NanoEngineering (NANO)
[ graduate program | courses | faculty ]
BUSINESS AFFAIRS:
240 Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
STUDENT AFFAIRS:
Undergraduate Affairs: 241A Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
Graduate Affairs: 240A Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
http://nanoengineering.ucsd.edu
All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Updates may be found on the Academic Senate website: http://senate.ucsd.edu/catalog-copy/approved-updates/.
Departmental Focus
The Department of NanoEngineering focuses on nanoscale science, engineering, and technology that have the potential to make valuable advances in different areas that include, to name a few, new materials, biology and medicine, energy conversion, sensors, and environmental remediation. Nanoengineering is a highly diversified and multidisciplinary field. The graduate research programs cover a broad range of topics, but focus particularly on biomedical nanotechnology, nanotechnologies for energy conversion and storage, computational nanotechnology, and molecular and nanomaterials. Undergraduate degree programs focus on integrating the various science and engineering disciplines necessary for successful careers in the evolving nanotechnology industry.
Degree and Program Options
The Department of NanoEngineering offers undergraduate programs leading to the BS in Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering. The Chemical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET/EAC). The Nanoengineering Program is newly introduced, but the program is designed using ABET accreditation criteria; the department will apply for accreditation once there are graduates to measure the program outcomes. These two degree programs have very different requirements and are described in separate sections.
Nanoengineering Program (NANO)
Program Mission and Objectives
The mission of the Nanoengineering Program is to provide a multidisciplinary education in nanoscale science and technology. The primary goals are to
- Prepare students for a career in nanotechnology by providing them with a sound grounding in multidisciplinary areas of nanoscale science and engineering.
- Increase students’ understanding of materials and their properties at the atomic and nanometer scales, including an understanding of the intimate relationship between the scale and the properties of materials. This is referred to as the third dimension in the periodic table, where elements, and combinations thereof, have properties and functions that depend on the material dimension, spanning from the nanoscale to macroscale.
- Prepare graduates who, while skilled in nanoscale science and engineering, will be qualified for jobs in traditional science-based industries and government laboratories and, as nanotechnologies mature, well positioned for jobs in this applied area. This program will be anticipating trends and providing students with integrated, cross-disciplinary scientific knowledge and professional skills.
- Educate a new generation of engineers who can participate in, and indeed seed, new high-technology companies that will be the key to maintaining jobs, wealth, and educational infrastructures as nanotechnology results in a new industrial revolution.
- Enable students to develop a range of professional, scientific, and computational skills that will enhance employment opportunities in a wide range of industrial and governmental institutions.
- Prepare students for the workplace through developing their ability to have effective communication skills, modern science and engineering skills, and contribute constructively to multidisciplinary teams.
- Form strong multidisciplinary educational links through joint team projects that cross the traditional areas of science and engineering.
The Undergraduate Program
The BS program in Nanoengineering is tailored to provide breadth and flexibility by taking advantage of the strength of basic sciences and other engineering disciplines at UC San Diego. The intention is to graduate nanoengineers who are multidisciplinary and can work in a broad spectrum of industries.
All Nanoengineering courses are taught only once per year, and courses are scheduled to be consistent with the curriculum as shown in the tables below. Under normal circumstances, students must follow the prescribed curriculum. Unavoidable deviation from the curriculum, for example, to participate in the Education Abroad Program, must be approved by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee prior to taking alternative courses elsewhere. Approvals are also needed for engineering courses not listed under the current selections for different engineering focus areas. Courses such as NANO 195, 197, and 198 are not allowed as a Nanoengineering elective in meeting the upper-division major requirements. NANO 199 can be used as a technical elective only under restrictive conditions. Policy regarding these conditions may be obtained from the department’s Student Affairs Office. All students are encouraged to visit the Student Affairs Office or visit the Department of NanoEngineering website for any clarification and updated information. To graduate, students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0, and the department requires at least a C– grade in each course required for the major.
General-Education/College Requirements
For graduation each student must satisfy general-education (GE) course requirements determined by the student’s college, as well as the major requirements determined by the department. The six colleges at UC San Diego require widely different general-education courses, and the number of such courses differs from one college to another. Each student should choose his or her college carefully, considering the special nature of the college and the breadth of general education.
Major Requirements
Basic sciences and mathematics (sixty units): This lower-division requirement includes twenty-four units of mathematics (Math 20A–F), sixteen units of physics (Phys 2A–D), sixteen units of chemistry (Chem 6A–C, 7L), and four units of biology (BILD 1).
