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B-TECH-HONS in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Chemical Engineering program at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur focuses on the design, operation, and optimization of processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. It addresses critical challenges in energy, environment, and materials science, aligning with India''''s industrial growth. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in science and engineering principles, preparing students for diverse roles across core industries and emerging sectors in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 with a strong aptitude for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, seeking entry into core engineering, research, or process-related industries. It also suits individuals passionate about sustainable solutions, energy efficiency, and material innovation. Prior experience in basic science projects or analytical problem-solving is an advantage, though not a strict prerequisite for freshers.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in petroleum, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and environmental sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in leading PSUs and MNCs. Growth trajectories include roles in R&D, process design, operations management, and consulting, often leading to leadership positions within Indian and global organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Core Scientific Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding core concepts in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. These subjects form the bedrock of all advanced Chemical Engineering principles. Regular practice and problem-solving are key to mastery.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, Departmental tutorials, Peer study groups, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
A solid foundation ensures easier grasp of complex engineering subjects, leading to better performance in core courses and technical interviews for all engineering roles.
Develop Programming and Computational Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond basic coding, develop proficiency in languages like Python or MATLAB and understand data structures. This is crucial for process modeling, simulation, and data analysis in chemical engineering applications.
Tools & Resources
Online coding platforms (HackerRank, LeetCode), Departmental coding competitions, Specific courses offered by the university, Open-source chemical engineering libraries
Career Connection
Essential for roles in R&D, process optimization, and data-driven manufacturing, enhancing employability in tech-integrated chemical industries.
Engage in Peer Learning and Collaborative Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in study groups, discuss challenging topics, and collaborate on assignments. Early group projects, even if small, foster teamwork and communication skills vital for future professional environments.
Tools & Resources
Departmental common rooms, Online collaboration tools (Google Docs), Student clubs, Academic societies like the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) student chapter
Career Connection
Enhances soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued in industrial settings and project-based roles.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theoretical Knowledge through Labs and Simulations- (Semester 3-5)
Maximize learning from core Chemical Engineering lab courses (Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering). Understand the practical implications of theoretical concepts and utilize simulation software effectively.
Tools & Resources
Departmental laboratories, Aspen Hysys, DWSIM, MATLAB Simulink, Lab manuals, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Develops practical skills and troubleshooting abilities, crucial for roles in plant operations, process design, and research and development.
Seek Internships and Industry Exposure- (Semester 4-5 (Summer breaks))
Actively pursue summer internships in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or related industries. Even short-term projects or industrial visits provide invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Training & Placement Cell of IIT Kharagpur, LinkedIn, Company career portals, Alumni network, Industry associations
Career Connection
Directly translates classroom learning into practical application, builds professional networks, and significantly boosts placement chances and understanding of industry demands.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Join departmental or national-level technical competitions, hackathons, and workshops related to Chemical Engineering. This allows for hands-on problem-solving and exposure to new technologies and industry challenges.
Tools & Resources
IIChE events, Chem-E-Car competitions, National technical fests (Kshitij, Spring Fest), Workshops organized by faculty or industry
Career Connection
Develops specialized skills, fosters innovative thinking, and provides a platform to showcase talents, attracting recruiters looking for proactive and skilled candidates.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization and Advanced Research- (Semester 6-8)
Choose electives wisely based on career interests (e.g., Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Polymer Science). Engage in challenging research projects with faculty, aiming for publications or impactful prototypes.
Tools & Resources
Advanced departmental electives, Research labs, Journal databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Research grants, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Deepens expertise, making graduates highly suitable for specialized R&D roles, academic pursuits, or advanced engineering positions in niche industries.
Master Plant Design and Economics Principles- (Semester 7-8)
Thoroughly understand the principles of plant design, process optimization, project economics, and safety. This involves applying cumulative knowledge to real-world plant scenarios and feasibility studies.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on process design, Industrial design codes and standards, Simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus), Case studies, Guest lectures from industry veterans
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for roles in process design, project engineering, and techno-commercial management within chemical industries.
Prioritize Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 7-8)
Actively engage in placement activities, including resume building, mock interviews, and group discussions. Network with alumni and industry professionals to explore opportunities and gain insights into career paths.
