Chemistry and engineering, while distinct disciplines, converge on a shared commitment to sustainability and green chemistry. It is clear that our common ground lies in the dedication of the two fields in addressing environmental challenges.
Lash Miller houses Engineering undergrads from 4 disciplines: Civil, Material Science, Engineering Science and Chemical. Students delve into analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry theories akin to their chemistry counterparts. Unity emerges as both chemistry and chemical engineering students engage with the core principles of green chemistry and sustainability.
Contrary to the prevalent misconception associating Chemical Engineering solely with the oil and gas industry, the curriculum profoundly emphasizes sustainability. Across various engineering disciplines, a mandatory class focused on the environment highlights the role engineers play in mitigating environmental impact. The educational journey includes early exposure to green chemistry projects. Specifically, first-year undergraduates tackle group assignments centered on pressing environmental issues. These projects, like investigating forest fire impacts and proposing solutions, cultivate a future generation of engineers attuned to environmental concerns.
Green chemical engineering from: https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/uk-to-invest-12bn-for-a-green-industrial-revolution/
As students progress through their academic years, they navigate projects that contribute to a sustainable future. For example, second-year Chemical Engineering students delve into the creation of biodiesel from renewable sources like corn and sunflower oil. This hands-on experience in the laboratory serves as a precursor to third-year labs. In those labs, students scale their bench-scale biodiesel production to a pilot-scale, mirroring industrial processes. The final years of study culminate in Plant Design or Capstone projects. Students collaborate with industry clients on projects mainly focused on the pharmaceutical, environmental, and metallurgy sectors. These projects are committed to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, showcasing the pivotal role of sustainability in engineering practices.
Furthermore, engineering undergraduates have the opportunity to pursue a Sustainability minor, further enhancing their understanding of green chemistry. Courses within this minor cover diverse topics. Examples include Petroleum Processing, Environmental Pathways & Impact Assessment, and Environmental Engineering. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that future engineers are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of creating a sustainable future.
In conclusion, undergraduate engineering curriculum integration of green chemistry and sustainability concepts allows a more environmentally conscious approach. As students engage with these principles, they become catalysts for change. This contributes to a sustainable future and challenges the stereotypical associations of Chemical Engineering with traditional industries.
About Victoria Kirou
Victoria Kirou is an Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory Technician in UFT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, and a GCI member at large. To read more articles written by the UoFT GCI, click here.
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