Chemical and Life Science Engineering
Bachelor of Science with a concentration in life science engineering
Apply your engineering knowledge to become the bridge between molecular science and consumer products. Chemistry is essential to modern life, and a bachelor’s in chemical and life science engineering prepares you to lead the development of thousands of consumer products we rely on everyday, from home and personal care products to clothing and sports equipment to automobiles and electronics.
The VCU College of Engineering is among the best undergraduate programs in the nation as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Combined with our industry connections and access to Richmond-area businesses, VCU Engineering is a solid choice for your continuing education. Choose from a non-thesis option or a thesis option where you gain experience in conducting cutting edge research.
What you’ll learn
Our program will help you develop a foundation of engineering skills that includes knowledge of business, manufacturing and research. These skills will help advance your career and provide a mechanism for lifelong learning and professional development.
Training through hands-on opportunities, the advanced research skills you master will be complimented by an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and apply advanced problem solving to engineering challenges in cross-disciplinary teams to meet the needs of our changing society and advance the quality of human life.
Focus areas include:
- Energy technology
- Development of chemicals and biologics
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical engineering
- Stem cell engineering
- Systems biology
Engage in interesting coursework defined by the groundbreaking research of VCU Engineering’s award-winning faculty in areas like catalysis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, material design and more. Etched into the landscape of Richmond, the VCU College of Engineering gives students access to a culturally vibrant and diverse city full of potential. We focus on developing close partnerships with public institutions and private businesses in order to give you access to unique learning and job opportunities.
Undergraduate students also have access to benefits like:
- Proximity to policymakers in Richmond, Virginia’s capital, and Washington D.C.
- Connections to public and private institutions that improve the quality of life for communities and individuals, like Afton, ChemTreat, Veolia.
- Faculty who are industry experts, finding innovative solutions to sustainability problems as respected leaders in their fields with well-funded labs and industry partnerships.
- Design your own path to education with flexible electives and focus on environmental and sustainable engineering topics you’re passionate about.
- Dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities
- Industry connections through college partnerships with public and private industry
- Interdisciplinary education to teach collaboration with engineering practitioners outside your field of study
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of chemical and life science engineering classes. Below are a few interesting courses from the program:
Thermodynamics of Phase Equilibria (CLSE 305): Explore the thermodynamic properties of fluids and mixtures; partial molar quantities; phase equilibria; activity coefficients and correlations; equations-of-state; chemical reaction equilibria for liquid, vapor and multiphase reactions; and the use of equations-of-state and activity/fugacity correlations to obtain the thermodynamic functions required for the calculation of chemical reaction equilibrium constants.
Chemical Reaction Engineering (CLSE 312): Gain a foundation in the analysis of reactors via coupling of empirical reaction rates and thermodynamic constraints with reactor material and energy balances. You’ll learn the behavior of the ideal reactor types (batch, CSTR and PFR) with attention given to departure from these ideals by real systems.
An undergraduate degree in chemical and life science engineering can facilitate career advancement in a number of industries like:
- Bioengineering, Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
- Commodity and Specialty Chemicals
- Food Products and Processing
- Materials
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Polymers
Consider possibilities like:
- Product Development Engineer: Designs and develops new products and processes for manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include patent searches, equipment operation and scale-up of processes for commercialization.
- Sales Engineer: Markets products and interacts with customers. Responsibilities involve analyzing customer needs, market trends and competitor technologies.
- Chemical Process Engineer: Monitors operations to maintain effective and efficient process flows. Responsibilities include process data collection and analysis, safety assessments and communication between operators and management.
- Research and Development Scientist: Translates proof of concept technologies and formulations into early process designs for manufacturing and production. Responsibilities include communicating technical data, evaluating methods of manufacture and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insights into the field of life science engineering, including salary trends, projected job growth and industry demand. As you research and consider your educational options, take advantage of these resources to align your academic path with promising career opportunities.
Environmental Engineering
- Summary
- What They Do
- Work Environment
- How to Become One
- Pay
- Job Outlook
- State & Area Data
- Similar Occupations
Materials Engineering
With the help of our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- AdvanSix
- Evonik
- Haleon
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
- Porex
Application information
First-year applicants who submit all materials by the priority admissions deadline of Jan. 15 for the upcoming fall semester will receive a decision by April 1.*
To be considered for a university-level scholarship your application materials must be received by the Office of Admissions by Nov. 1.
Transfer applicants who submit all materials by the March 17 priority deadline for the upcoming fall semester will receive a decision by May 1.*
*After this deadline decisions are sent on a rolling basis until enrollment capacity is met.