Tools & Resources
IIT Kharagpur''''s Training & Placement Cell, Alumni portal, LinkedIn, Industry conferences, Career fairs, Company-specific preparatory materials
Career Connection
Ensures readiness for the recruitment process, significantly increasing the likelihood of securing desirable placements in top companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India and abroad.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Successful completion of 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, followed by clearing the JEE Advanced examination. Minimum aggregate marks/percentage in 10+2 as per JEE Advanced norms.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 172 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30-40%, External: 60-70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS10001 | English for Communication | Humanities Elective | 2 | Technical communication, Presentation skills, Report writing, Listening comprehension, Professional correspondence |
| MA10001 | Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Calculus of one variable, Sequences and series, Functions of several variables, Vector differential calculus, Line integrals |
| PH10001 | Physics I | Core | 4 | Classical mechanics, Oscillations and waves, Electrodynamics, Optics, Special relativity |
| CY10001 | Chemistry I | Core | 4 | Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Kinetics |
| ME10001 | Engineering Drawing and Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic projections, Sectional views, Isometric views, Computer-aided drafting, Assembly drawing |
| CS10001 | Programming and Data Structures | Core | 4 | C programming basics, Arrays and pointers, Functions, Structures, File I/O, Introduction to Data Structures |
| EV10001 | Environmental Science | Basic Science | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution control, Climate change, Sustainable development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS10002 | Ethics & Values | Humanities Elective | 2 | Professional ethics, Values in engineering, Social responsibility, Ethical dilemmas, Corporate governance |
| MA10002 | Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Linear algebra, Multiple integrals, Vector integral calculus, Differential equations, Laplace transforms |
| PH10002 | Physics II | Core | 4 | Quantum mechanics, Solid state physics, Semiconductor devices, Nuclear physics, Wave-particle duality |
| BT10001 | Biology | Basic Science | 2 | Cell structure, Biochemistry, Genetics, Metabolism, Biotechnology applications |
| EE11001 | Basic Electrical Technology | Core | 4 | DC circuits, AC circuits, Transformers, DC machines, AC machines, Power systems |
| CH10L01 | Chemical Engineering Lab I | Lab | 2 | Basic measurements, Material properties, Fluid mechanics experiments, Heat transfer experiments, Mass transfer experiments |
| ME10P01 | Workshop Practice | Lab | 2 | Machining, Welding, Carpentry, Fitting, Foundry, Assembly |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA20001 | Mathematics III | Core | 4 | Complex analysis, Partial differential equations, Numerical methods, Fourier series, Probability and statistics |
| CH20001 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fluid properties, Fluid statics, Bernoulli equation, Laminar and turbulent flow, Flow through pipes, Pumping |
| CH20002 | Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Heat exchangers, Boiling and condensation, Heat transfer equipment design |
| CH20003 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | First and second law, PVT behavior, Phase equilibria, Reaction equilibria, Solution thermodynamics |
| CH20L02 | Fluid Mechanics Lab | Lab | 2 | Orifice meter, Venturimeter, Pump characteristics, Flow visualization, Pressure drop measurements |
| CH20L03 | Heat Transfer Lab | Lab | 2 | Thermal conductivity, Convective heat transfer, Heat exchanger performance, Radiation measurements |
| ID20001 | Engineering Economics | Inter-Departmental Core | 3 | Cost analysis, Financial statements, Project evaluation, Time value of money, Risk analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH20004 | Mass Transfer I | Core | 4 | Diffusion, Convective mass transfer, Mass transfer coefficients, Interphase mass transfer, Absorption, Stripping |
| CH20005 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Core | 4 | Reaction kinetics, Reactor types (batch, CSTR, PFR), Isothermal reactor design, Multiple reactions, Non-ideal flow |
| CH20006 | Process Instrumentation and Control | Core | 4 | Measurement principles, Sensors, Transducers, Control valves, Feedback control, PID controllers |
| CH20007 | Chemical Process Industries | Core | 3 | Major chemical processes, Unit operations, Raw materials, Products, Environmental impact, Economic aspects |