Engineering preparation (twelve units): This requirement covers basics in computer programming, circuit analysis and circuits lab (NANO 15, 106, and 107).
Nanoengineering core (thirty-seven units): This requirement is constituted of a one-unit seminar (NANO 1) and nine core courses (NANO 101 to 104, 110 to 112, and 120A-B).
Nanoengineering electives (eight units): This requirement must be chosen from among the upper-division NANO courses offered by the department.
Engineering focus (twenty units): Students are recommended to select all five engineering electives from within one single major to constitute an engineering focus. However, students are required to take only four of the five courses in one major. Preapproved accepted courses of each of the five focuses are listed below:
- Bioengineering:
BENG 100, 103B,* 110, 112A, 112B, 122A,* 130, 186A
*BENG 103B requires CENG 101A; BENG 122A requires MAE 140. Both prerequisites are accepted as part of the twenty-unit bioengineering focus. - Chemical engineering:
CENG 100, 101A, 101B, 101C, 102, 113, 120, 157
CENG students have first priority for enrollment in their core courses. All prerequisites must be fulfilled before enrolling in any CENG course. - Electrical engineering:
ECE 100, 103, 109, 134, 135A, 135B, 136L, 138L, 139, 183, 187 - Mechanical engineering:
CENG 101A; NANO 108, 141A, 141B, 142A, 142B, 161, 174 - Materials science:
NANO 100L, 108, 114, 148, 150, 156,* 158, 161, 164, 168, 174, 174L
*NANO 156 and MAE 166 are cross-listed courses; NANO majors must enroll in NANO 156. - Principle of Team Engineering (Global Ties):
Students are allowed to take one of the following four-unit “Team in Engineering Service” courses: ENG 100D or ENG 100B/L or two quarters of ENG 100L as an approved Engineering Focus Elective. Click on the following link for more information about Global Ties: http://globalties.ucsd.edu/.
All students follow the same basic science preparation and core set of classes in nanoengineering during the first two years.
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Freshman Year |
||
Math 20A |
Math 20B |
Math 20C |
Chem 6A |
Chem 6B |
Chem 6C |
NANO 15 |
BILD 1 |
Phys 2A |
GE | NANO 1 | GE |
GE | ||
Sophomore Year |
||
Math 20D |
Math 20F |
Math 20E |
Phys 2B |
Phys 2C |
Phys 2D |
Chem 7L |
NANO 101 |
NANO 106 |
GE | GE | GE |
After the sophomore year, students must choose an Engineering Focus. Sample programs of the five choices are shown below. Students must keep in mind that the NANO courses are only offered once a year.
Prerequisites must be taken prior to selecting focus courses.
Recommended Course Sequence—Bioengineering Focus
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Junior Year |
||
NANO 102 |
NANO 104 |
NANO 103 |
CENG 101A |
BENG 109 |
BENG 100 |
GE |
NANO 107 |
NE Elective |
|
GE |
GE |
Senior Year |
||
NANO 110 |
NANO 111 |
NANO 112 |
BENG 101 |
NANO 120A |
BENG 103B |
NE Elective |
GE |
NANO 120B |
GE |
|
GE |
Recommended Course Sequence—Chemical Engineering Focus
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Junior Year |
||
NANO 102 |
NANO 104 |
NANO 103 |
CENG 100 |
CENG 102 |
CENG 113 |
GE |
NANO 107 |
NE Elective |
|
GE |
GE |
Senior Year |
||
NANO 110 |
NANO 111 |
NANO 112 |
CENG 101A |
CENG 101B |
NANO 120B |
NE Elective |
NANO 120A |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
Recommended Course Sequence—Electrical Engineering Focus
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Junior Year |
||
NANO 102 |
NANO 104 |
NANO 103 |
ECE 103 |
NANO 107 |
ECE 134 |
GE |
ECE 136L |
NE Elective |
|
GE |
GE |
Senior Year |
||
NANO 110 |
NANO 111 |
NANO 112 |
ECE 135A |
ECE 135B |
NANO 120B |
NE Elective |
NANO 120A |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
Recommended Course Sequence—Mechanical Engineering Focus
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Junior Year |
||
NANO 102 |
NANO 104 |
NANO 103 |
NANO 108 |
NANO 141B |
NANO 142A |
NANO 141 |
NANO 107 |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
Senior Year |
||
NANO 110 |
NANO 111 |
NANO 112 |
NANO 142B |
NANO 120A |
NANO 120B |
GE |
NE Elective |
NE Elective |
|
GE |
GE |
Recommended Course Sequence—Materials Science Focus
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
---|---|---|
Junior Year |
||
NANO 102 |
NANO 104 |
NANO 103 |
NANO 108 |
NANO 107 |
NANO 148 |
GE |
NANO 150 |
NE Elective |
|
GE |
GE |
Senior Year |
||
NANO 110 |
NANO 111 |
NANO 112 |
NANO 158 |
NANO 120A |
NANO 120B |
NE Elective |
NANO 161 |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
Admission to NanoEngineering
Effective fall 2014, NanoEngineering has been granted capped status for freshman applications. Capped status will take effect for continuing and transfer students beginning fall 2015.
