Chemical engineering is a career program that connects science and the industry. Its curriculum includes the synthesis, development, design, operation, and optimization of all physical and chemical processes that enable the transformation of materials with a focus on sustainability. This career integrates exact sciences with engineering to solve technological problems with a significant impact on society.
Mission
To cooperate with society to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable and equitable development through comprehensive and competent professional training, research, and innovation.
International Accreditation
The Chemical Engineering program is accredited with the EUR-ACE label by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE).
* Undergraduate tuition/fees:
The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador in its Article 356, among other principles, establishes that third-level public higher education will be tuition/fees free. Zero cost education is linked to the academic responsibility of the students.
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To study Chemical Engineering, solid knowledge in basic sciences such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry is required. Additionally, candidates should be creative, analytical, willing to work in teams, and responsible. They should also possess the following capabilities:
- Analytical, critical, and deductive reasoning skills.
- Aptitudes for mathematical, physical, and chemical proficiency.
- Commitment to pursuing social well-being and sustainability.
- Interest in chemistry and its industrial applications.
Educational Objectives:
- To perform in the development of strategies for the design, control, and operation of processes in the chemical industry and related disciplines, with a comprehensive approach adapted to the requirements of the country's productive matrix, applying regulations, and environmentally friendly practices.
- To contribute to society through innovation, research, or development in various areas of chemical industry and related fields, applying digital tools with principles of ethics, sustainability, and quality.
- To develop the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams to solve problems or projects in chemical industry and related fields, demonstrating flexibility, competence, and adaptability.
- To acquire knowledge and expertise in chemical engineering through professional development opportunities, continuing education, or postgraduate programs.
Learning Outcomes:
-Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems in Chemical Engineering by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
-Ability to apply Chemical Engineering system design to produce solutions that meet specific needs, considering public health, safety, and well-being, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
-Effective communication skills in Spanish with diverse audiences (oral and written).
-Effective communication skills in English with diverse audiences.
-Ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in Chemical Engineering situations and make well-founded judgments, considering the impact of engineering solutions in the global, economic, environmental, and social contexts.
-Ability to work effectively in a team where members jointly provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and achieve objectives.
-Ability to develop and conduct proper experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
-Ability to acquire and apply new knowledge in Chemical Engineering as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
-Design real Chemical Engineering solutions that propose unique value in response to specific needs, considering the perspectives of all those concerned.
First Year
Descripción:
It is a core course for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences, and Social Sciences and Humanities, students. Topics, such as, topological notions, limits and continuity of real variable functions, derivatives and their applications, antiderivatives and integration techniques, and the definite integral with its applications, are examined. This course is aimed to the development of student’s skills and know-how in the derivation and integration processes, as a fundamental basis for the following upper level courses in its academic training process
Descripción:
Physics: Mechanics is a basic, theoretical-practical training course aimed at engineering students, with laboratory experimentation activities, which provides the fundamentals of particle mechanics, rigid bodies and fluid mechanics, in an environment of active learning.
Descripción:
In this course, students apply the Design Thinking methodology to identify, analyze real-life problems or needs, to design innovative solutions. Students work in multidisciplinary teams to present solution proposals that add value to customers/users from private companies, public organizations and non-profit organizations.
Descripción:
This basic and general education subject presents grammatical structures to produce a simple paragraph based on a writing program. Additionally, it allows the identification of a specific argument in oral and written communication. It also considers learners’ personal opinions about different topics related to social, academic, and professional aspects. It includes the necessary vocabulary to make comparisons between present and past, books or movies description, creation of simple students’ profile, opinions about inventions, formal apologies and tell past events.
Descripción:
General Chemistry is a theoretical-practical course aimed at the basic training of professionals in the areas of Engineering and Natural Sciences, which provides a scientific basis of the matter and its interactions, and seeks to develop in students the ability to solve problems related to the content of the subject. It begins with an Introduction to Thermochemistry, then the analysis of the physicochemical properties derived from the state of aggregation of matter: liquids, solids and solutions, the study of the Kinetics and Equilibrium of reactions and solubility.
Descripción:
This subject of basic instruction is a theoretical-practical course that covers the fundamental basis of electrostatic, electrical circuits and electronic circuits, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, and wave and corpuscular optics in an environment of active learning.
Descripción:
Vector calculus is a course aimed at the basic training of professionals in the areas of Engineering, Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences who developed problem-solving and problem-solving skills in the n-dimensional context. For this purpose, the course consists of 5 general themes: three-dimensional analytic geometry and functions of several variables, differential calculus of scalar and vector fields, optimization of scalar functions of several variables, line integrals and multiple integration, surface integrals and theorems of the vector theory; being the main applications of this course: the optimization of functions of several variables applied to practical problems, the calculation of lengths, area, volumes, work and flow, using objects of the plane and space.
