Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the basic sciences such as chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, along with mathematics and economics.  The design, development and operation of plant, equipment, and chemical processes aim to transform the raw material or feedstock into a product with an economic value, taking into account the preservation of the environment and safety of workers and equipment.

The large number of industries which depend on the synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials place the chemical engineer in great demand. In addition to traditional examples such as chemicals, fertilizers, energy, petrochemicals and oil industries, opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronic device fabrication, and environmental engineering are increasing. The unique training of the chemical engineer becomes essential in these areas whenever processes involve the chemical or physical transformation of matter. For example, chemical engineers working in the chemical industry investigate the creation of new polymeric materials with important electrical, optical or mechanical properties. This requires attention, not only to the synthesis of the polymer, but also to the flow and forming processes necessary to create a final product. In biotechnology, chemical engineers have responsibilities in the design of production facilities that use microorganisms and enzymes to synthesize new drugs. Problems in environmental engineering that engage chemical engineers include the development of processes (catalytic converters, effluent treatment facilities) to minimize the release of or deactivate products harmful to the environment.

To carry out these activities, a chemical engineer requires a qualitative and quantitative understanding of both the engineering and scientific principles underlying these technological processes. This is reflected in the curriculum of the chemical engineering department which includes the study of applied mathematics, material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, energy and mass transfer, separation technologies, chemical reaction kinetics and reactor design, and process design. These courses are built on a foundation in the sciences of chemistry and physics.