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B-E in Chemical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani Jhunjhunu?
This Chemical Engineering program at BITS Pilani focuses on fundamental principles of thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering to design, operate, and optimize processes for chemical manufacturing. It integrates scientific and engineering knowledge to transform raw materials into valuable products, addressing critical needs across diverse industries in India. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and problem-solving skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for analytically strong individuals with a keen interest in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, eager to apply scientific principles to industrial processes. It attracts fresh 10+2 graduates aspiring to careers in manufacturing, research, and development in sectors like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental management. Those seeking to contribute to sustainable industrial solutions are also well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure impactful roles in India''''s booming process industries, from process design and optimization to R&D and plant management. Entry-level salaries for BITS Pilani Chemical Engineering graduates typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential into senior engineering and leadership positions in Indian and multinational companies. The program also prepares students for higher studies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Science and Mathematics- (Semester 1-2)
BITS Pilani''''s integrated curriculum demands a strong grasp of foundational Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Focus on understanding concepts deeply, solving a variety of problems, and regularly practicing to build a solid base for advanced engineering courses. Utilize academic resources and peer learning groups.
Tools & Resources
BITS Library resources, Academic counseling, Peer study groups, Online problem-solving platforms
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in chemical engineering core courses and forms the analytical backbone required for problem-solving in industrial roles.
Develop Programming and Engineering Graphics Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in Computer Programming to develop logical thinking and coding abilities essential for process simulation and data analysis. Master Engineering Graphics for visualizing and communicating designs, a fundamental skill for any engineer. Attend all lab sessions diligently.
Tools & Resources
C/C++ programming tutorials, CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks basics), BITS Pilani''''s Computer Centers
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming and graphics is increasingly vital for modern chemical engineers, aiding in process simulation, data analysis, and design communication, enhancing employability.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage BITS Pilani''''s flexible academic structure to explore humanities electives and general biology, which can broaden perspectives and provide diverse skill sets. Participate in various campus clubs and activities to develop soft skills and network with peers from different disciplines.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Elective Handbook, Student Clubs and Departments, BITSConnect Alumni Network
Career Connection
Exposure to diverse fields fosters holistic development, critical thinking, and communication skills, making graduates more adaptable and valuable in a multidisciplinary industry environment.
Intermediate Stage
Excel in Chemical Engineering Core Subjects- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate significant effort to master core chemical engineering subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Mass Transfer. These form the bedrock of the discipline. Focus on conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and their application to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks by McCabe, Smith, Van Ness, Process simulators (e.g., Aspen Plus basics), BITS Pilani Chemical Engg. faculty office hours
Career Connection
Strong performance in core subjects is directly correlated with success in advanced courses, project work, and ultimately, securing roles in core chemical engineering industries.
Seek Early Practical and Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively pursue internships or short-term projects after your second or third year to gain hands-on experience in process industries. This practical exposure helps connect theoretical knowledge with industrial applications and builds a professional network. Attend industry talks and workshops.
Tools & Resources
BITS Pilani Career Development Centre (CDC), LinkedIn for networking, Industry association events (e.g., AIChE chapter)
Career Connection
Early industry exposure significantly boosts resume strength, provides clarity on career paths, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Clubs- (Semester 3-5)
Join the AIChE student chapter and other technical clubs to participate in design competitions, paper presentations, and technical events. This enhances practical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, going beyond classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
AIChE BITS Pilani Student Chapter, BITS Pilani technical fest events, Departmental project opportunities
Career Connection
Active participation demonstrates initiative, leadership, and practical skills to potential employers, setting you apart during placements and for future leadership roles.
Advanced Stage
Strategically Choose Electives and Specialization Projects- (Semester 6-8)
Select Discipline Electives that align with your career interests (e.g., energy, biochemical, environmental engineering). Focus your Practice School or Thesis project on a specialized area to gain in-depth knowledge and contribute to cutting-edge research or industrial problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance, BITS Pilani Course Catalog, Industry reports and research papers
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and project experience enhance your profile for specific industry roles or for pursuing advanced degrees (M.S./Ph.D.) in your chosen sub-field.