Freshman Admission (effective fall 2014)
As the NanoEngineering major is capped for incoming freshmen beginning fall 2014, students who have excelled in high school and have declared NanoEngineering on their UC San Diego application are eligible for direct admission into the major.
The UC San Diego Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools will calculate an admissions target number and admit the appropriate number of incoming freshmen into the capped major using the UC San Diego Holistic Review score as a ranking method. Students who meet the UC San Diego admission criteria will be admitted into their chosen capped major, starting with the student having the highest holistic review score, until the admission target number is reached. These students will be notified directly by the Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools whether they have been admitted into their chosen capped major. Freshman students who applied but were not admitted directly from high school into the capped NanoEngineering major will be admitted into the major indicated as their second choice on the UC application (providing it is an “open” major).
Continuing Freshmen (effective fall 2015)
Freshmen not directly admitted into the NanoEngineering major will need to apply using the continuing application after their first three quarters (end of spring quarter) or after the end of their sixth quarter (end of spring quarter). A certain number of continuing students who apply will be selected to enter the capped NanoEngineering major.
Continuing students will be required to complete the following courses prior to applying:
NANOENGINEERING FRESHMEN APPLICANTS
(must apply after three quarters)
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, Phys 2A, Chemistry 6A, 6B, 6C
NANOENGINEERING SOPHOMORES
(must apply after six quarters)
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, Phys 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, Chemistry 6A, 6B, 6C, 7
Upon completion of these courses and an online application, students will receive information via e-mail from the Department of NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office. Applications will be ranked according to the GPA obtained in the required courses.
Applications to a capped major will be approved, starting with the student having the highest GPA in the required courses, until the predetermined target number is reached. The Department of NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office will notify students in a timely manner who are successful in transitioning into a capped major to officially declare the appropriate major online via the “Major/Minor” link under “Toolbox” at http://tritonlink.ucsd.edu.
Continuing students who apply and are unable to transition into a capped major will also be notified of their status in a timely manner by the NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office.
Academic Advising
Upon admission to the major, students should consult the catalog or NanoEngineering website (http://nanoengineering.ucsd.edu) for their program of study or their undergraduate adviser if they have questions. The program plan may be revised in subsequent years, but revisions involving curricular requirements require approval by the undergraduate adviser or the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. Because some course and/or curricular changes may be made every year, it is imperative that students consult with the department’s undergraduate adviser on an annual basis.
As aforementioned, Nanoengineering and Chemical Engineering courses are offered only once a year and therefore should be taken in the recommended sequence. If courses are taken out of sequence, it may not always be possible to enroll in courses as desired or needed. If this occurs, students should seek immediate departmental advice. When a student deviates from the sequence of courses specified for each curriculum in this catalog, it may be impossible to complete the major within the nominal four-year period.
In addition to the advising available through the Student Affairs Office, programmatic or technical advice may be obtained from faculty members.
Program Alterations/Exceptions to Requirements
Variations from or exceptions to any program or course requirements are possible only if the Undergraduate Affairs Committee approves a petition before the courses in question are taken. Petition forms may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office and must be processed through this office.