Descripción:
The course presents students with strategies to solve common problems in various professional fields through the design and implementation of solutions based on the use of a programming language. It covers the basic principles so that the student can read and write programs; emphasizing the design and analysis of algorithms. In addition, it introduces students to the use of development and debugging tools.
Descripción:
The course of General Biology belongs to the basic subjects and is aimed at students who are in the first year. It addresses the study of living beings, from the organization and properties of biological macromolecules to the structure, function and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Additionally, there is a unit comprising an overview of cellular metabolism. Subunits involving the examination of the functions performed by the organelles are also included. This program also incorporates the study of genetic material, how it is inherited and its role for the observable characteristics of each living being. Techniques and methods of analysis of experimental data, case studies and application of the scientific method and critical thinking are used, which are essential for the understanding of biological sciences in its trasnversal fields
Descripción:
This subject of basic formation and general education presents the grammatical structures for the production of an academic paragraph, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of specific arguments in oral and written communication, considering the production of one's own criteria on different topics of a social, academic or professional nature. The necessary vocabulary is also applied to refer to the different forms of communication, share work experiences and the use of digitl technology, tell short stories about interpersoanl relationship and personalities, and comment on the future of the environment.
Descripción:
The course of Inorganic Chemistry is in charge of studying elements from groups s, p and d of the periodic table, and understanding the physicochemical properties of atoms and their compounds, in addition to its industrial applications. The scope of this course is addressed by employing foundations of chemical bonding from its fundamental theories. Moreover, providing the bases for the electrochemical behavior of the elements. On the other hand and from a broad perspective, the course contributes to the understanding of the importance of the chemical industry and its emerging technologies in the social, industrial, energy, environmental and economic context.
Second Year
Descripción:
In this subject, we study the development of the academic prosumer profile of the students, which should be consolidated throughout each individual's life, based on the processing of complex, holistic, and critical thinking. We aim to foster understanding and the production of academic knowledge through rigorous analysis of realities and readings from various academic/scientific sources.
Descripción:
This is a training basic course training and provides the knowledge to the engineering and science student can convert data into information, associate everyday situations with statistical processes, and determine scientific conclusions through experimental observations, applying descriptive statistics, notions of probability, models of random variables and inferential analysis.
Descripción:
This transversal course is aimed at the basic training of students in the engineering area who require mathematical foundations to analyze the differential equations that arise in the process of modeling natural phenomena in the different areas of study. The course combines classical quantitative methods, such as integration of linear and non-linear differential equations and systems of equations and Laplace transforms, with qualitative methods that make use of relevant topics in linear algebra, which in turn are developed in an integrated and effective way.
Descripción:
This subject of basic instruction and general education presents grammatical topics for the elaboration of an outline and a structured composition, through the development of the writing program in a transversal way. In addition, it allows the identification of arguments in oral and written communication on contemporary and academic topics. Additionally, appropriate vocabulary is applied to discuss issues related to different cultures, places where we live, everyday news, entertainment media, and past and future opportunities.
Descripción:
The Physical Chemistry course is a professional training subject in Chemical Engineering. Thermodynamic principles related to the gaseous state of matter, ideal and non-ideal solutions, conditions of spontaneity and equilibrium in chemical processes are addressed. The course is oriented for the student to develop problem-based learning through case studies, autonomous and group activities.
Descripción:
Organic Chemistry I is a subject aimed at training professionals in Chemical Engineering. The course starts with the use of IUPAC nomenclature rules to name the structures of organic compounds, it deepens in the study of the physical properties of organic compounds and the different types of reactions they undergo: substitution, elimination and addition. Self-learning, content discussion, problem solving and active work of the student in the laboratory are part of the teaching methodology of the course, which contributes to the development of skills for the design and execution of experiments.
Descripción:
This course is part of the basic engineering training to provide skills about addressing problems resulting from partial differential equations and their solving methods. This course covers the Fourier transform, the method of separating variables for solving partial differential equations, numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations, and partial differential equations.
Descripción:
This subject of basic formation and general education, presents the grammar structures to produce a persuasive essay, through the transversal development of the writing programme. In addition, it allows students to identify specific arguments in the oral and written communication, as well as, to express their own opinions about different topics of social, academic, or professional fields. It also includes the necessary vocabulary to stablish a conversation, narrate situations of their environment, activities to reach their goals, analyze cause and effect and personal and professional opportunities.
Descripción:
The Mass and Energy Balance course contributes to the professional training of the chemical engineer student. It covers theoretical principles such as operating conditions, physical chemical properties, mass conservation and energy balance. Then, these principles are applied to solve mass and energy transformations within reactive and non-reactive systems. Case studies are proposed considering unit operations and industrial processes.