Intensive Placement and Higher Studies Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
Begin rigorous preparation for placements or higher education entrances (GATE, GRE, GMAT). Practice aptitude tests, participate in mock interviews, and refine your resume/SOP. Leverage BITS Pilani''''s CDC resources for company-specific preparation and counseling.
Tools & Resources
CDC placement workshops, Online aptitude platforms, Alumni mentorship, Coaching for entrance exams
Career Connection
Thorough preparation ensures you are competitive for top placements in core engineering, consulting, or IT roles, or for admission to prestigious graduate programs globally and in India.
Build Professional Network and Leadership Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Network with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals through seminars, conferences, and BITSConnect. Take on leadership roles in student organizations or project teams. Develop strong presentation and communication skills, which are critical for career progression.
Tools & Resources
BITSConnect Alumni portal, Professional society memberships (e.g., IIChE), Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
A robust professional network opens doors to opportunities, mentorship, and insights into industry trends, while leadership experience is highly valued in senior engineering and management roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Successful completion of 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and adequate proficiency in English. A minimum aggregate of 75% marks in PCM and at least 60% marks in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is required, along with successful qualification in BITSAT.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 units (equivalent to credits) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies per course, typically includes quizzes, assignments, projects, mid-semester tests, External: Varies per course, comprehensive final examination is a major component
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F111 | Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Sequences and Series, Multivariable Calculus, Applications of Calculus |
| PHY F111 | General Physics | Core | 4 | Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves, Optics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics Concepts |
| CHEM F111 | General Chemistry | Core | 4 | Atomic Structure and Bonding, Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry Fundamentals |
| CS F111 | Computer Programming | Core | 4 | Programming Fundamentals (C/C++), Data Types and Operators, Control Structures, Functions and Arrays, Basic Algorithms and Data Structures |
| ME F110 | Workshop Practice | Lab | 2 | Carpentry and Fitting, Welding Techniques, Machining Operations, Sheet Metal Work, Foundry Practices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH F112 | Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms |
| PHY F110 | Physics Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Error Analysis, Experiments on Mechanics, Experiments on Optics, Experiments on Electricity and Magnetism, Data Analysis and Reporting |
| CHEM F110 | Chemistry Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Volumetric Analysis, Gravimetric Analysis, Instrumental Methods (Spectroscopy), Organic Synthesis Experiments, Analytical Techniques |
| BITS F110 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 4 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Developments of Surfaces, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Basics |
| BIOL F111 | General Biology | Elective (Science) | 4 | Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Human Physiology, Biotechnology Applications |
| HSS F1XX | Humanities Elective | Elective (Humanities) | 3 | Depends on chosen elective (e.g., Economics, Philosophy, Psychology), Critical Thinking, Communication Skills, Societal Understanding, Ethical Reasoning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F211 | Chemical Process Calculations | Core | 4 | Material Balances, Energy Balances, Recycle, Bypass, Purge Operations, Stoichiometry, Phase Equilibrium Calculations |
| MATH F211 | Abstract Algebra | Core (Mathematics) | 4 | Group Theory, Ring Theory, Field Theory, Vector Spaces, Applications to Engineering Problems |
| CHE F212 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fluid Statics, Fluid Kinematics, Bernoulli''''s Equation, Dimensional Analysis, Flow in Pipes and Channels |
| EEE F211 | Electrical Sciences | Core (Engineering Science) | 4 | Circuit Theory, AC and DC Circuits, Transformers, DC and AC Machines, Basic Electronics |
| MATH F212 | Optimization | Elective (Mathematics) | 4 | Linear Programming, Non-Linear Programming, Integer Programming, Dynamic Programming, Applications in Chemical Engineering |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F213 | Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, Thermodynamic Properties of Fluids, Phase Equilibria, Reaction Equilibria, Power Cycles and Refrigeration |
| CHE F214 | Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchanger Design, Boiling and Condensation |
