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B-TECH in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Chemical Engineering program at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur focuses on equipping students with fundamental principles and advanced applications in process design, optimization, and product development. It is highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning manufacturing, energy, and petrochemical sectors, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative solutions crucial for national growth. The program''''s strength lies in its research-driven curriculum and strong foundational sciences, preparing engineers for diverse industrial challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, aspiring to innovate in process industries. It also suits individuals passionate about addressing global challenges such as energy, environment, and materials science. Candidates seeking a rigorous academic foundation combined with practical problem-solving skills, eager to contribute to India''''s industrial advancement, will find this curriculum rewarding and impactful for their career goals.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in core chemical industries, R&D, consulting, and entrepreneurship within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, growing significantly with experience for roles such as Process Engineer, R&D Scientist, Data Analyst, and Consultant. The program''''s interdisciplinary nature prepares students for further studies and leadership positions in Indian and global firms, driving innovation and sustainable industrial growth.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sciences & Mathematics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to building a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (MA101, MA102, PH101, PH102, CH101, CH102). Actively solve a wide range of problems from standard textbooks and supplementary materials, focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. This foundational strength is indispensable for grasping advanced engineering concepts and excelling in competitive postgraduate entrance exams like GATE.
Tools & Resources
Irodov for Physics problems, IIT JEE preparation books for conceptual clarity, Khan Academy for supplementary learning, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals ensures better performance in core engineering courses and competitive exams, opening doors to top engineering firms and higher studies in India and abroad.
Develop Early Programming & Engineering Graphics Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Prioritize proficiency in CS101 and TA101. Learn programming languages like Python or C++ by consistently practicing on online platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode. Simultaneously, master CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) to translate engineering concepts into visual designs. These skills are critical for data analysis, process simulation, and designing equipment in modern chemical industries.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, AutoCAD/SolidWorks tutorials, Departmental computing labs
Career Connection
Early development of these skills makes students highly competitive for internships and entry-level positions requiring computational and design capabilities in various Indian industries.
Engage in Peer Learning and Academic Support- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts, particularly in challenging subjects like Mathematics and Physics. Leverage resources such as departmental mentors, teaching assistants, and academic counseling services offered by IIT Kanpur. Collaborative learning enhances understanding, fosters teamwork skills, and creates a supportive academic environment, crucial for success in future group projects and professional settings.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mentors, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Academic counseling centers, Online collaborative tools (e.g., Google Docs, Zoom)
Career Connection
Improved conceptual understanding and teamwork skills lead to better academic performance and prepare students for collaborative industrial projects and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Fundamental Principles to Core Chemical Engineering- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on applying theoretical knowledge from core chemical engineering subjects (CHM201, CHM202, CHM205, CHM206, CHM209) to solve practical problems. Work through case studies, industrial scenarios, and design problems, linking concepts to real-world industrial processes. Utilize supplementary resources like NPTEL and Swayam courses to gain practical insights and deepen understanding beyond classroom lectures.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Chemical Engineering, Swayam platform, Chemical engineering textbooks with case studies, Problem-solving sessions
Career Connection
Strong application skills are essential for roles in process design, optimization, and troubleshooting within manufacturing and R&D sectors in India.
Seek Early Industry Exposure via Internships & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively seek summer internships after the second or third year in core chemical sectors (e.g., petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, materials) or participate in departmental research projects (e.g., through CHM203, CHM207, CHM304 labs). This provides hands-on practical experience, helps identify specific areas of interest, and facilitates building a professional network, which is crucial for future placements and career development.
Tools & Resources
IITK''''s Career Development Centre (CDC), LinkedIn for networking and job search, Departmental research labs and faculty, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Practical exposure through internships and projects makes graduates highly attractive to employers, providing a significant edge in the competitive Indian job market.
Specialize through Electives & Advanced Software Proficiency- (Semester 3-5)
Begin exploring departmental electives (DE_I) to identify and specialize in areas of interest such as process control, environmental engineering, or materials science. Simultaneously, gain proficiency in industry-standard process simulation and design software like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or COMSOL Multiphysics, which are vital tools in modern chemical engineering. Online courses and departmental workshops can significantly supplement institutional learning.
Tools & Resources
Aspen Plus, MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL Multiphysics, Online certification courses (e.g., Coursera, edX), Departmental workshops and training programs
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and software skills enhance a graduate''''s profile, making them suitable for niche roles and advanced R&D opportunities in specialized Indian industries.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Project-Based Learning & Research- (Semester 6-8)
Devote significant effort and innovation to CHM401 (B.Tech Project I) and CHM403 (B.Tech Project II). Choose projects that align with current industry needs or cutting-edge research trends, leveraging advanced simulation tools, experimental techniques, and analytical methods. Aim for publications in reputable journals or patent filings to enhance your profile for higher studies or R&D-focused roles, demonstrating strong research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Advanced simulation software (e.g., CFD, FEM), Laboratory equipment and instruments, Access to research databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), Faculty mentors for guidance
Career Connection
High-quality project work and research output significantly boost employability for R&D roles, academic positions, and opportunities for advanced degrees (M.Tech/Ph.D.) in India and abroad.