Descripción:
The Thermodynamics I course, is a professional subject in Chemical Engineering. This subject provides students with a theoretical basis to solve problems related to energy in its different manifestations present in the various unit operations of chemical engineering, this implies, the application of all expressions derived from the principles or laws that govern thermodynamics in closed, open and loop systems for troubleshooting real steam power cycling and vapor compression refrigeration.
Descripción:
Organic Chemistry II is a course aimed at professional training in Chemical Engineering, it deepens the content of greater specificity of organic chemistry, covering aspects of reactivity and energy for a correct interpretation of the reaction mechanisms of some organic compounds and characterization techniques spectroscopic of the compounds. The learning of this course is focused on strengthening the participant's capacities to communicate effectively, and make engineering proposals aimed at generating solutions within the framework of ethical and professional responsibility with an impact on the economic, environmental and social sectors; using case analysis strategies, process interpretation, reaction mechanisms, reading of scientific articles, management of computer programs, among other tools.
Third Year
Descripción:
This transversal course addresses the conditions required to innovate and the process associated with developing an innovation from an entrepreneurial point of view. Subsequently, topics such as the identification of opportunities, value creation, and prototyping and validation of products/services proposals are reviewed, as well as the elements of the business model and financial considerations that are essential for the feasibility and adoption of an innovation. Finally, entrepreneurial competences and process associated with the development and adoption of an innovation are studied.
Descripción:
Thermodynamics II is a course aimed at the training of professionals in Chemical Engineering, which seeks to develop in students the ability to solve real cases present in the industry through the problem-based learning method. The course addresses the study of thermodynamic analysis of industrial processes, phase equilibrium in multicomponent systems and thermodynamic models for non-ideal systems through the use of computational applications.
Descripción:
This fundamental course gives Chemical Engineering students a strong theoretical base for solving problems related to Momentum Transfer Phenomena; its application in fluid transport regarding rheological and physicochemical substance properties. The usage of momentum and mass balances in study cases applied in engineering processes. These issues imply management of adimensional expressions for mathematical modelling of dynamic systems based on mechanical fluid laws, and considering industrial processes which is an important part in strategic sectors in the productive web of our country.
Descripción:
This is a professional course that is taught in the Chemical Engineering career, which is aimed at developing the student's skills to implement a management system that integrates quality, environment, safety and occupational health in processes aimed at physical transformation, chemistry or biochemistry of matter. Additionally, the course allows the student to optimize material and energy resources, costs and efforts, to obtain safe and reliable operations developed in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner.
Descripción:
The Analytical and Instrumental Chemistry course is a professional course taught in the Chemical Engineering career. The theoretical part studies the chemical principles of the main methods of analysis such as volumetric, gravimetric, and complexometric; equilibria in solutions, as well as instrumental chemical analysis. It also provides the tools to develop calculations involved in the determination of analytes present in different matrices. The experimental part of the subject develops skills in the management of equipment present in the quality departments of the industries, as well as in the management of chemical substances. The course is taught through masterclasses, workshops, and the development of exercises.
Descripción:
The Heat Transfer Phenomena course is a professional subject within the Chemical Engineering career, which provides knowledge about the phenomenon of heat transfer, and the basic fundamentals of heat transfer equipment design. The use of mathematical models for theoretical simulation and experiences with heat exchange equipment is encouraged. The topics of heat transfer by conduction, convection, radiation, analysis, evaluation and design of heat exchangers are addressed. The course is oriented for the student to develop problem-based learning through case studies, autonomous and group activities.
Descripción:
Mass Transport Phenomena is a course aimed at the training of professionals in Chemical Engineering, which introduces the student to the microscopic processes that govern the transfer of matter and its application in the main unit operations through problem-based learning methodology. The study of the transport of matter by diffusion and convection, in stationary and pseudo-stationary systems, as well as the transport of matter in multicomponent systems where there are homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions, is addressed. Computational applications are used for modeling the aforementioned processes.
Descripción:
The Kinetics and Chemical Reactors course is aimed at the professional training of Chemical Engineering students, providing the basis for the design and evaluation of chemical reactors, and their industrial applications in steady state and dynamic, through the development of the theory that supports these bases. The content is addressed starting with the basic aspects of kinetics for the definition of reaction rates. As well as, the consideration of calculation methods for obtaining chemical kinetic parameters. Next, the laws of conservation of matter and energy are considered for the evaluation of the size of a chemical reactor, the design of isothermal reactors in terms of conversion and molar fluxes, and the design of non-isothermal reactors.
Descripción:
This course of professional formation level in Chemical Engineering is necessary for understanding an industrial chemical process. It is oriented the basic fundaments of unit operations related with mass transfer, the estimating of the operational conditions, and the calculating of design parameters. This course incorporates the application of approximate design methods, the use of mathematical models for theoretical simulation, and pilot plant experiences for experimental simulation. The contens are Separation Process, Distillation, Extraction, and Absorption. Besides, these unit operations in a stationary state are necessary for the Process Dynamic and Control Course.
