D04
Chemical Engineering Princples I 		 ChE 2F04
Chemical Engineering Principles II
ChE 2G03
Problem Solving and Technical Communication		 ChE 2O04
Fluid Mechanics
Math 2Z03
Engineering Mathematics II		 Math 2ZZ3
Engineering Mathematics III
Stats 3Y03
Statistical Analysis for Engineering		 ChE 2I03
Measurements
Complementary Studies (3 units) Complementary Studies (3 units)

Notes for Terms 1 and 2:
Complementary Studies means one or two courses (6 units total) selected from the list of acceptable Complementary Study courses maintained by the Associate Dean of Engineering. These units have been equally divided between the terms in this analysis, but the student may choose to take all 6 units in either Term 1 or 2. Click here for the complete listing.

Level III: 38 units (2017-)

Term 1

Term 2
ChE 3D03
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics		 ChE 3G04
Simulation, Modelling and Problem Solving
ChE 3E04
Process Model Formulation and Solution		 ChE 3K04
Introduction to Reactor Design
ChE 3M04
Mass Transfer and Stagewise Operations		 ChE 3L02
Intermediate Laboratory Skills
ChE 3A04
Heat Transfer		 ChE 3P04
Process Control
9 units from

 

3-6 units from:

Chem 2E03 – Introductory Organic Chemistry
Or both
Chem 20A3 – Organic Chemistry I (term 1)
Chem 20B3 – Organic Chemistry II (term 2)

3-6 units from:

Biochem 2EE3 – Metabolism and Physiological Chemistry

ChE 3Q03 - Introduction to Polymer Science

Chem 3I03 - Industrial Chemistry

Chem Bio 2A03 - Introduction to Bio-Analytical Chemistry

Chem Bio 3BM3 - Implanted Biomaterials

 Level IV: 37-40 units


Term 1

Term 2
ChE 4L02
Advanced Laboratory Skills		 ChE 4W04
Chemical Plant Design and Simulation
ChE 4N04
Engineering Economics and Problem Solving		 Engineer 4A03
Engineering and Social Responsibility

15-16 units from:

(Only two courses from approved list B can be taken over the course of the program)

  • ChE 3BK3 - Bio-Reaction Engineering (term 1 List B)
  • Che 3BM3 - Bioseparations Engineering (term 2 List B)
  • ChE 4B03 - Polymer Reaction Engineering (term 1)
  • ChE 4C03 - Statistics for Engineers (term 2  List B)
  • ChE 4E03 - Digital Computer and Process Control (term 1)
  • ChE 4G03 - Optimization in Chemical Engineering (term 2)
  • ChE 4K03 - Reactor Design for Heterogenous Systems  (term 1)
  • ChE 4M03 - Separations (term 1)
  • ChE 4T03 - Applications of Chemical Engineering in Medicine (term 2)
  • ChE 4X03 - Polymer Processing (term 1)
  • ChE 4Z03 - Interfacial Engineering (term 2 List B)
    • ChE 4Y04 - Senior Independent Project (term 1 & 2 List B)
    • Engineer 4EX3A/B - Experiential Engineering Design (term 1 & 2 List B)
Complementary Studies Electives (3 units)

Technical Electives:
6 to 8 units in Level III or IV from approved list A