Undergraduate chemical engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for undergraduate chemical engineering, with a focus on the necessary background in chemistry and mathematics. Participants also explore the historical context of chemistry and the distinction between chemistry and chemical engineering as academic disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in historical works related to chemistry and seeks recommendations for books covering the development of measuring instruments and the periodic table.
  • Another participant suggests Lavoisier's "Elements of Chemistry" as a classic historical text, noting its early 19th-century context before Mendeleev.
  • There is a suggestion that chemical engineering is more focused on engineering principles rather than chemistry, emphasizing the importance of mathematics in preparation.
  • A participant inquires about university majors that are more chemistry-oriented than chemical engineering.
  • Another participant clarifies that chemistry is a distinct field with various specializations, such as biochemistry, physical chemistry, and environmental chemistry, similar to the specializations found in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that chemistry is a distinct field separate from chemical engineering, with various specializations. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the best preparation for undergraduate chemical engineering and the specific focus of different academic disciplines.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the distinctions between chemistry and chemical engineering, and there are unresolved questions about the best preparatory steps for entering the field.

gerald
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i'm applying to take undergraduate chemical engineering and i was wondering if there was anything i needed to know to prepare for it.

Chemistry is a very interesting topic to me. I'm currently reading "History of Analytical Chemistry" by Ferenc Szabadvary. Does anyone know of any other good historical books on the development of chemistry?Things that cover: the design of the measuring instruments(flasks, beakers), identification of elements and the development of the periodic table.
 
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Well if you really interested in historical work, Lavosier's Elements of Chemistry is pretty classic. Keep in mind thoughthis is pre-Mendeleev chemistry of the early 19th century.
 
thank you. i will check it out.
 
gerald said:
i'm applying to take undergraduate chemical engineering and i was wondering if there was anything i needed to know to prepare for it...
You should be aware that chemical engineering is more engineering than chemistry. The best preparation is all the math you can get.
 
yeah, I'm preparing myself mathematically. is there another disciple of study that is more chemistry oriented?
 
gerald said:
yeah, I'm preparing myself mathematically. is there another disciple of study that is more chemistry oriented?

Um, chemistry ? :wink:
 
eh, i meant as a major offered by a university. Is there an actual specialist field for chemistry? All this time i was under the impression that it fell under chemical engineering.

I think i put this in the wrong thread category. Should I create a new thread and paste a link of this in the career guidance forum?
 
Last edited:
Nah believe it or not chemistry is a field all unto itself, much like physics. However there are specializations. These include biochemisty, physical chemistry, organic & inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry, etc.. This is much like it is in physics where you have condensed matter physics, particle physics, biophysics, astronomy, etc. But if you ask people what they majored in, they will say Chemistry. Biochem is a notable exception here - people will often say they have a B.S. in Biochemistry and not just chemistry.
 
ah, ok, I'm going to look more up on this. thank you for your help so-crates.
 

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