Fourth Year
Descripción:
Subject of Chemical Engineering professional training, it is considered a core course in the career and is essential for the understanding of an industrial chemical process. Its aim is the basic fundamentals of unit operations i.e. Heat and/or mass transfer, the prediction of the operating conditions of these systems and the computation of the design parameters. It is encouraged the aplication of mathematical models for simulation, approximate design and experimentals in the pilot plant for applied in-situ simulation. This subject covers: Boilers, Evaporation, Humidification, Drying and Adsorption.
Descripción:
This transversal training course for all students of the institution has five chapters. It introduces the key principles of sustainability and the path to sustainable development. Addresses ecological principles by deepen into biodiversity, ecosystems, human population and ecosystem services. Study the fundamentals of renewable and non-renewable resources as well as the alternatives for sustainable use. Analyzes environmental quality specifically in the air, water and soil components, delving into issues such as climate change, eutrophication and deforestation. Finally, it emphasizes on the economic axis with topics such as circular economy and on the social axis on topics such as governance and urban planning.
Descripción:
The Process Dynamics and Control course is a professional subject of Chemical Engineering. Its purpose is to study dynamic systems, control strategies and optimization methods. The modeling and analysis of dynamic processes, and the design and analysis of the stability of control systems are addressed. The selection of optimal operating points is studied considering a hierarchical decision-making framework. Computational tools are used for the dynamic representation of open-loop and closed-loop processes, and for optimization.
Descripción:
The Chemical Plant Design course is a professional subject in Chemical Engineering. Its purpose is to apply different strategies for the proposal of an economic, efficient and safe design. The design of products, equipment and processes are studied, including the selection of units, cost estimation, plant location and the distribution of equipment. Techno-economic analysis methods are incorporated to evaluate feasible options that meet the production, safety and environmental regulations. Computational tools are utilized for the design of chemical processes.
Descripción:
In this final course, students must realize a Project to evidence the application of the carreer´s profiles, developing creativity process , organization and relevance that includes them in a profesional design experience. In the first course section, the customer/user needs will be identified, the problem/opportunity wil be defined, data will be collected and critical factors will be analyzed. In the last section, the solutions will be proposed to align the regulations and restriction for the user/customer. The Project result will be a design or the most feasible solution implementation, the analysis and validation of its results.
Descripción:
Water Treatment is a professional course taught in Chemical Engineering program, which is aimed at the student developing the skill to analyze, select and design the best available alternative for water treatment in industrial processes. The course includes the study of water treatment processes for consumption and sanitation, conventional treatment and technology to optimize existing treatments or design new efficient systems. The methodology proposes problem-based learning through case studies applied to our national reality, autonomous and group workshops.
Additional
ARTS, SPORTS AND LANGUAGES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE COURSES
1 credits - 1.9 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
SELECTED ELECTIVE COURSE
3 credits - 5.8 ECTS
After completing the 4-year program, you will be capable of evaluating, improving, and/or designing new chemical processes associated with the transformation of matter, energy, and natural resources into useful products, goods, and services for society. The acquired skills allow for the development of these processes, taking into consideration efficiency and effectiveness in terms of product quality, costs, and environmental impact. In addition to analytical skills, you will have proficiency in handling laboratory instruments and equipment.
Occupational Profile
After graduating, you can work within local, international, or governmental organizations in the following areas:
-Industry: As a plant manager, quality manager, industrial safety manager, production supervisor, process engineer, sales technician, quality analyst, internal and external auditor, private consultant.
-Environment: As an environmental department director, environmental consultant, internal auditor, environmental technician.
-Education: As a professor/researcher in educational institutions, career coordinator, academic authority.
-Research and development: As a researcher, project manager.
- Having passed a minimum of 48 credits in Professional Formation and Itinerary.
- Having passed a minimum of 25 credits in General Education.
- Having passed a minimum of 31 credits in Mathematics and Basic Sciences.
- Completion of a minimum of 336 hours of pre-professional internships.
- Approval of the graduation process, equivalent to 8 credits.
The Capstone Project is a culminating requirement for graduation. These projects provide students with the experience of applying acquired knowledge and skills to the needs of society, with a focus on sustainability.
The IDEAR Fair showcases all Capstone projects, offering students a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and hone soft skills such as communication and teamwork. It is also a space for students to network with potential clients and future employers.
Explore all of the Capstone projects completed by the Chemical Engineering program.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that chemical engineering bridges science with industry, allowing the integration of knowledge from Mathematics, Chemistry, and other fundamental sciences?
