The Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

General information

The Howard P. Isermann Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute prepares students for engineering practice in chemical and physical processes to meet the challenges of the future. The curriculum builds on chemistry, biology, mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering science and culminates in professional applications in which theory is tempered by engineering art and economic principles. Through this curriculum, graduates are prepared for professional practice or for graduate study.

Opportunities for creative and satisfying practice in chemical and biological engineering can be found in conception, design, control, or management of processes involving chemical and/or biochemical transformations. These processes range from the more conventional conversion of crude oil into petrochemicals and plastics, the microbiological transformation of hardwood chips into specialty alcohols, or to the creation of semiconductor devices from silicon wafers. Diverse career choices exist in virtually all processing industries, including agricultural, biotechnology, chemical, food, nuclear, semiconductor processing, and environmental operations. By emphasizing basic principles, the program prepares its graduates for positions spanning the spectrum of activities from research and development, to process and project engineering, to production, or to technical marketing.