Independent Study
Students may take NANO 199, Independent Study for Undergraduates, under the guidance of a NanoEngineering faculty member. This course is taken as an elective on a P/NP basis. Eligible students must have completed at least ninety units and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The two NANO 199s must be done in consecutive quarters and the student must find a faculty member who will oversee the research project. After obtaining the faculty member’s concurrence on the topic and scope of the study, the student must submit a Special Studies Course form (each quarter) and a NANO 199 Contract form to the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. These forms must be completed, approved, and processed prior to the add deadline. After the second quarter is completed, the student must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition to have the work accepted as two NanoEngineering elective courses. A final report must be attached to the petition for the faculty member and Undergraduate Affairs Committee to review. Detailed policy in this regard and the requisite forms may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Transfer Students
The undergraduate engineering curriculum is designed to integrate four years of college educational experience. It will take transfer students three years to complete the major requirements, beyond their junior-college work, for the NanoEngineering Program. Most students need to take Math 20E (Vector Calculus) at a UC. Transfer students must take NANO 1 and NANO 101 concurrently in their first winter quarter. Students cannot start the junior year of NANO courses until they have taken NANO 101. Students should consult their adviser for a transition program compatible with their junior college preparation.
Requirements for admission as a Nanoengineering major or into Nanoengineering courses are the same for transfer students as they are for continuing students (see section on “Acceptance to Departmental Majors in the Jacobs School of Engineering” in this catalog). Accordingly, when planning their program, transfer students should be mindful of lower-division prerequisite course requirements, as well as for meeting collegiate requirements.
Students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may request to have transfer credit apply toward the department’s major requirements. To receive transfer credit, complete an Undergraduate Student Petition and submit it to Student Affairs. For mathematics, chemistry, and physics, the respective department determines transfer equivalencies. An Undergraduate Student Petition form must be submitted to each department from which you are requesting transfer credit.
Transfer students start in their first year in the NanoEngineering major by taking NANO 15 in fall or winter quarter and NANO 1 and NANO 101 in winter quarter. NANO 1 and 15 have no prerequisites. NANO 101 has prerequisites of Physics 2B and Chem 6B and Math 20C. NANO 101 is a prerequisite for subsequent NANO courses in the major.
The following courses are strongly recommended for all engineering transfer students for success in their major. Community college equivalent courses can be found at http://www.assist.org.
- Calculus I—for Science and Engineering (Math 20A)
- Calculus II—for Science and Engineering (Math 20B)
- Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Math 20C)
- Differential Equations (Math 20D)
- Vector Calculus (Math 20E) or Math 20E Requirement Fulfillment Exam administered through the Department of Mathematics
- Linear Algebra (Math 20F)
- Complete calculus-based physics series (Physics 2A-B-C-D)
- General Chemistry with lab experience (Chem 6A-B-C plus 7L) (except computer science and computer engineering majors)
Transfer Applicants (effective fall 2015)
Effective fall 2015: Continuing and transfer students can apply to switch into NanoEngineering at the end of their third quarter (spring quarter of their first year). Transfer students who are past their third quarter at UC San Diego are not eligible to apply. A link to the online application will be available on our website near the end of spring quarter. The department will review the applications, based on completing the following courses (taken at UC San Diego) and GPA. We will accept as many students as possible, depending on limited spaces available.
NANOENGINEERING TRANSFER APPLICANTS*
(must apply after three quarters):
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, Phys 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, Chem 6A, 6B, 6C, 7L
* Please note: The freshmen and sophomore class levels are determined by the number of registered quarters, not the number of units completed.
Contiguous BS/MS Program
A contiguous, terminal program leading to a bachelor of science and a masters in NanoEngineering is offered to a student with junior standing who has an upper-division GPA of 3.5 or better and a 3.0 overall UC San Diego GPA.
During the last quarter of their junior year (more specifically, the fourth quarter prior to the receipt of the BS), students interested in obtaining the MS within one year following receipt of the BS may apply to the Department of NanoEngineering for admission to the program. Students must submit three letters of reference from their professors with their application.
Students will meet the requirements of both the BS and MS programs, such as courses and credits. There are no overlaps in courses. Upon completion of the BS/MS program, students are not automatically eligible for admission to the PhD program.
Chemical Engineering
BUSINESS AFFAIRS:
240 Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
STUDENT AFFAIRS:
Undergraduate Affairs: 241A Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
Graduate Affairs: 240A Structural Materials Engineering Building, Warren College
http://nanoengineering.ucsd.edu
All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice. Updates may be found on the Academic Senate website: http://senate.ucsd.edu/catalog-copy/approved-updates/.
Departmental Focus
The Department of NanoEngineering is the administrative home of the interdepartmental Chemical Engineering Program (CENG).
