Undergraduate Courses

Below on this page are CHEE undergraduate courses with descriptions, prerequisites and syllabi.

See Undergraduate Degrees for prerequisite charts and approved electives.

Visit Undergraduate Advising to schedule a meeting about course requirements.

Additional information, including fees and grading bases, is available through the UA Catalog under Course Descriptions.

ATMO 469A: Air Pollution I: Gases

Units: 3
An introduction to the chemistry and physics of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include natural biogeochemical cycles; atmospheric photochemistry; stratospheric ozone; urban ozone and particulate matter; atmospheric visibility; acid deposition; air pollution meteorology; Gaussian plume model; photochemical model; air quality regulations. Concurrent with ATMO 569A.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 223
Usually offered: Fall

ATMO 469A/569A Syllabus (PDF)

ATMO 469B: Air Pollution II: Aerosols

Units: 3
An introduction to the chemistry and physics of atmospheric aerosols. Topics include aerosol sources and sinks; basic aerosol properties; single aerosol mechanics; aerosol population dynamics; atmospheric aerosol optics; aerosols and climate; aerosols and health; regional haze; aerosol measurement techniques. Concurrent with ATMO 569B.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 223; recommend CHEE 469A but not required
Usually offered: Spring

ATMO 469B/569B Syllabus (PDF)

CHEE 201: Elements of Chemical Engineering

Units: 3

This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of chemical process analysis. It will equip you with problem-solving techniques and will give you experience in the application of these techniques to a wide variety of process-related problems. This course will also begin demonstrating how mathematics and spreadsheets can be a fundamental tool for solving complex engineering problems.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 124 or MATH 125, CHEM 151, CHEM 152, ENGR 102, ECE 175 or AME 105, completed or concurrent AME 205
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 201L: Elements of Chemical Engineering I - Computational Lab
Units: 1

Demonstrates how mathematics and programming can be fundamental tools for solving complex engineering problems. Students learn how to use Visual Basic implemented in Excel to program solutions for mathematically intractable problems.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 124 or MATH 125, ECE 175
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 202: Elements of Chemical Engineering II

Units: 3
This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of chemical process analysis. It will equip you with problem solving techniques and will give you experience in the application of these techniques to a wide variety of process-related problems. This course will also begin demonstrating how mathematics and spreadsheets can be a fundamental tool for solving complex engineering problems, including the solving of transient material and energy balances.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 201 and 205; prerequisite or co requisite with MATH 254
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 203: Chemical Engineering Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow

Units: 3
Introduction to fluid mechanics and heat transfer applied to chemical engineering.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 201, PHYS 141
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 205: Introduction to MatLab and Python

Units: 3
This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of numerical computations and analyses using MatLab and Python. MatLab can be used for math computations, modeling and simulations, data analysis and processing, visualization and graphics, and algorithm development. Python is an interpreted high-level general-purpose programming language aimed to help programmers write clear, logical code for small and large-scale projects. Skills learned in this course will aid students in understanding how to calculate various parameters of interest in complex engineering scenarios.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 122B or MATH 125
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 270: Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to the field of environmental engineering by examining both environmental processes and environmental systems. Topics addressed include air quality, water quality, solid and hazardous waste, risk assessment, and sustainable technology. The course balances a broad overview of environmental engineering with an in-depth investigation of selected environmental problems and technologies. An emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamental scientific principles that serve as the basis of environmental engineering applications. Methods for quantitative analysis of environmental systems are developed.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 201, CHEM 241A or 242A or 246A, CHEM 243A or 247A
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 291: Preceptorship

Units: 3
Specialized work on a individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service to a department program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work, and patient study.

Prerequisite(s): Students must have passed the class in which they are serving as a preceptor with a grade of C or higher and be interested in teaching. Students will be expected to attend training sessions during the week prior to the start of the semester.
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 297/397: Chemical Powered Car Design
Units: 1

The Chem-E-Car design course is an opportunity for students to engage in a hands-on and collaborative engineering project. Participants will work in student-led teams to design and construct a shoe-box sized car powered with a chemical energy source that will carry a specified load a given distance and stop. Participants are encouraged to compete at the annual AIChE Spring Regional and Fall National Conferences where they will have the opportunity to travel with their teammates and compete against peers from other schools. Upperclassman can take more leadership roles in the Chem-E-Car design, build and test for the two-credit option. Students from all majors welcome.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 122A/B or MATH 125, CHEM 151 or CHEM 161/163
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 299: Independent Study

Units: 3
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

CHEE 299H: Honors Independent Study

Units: 3
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Prerequisite(s): Must be Honors Active
Usually offered: Fall
CHEE 300: Introduction to Water Chemistry for Engineers

