Course Curriculum

The Chemical Engineering program at UBC provides students with a structured yet dynamic curriculum that builds progressively from foundational engineering principles to advanced, discipline-specific knowledge. In the first year, students complete a general engineering curriculum that prepares them for specialized study in their chosen field. From the second year onward, Chemical Engineering students dive into subject-specific courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications. In the second year, core courses such as CHBE 201 (Integrated Technical Communication), CHBE 241 (Material and Energy Balances), and CHBE 264 (Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory) introduce key engineering concepts and practices, while MATH 256 (Differential Equations) strengthens mathematical modeling skills essential for process analysis.As students move into the third year, they engage in more technical and applied studies, including CHBE 376 (Computer Flowsheeting), which teaches process simulation and optimization, and CHBE 366 (Chemical Engineering Laboratory), which provides hands-on experience with experimental procedures. APSC 278 (Engineering Materials) and CHBE 356 (Process Dynamics and Control) offer a deeper understanding of material properties and system behavior in industrial processes.In the final year, the focus shifts toward integration, design, and economics. CHBE 454 (Chemical Process and Product Design) and CHBE 474 (Process Control Engineering) allow students to synthesize their learning through real-world problem solving and process design. Courses such as CHBE 459 (Chemical and Biological Engineering Economics) and CHBE 456 (Heterogeneous Catalysis and Advanced Reactor Design) prepare students for the financial and technical challenges of modern chemical engineering. This comprehensive progression equips graduates with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional perspective needed to excel in resource-based and emerging industries, both in Canada and globally.