Undergraduate Program
The BS program in Chemical Engineering (CENG) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET/EAC).
Chemical Engineering Program (CENG)
Program Objectives
The Chemical Engineering Program has affiliated faculty from the Department of NanoEngineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Department of Bioengineering. The curricula at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are designed to support and foster chemical engineering as a profession that interfaces engineering and all aspects of basic sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology).
The primary educational objectives of the Chemical Engineering Program are to
- Provide Chemical Engineering students with a strong technical education and communication skills that will enable them to have successful careers in a wide range of industrial and professional environments.
- Prepare Chemical Engineering students for rapidly changing technological environments with the core knowledge central to multidisciplinary development and personal improvement throughout their professional careers.
- Instill in Chemical Engineering students a strong sense of humanistic values and professionalism such that they can conduct ethically and knowledgeably regarding technological impact in societal issues.
The curriculum is designed to prepare Chemical Engineering graduates for further education and personal development through their entire professional career. We strive to accomplish these goals by providing a rigorous and demanding curriculum that incorporates lectures, discussions, laboratory and project development experiences in basic sciences, mathematics, engineering sciences, and design as well as the humanities and social sciences.
The Undergraduate Program
The BS program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET/EAC). The curriculum is tailored to provide breadth and flexibility by taking advantage of the strength of basic sciences and other engineering disciplines at UC San Diego. The intention is to graduate chemical engineers who are multidisciplinary practitioners and can work in a broad spectrum of industries rather than solely traditional chemical and petrochemical industries.
Areas of specialization are available whereby a graduate can be in a position for a career in environmental technology, microelectronic device fabrication, materials and polymer processing, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, biomedical engineering, energy and thermal systems, control and system engineering, and so forth.
For students who aspire to pursue a graduate degree and a career in research and development, the units in an area of specialization can be allocated to more fundamental science and engineering courses. These students are also encouraged to perform independent projects in one of the faculty research laboratories or groups.
Whether the career goal is industry or graduate or professional school, the curriculum has a strong emphasis on developing problem-solving skills and the ability to think and learn independently. The capstone courses are the senior design and process lab courses. Students learn to participate in project teams, refine their communication skills, and work on various design and experimental projects that, over two quarters, introduce them to elements of project planning, execution, analysis, and improvement.
Entering freshmen will follow the new set of course work guidelines detailed in this section. Continuing students will continue with their current set of course work guidelines outlined in previous general catalogs. The Student Affairs Office can provide the proper curriculum tables. All students are encouraged to visit the Student Affairs Office or visit the Department of NanoEngineering website for any clarification and updated information.
Deviations from these programs of study must be approved by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee prior to taking alternative courses. In addition, technical elective (TE) course selections must have departmental approval prior to students' taking the courses. The TE courses are restricted to meet ABET standards. Courses such as CENG 195, 197, and 198 are not allowed as a technical elective in meeting the upper-division major requirements. CENG 199 can be used as a technical elective only under restrictive conditions. Policy regarding these conditions may be obtained from the department’s Student Affairs Office. To graduate, students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0, and the department requires at least a C– grade in each course required for the major.
Students with different academic preparation may vary the scheduling of lower-division courses such as math, physics, and chemistry, but should consult the department. Deviations in scheduling Chemical Engineering upper-division courses are discouraged and require prior approval. Most lower-division courses are offered more than once each year to permit students some flexibility in their program scheduling. However, all Chemical Engineering upper-division courses are taught only once per year, and courses are scheduled to be consistent with the curricula as shown in the tables.
General-Education/College Requirements
For graduation, each student must satisfy general-education course requirements determined by the student’s college as well as the major requirements determined by the department. The six colleges at UC San Diego require widely different general-education courses, and the number of such courses differs from one college to another. Each student should choose his or her college carefully, considering the special nature of the college and the breadth of general education.
Professional Licensing
After graduation, all students are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination as the first step in becoming licensed as a professional engineer (PE). Students graduating from our accredited program can take the PE examination after FE certification and two years of work experience; students graduating from a non-accredited program can take the PE examination after FE certification and four years of work experience.
