In addition to emphasizing technical rigor in the chemical and biological engineering education, the department also seeks to develop professional qualities in graduates. Qualities such as leadership, team work, time management, and communication skills are viewed with as much importance as our goal to thoroughly educate our students in the technical aspects of chemical and biological engineering. The following grid illustrates the particular classes that develop these skills.

Undergraduates are also highly encouraged to participate in the Tufts’ American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Society for Biological Engineering, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering local chapters. These student-run organizations serve as a way for students to network with chemical and biological engineers working in the New England–area chemical, electronics, consulting, fuel cell, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, the Tufts' Gordon Institute offers undergraduate professional development opportunities through their courses in engineering management (see the Management/Business/Entrepreneurship course outline for the integration of the engineering management courses into the Chemical and Biological Engineering degree track).

Course Descriptions

CHBE24A&B - Chemical Engineering Projects Laboratory: Students work in groups with emphasis on individual leadership skills. Training in planning and executing research projects, integration in problem solving, oral presentations, and written reports are integral parts of this laboratory course.


CHBE10 & 11 - Thermodynamics and Process Calculations: Group case studies and written assignments develop teamwork and communication skills.


CHBE109 - Process Dynamics and Control: Team projects are used to help develop teamwork and leadership skills and, at the same time, to emphasize concepts in process control.


CHBE60 - Chemical Process Design: Working in groups on assigned or selected portions of the overall project, students are required to make integrated use of a wide variety of fundamentals and principles gained from previous courses. Homework results are then given as oral presentations to the rest of the class.