Intensify Placement Preparation & Networking- (Semester 6-8)
Refine interview skills, resume building, and participate in mock interviews organized by the Career Development Centre (CDC) or student bodies. Network extensively with IIT Kanpur alumni and industry professionals through conferences, webinars, and LinkedIn. Understand company requirements for roles in process design, R&D, and plant operations, focusing on core subjects like CHM306 (Process Design and Economics) and CHM404 (Plant Safety) for practical insights.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre (CDC) workshops, LinkedIn for professional networking, Mock interview platforms, Alumni network mentorship
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation and networking significantly increase the chances of securing desirable placements in leading Indian and multinational companies.
Develop Leadership, Professional Ethics, and Entrepreneurial Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Actively engage in student chapters of professional bodies like the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) or AIChE, taking on leadership roles in departmental events or college clubs. Emphasize ethical considerations in engineering design, safety (CHM404), and decision-making, preparing for leadership roles where ethical practices and sustainability are highly valued. Explore entrepreneurial opportunities and innovation challenges.
Tools & Resources
IIChE/AIChE student chapters, IITK Entrepreneurship Cell, Leadership workshops, Ethics in engineering seminars
Career Connection
Leadership, ethical acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset differentiate graduates, preparing them for senior management positions, startup ventures, and impactful contributions to Indian society and industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Qualification in JEE Advanced examination (specific cutoffs not detailed in curriculum document)
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA101 | Engineering Graphics | Engineering Science (ES) | 6 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Development of Surfaces, Perspective Views, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Introduction |
| CS101 | Introduction to Computer Science | Engineering Science (ES) | 6 | Programming Fundamentals, Data Types and Variables, Control Structures, Functions, Basic Algorithms, Debugging Techniques |
| CH101 | Chemistry | Basic Science (BS) | 6 | Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Stereochemistry, Reaction Mechanisms, Electrochemistry, Introductory Spectroscopy, Chemical Kinetics |
| MA101 | Mathematics I | Basic Science (BS) | 8 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Sequences and Series, Multivariable Calculus Introduction, Vector Calculus Introduction |
| PH101 | Physics | Basic Science (BS) | 6 | Classical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Oscillations and Waves, Optics, Quantum Mechanics Introduction |
| PE101 | Physical Education | Non-Graded | 0 | Physical Fitness, Sports Fundamentals, Team Activities, Health and Wellness |
| LIF101 | Introduction to Life Science | Basic Science (BS) | 6 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Ecology Principles |
| EL COMPONENTS | English Language Component | English Language (EL) | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Basic Grammar, Paragraph Writing, Oral Communication, Vocabulary Building |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA102 | Manufacturing Processes | Engineering Science (ES) | 6 | Casting Processes, Forming Processes, Machining Processes, Welding Techniques, Powder Metallurgy, Additive Manufacturing Basics |
| MA102 | Mathematics II | Basic Science (BS) | 8 | Linear Algebra, Ordinary Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations Introduction |
| PH102 | Physics | Basic Science (BS) | 6 | Electromagnetism, Semiconductor Physics, Modern Physics Concepts, Solid State Physics Introduction, Lasers and their Applications |
| ESC101 | Introduction to Engineering | Engineering Science (ES) | 6 | Overview of Engineering Disciplines, Engineering Problem Solving, Design Thinking Process, Engineering Ethics, Case Studies in Engineering, Basic Communication Skills |
| CH102 | General Chemistry | Basic Science (BS) | 6 | Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Thermochemistry, Properties of Solutions, Coordination Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Basics |
| PE102 | Physical Education | Non-Graded | 0 | Physical Fitness, Sports Fundamentals, Team Activities, Health and Wellness |
| HSS1 | Humanities and Social Science Elective I | Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen elective from the approved list. |
| EL101 | English Language | English Language (EL) | 2 | Advanced Reading Skills, Academic Writing, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion Techniques, Professional Communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM201 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | First and Second Law of Thermodynamics, Entropy and Free Energy, Fugacity and Activity, Phase Equilibria, Chemical Reaction Equilibria, Solution Thermodynamics |
| CHM202 | Fluid Mechanics | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Fluid Statics, Bernoulli Equation, Momentum Equation, Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Flow in Pipes and Channels, Pumps and Compressors |
| CHM203 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory I | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 4 | Experimental Techniques, Data Acquisition and Analysis, Fluid Flow Measurements, Basic Heat Transfer Experiments, Pressure Drop Studies, Technical Report Writing |
| MS ELECTIVE I | Maths & Science Elective I | Maths & Science (MS) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen elective from the approved list (e.g., advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, or engineering science). |
| CHM204 | Probability and Statistics for Chemical Engineers | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Process Control, Error Analysis |
