Molecular Engineering Thermodynamics

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ContactsOverview of Molecular Engineering Program of Study in Molecular Engineering Summary of Requirements for the Major in Molecular Engineering: Bioengineering Track Summary of Requirements for the Major in Molecular Engineering: Chemical Engineering Track Summary of Requirements for the Major in Molecular Engineering: Quantum Engineering Track Sample Major Programs and Four-Year Plans Grading Honors Specialized Minors in Molecular Engineering Minor Program in Molecular Engineering Minor Program in Molecular Engineering Technology and Innovation Courses

Engineering focuses on solving complex technological problems and, in the case of molecular engineering, applying molecular-level science to the design of advanced devices and systems, processes, and technologies. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) is at the forefront of developing advanced molecular technologies to address pressing global and societal challenges, like those found in the fields of quantum computing and materials, cancer treatment, water use and purification, energy storage, and regenerative medicine.

The BS degree in Molecular Engineering offers undergraduates a cutting-edge engineering curriculum built on a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Courses in the major are designed to develop quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills; to introduce engineering analysis of biological, chemical, and physical systems; and to address open-ended technological questions across a spectrum of disciplines. The aim is to introduce invention and design, along with inquiry and discovery, as fruitful and complementary intellectual activities.

The program prepares undergraduates for leadership roles in a technology-driven society. Graduates will be positioned to follow traditional engineering paths in research, technology development, and manufacturing, or to pursue further postgraduate study in such fields as engineering, science, medicine, business, or law. Other graduates may successfully leverage the quantitative and problem-solving skills gained in their training as engineers towards careers in technical and management consulting, finance, public policy, or entrepreneurship.

1. A strong and broad background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. It is imperative for a modern engineer to have a strong and broad background in the sciences, and the highly interdisciplinary nature of molecular engineering requires a foundation built across the mathematical, physical, and biological sciences.

Students who receive mathematics placement into MATH 13100 have opportunities to complete the Molecular Engineering major in four years. Such students should take the MATH 130s and general chemistry sequences in the first year, followed by the MATH 180s and general physics sequences in the second year. Students following this path who satisfy the mathematics, chemistry, and physics requirements during their second year will be able to complete the Molecular Engineering major during their third and fourth years.

2. Starting the program. All students begin their Molecular Engineering coursework by enrolling in MENG 21100 Principles of Engineering Analysis I once they have completed MATH 18400 and satisfied the chemistry and physics prerequisites. This course is offered in the Autumn Quarter only. Students are encouraged to take this course during their second year of studies, which enables them to more easily access the specialization minors in Molecular Engineering, advanced electives, research and design projects, and other opportunities beyond the required major course work.

3. Foundations in Molecular Engineering. All Molecular Engineering majors take a set of five courses as a cohort that develop a shared skill set essential for engineering at the atomistic, molecular, and nano scales. These courses include MENG 21100-21200 Principles of Engineering Analysis I and II which provide model building skills, numerical methods, and computational tools critical to solving quantitative problems across all engineering fields, as well as MENG 21300 Engineering Quantum Mechanics, MENG 21400 Molecular Engineering Thermodynamics, and MENG 21500 Molecular Engineering Transport Phenomena.

5. MENG 21800-21900 Engineering Design I-II (200-unit capstone sequence). The design course is a two-quarter sequence that teaches students how to combine fundamental science and engineering to address open-ended, real-world challenges. Engineers from industry, the national laboratories, and academia, including PME faculty and fellows, propose real-world projects for which they serve as mentors. Students work together in small teams throughout the two quarters to address the diverse engineering challenges that arise. Examples of recent design projects that have been undertaken by Molecular Engineering majors include developing self-cleaning textiles that photocatalytically degrade microbial contaminants; applying machine learning to analyze ultrafast X-ray images of liquid jets and sprays; and evaluating the technical and economic barriers of emerging approaches to plastic recycling.

6. Laboratory skills and hands-on experience. Molecular engineers should develop the ability to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; to design and conduct experiments; and to analyze and interpret data. Molecular Engineering majors develop these skills through laboratory components associated with the required courses in the physical and biological sciences, as well as Molecular Engineering courses including MENG 24100 Molecular Engineering Thermodynamics of Phase Equilibria, MENG 24200 Molecular Transport Phenomena II: Fluid Flow and Convective Transport Processes, MENG 24400 Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering, MENG 26200 QuantumLab, and optionally MENG 23000 Experimental Bioengineering Laboratory and MENG 23310 Immunoengineering Laboratory. In addition, Molecular Engineering students are strongly encouraged to undertake advanced laboratory experiences by pursuing undergraduate research projects with faculty in the PME, at Argonne National Laboratory, or across the University of Chicago.

Molecular Engineering majors can take these courses without the Biological Sciences prerequisites (BIOS 20150-20151) unless they pursue a double major in the Biological Sciences. They are expected to show competency in mathematical modeling of biological phenomena covered in BIOS 20151 Introduction to Quantitative Modeling in Biology (Basic).

Certain selected courses in mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics may substitute for this requirement. Courses in statistics, in particular STAT 23400 Statistical Models and Methods, are recommended for students on the Bioengineering track. Students must secure approval of the director of undergraduate studies before enrolling in any course that they wish to use as a substitute.

Certain selected courses in mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics may substitute for this requirement. Courses in statistics, applied linear algebra, and differential equations in particular are recommended for students on the Chemical Engineering track. Students must secure approval of the director of undergraduate studies before enrolling in any course that they wish to use as a substitute.

Sample four-year programs for the Molecular Engineering major are provided below. These are suggestions for possible student trajectories through the major, but do not represent the only four-year programs that would lead to completion of the Molecular Engineering major requirements. Study Abroad can often be included alongside the Molecular Engineering major, with Winter or Spring Quarters of the third year, as well as September Term, often providing the ideal opportunity for many students, although situations vary depending on track and progress through the major. Students should rely on the direction of the Molecular Engineering and College advisers, as well as relevant placement tests, in creating a personalized four-year program that accommodates their individual backgrounds and interests.

Bioengineering Track - Four-year plan based on mathematics placement in MATH 18300. It is recommended that students complete the background mathematics, chemistry, and physics sequences during their first year at the University and start these sequences at the highest level for which they are prepared. Note that the organic chemistry courses (CHEM 22000-22100) could be moved to third-year without other adjustments to the plan outlined here.

Bioengineering Track - Four-year plan based on mathematics placement in MATH 15100. This example program for the Molecular Engineering major does not require completion of mathematics, chemistry, and physics sequences during a student's first year at the University. A similar four-year plan can be developed for students placed into MATH 13100.

Chemical Engineering Track - Four-year plan based on mathematics placement in MATH 18300. It is recommended that students complete the background mathematics, chemistry, and physics sequences during their first year at the University and start these sequences at the highest level for which they are prepared. Note that the organic chemistry courses (CHEM 22000-22100) could be moved to the third year without other adjustments to the plan outlined here.