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B-E-HONS in Chemical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - K. K. Birla Goa Campus
South Goa, Goa
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - K. K. Birla Goa Campus South Goa?
This Chemical Engineering program at BITS Pilani, Goa Campus focuses on transforming raw materials into valuable products through optimized processes. It integrates fundamental sciences with engineering principles to address critical needs in industries like petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and environmental management. The program is crucial for India''''s growing manufacturing and energy sectors, preparing engineers for innovation and sustainable development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, eager to solve complex industrial challenges. It also suits individuals passionate about sustainable technologies, process optimization, and contributing to India''''s industrial growth. Aspirants aiming for leadership roles in process industries, research, or entrepreneurship will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in core chemical industries, R&D, and consultancies. Roles include Process Engineer, R&D Scientist, or Project Manager with initial salaries ranging from INR 6-12 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The strong theoretical foundation and practical exposure prepare students for advanced studies and leadership in Indian and global firms.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core concepts in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and basic Programming. Utilize textbooks, online tutorials (e.g., NPTEL, Khan Academy), and peer study groups to build a strong theoretical base. Attend all lectures and solve end-of-chapter problems regularly.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Khan Academy, Standard Textbooks, Peer Study Groups, BITS Pilani academic support
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for grasping advanced engineering concepts, performing well in competitive exams (GATE), and solving fundamental problems in industrial settings.
Develop Problem-Solving & Programming Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in problem-solving sessions for all engineering courses. For programming (CS F111), practice coding regularly on platforms, participate in college-level coding contests, and try to automate small tasks to build logical thinking and analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, CodeChef, GeeksforGeeks, Python/C compilers, BITS computing labs
Career Connection
Essential for data analysis, process simulation, and automation roles in chemical industries; highly valued by employers for analytical thinking and efficient problem resolution.
Engage in Early Technical Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures by industry professionals, and workshops to understand the breadth of Chemical Engineering applications. Join student clubs related to science and engineering (e.g., student chapters of IIChE) to network and explore interests beyond academics.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, BITS student activity clubs, LinkedIn for industry professional insights
Career Connection
Helps in early career path identification, understanding industry trends, and building a professional network that can lead to future internships and mentorship opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Meaningful Internships/Projects- (Semester 3-5, Summer breaks)
Actively seek internships during summer breaks in core chemical industries (e.g., refining, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals) or research labs. Engage in faculty-led research projects within the department to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Placement Unit, internshala, Company career pages, Faculty research pages
Career Connection
Practical exposure significantly enhances resume value, provides industry contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers, accelerating career entry.
Specialize and Build Core Competencies- (Semester 3-5)
Identify areas of interest within Chemical Engineering (e.g., process control, reaction engineering, material science) and focus on excelling in those specific courses. Utilize advanced software relevant to these areas (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB) through self-learning or workshops.
Tools & Resources
Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Simulink, Specialized textbooks, Online courses (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
Developing specialized skills makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in R&D, process design, or simulation, opening doors to niche opportunities.
Network and Participate in Technical Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and symposiums (e.g., organized by IIChE, CHEMCON) to network with professionals and peers. Participate in national-level technical competitions, hackathons, and paper presentation events to showcase skills and gain exposure.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional body websites (IIChE), College event calendars
Career Connection
Expands professional network, builds confidence, and adds significant value to your profile for placements and higher studies, demonstrating initiative and expertise.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis/Project Work and Publications- (Semester 7-8)
Dedicate significant effort to the final year project or thesis, aiming for innovative solutions or publishable research. Collaborate with faculty or industry mentors, refine experimental design, and effectively present findings to academic and industrial audiences.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Faculty guidance, Academic journals, Thesis writing guides
Career Connection
A strong project/thesis can lead to job offers, academic publications, and is critical for pursuing higher studies (M.Tech/PhD) and contributing to scientific knowledge.
Master Placement Preparation and Interview Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Prepare thoroughly for technical and HR interviews, focusing on core Chemical Engineering concepts, project experiences, and behavioral questions. Practice mock interviews and aptitude tests to build confidence and readiness.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Placement Unit, Career counseling services, Online aptitude test platforms, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Direct preparation for securing placements in top-tier companies, maximizing opportunities for a successful career launch in the competitive Indian job market.
