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
B.Eng. – 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
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
B.Eng. – 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
B.Eng. – Course Sequencing Information
Always refer to the undergraduate calendar as the most authoritative reference.
Level II: 37 units (as of 2022)
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Chem 1AA3 Introductory Chemistry II |
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ChE 2D04 Chemical Engineering Principles I |
ChE 2F04 Chemical Engineering Principles II |
ChE 2E04 Numerical Methods and Computing for Chemical Engineers |
ChE 2O04 Fluid Mechanics |
Math 2Z03 Engineering Mathematics III |
Math 2ZZ3 Engineering Mathematics IV |
MATLS 3J03 Statistical Methods for Materials Engineers |
ENG 2PX3 Integrated Engineering Design Project 2 |
Complementary Studies (6 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: 36 units (as of 2022)
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
ChE 3D04 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics |
ChE 3G04 Chemical Process Synthesis and Simulation |
ChE 3I03 Data Acquisition and Analysis |
ChE 3K04 Introduction to Reactor Design |
ChE 3M04 Mass Transfer and Stagewise Operations |
ChE 3L03 Intermediate Laboratory Skills |
ChE 3A04 Heat Transfer |
ChE 3P04 Process Control |
6 units from | |
3-6 units from:
Chem 2E03 – Introductory Organic Chemistry |
0-3 units from:
Biochem 2EE3 – Metabolism and Physiological Chemistry |
Level IV: 34-36 units (as of 2022)
Term 1 |
Term 2 |
ChE 4L03 Advanced Laboratory Skills |
Engineer 4A03 Ethics, Equity and Law in Engineering |
ChE 4N04 Engineering Economics and Problem Solving |
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ChE 4W06 A/B Chemical Plant Design – Capstone Project |
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15-16 units from:
(Only two courses from approved list B can be taken over the course of the program)
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Technical Electives: 3 to 4 units in Level III – IV from approved list A (Interdisciplinary engineering courses) |
B.Eng. – Related Courses
Code | Title | Instructor | Outline | Info |
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CHEM ENG 2D04 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering Principles I |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 2E04 Undergraduate | Numerical Methods and Computing for Chemical Engineers |
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CHEM ENG 2F04 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering Principles II |
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CHEM ENG 2G03 Undergraduate | Problem Solving and Technical Communication |
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CHEM ENG 2O04 Undergraduate | Fluid Mechanics |
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CHEM ENG 3A04 Undergraduate | Heat Transfer |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3BK3 Undergraduate | Bio-reaction Engineering |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3BM3 Undergraduate | Bioseparations Engineering |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3D04 Undergraduate | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3G04 Undergraduate | Chemical Process Synthesis and Simulation |
Sessional Instructor: TBD
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3I03 Undergraduate | Data Acquisition and Analysis |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3K04 Undergraduate | Introduction to Reactor Design |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3L03 Undergraduate | Intermediate Laboratory Skills |
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CHEM ENG 3M04 Undergraduate | Mass Transfer and Stagewise Operations |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 3P04 Undergraduate | Process Control |
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CHEM ENG 3Q03 Undergraduate | Introduction to Polymer Science |
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CHEM ENG 4B03/6B03 Graduate | Polymer Reaction Engineering |
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CHEM ENG 4H03 Undergraduate | Big Data Methods and Modeling in Chemical and Materials Engineering |
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CHEM ENG 4L03 Undergraduate | Advanced Laboratory Skills |
Sessional Instructor: Darko Ljubic
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 4T03/6T03 Graduate | Applications of Chemical Engineering in Medicine |
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CHEM ENG 4TA3 Undergraduate | Teaching Practicum |
Sessional Instructor: TBD
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CHEM ENG 4W06 A/B Undergraduate | Chemical Plant Design and Simulation |
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Outline | More |
CHEM ENG 4X03/6X03 Graduate | Polymer Processing |
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ENGINEER 2IW3 Undergraduate | Inclusion in the Engineering Workplace |
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Outline | More |