For further information please contact your local Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Major Requirements
To receive a BS in Chemical Engineering, students must complete general-education (GE) requirements of their colleges and the ABET requirements in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The balance consists of basic sciences (fifty-four units), chemistry core (twelve units), Chemical Engineering core (thirty-two units), process laboratory and design (sixteen units), general engineering (twelve units), and an area of specialization (twelve units). Beyond the fifty-three units of basic sciences, the science and engineering courses total to eighty-five units. A one-unit introductory seminar (CENG 1) is required of all incoming freshmen and transfer students.
The specific breakdown is as follows:
Basic sciences (fifty-four units):
This lower-division requirement includes twenty-four units of mathematics (Math 20A–F), fourteen units of physics (Phys 2A–C, 2CL), and sixteen units of chemistry (Chem 6A–C, 7L).
Chemistry core (twelve units):
Three advanced chemistry electives must be selected from among Chem 130, 131, 132, 140A, 140B, 114A (or BIBC 100), 114B (or BIBC 102), 120A, 120B, and 143A. (Note: Students may not receive credit for both BIBC 100 and Chem 114A, or BIBC 102 and Chem 114B).
Two recommended options are Chem 140A, 114A (or BIBC 100), and 143A for those interested in biochemical/organic; and Chem 120A, 130, and 140A for those interested in inorganic/materials.
Chemical engineering core (thirty-two units):
This requirement covers chemical process modeling, solution thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, process control, and unit operations (CENG 100, 101A-C, 102, 113, 120, 122).
Process laboratory and design (sixteen units):
This requirement is crucial to fulfill the ABET design content (CENG 124A-B, 176A-B).
General engineering (twelve units):
This requirement covers basics in computer programming, probability and statistics, and instrumentation. The computer programming requirement should be satisfied with a course in Matlab (CENG 15). Probability and statistics can be satisfied with CENG 114. Instrumentation is satisfied with MAE 170.
Electives in an area of specialization (twelve units):
Electives are intended to broaden and enhance professional goals. They may be chosen to achieve either breadth or depth in one’s education. All electives must be upper-division courses in engineering. Suggestions are listed below.
Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering
NANO 103, 242, 244, 262
CENG 207, 254, 256
BENG 100, 101, 109, 110, 112A, 112B, 130,186A
Microelectronic Devices and Materials
NANO 107
CENG 157
ECE 103, 134, 135A, 136L
Engineering Mechanics
NANO 141A, 141B
MAE 104, 130A, 130B, 131A, 149, 160
Engineering Science
NANO 141A, NANO 114B
MAE 104, 105, 107, 140, 149
Environmental Engineering
MAE 119, 122, 124/ ESYS 103,* 125B, 126A, 126B, 127
*TE credit cannot be given for both MAE 124 and ESYS 103.
Materials Science and Engineering
NANO 100L, 134, 142A, 142B, 174, 174L
ECE 134
MATS 201A, 201B, 201C, 205A, 227
Nanotechnology
NANO 101, 102, 103, 104, 106,108, 110, 111, 112, 134, 140, 145, 146, 148, 150, 156,* 158, 161, 162, 164, 168, 174, 253
CENG 157, 207, 208, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215
*NANO 156 and MAE 166 are cross-listed courses; CENG majors must enroll in NANO 156.
Process Dynamics and Control
MAE 140, 142, 143A, 143C, 149, 180A
ECE 171B
BENG 122A
To fulfill the basic process control requirement for the BS, students can take one of the following three courses: CENG 120*, MAE 143B, OR ECE 171A. (*CENG 120 can be replaced by MAE 143B or ECE 171A only if a student chooses Process Control as the Area of Specialization). The basic process control requirement course above does not fulfill one of the three Area of Specialization course requirements.
Thermal Engineering and Systems
MAE 110B, 113, 118, 119, 120
Independent Research
Two quarters of independent research can be approved as equivalent to two technical elective courses (eight units). See the Independent Student section below.
Principles of Team Engineering
Students are allowed to take one of the following four-unit “Teams in Engineering Service” courses: ENG 100D or ENG 100B/L or two quarters of ENG 100L as an approved Engineering Focus elective. Click on the following link for more information about Global Ties: http://globalties.ucsd.edu/.
