Incorporating Biotechnology In The Chemical Engineering Curriculum

The projected growth of the biotechnology industry in the coming decades warrants changes in traditional chemical engineering curricula. To meet this new challenge, Manhattan College has implemented curriculum changes that aim at preparing graduates to meet the demands of the food and pharmaceutical industry with a basic knowledge of biology and biochemistry for entry-level chemical engineers. Sophomores are now required to take one of two biology courses (Genetics or Molecular Biology) with biology majors. As seniors, students can elect to take another biology course (Immunology, Pharmacology, or Physiology) or a biochemistry course as their advanced science elective. Other opportunities are available to them such as enrolling in Bioreaction Engineering, Bioseparation Engineering, Membrane Process Technology, Industrial Microbiology and/or Biological Treatment Processes as senior engineering elective courses. Research opportunities in the areas of biochemical engineering are also available through collaborations with the Biology Department at Manhattan College and the Earth Engineering Center at Columbia University.