Explore Entrepreneurship or Higher Education- (Semester 6-8)
For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, participate in startup incubation programs at BITS or develop business plans based on innovative chemical processes. For higher studies, prepare for GATE/GRE/TOEFL and research target universities/programs, seeking faculty recommendations early.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Innovation & Incubation Centre, GATE/GRE/TOEFL prep materials, University websites, BITS alumni network
Career Connection
Provides alternative career paths beyond traditional placements, fostering innovation or enabling specialized advanced qualifications for academia, R&D, or global opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 12th examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with a minimum aggregate of 75% marks in PCM and a minimum of 60% marks in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Admission is based on BITSAT scores.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters (plus one summer term for Practice School I)
Credits: 182 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by course, External: Varies by course; continuous assessment system with comprehensive examination
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F111 | Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Single variable calculus, Limits and continuity, Differentiation and applications, Riemann integration, Series and power series |
| PHY F111 | General Physics | Core | 4 | Mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, Oscillations and waves, Geometric and physical optics, Thermal physics, Introduction to quantum mechanics |
| CHEM F111 | General Chemistry | Core | 4 | Atomic structure and bonding, Chemical thermodynamics, Electrochemistry principles, Organic chemistry fundamentals, Spectroscopic techniques |
| CS F111 | Computer Programming | Core | 4 | Problem-solving and algorithms, Variables, data types, operators, Control structures (loops, conditionals), Functions and modular programming, Arrays and basic data structures, Introduction to C/Python |
| BITS F110 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic projections, Isometric projections, Sectional views and auxiliary views, Development of surfaces, Introduction to AutoCAD |
| TA C111 | Workshop Practice | Core | 3 | Fitting and carpentry, Welding processes, Machining operations (turning, milling), Foundry practice, Sheet metal work, Electrical wiring basics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F112 | Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Multivariable calculus, Partial differentiation, Multiple integrals, Vector calculus, Line and surface integrals, Green''''s, Stokes'''', and Gauss'''' theorems |
| PHY F112 | Electricity & Magnetism | Core | 4 | Electrostatics and Gauss'''' Law, Dielectrics and capacitors, Magnetostatics and Ampere''''s Law, Electromagnetic induction, Maxwell''''s equations, Electromagnetic waves |
| CHEM F112 | Physical Chemistry I | Core | 4 | Chemical thermodynamics (laws, spontaneity), Chemical kinetics (rate laws, mechanisms), Phase equilibria, Electrochemistry (cells, Nernst equation), Surface chemistry and colloids |
| EA C111 | Engineering Mechanics | Core | 4 | Statics of particles and rigid bodies, Equilibrium analysis, Friction, Dynamics of particles (kinematics, kinetics), Work-energy principle, Impulse-momentum principle |
| BIOL F111 | General Biology | Core | 4 | Cell structure and function, Genetics and inheritance, Evolution and biodiversity, Ecology and ecosystems, Basic human physiology |
| BITS F113 | Environmental Studies | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and natural resources, Environmental pollution (air, water, soil), Waste management, Climate change and global warming, Environmental legislation and ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F211 | Mathematics III | Core | 4 | Linear algebra (matrices, vector spaces), Ordinary differential equations (first and second order), Laplace transforms, Fourier series and transforms, Partial differential equations |
| CHE F211 | Material Science & Engineering | Core | 4 | Atomic bonding and crystal structures, Imperfections in solids, Phase diagrams and transformations, Mechanical properties of materials, Electrical, optical, and thermal properties, Corrosion and degradation |
| CHE F212 | Chemical Process Calculations | Core | 4 | Material balances without reaction, Material balances with reaction (stoichiometry), Energy balances (enthalpy, heat of reaction), Recycle, bypass, and purge operations, Unsteady-state mass and energy balances, Combustion calculations |
| CHE F213 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fluid statics and manometry, Fluid flow phenomena (laminar, turbulent), Bernoulli''''s equation and its applications, Flow in pipes and fittings, Pumps and compressors, Flow measurement devices |
| BITS F221 | General Economics | Core | 3 | Microeconomics (demand, supply, elasticity), Market structures (perfect competition, monopoly), Macroeconomics (national income, inflation), Fiscal and monetary policy, International trade |
| HSS Elective | Humanities Elective | Elective | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F214 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 4 | Water treatment technologies, Corrosion and its control methods, Fuels and combustion chemistry, Polymer science and technology, Lubricants and their properties, Explosives and propellants |
