Undergraduate Curriculum
As stated in the undergraduate catalog, Chemical Engineers apply concepts from the physical sciences (chemistry and physics) and life sciences (biochemistry and microbiology) to the design and optimization of processes for the efficient production of products ranging from fuels and chemicals to pharmaceuticals to advanced materials. Penn’s chemical engineering department provides students with both a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and exposure to modern chemical engineering technologies. The program’s versatility allows our students to excel in diverse careers in the chemical industries, research, medicine, law, government, and education. Please find course requirements here.
A Sample of the Typical Undergraduate Course of Study
Entering Fall 2020 and later
Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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*Students entering Fall 2025 and onward must take Chemistry placement test at Penn or take CHEM 1012. AP Chem (EAS 0091) not accepted.
** Starting Fall 22, to complete the Organic Chemistry lab tech elective requirement, students must take two 1.5 CU lecture + lab courses (CHEM 2411 + CHEM 2421) or two 1 CU lecture-only chemistry courses plus 1 cu of corresponding labs.
*** EAS 2030 (also counts as SS/H elective) or CBE 3200 (also counts as engineering elective) must be one of the ethics courses taken
Entering Fall 2017 and later
Year 1
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Year 2
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Year 3
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Year 4
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* EAS 203/2030 (Engineering Ethics) must be one of the social science courses taken
** Starting Fall 22, to complete the Organic Chemistry requirement, students must take two 1.5 CU lecture + lab courses (CHEM 2411 + CHEM 2421) or two 1 CU lecture-only chemistry courses (CHEM 2410 + CHEM 2420 OR CHEM 251), plus the lab tech elective.
Course Planning Guides:
The Course Planning Guide (CPG) assists the student in planning a course of study to complete the program as expected. A sample CPG is available to assist with planning.
Entering Fall 2020 and later:
Entering Fall 2017 and later:
Additional Curriculum Information
The CBE Minor
The Minor in CBE consists of 6 engineering courses in CBE. It’s found in the catalog here. Beginning Fall ’25 students pursuing the CBE minor must adhere to the following requirements outline:
Choose 3 courses from the list of core classes below: 3 cus
CBE 2300: Material and Energy Balances of Chemical Processes
CBE 2310: Thermodynamics of Fluids
CBE 3500: Fluid Mechanics
CBE 3510: Heat and Mass Transport
CBE 3710: Separation Processes
CBE 4510: Chemical Reactor Design
Choose 3 courses from the options of CBE core courses or electives: 3 cus
Undergraduate Academic Rules and Regulations
The official academic rules and regulations governing the undergraduate course of study are found in the SEAS Undergraduate Handbook.
In This Section:
Your CBE Contact:
Hannah Wright
Undergraduate Coordinator
Phone: 215-573-0290
Office: 311A Towne Building
Email: wrighth@seas.upenn.edu