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B-TECH in Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal Dakshina Kannada?
This Chemical Engineering program at National Institute of Technology Karnataka focuses on fundamental principles and their application in process industries. It''''s crucial for India''''s growing manufacturing, energy, and petrochemical sectors. The program emphasizes sustainable processes and advanced technologies, addressing modern industrial demands and contributing to national development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, seeking entry into core engineering. It also suits individuals passionate about designing efficient, sustainable processes, and those aspiring to careers in research, development, or production management within India''''s chemical, pharmaceutical, or energy industries.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and environmental management. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories include roles in R&D, process optimization, project engineering, and management, aligning with industry certifications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus deeply on Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Programming. These foundational courses are critical building blocks for all subsequent chemical engineering subjects. Actively solve problems, attend tutorials, and use online resources like NPTEL to strengthen understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Khan Academy, Specific textbooks recommended by faculty, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals ensure better understanding of advanced topics, crucial for competitive exams (GATE) and core engineering job interviews.
Develop Problem-Solving and Programming Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the ''''Problem Solving and Programming'''' course to build logical thinking and coding abilities. Practice regularly on platforms to enhance computational skills, which are increasingly vital for chemical process simulation and data analysis.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, CodeChef, GeeksforGeeks, Python/C language IDEs
Career Connection
Essential for roles in process simulation, data science in chemical industries, and general analytical problem-solving required in any engineering role.
Engage in Multidisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
While focusing on core subjects, explore various engineering disciplines through technical clubs and introductory workshops. This broadens perspective, helps identify interdisciplinary interests, and fosters collaborative skills important for future project work.
Tools & Resources
NITK technical clubs (e.g., student chapters of AIChE, ASME), Departmental workshops, Online MOOCs on diverse engineering topics
Career Connection
Aids in discovering niche areas within chemical engineering or related fields, potentially leading to unique career paths or startup ideas.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theoretical Knowledge through Labs and Simulations- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in all chemical engineering labs (Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering, Process Control). Go beyond just completing experiments; understand the theoretical basis and use simulation tools like Aspen Hysys, DWSIM, or MATLAB for process modeling.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Aspen Hysys (if available through college license), DWSIM (open-source), MATLAB/Python
Career Connection
Develops practical skills highly valued by industries, improving readiness for internships and entry-level engineering roles in R&D, operations, and process design.
Seek Industrial Exposure and Mentorship- (Semester 4-5 (especially during summer breaks))
Actively look for short-term internships, industrial visits, or projects. Engage with faculty who have industry connections. Attending guest lectures by industry professionals provides insights into real-world applications and career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
NITK Placement and Training Department, LinkedIn, Industry association events, Alumni network
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, provides hands-on experience, clarifies career interests, and significantly boosts resume for placements.
Specialize in Core Chemical Engineering Domains- (Semester 4-5)
Identify areas of interest within chemical engineering (e.g., catalysis, process control, biochemical engineering, environmental engineering). Supplement coursework with advanced readings, online courses, and mini-projects in these chosen domains to build expertise.
Tools & Resources
Advanced textbooks, NPTEL advanced courses, Research papers, Faculty-guided mini-projects
Career Connection
Helps in choosing relevant electives for later semesters, preparing for specialized roles, and strengthens profile for higher studies or targeted job applications.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Project Work and Internships- (Semester 7-8 (Project Phase I & II), Summer after Semester 6 (Internship))
Dedicate significant effort to the B.Tech project (Phase I & II) and Summer Internship. Choose a project topic aligned with your career goals, work diligently with your mentor, and present your findings professionally. The industrial internship is a critical bridge to full-time employment.
Tools & Resources
Project guides (faculty), Industrial mentors, Research journals, Simulation software, NITK library resources
Career Connection
Often leads directly to job offers or provides substantial content for interviews and graduate school applications. Demonstrates problem-solving and research capabilities.
Strategic Elective Selection and Advanced Skill Acquisition- (Semester 6-8)
Choose electives strategically to build a strong profile in a specific sub-field of chemical engineering (e.g., sustainable energy, advanced materials, biochemical processes). Simultaneously, acquire advanced software skills (e.g., computational fluid dynamics, process optimization tools) relevant to these specializations.
Tools & Resources
Elective course catalogs, Industry reports, Online advanced certifications (e.g., Coursera, edX), Specialized software training
Career Connection
Differentiates your profile for specific industry roles, makes you highly desirable for specialized R&D positions, and opens doors for niche careers.
Intensive Placement and Higher Studies Preparation- (Semester 7-8)
Begin focused preparation for placements (resume building, aptitude tests, technical interviews, soft skills) or competitive exams like GATE/GRE/TOEFL for higher studies. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions. Network with alumni for guidance.