| CH20L04 | Mass Transfer Lab I | Lab | 2 | Diffusion coefficients, Absorption column, Distillation column, Extraction unit, Drying experiments |
| CH20L05 | Process Control Lab | Lab | 2 | PID tuning, Level control, Flow control, Temperature control, Pressure control |
| HS Elective | Humanities/Social Science Elective | Elective | 3 | Varies based on student choice, Topics could include Sociology, Psychology, History, Literature, Philosophy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH30001 | Mass Transfer II | Core | 4 | Distillation, Liquid-liquid extraction, Leaching, Adsorption, Ion exchange, Membrane separation |
| CH30002 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core | 4 | Non-isothermal reactors, Catalysis, Reactor stability, Multiphase reactors, Biochemical reactors |
| CH30003 | Process Equipment Design | Core | 4 | Design of storage tanks, Pressure vessels, Heat exchangers, Distillation columns, Pumps, Piping |
| CH30004 | Engineering Materials | Core | 3 | Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, Composites, Corrosion, Material selection |
| CH30L06 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Batch reactor kinetics, CSTR performance, PFR performance, Reactor temperature control, Catalytic reactions |
| CH30L07 | Process Equipment Design Lab | Lab | 2 | CAD for process equipment, Design calculations, Cost estimation, Optimization exercises, Process flow diagram development |
| CHDE3XXX | Department Elective I | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Polymer Science and Engineering, Biochemical Engineering Principles, Petroleum Refining, Computational Fluid Dynamics |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH30005 | Process Modelling and Simulation | Core | 4 | Mathematical modeling, Numerical methods, Process flow sheeting, Simulation software (e.g., Aspen Hysys), Dynamic simulation |
| CH30006 | Process Safety and Hazard Analysis | Core | 3 | Industrial accidents, Risk assessment, HAZOP, Safety regulations, Emergency planning, Environmental regulations |
| CH30007 | Biochemical Engineering | Core | 4 | Microbial growth kinetics, Bioreactor design, Enzyme technology, Fermentation, Downstream processing, Bioseparations |
| CH30008 | Transport Phenomena | Core | 4 | Momentum transport, Energy transport, Mass transport, Shell balances, Boundary layer theory, Analogies |
| CH30L08 | Process Simulation Lab | Lab | 2 | Steady-state simulation, Dynamic simulation, Process optimization, Flowsheet development, Unit operation modeling |
| CHDE3XYY | Department Elective II | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Membrane Technology, Nanomaterials in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Processing, Energy Management |
| OE3XXX | Open Elective I | Elective | 3 | Inter-disciplinary, chosen by student, Could be from Computer Science, Management, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH40001 | Plant Design and Economics | Core | 4 | Project lifecycle, Plant layout, Cost estimation, Profitability analysis, Feasibility studies, Optimization |
| CH40002 | Energy Engineering | Core | 3 | Renewable energy, Conventional energy sources, Energy conservation, Fuel cells, Combustion, Power generation |
| CH40P01 | Project I | Project | 4 | Research methodology, Literature review, Problem definition, Experimental design, Data analysis, Report writing |
| CHDE4XXX | Department Elective III | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Refining, Process Intensification, Corrosion Engineering |
| CHDE4XYY | Department Elective IV | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Catalysis Engineering, Advanced Separation Processes, Materials Science, Process Optimization |
| OE4XXX | Open Elective II | Elective | 3 | Inter-disciplinary, chosen by student, Could be from Humanities, Social Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Data Science |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH40P02 | Project II | Project | 8 | Experimental work, Data interpretation, Model validation, Result discussion, Thesis preparation, Oral presentation |
| CHDE4YYY | Department Elective V | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Sustainable Chemical Processes, Computational Materials Science, Advanced Thermodynamics, Process Dynamics |
| CHDE4ZZZ | Department Elective VI | Elective | 3 | Varies based on chosen elective, Examples include Biofuels and Biorefineries, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Fluidization Engineering |
| OE4YYY | Open Elective III | Elective | 3 | Inter-disciplinary, chosen by student, Could be Advanced Computing, Operations Research, Intellectual Property Rights, Financial Management |
| CH40I01 | Professional Practice / Internship | Practical | 2 | Industrial exposure, Practical problem-solving, Teamwork and communication, Professional ethics, Workplace environment |
