Chemical Engineering Subjects In High School
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Chemical engineers solve problems involving the design, production and use of chemicals, fuels, drugs and other products by using knowledge and skills from chemistry, physics and biology. Chemical engineers are among the highest paid engineering professionals. They design processes and safety procedures for handling dangerous chemicals, plan manufacturing systems and test manufacturing facilities for safety and compliance with regulations.
Mathematics is the basis of almost every scientific and engineering discipline. High school students who are interested in careers in chemical engineering can prepare for the college courses in mathematics and engineering by taking upper-level math classes. Classes like calculus, especially the advanced placement courses, will help students place into higher-level math courses in college and succeed in the college-level mathematics courses that are an essential part of the chemical engineering major.
Chemical engineering requires a strong background in chemistry, the basics of chemical reactions and formulae, the vocabulary of chemistry and basic laboratory techniques. This basic knowledge allows for advanced coursework in thermodynamics, transport processes and chemical kinetics. Most high schools offer courses in chemistry, but students may benefit from an advanced placement chemistry course or another class that contains a strong laboratory component.
As an applied science, chemical engineering combines concepts from a variety of other disciplines, like biology and physics. Some chemical engineers work on biological problems like the diffusion of oxygen through blood vessels, others are concerned with problems of thermodynamics in designing control systems for reactors in an industrial plant. High school students can prepare for this breadth of subject matter by taking courses in biology and physics. Additionally, if a school offers advanced placement courses in these subjects, or advanced courses in alternative subjects like geology or genetics, these would also be of use to a future chemical engineer.
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High school students interested in chemical engineering should take all the mathematics and science courses their schools offer. These should include algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, and biology. Computer science courses are also highly recommended. In addition, students should take four years of English, and a foreign language is valuable. Students should participate in high school science and engineering clubs and other extracurricular activities.
A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering (or chemical and biomolecular engineering) is the minimum educational requirement for entering the field. For some positions, an M.S., an M.B.A., or a Ph.D. may be required. A Ph.D. may be essential for advancement in research, teaching, and administration.
For their college studies, students need a chemical engineering program approved by ABET, a nonprofit organization that accredits college and university programs in engineering, engineering technology, computing, and applied and natural science in the U.S. and around the world. There are about 150 accredited undergraduate programs in chemical engineering in the United States offering bachelor's degrees. Some engineering programs last five or six years; these often include work experience in industry.
As career plans develop, students should consult with advisers about special career paths in which they are interested. Those who want to teach or conduct research will need a graduate degree. There are approximately 140 accredited chemical engineering graduate programs in the United States. A master's degree generally takes two years of study beyond undergraduate school, while a Ph.D. program requires four to six years.
In graduate school, students specialize in one aspect of chemical engineering, such as chemical kinetics or biotechnology. Graduate education also helps to obtain promotions, and some companies offer tuition reimbursement to encourage employees to take graduate courses. For engineers who would like to become managers, a master's degree in business administration may be helpful. Chemical engineers must be prepared for a lifetime of education to keep up with the rapid advances in technology.
Many professional associations provide continuing education (CE) opportunities to chemical engineers. For example, the American Chemical Society offers CE courses for scientists and engineers on topics such as computers, statistics, special topics in chemical engineering, management, and technical writing. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides webinars for student members of the society. Past webinars included "Career Success in Engineering: A Guide for Students and New Professionals," "Ethics and Professionalism for Students and Young Engineers," "How to Get Your First Job," and "Engineering Your Career with a High Quality Social Network Web Seminar." The Society of Women Engineers offers conference sessions, webinars, and other education resources on topics such as leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. Other organizations that provide continuing education opportunities include the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and the American Society for Engineering Education. Contact these organizations for more information.
Chemical engineers must be licensed as professional engineers if their work involves providing services directly to the public. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have specific licensing requirements, which include graduation from an accredited engineering school, passing a written exam, and having at least four years of engineering experience. About one-third of all chemical engineers are licensed; they are called registered engineers. There are two levels of licensing for engineers. Professional Engineers (PEs) have graduated from an accredited engineering curriculum, have four years of engineering experience, and have passed a written exam. Engineering graduates need not wait until they have four years experience, however, to start the licensure process. Those who pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination after graduating are called Engineers in Training (EITs) or Engineer Interns or Intern Engineers. The EIT certification usually is valid for 10 years. After acquiring suitable work experience, EITs can take the second examination, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, to gain full PE licensure. The exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying ( ).
Important personal qualities for chemical engineers include honesty, accuracy, objectivity, and perseverance. In addition, they must be inquisitive, open-minded, creative, and flexible. Problem-solving ability is essential. To remain competitive in the job market, they should display initiative and leadership skills, exhibit the ability to work well in teams and collaborate across disciplines, and be able to work with people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Between SATs and grades and applying to colleges, high school students today have plenty of reasons to be stressed. Another one of their worries might be choosing a career that will bring them joy that also provides for their financial needs.
Using their knowledge of math and science, individuals in this field develop new techniques for working with chemicals to achieve desired results. From designing faster computer chips to developing methods to clean bodies of water, the goals of chemical engineering are varied and virtually endless. Moreover, these professionals work in a wide array of businesses and industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and healthcare.
The salary for chemical engineers varies based on where you work and how much experience you have. However, the mean salary for this field is $104,910 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As a high schooler, you can start laying the groundwork for a future as a chemical engineer. Begin your journey by signing up for an array of math classes, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. After all, chemical engineers rely on their impressive math skills for designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting projects. Additionally, you should study science subjects like chemistry and physics.
In terms of extracurriculars, aspiring chemical engineers can demonstrate their passion by joining science and math-related clubs and organizations. Additionally, you can volunteer with a local conservation nonprofit, or enroll in a summer program focused on science and sustainability.
Aspiring chemical engineers can also get a head start on their education by applying to summer programs. Top schools like Penn State offer engineering summer camps designed to give students a leg up on the competition. Moreover, summer is a great time to intern at a chemical engineering firm in your area, and shadow or conduct informational interviews with engineers.
Additionally, many undergrads opt to intern during their junior or senior year. Along with providing students with on-the-job instruction, an internship can lead to valuable contacts in the field. The company in question may even end up offering you an entry-level position upon graduation.
Diving into the captivating world of Chemical Engineering, Excel High School's STEM Chemical Engineering course acts as a bridge between foundational knowledge and advanced scientific concepts. Students embark on a journey that introduces them to the crux of this significant scientific branch, all while highlighting its real-world applications and the numerous career prospects that await in the realm of Chemical Engineering. From understanding the intricacies of the Periodic Table to grasping the nuances of atoms, molecules, and compounds, this course lays a solid groundwork.
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