Chemical Engineering
(ABET Accredited Program)
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Freshman Year |
||
Math 20A |
Math 20B |
Math 20C |
Chem 6A |
Phys 2A |
Phys 2B |
CENG 15 |
Chem 6B |
Chem 6C/7L |
CENG 1 |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
|
Sophomore Year |
||
Math 20D |
Math 20F |
Math 20E |
CENG 100 |
CENG 102 |
CENG 113 |
Phys 2C/2CL |
Adv Chem1 |
Adv Chem |
GE |
GE |
GE |
Junior Year |
||
CENG 101A |
CENG 101B |
CENG 101C |
MAE 170 |
CENG 114 |
AS2 |
Adv Chem |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
|
Senior Year |
||
CENG 1203 |
CENG 124A |
CENG 124B |
CENG 122 |
CENG 176A |
CENG 176B |
AS |
AS |
GE |
GE |
GE |
|
1Three advanced chemistry electives must be selected from among Chem 130, 131, 132, 140A, 140B, 114A (or BIBC 100), 114B (or BIBC 102), 120 A, 120B, and 143A. (Note: Students may not receive credit for both BIBC 100 and Chem 114A, or BIBC 102 and Chem 114B).
Two recommended options are Chem 140A-B, 114A-B (or BIBC 100, BIBC 102), and 143A for those interested in biochemical/organic, and Chem 131, 132, 133, 120A, and 140A for those interested in inorganic/materials.
2The electives in an area of specialization (AS) must be upper-division or graduate courses in engineering, based on the preapproved sequences. Otherwise, the selections must receive prior approval of the department to meet ABET standards.
3If a student chooses process control as the area of specialization, CENG 120 can be replaced by a relevant course within the approved set of courses for specialization in process control.
Admission to Chemical Engineering
Effective fall 2014, Chemical Engineering has been granted capped status for freshman applications. Capped status will take effect for continuing and transfer students beginning fall 2015.
Freshman Admission (effective fall 2014)
As the Chemical Engineering major is capped for incoming freshmen beginning fall 2014, students who have excelled in high school and have declared Chemical Engineering on their UC San Diego application are eligible for direct admission into the major.
The UC San Diego Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools will calculate an admissions target number and admit the appropriate number of incoming freshmen into the capped major using the UC San Diego Holistic Review score as a ranking method. Students who meet the UC San Diego admission criteria will be admitted into their chosen capped major, starting with the student having the highest holistic review score, until the admission target number is reached. These students will be notified directly by the Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools whether they have been admitted into their chosen capped major.
Freshman students who applied but were not admitted directly from high school into the capped Chemical Engineering major will be admitted into the major indicated as their second choice on the UC application (providing it is an “open” major).
Continuing UC San Diego Students (effective fall 2015)
Freshmen not directly admitted into the Chemical Engineering major will need to apply using the continuing application after their first three quarters (end of spring quarter) or after the end of their sixth quarter (end of spring quarter). A certain number of continuing students who apply will be selected to enter the capped Chemical Engineering major.
Continuing students will be required to complete the following courses prior to applying:
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FRESHMEN APPLICANTS
(must apply after three quarters)
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, Phys 2A, 2B, Chemistry 6A, 6B, 6C, 7L
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SOPHOMORE APPLICANTS
(must apply after six quarters)
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, Phys 2A, 2B, 2C, 2CL, Chemistry 6A, 6B, 6C, 7L
Transfer Students
The Chemical Engineering curriculum is designed to integrate four years of college educational experience. It is not easy for transfer students to complete the major requirements in only two additional years beyond their junior college work. However, if transfer students seek a college for which they already satisfy the general-education requirements, have taken the lower-division science and mathematics, and have completed some advanced chemistry requirement, then the rigorous first-year schedule below will permit them to graduate in two years. Other students should consult their adviser for a transition program compatible with their junior college preparation.
Requirements for admission as a Chemical Engineering major or minor, or into Chemical Engineering courses, are the same for transfer students as they are for continuing students. Accordingly, when planning their program, transfer students should be mindful of lower-division prerequisite course requirements, as well as for meeting collegiate requirements.
Students who have taken equivalent courses elsewhere may request to have transfer credit apply toward the department’s major requirements. To receive transfer credit, complete an Undergraduate Student Petition form and submit it to the Student Affairs office. For mathematics, chemistry, and physics, transfer equivalencies are determined by the respective departments. An Undergraduate Student Petition form must be submitted to each department from which the student is requesting transfer credit.
Effective fall 2009, these courses are strongly recommended for all engineering transfer students for success in their major. Community college equivalent courses can be found at http://www.assist.org.