Units: 3
Introduction to environmental chemistry, equilibrium aquatic chemistry, chemical thermodynamics and introduction to acid-base equilibria, and redox chemistry. Includes software to solve aquatic chemical equilibrium problems.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 241A or CHEM 242A or CHEM 246A and CHEM 243A or CHEM 247A
Usually offered: Spring
CHEE 301A: Chemical Engineering Lab I
Units: 1

Laboratory and computational exercises on basic chemical engineering processes.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 202, CHEE 203, MATH 254; completed or concurrent CHEE 303 and CHEE 402
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 301B: Chemical Engineering Lab II

Units: 1
Laboratory on transport phenomena, thermodynamics and mass transfer operations.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 301A, CHEE 303; completed or concurrent CHEE 305 and CHEE 326
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 303 Chemical Engineering Mass Transfer
Units: 3

Introduction to mass transfer analysis of mass transfer operations in chemical engineering, such as distillation and absorption.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 203
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 305: Chemical Engineering Transport Phenomena

Units: 3
Theory and calculations pertaining to fundamental transport processes.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 303, CHEE 402
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 326: Chemical and Physical Equilibrium

Units: 3
Applications of thermodynamics to equilibrium processes; chemical and physical equilibrium in multicomponent systems.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 303, CHEM 480A
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 330: Fluid Mechanics for Environmental Engineers

Units: 4
Fluid mechanics for environmental engineers covers the topics of fluid mechanics with applications relevant to environmental engineers. Fundamental topics include fluid properties, fluid statics, flow concepts, control volume analysis, continuity, energy and momentum concepts, boundary layer concepts, and drag theory. Application topics include flow measurements; flow in pipes and ducts, open channel flow, dimensional analysis and similitude, and applications in hydraulics. Examples will include natural and engineered settings for environmental engineers and fundamentals of engineering style questions.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 202 and PHYS 141 (or PHYS 140 and PHYS 139) and MATH 254
Usually offered: Spring
CHEE 370R: Environmental Water Engineering
Units: 3

Principles and methods of analysis of environmental engineering issues. Includes greenhouse gas effects, tropospheric air pollution, environmental air pollution, environmental risk assessment, surface and group water pollution, and drinking and wastewater treatment. Course may be taken by special exam for credit (not for grade).

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 201, CHEM 241A or CHEM 242A or CHEM 246A, CHEM 243A or CHEM 274A or Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 377: Microbiology for Engineers
Units: 3

This course focuses on the principles of microbiology, including physiology, metabolism, genetics, and ecology. The course explores fundamental microbial processes as well as their environmental significance and application in environmental engineering.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 391: Preceptorship

Units: 3
Specialized work on a individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service to a department program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work, and patient study.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing. Students must have passed the class in which they are serving as a preceptor with a grade of C or higher and be interested in teaching. Students must attend training sessions the week prior to the start of the semester.
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 399: Independent Study

Units: 3
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
CHEE 399H: Honors Independent Study

Units: 3
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing. Must be Honors Active.
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 400A: Environmental Engineering Laboratory I
Units: 1

This laboratory experience focuses on unit operations and processes commonly applied in environmental engineering and supports fundamental concepts developed in required courses for Environmental Engineering majors. Individual and group reports and oral presentations will serve as vehicles for the development of technical communications skills. Two and a half hours of laboratory per week during 5 weeks. Concurrent with CHEE 500A.

Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 400B: Environmental Engineering Laboratory II
Units: 1

This laboratory experience focuses on unit operations and processes commonly applied in environmental engineering and supports fundamental concepts developed in required courses for Environmental Engineering majors. Individual and group reports and oral presentations will serve as vehicles for the development of technical communications skills. Two and a half hours of laboratory per week during 5 weeks. Graduate-level requirements include a course paper, an oral presentation, and additional exam questions. Concurrent with CHEE 500B.

Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 401A: Chemical and Environmental Engineering Laboratory I
Units: 1

Laboratory of environmental engineering operations.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 420
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 401B: Process Dynamics and Control Laboratory

Units: 1
The purpose of this laboratory is to learn how to acquire data from instruments and use it in process control. You will build simple apparatus including sensors that output analog signals. Conditioning the signals and converting them into digital form, will allow you to work with and store the data on a computer. You will write programs using Matlab and LabVIEW to acquire and analyze the data and output a signal to another instrument to control a process.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 301A and CHEE 301B, CHEE 401A, completed or concurrent CHEE 413

CHEE 401B Syllabus (PDF)

CHEE 402: Chemical Engineering Modeling
Units: 3

Solution of complex chemical engineering problems using analytical and numerical techniques.

