This joint minor, from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences, prepares students for careers in the field of bioprocess engineering, which includes pharmaceutical engineering and manufacturing, and agricultural engineering and processing.  Biological processes are being increasingly utilized by major chemical, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturers, creating a strong demand for graduates with expertise in this area.  The students who are interested in this program are those who want to work in bio-related organizations, including the largest chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the world, several of which are based in Michigan (e.g. Pfizer).  These companies employ large numbers of chemical engineers, biological scientists, and chemists.

This minor provides hands-on experience with integrated biological processes. Students work in interdisciplinary teams with differing expertise, learning not only the biotechnology of modern manufacturing but also current work-place methods.
This minor is most suitable for students in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biological sciences, and chemistry, although students from all majors are welcome.  Two paths for this minor are available, an engineering track and a biological track. The engineering track is designed to be easy for chemistry and chemical engineering majors to follow; the biological track is designed to be easy for biological sciences and biomedical engineers to follow.

In both tracks the lists of required classes include an introductory process engineering course, an introductory biochemistry course, and an interdisciplinary laboratory (CM4125). In the engineering track the students are required to take an engineering-intensive, mathematically based class (CM4710) to allow them to apply their engineering analytical skills to bioprocessing problems. In the biological track the students are required to deepen their knowledge of industrial microbiology by taking 6 credits of advanced biology. The remaining credits for the minor are advanced biology and engineering classes. Undergraduate research experiences are permitted in the minor as long as the topics are in the area of bioprocess engineering.

For the current listing of course requirements for this minor, go to the OSRR’s minor audit search page.