- Calculus I—for Science and Engineering (Math 20A)
- Calculus II—for Science and Engineering (Math 20B)
- Calculus and Analytic Geometry (Math 20C)
- Differential Equations (Math 20D)
- Vector Calculus (Math 20E) or Math 20E—Requirement Fulfillment Exam administered through the Department of Mathematics
- Linear Algebra (Math 20F)
- Complete calculus-based physics series with lab experience (Physics 2ABC-CL)
- General Chemistry with lab experience (Chem 6A-B-C plus 7L) (except computer science and computer engineering majors)
All transfer students must take CENG 15 (Matlab) in the fall of their first year at UC San Diego. Transfer students may petition to take CENG 15 concurrently with CENG 100, and CENG 101A concurrently with Math 20E. Complete a student petition form and submit it to the Student Affairs office.
If students do not come in with all the above courses, it will most likely take three years to graduate. For the three-year/four-year curriculum, please go to http://ne.ucsd.edu/undergrad-programs/degree/bs-chemical-engineering/curriculum.
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
Junior Year |
||
Adv Chem* |
Adv Chem |
Adv Chem |
CENG 101A |
CENG 101B |
CENG 101C |
CENG 100 |
CENG 102 |
CENG 113 |
CENG 15 |
CENG 114 |
MAE 170 |
CENG 1 |
|
|
*If you have not completed Math 20E at the community college, then you may take an Advanced Chemistry course another quarter. You must complete a petition to take Math 20E concurrently with CENG 101A. Click here for more information about petitions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSFER APPLICANTS (effective fall 2015)
Transfer students can apply to switch into the Chemical Engineering major at the end of their third quarter. Transfer students who are past their third quarter at UC San Diego are not eligible to apply. An online application will be available, and the department will review the applications based on the following criteria (courses taken at UC San Diego) and GPA.
Math 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20F, Phys 2A, 2B, 2C, 2CL, Chem 6A, 6B, 6C, 7L
Upon completion of these courses and online application, students will receive information via e-mail from the Department of NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office. Applications will be ranked according to the GPA obtained in the required courses.
Applications to a capped major will be approved, starting with the student having the highest GPA in the required courses, until the predetermined target number is reached. The Department of NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office will notify students in a timely manner who are successful in transitioning into a capped major to officially declare the appropriate major online via the “Major/Minor” link under “Toolbox” at http://tritonlink.ucsd.edu.
Continuing students who apply and are unable to transition into a capped major will also be notified of their status in a timely manner by the Department of NanoEngineering Student Affairs Office.
Academic Advising
Upon admission to the major, students should consult the catalog or Department of NanoEngineering website (http://nanoengineering.ucsd.edu) for their program of study or their undergraduate adviser if they have questions. The program plan may be revised in subsequent years, but revisions involving curricular requirements require approval by the undergraduate adviser or the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. Because some course and/or curricular changes may be made every year, it is imperative that students consult with the department’s undergraduate adviser on an annual basis.
Chemical Engineering courses are offered only once a year and therefore should be taken in the recommended sequence. If courses are taken out of sequence, it may not always be possible to enroll in courses as desired or needed. If this occurs, students should seek immediate departmental advice. When a student deviates from the sequence of courses specified for each curriculum in this catalog, it may be impossible to complete a Chemical Engineering major within the normal four-year period.
In addition to the advising available through the Student Affairs Office, programmatic or technical advice may be obtained from Chemical Engineering faculty members.
Program Alterations/Exceptions to Requirements
Variations from or exceptions to any program or course requirements are possible only if a petition is approved by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee before the courses in question are taken. Petition forms may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office and must be processed through this office.
Independent Study
Chemical Engineering students may take CENG 199, Independent Study for Undergraduates, under the guidance of a Chemical Engineering faculty member. This course is taken as an elective on a P/NP basis. Eligible students must have completed at least ninety units and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. The two CENG 199s must be done in consecutive quarters and the student must find a faculty member who will oversee the research project. After obtaining the faculty member’s concurrence on the topic and scope of the study, the student must submit a Special Studies form (each quarter) and CENG 199 Contract form to the Undergraduate Affairs Committee. These forms must be completed, approved, and processed prior to the add deadline. After the second quarter is completed, the student must submit an Undergraduate Student Petition to have the work accepted as two technical elective courses. A final report must be attached to the petition for the faculty member and Undergraduate Affairs Committee to review. Detailed policy in this regard and the requisite forms may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Program Accreditation
The BS program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET/EAC).