Prerequisite(s): Advanced Standing in Engineering; CHEE 202 and MATH 254
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 412: Electrochemical Engineering
Units: 4

This course is suited to people with a physical sciences background who have not been trained as electrochemists, but who want to add electrochemical methods to their repertoire. There are many disciplines in which it would be advantageous to understand and use some electrochemical methods to complement the work that they are doing. The following topics will be covered: 1) Introduction and Overview of Electrode Processes 2 )Chemical vs. Electrochemical Thermodynamics and cell potentials, Nernst equation, electrode-solution interface, double-Layer structure, and adsorption and applications in analytical electrochemistry and sensors 3) Chemical Stoichiometry vs. Faraday's Law and coulometry, bulk electrolysis 4) Chemical vs. Electrochemical Kinetics and electrode reactions, rates, mechanisms and rate constants, mass transport, Butler-Volmer, Tafel, and Levich equations 5) Kinetic Methodology and potential step and sweep methods, polarography, controlled-current techniques, controlled mass transport approaches, rotating electrodes, microelectrodes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy 6) Electrochemical Instrumentation and voltmeters, potentiostats, cells, counter and reference electrodes, etc. Also included, if time permits: 7) Coupled Characterization Methods and modified electrodes, spectroelectrochemistry, in-situ neutron scattering, surface analysis, etc. 8) Scanning Probe Techniques and scanning electrochemical microscopy, AFM, etc. Concurrent with CHEE 512.

Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 413: Intermediate Engineering Analysis
Units: 3

Theory of automatic control as applied to elementary chemical engineering processes. Use of continuous system simulation languages for study of practical control problems in the process industries.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 301A, CHEE 301B, CHEE 401A, CHEE 401B, completed or concurrent CHEE 402 and CHEE 420
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 420: Chemical Reaction Engineering
Units: 3

Application of thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals to the analysis and design of chemical reactors. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on a current topic. Concurrent with CHEE 520.

Prerequisite(s): Recommend CHEE 326 or equivalent thermodynamics course
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 437: Surface Science
Units: 3

Fundamental material, electrical and chemical properties of solid metal, semiconductor, insulator and organic surfaces applied to selected gas-solid surface chemical reactions important in semiconductor processing and heterogeneous catalysis. This course is designed to introduce students to the chemistry and physics of solid surfaces and interfaces with an emphasis on the gas-solid interface. The first half of the course is devoted to learning the fundamental material, electrical and chemical properties of solid surfaces. The second half covers applying these fundamentals to topics in chemical catalysis and integrated circuit manufacture. Concurrent with CHEE 527.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing or advanced standing in Chemistry, Physics or Optical Sciences
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 442: Chemical Engineering Design Principles
Units: 3

Preliminary economic, environmental, safety and design principles associated with chemical process equipment.

Prerequisite(s): CHEE 303, CHEE 326, completed or concurrent CHEE 420
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 443: Chemical Engineering Plant Design
Units: 3

Design project from scoping and process selection through material and energy balances, equipment design and sizing, safety and environmental consideration and economic analysis of capital cost and operating expense.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 442
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 474: Fate and Transport Processes in Environmental Engineering

Units: 3
Processes affecting mass transfer and transformation in natural and engineered environmental systems. Process modeling using reactor models. Mass transfer kinetics and equilibrium. Mass and energy balances. Concurrent with CHEE 574.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, MATH 223, MATH 254
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 475: Water Treatment System Design
Units: 3

Application of theory and engineering experience to design of unit operations for production of potable water. Covers water regulations, conventional treatment technologies and selected advance treatment topics. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper. Concurrent with CHEE 575.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing; recommend that CE students take CE 370R and CE 370L prior to CE 476A
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 476: Wastewater Treatment Design System

Units: 3
Application of theory and engineering experience to the design of unit operations for the treatment of wastewater. Covers water regulations, conventional treatment technologies and selected advanced treatment topics. Concurrent with CHEE 576.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing; CHEE 370R recommended for undergrads
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 478: Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management

Units: 3
Management, planning, legal and engineering aspects of liquid and solid hazardous waste treatment and disposal. Concurrent with CHEE 578.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 481A: Engineering of Biological Processes
Units: 3

Application of design of biological systems principles of engineering, science and mathematics, including statistics, kinetics, sensors, and bioreactor design and scale-up. Exploration of principal areas of biological engineering, such as food process engineering, tissue engineering and large-scale fermentation processes. Graduate-level requirements include an oral presentation and belonging to the Journal Club. Identical to ABE 481A/581A. Concurrent with CHEE 581A.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 254; recommend MIC 205A or equivalent
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 481B: Cell and Tissue Engineering

Units: 3
Development of biological engineering methods including applied genetics, metabolic regulation, and bioreactors employed in industrial processes for manufacture of pharmaceuticals and in the design of tissue engineered devices to replace normal physiological function. Concurrent with CHEE 581B.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, MATH 254
Usually offered: Spring
CHEE 482: Analysis of Emerging Environmental Contaminants
Units: 3