| MATH F214 | Elementary Real and Complex Analysis | Core (Mathematics) | 4 | Real Numbers and Sequences, Continuity and Differentiation, Riemann Integration, Complex Numbers and Functions, Contour Integration |
| HSS F2XX | Humanities Elective | Elective (Humanities) | 3 | Depends on chosen elective (e.g., Marketing, Literature, Professional Ethics), Societal Impact of Technology, Communication Skills, Ethical Dilemmas, Leadership Principles |
| BITS F214 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | Core (General) | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Pollution Control (Air, Water, Soil), Waste Management, Renewable Energy Sources, Environmental Policies and Regulations |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F311 | Mass Transfer Operations I | Core | 4 | Diffusion and Mass Transfer Coefficients, Gas-Liquid Operations (Absorption, Stripping), Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Humidification and Dehumidification, Drying |
| CHE F312 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Core | 4 | Reaction Kinetics, Batch Reactor Design, Ideal Flow Reactors (PFR, CSTR), Multiple Reactions, Heterogeneous Catalysis Fundamentals |
| CHE F313 | Process Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Process Modeling, Laplace Transforms in Control, Feedback Control Systems, Controller Tuning (PID), Stability Analysis |
| CHE F314 | Mechanical Operations | Core | 4 | Particle Technology, Size Reduction and Enlargement, Solid-Fluid Separation, Mixing and Agitation, Material Handling |
| CHE F315 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory I | Lab | 2 | Fluid Mechanics Experiments, Heat Transfer Experiments, Mass Transfer Experiments, Data Acquisition and Analysis, Process Simulation Software |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F316 | Mass Transfer Operations II | Core | 4 | Distillation (Binary and Multicomponent), Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Membrane Separations, Crystallization, Leaching |
| CHE F317 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core | 4 | Non-Ideal Flow Reactors, Catalytic Reactor Design, Solid-Fluid Reactions, Multiphase Reactors, Reactor Stability and Optimization |
| CHE F318 | Process Design Principles | Core | 4 | Process Flow Diagram (PFD), Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID), Equipment Sizing and Selection, Cost Estimation and Economics, Process Synthesis and Optimization |
| CHE F319 | Transport Phenomena | Core | 4 | Momentum Transport (Viscosity, Navier-Stokes), Energy Transport (Thermal Conductivity, Convection), Mass Transport (Diffusivity, Convection), Boundary Layer Theory, Analogies between Transport Processes |
| CHE F320 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory II | Lab | 2 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Experiments, Process Dynamics and Control Experiments, Mechanical Operations Experiments, Safety in Laboratory Operations, Report Writing and Interpretation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE F411 | Process Dynamics and Control Lab | Lab | 2 | PID Controller Tuning Experiments, Process Response Analysis, Feedback Control System Implementation, Advanced Control Strategies, Process Simulation Software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) |
| CHE F412 | Process Plant Design | Core | 4 | Detailed Equipment Design, Plant Layout and Site Selection, Utilities and Services, Safety and Environmental Considerations, Project Economic Analysis |
| CHE F413 | Process Engineering and Economics | Core | 4 | Time Value of Money, Capital Investment Estimation, Operating Cost Estimation, Profitability Analysis, Risk and Uncertainty in Project Evaluation |
| Discipline Elective I | Discipline Elective (Chemical Engineering) | Elective (Discipline) | 3 | Varies based on elective chosen (e.g., Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Polymer Engineering), Advanced topics in specific chemical engineering fields, Recent advancements and applications, Specialized design and analysis, Industry-specific challenges |
| Open Elective I | Open Elective | Elective (Open) | 3 | Varies based on elective chosen (e.g., Business Management, Data Science, Humanities), Interdisciplinary skills, Broadening academic horizons, Personal interest areas, Cross-functional knowledge |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BITS F421 | Practice School II / Thesis | Core (Project/Internship) | 10 | Industrial Training/Research Project, Application of Chemical Engineering Principles, Problem Identification and Solution, Report Writing and Presentation, Professionalism and Teamwork |
| Discipline Elective II | Discipline Elective (Chemical Engineering) | Elective (Discipline) | 3 | Varies based on elective chosen (e.g., Safety in Process Industries, Catalysis, Advanced Separation Processes), Specialized unit operations and processes, Emerging technologies in chemical industries, Simulation and modeling in chemical engineering, Sustainable chemical processes |
| Open Elective II | Open Elective | Elective (Open) | 3 | Varies based on elective chosen (e.g., Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property Rights, Foreign Language), Development of soft skills, Understanding global business environments, Innovation and startups, Cultural awareness |