| ES ELECTIVE I | Engineering Science Elective I | Engineering Science (ES) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen elective from the approved list. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM205 | Heat Transfer | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers Design, Boiling and Condensation, Thermal Process Analysis |
| CHM206 | Mass Transfer I | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Molecular Diffusion, Mass Transfer Coefficients, Interphase Mass Transfer, Gas-Liquid Operations, Liquid-Liquid Operations, Adsorption Principles |
| CHM207 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory II | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 4 | Mass Transfer Experiments, Reaction Kinetics Experiments, Process Control System Experiments, Data Interpretation, Measurement of Transport Properties, Advanced Report Writing |
| CHM208 | Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Solution of Algebraic Equations, Numerical Integration, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Optimization Techniques, Process Simulation Fundamentals |
| CHM209 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Reaction Kinetics and Rate Laws, Ideal Reactor Design (Batch, CSTR, PFR), Multiple Reactions and Selectivity, Residence Time Distribution, Effect of Temperature and Pressure, Reactor Sizing |
| HSS2 | Humanities and Social Science Elective II | Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen elective from the approved list. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM301 | Process Dynamics and Control | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Dynamic Systems Modeling, Laplace Transforms, Transfer Functions and Block Diagrams, Control System Design, PID Controllers Tuning, Stability Analysis |
| CHM302 | Mass Transfer II | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Distillation Operations, Absorption and Stripping, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Drying and Humidification, Crystallization, Membrane Separations |
| CHM303 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Non-ideal Reactors, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Gas-Solid Reactions, Fluidized Bed Reactors, Biochemical Reaction Engineering, Reactor Stability and Optimisation |
| CHM304 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory III | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 4 | Advanced Unit Operations, Process Control Loop Tuning, Reactor Performance Evaluation, Process Simulation Software Application, Pilot Plant Operations, Advanced Data Analysis |
| CHM305 | Process Equipment Design | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Design Principles, Pressure Vessels Design, Heat Exchangers Design, Storage Tanks, Pumps and Compressors, Process Piping and Valves |
| DE I | Department Elective I | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM306 | Process Design and Economics | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Process Synthesis and Flowsheet Development, Cost Estimation and Analysis, Economic Evaluation Techniques, Process Optimization, Environmental Considerations in Design, Project Management |
| CHM307 | Transport Phenomena | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Momentum Transport, Heat Transport, Mass Transport, Navier-Stokes Equation, Energy Equation, Species Conservation Equation |
| CHM308 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory IV | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 4 | Advanced Process Instrumentation, Pilot Plant Operations, Process Intensification Studies, Sustainability Assessment, Data Interpretation and Modeling, Troubleshooting in Processes |
| DE II | Department Elective II | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| DE III | Department Elective III | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| IE I | Institute Elective I | Institute Elective (IE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen institute elective from the approved list. |
| CHM309 | Computer Aided Chemical Engineering | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Process Simulation Software, CAD Tools in Chemical Engineering, Data Modeling and Analysis, Optimization Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Engineering, Process Control Automation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM401 | B.Tech Project I | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 8 | Problem Definition and Scoping, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology Development, Experimental Design, Data Collection Techniques, Interim Report and Presentation |
| CHM402 | Separations Processes | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Multicomponent Distillation, Reactive Separations, Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Chromatography, Advanced Membrane Separations, Hybrid Separation Processes |
| DE IV | Department Elective IV | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| DE V | Department Elective V | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| IE II | Institute Elective II | Institute Elective (IE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen institute elective from the approved list. |
| HSS3 | Humanities and Social Science Elective III | Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen elective from the approved list. |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM403 | B.Tech Project II | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 12 | Advanced Experimental Work, Comprehensive Data Analysis, Simulation and Modeling, Results Interpretation and Discussion, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Oral Defense and Presentation |
| CHM404 | Plant Safety and Hazardous Waste Management | Departmental Compulsory (DC) | 6 | Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Safety Regulations and Standards, Accident Investigation and Prevention, Waste Minimization Strategies, Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal, Process Safety Management |
| DE VI | Department Elective VI | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| DE VII | Department Elective VII | Departmental Elective (DE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen departmental elective from the approved list. |
| IE III | Institute Elective III | Institute Elective (IE) | 6 | Topics depend on the chosen institute elective from the approved list. |