Contaminants of emerging concern are major scientific and political issues. Many have been detected in air, water, soil and biota, and most are identified and quantified using nonstandardized methods, often with limited or questionable quality assurance and quality control. At times, public policy and resource allocation are based on these uncertain data. There are thousands of potential contaminants for which no analytical methodologies have been developed. Through this course, students become familiar with the diversity of analytical (instrumental) and bioanalytical (bioassay) tools currently available, and discover the pros and cons of each approach. The class also discusses future opportunities, such as development of online sensors and miniaturization of environmental methods. While the emphasis of the course is on water analysis, the class also briefly discusses implications for other environmental matrices, such as biosolids, sediments, solids, tissues, body fluids and aerosols. Contaminants are discussed in terms of classes (such as pharmaceuticals, steroid hormones, nanoparticles, metals, disinfection byproducts) and physical chemical properties (such as water solubility, pH, volatility, molecular weight and molecular geometry). This class provides a hands-on experience with key instrument platforms, such as gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometric detection, liquid chromatography with diode array UV, fluorescence and mass spectrometric detection. Cellular and whole animal bioassays for the screening of complex mixtures of contaminants are discussed and demonstrated. Key principles of toxicity identification and evaluation are covered, along with real-world examples of how to determine causes of observed environmental toxicity. Students work independently and in groups to investigate a key issue relative to environmental analysis, write a paper on this topic, and present and defend their findings before the class. Concurrent with CHEE 582.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Spring
CHEE 483: Introduction to Polymeric Materials
Units: 3

The aim of this course is to develop a working understanding of the foundations of polymeric materials. Successful completion of this course will allow you to understand basic polymer chemistry, characterization of polymers and polymer behavior. Topics covered include the structure of polymers, mechanisms of polymer synthesis, characterization methods (including calorimetric, mechanical, rheological and X-ray-based techniques), and their electronic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties. Special classes of polymers: engineering plastics, semiconducting polymers, photoresists and polymers for medicine. Concurrent with CHEE 583.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEM 151 and 152, PHYS 141
Usually offered: Fall
 
CHEE 487: Topics in Transport Phenomena
Units: 3

Special topics in transport phenomena oriented toward practical applications in specific industrial and research areas. Topics include the dynamics of non-Newtonian fluids, thermal radiation, transport in multiphases systems, design of fluid transport systems, atmospheric transport and mechanics of interfaces. Concurrent with CHEE 587.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, CHEE 305
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 489: Trends in Nanomedicine Engineering - Fundamentals of Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Systems
Units: 3

Nanomedicine engineering research involves the advance of diagnostics for rapid screening and monitoring, controlled and localized drug delivery, targeted cancer therapies, enhanced cell material interactions, scaffolds for tissue engineering and gene delivery systems amongst others. Developments in nanomedicine engineering to effectively benefit patients require the interaction of diverse disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, engineering, materials science, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences and clinical translational medicine. This interdisciplinary course will address how materials are fabricated and characterized, and how they interact in biological systems. The emphasis of the course will be in the application of therapeutics and controlled release drug delivery systems. Integration of biomaterial nanostructures and release analysis will be highlighted throughout the course. Through lectures, paper reviews, class discussions, experimental lab exposure, class presentations and homework assignments, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the various ways nanoparticles have been used as diagnostics tools, in advancing tissue engineering and in how drug delivery systems can be improved to overcome the problems associated with typical oral and intravenous administration. Several types of drug and gene delivery methods, including oral, transdermal, implantable, targeted and pulmonary, will be discussed. The course will highlight the rational design of drug delivery devices based on the fundamental understanding in engineering, pharmacology, chemistry and biomaterials science. Concurrent with CHEE 589.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing, MATH 254 and [CHEM 481 or (CHEM 480A and 480B) or (BIOC 462A and 462B)]
Usually offered: Spring
 
CHEE 491: Preceptorship
Units: 3

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service to a department program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work, and patient study. (1-3 units)

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing. Students must have passed the class in which they are serving as a preceptor with a grade of C or higher and be interested in teaching. Students must attend training sessions the week prior to the start of the semester.
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 494A: Senior Project
Units: 3

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation. (1-3 units)

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 497: Workshop
Units: 3

The practical application of theoretical learning within a small group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall
CHEE 498: Senior Capstone
Units: 3

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required. (1-3 units)

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 498H: Honors Thesis
Units: 3

An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing; must be Honors Active.
Usually offered: Fall, Spring
CHEE 499: Independent Study
Units: 3

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. (1-3 units)

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing
Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
CHEE 499H: Honors Independent Study
Units: 3

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. (1-3 units)

Prerequisite(s): Engineering Advanced Standing; must be Honors Active
Usually offered: Fall, Spring

Contact: Lori Huggins
520.621.1897   
lhuggins@arizona.edu

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