| CHE F241 | Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction (steady and unsteady state), Convection (forced and natural), Radiation heat transfer, Heat exchangers design and analysis, Fins and extended surfaces, Phase change heat transfer |
| CHE F242 | Separation Processes I | Core | 4 | Flash distillation, Binary distillation (tray and packed columns), Evaporation, Absorption and stripping, Liquid-liquid extraction, Adsorption principles |
| CHE F243 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | First and second laws of thermodynamics, Entropy and free energy functions, Fugacity and activity, Phase equilibria (VLE, LLE), Chemical reaction equilibria, Thermodynamic cycles |
| DE/GIE I | Discipline Elective / General Institute Elective I | Elective | 4 | |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F311 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory I | Lab | 3 | Fluid mechanics experiments, Heat transfer experiments, Mass transfer experiments, Data analysis and interpretation, Experimental design, Technical report writing |
| CHE F312 | Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineers | Core | 4 | Root finding methods, Solution of linear and non-linear equations, Interpolation and regression, Numerical differentiation and integration, Solution of ordinary differential equations, Optimization techniques |
| CHE F341 | Mass Transfer Operations I | Core | 4 | Molecular diffusion, Convective mass transfer, Interphase mass transfer, Humidification and dehumidification, Drying operations, Crystallization principles |
| CHE F342 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Core | 4 | Reaction kinetics (rate laws), Batch reactor design, Continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR), Plug flow reactors (PFR), Isothermal reactor design, Introduction to multiple reactions |
| CHE F343 | Process Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Process modeling and simulation, Laplace transforms in process control, Feedback control systems, Controller tuning methods (PID), Stability analysis (Routh-Hurwitz, Bode), Introduction to advanced control strategies |
| DE I | Discipline Elective I | Elective | 4 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F313 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory II | Lab | 3 | Advanced reaction engineering experiments, Complex separation processes experiments, Process control applications, Pilot plant operation, Statistical data analysis, Troubleshooting and optimization |
| CHE F344 | Transport Phenomena | Core | 4 | Momentum transport (Navier-Stokes equation), Heat transport (energy equation), Mass transport (species conservation equation), Shell balance approach, Turbulence models, Interfacial transport phenomena |
| CHE F345 | Process Design Principles | Core | 4 | Process synthesis and flowsheet development, Equipment sizing and selection, Process simulation tools, Economic evaluation and optimization, Safety and hazard analysis, Environmental impact assessment |
| CHE F346 | Plant Design & Economics | Core | 4 | Capital cost estimation methods, Operating cost analysis, Profitability analysis techniques, Feasibility studies, Project management in chemical industry, Regulatory compliance and ethics |
| DE II | Discipline Elective II | Elective | 4 | |
| GIE I | General Institute Elective I | Elective | 3 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F411 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory III | Lab | 3 | Advanced process intensification experiments, Specialized separation techniques, Catalysis and reactor performance, Research methodology, Innovation and troubleshooting, Scale-up considerations |
| CHE F441 | Mass Transfer Operations II | Core | 4 | Multicomponent distillation, Azeotropic and extractive distillation, Membrane separation processes, Ion exchange, Chromatography, Supercritical fluid extraction |
| CHE F442 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core | 4 | Heterogeneous catalysis, Catalyst deactivation, Fixed bed and fluidized bed reactors, Multiphase reactors, Non-ideal flow and dispersion, Polymerization reaction engineering |
| CHE F443 | Process Intensification | Core | 4 | Principles of process intensification, Microreactors and compact heat exchangers, Reactive distillation and separation, Process integration, Hybrid separation technologies, Energy efficient processes |
| DE III | Discipline Elective III | Elective | 4 | |
| GIE II | General Institute Elective II | Elective | 3 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F421 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Independent research/design project, Experimental or simulation work, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing, Technical presentation, Problem-solving and innovation |
| CHE F444 | Separation Processes II | Core | 4 | Crystallization (design and operation), Adsorption and ion exchange (advanced aspects), Membrane separations (reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration), Leaching and extraction, Drying of solids, Process selection for separations |
| DE IV | Discipline Elective IV | Elective | 4 | |
| DE V | Discipline Elective V | Elective | 4 | |
| GIE III | General Institute Elective III | Elective | 3 |
Semester term
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F244 | Practice School I | Core | 4 | Industrial training, Project work, Technical report writing, Industry exposure, Problem-solving in real-world settings, Professional skill development |