Tools & Resources
NITK Placement Cell, Career counseling services, Online aptitude platforms, Alumni network, Interview preparation books
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for successful entry into the workforce or admission to top graduate programs in India or abroad, achieving desired career outcomes.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12th or equivalent examination with Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject from a recognized board. They should have secured at least 75% aggregate marks (or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards) and must qualify JEE Main.
Duration: 8 semesters
Credits: 166 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for theory courses) / 60% (for practical courses), External: 50% (for theory courses) / 40% (for practical courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA110 | Engineering Mathematics-I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus |
| CY110 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 4 | Electrochemistry, Corrosion and its Control, Water Technology, Polymers and Composites, Fuels and Combustion, Nanomaterials |
| PH110 | Engineering Physics | Core | 4 | Modern Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Optics and Lasers, Fibre Optics, Dielectric Properties |
| CS110 | Problem Solving and Programming | Core | 3 | Programming Fundamentals, Control Structures, Arrays and Strings, Functions and Pointers, Structures and Unions, File Handling |
| ME110 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Development of Surfaces, AutoCAD Basics |
| CY111 | Engineering Chemistry Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Water Quality Analysis, Instrumental Methods, Titrimetric Analysis, pH Metry and Conductometry, Viscosity and Surface Tension |
| PH111 | Engineering Physics Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Experiments on Optics, Electrical Measurements, Semiconductor Devices, Resonance and Acoustics, Magnetic Fields |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA111 | Engineering Mathematics-II | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra and Matrices, Vector Spaces, Complex Analysis, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations |
| AM110 | Engineering Mechanics | Core | 4 | Statics of Particles and Rigid Bodies, Equilibrium Equations, Friction, Kinematics of Rigid Bodies, Kinetics of Rigid Bodies, Work and Energy |
| EC110 | Elements of Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Core | 4 | DC and AC Circuits, Transformers, Diodes and Rectifiers, BJT Transistors, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Logic |
| HS110 | Professional Communication | Core | 3 | Technical Writing, Oral Communication Skills, Presentation Strategies, Group Discussion Techniques, Resume and Cover Letter Writing |
| BT110 | Environmental Studies | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Solid Waste Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Environmental Legislations |
| CS111 | Computer Programming Laboratory | Lab | 1 | C Programming Exercises, Data Structures Implementation, Debugging Techniques, Algorithm Implementation |
| ME111 | Engineering Workshop | Lab | 1 | Carpentry and Fitting, Welding Techniques, Sheet Metal Work, Machining Operations, Foundry Practice |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH200 | Material and Energy Balances | Core | 4 | Stoichiometry, Material Balances (Reactive/Non-reactive), Energy Balances (Non-reactive/Reactive), Unsteady State Balances, Recycle and Bypass Operations |
| CH201 | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fluid Statics, Fluid Flow Phenomena, Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Flow in Pipes and Channels, Pumping and Pumping Systems, Flow Measuring Devices |
| CH202 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics-I | Core | 4 | First Law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, PVT Behavior of Fluids, Thermodynamic Properties of Fluids, Power and Refrigeration Cycles |
| MA201 | Engineering Mathematics-III | Core | 4 | Numerical Methods, Laplace Transforms, Z-Transforms, Probability Theory, Statistical Methods |
| CH203 | Fluid Mechanics Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Bernoulli''''s Theorem Verification, Flow through Orifices and Weirs, Friction Losses in Pipes, Pump Performance Characteristics, Fluidization Studies |
| CH204 | Chemical Engineering Drawing | Lab | 2 | Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Equipment Drawing Conventions, Layouts of Chemical Plants, Sectional Views of Equipment |
| CH205 | Chemical Engineering Numerical Methods Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Numerical Solutions for ODEs, Numerical Solutions for PDEs, Curve Fitting and Interpolation, MATLAB/Python for Chemical Engineering Problems |
| CH206 | Seminar-I | Project | 2 | Technical Literature Survey, Presentation Skills Development, Report Writing Guidelines, Critical Analysis of Research Papers |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH250 | Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchanger Design, Boiling and Condensation, Evaporation |
| CH251 | Mass Transfer-I | Core | 4 | Molecular and Eddy Diffusion, Interphase Mass Transfer, Distillation Principles, Absorption and Stripping, Liquid-Liquid Extraction |
| CH252 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics-II | Core | 4 | Solution Thermodynamics, Phase Equilibria, Chemical Reaction Equilibria, Gibbs Energy and Fugacity, Molecular Thermodynamics |
| CH253 | Particulate Technology | Core | 4 | Particle Characterization, Fluidization, Sedimentation and Elutriation, Filtration, Drying Operations, Crystallization |
| CH254 | Heat Transfer Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Thermal Conductivity Measurement, Convective Heat Transfer Coefficients, Heat Exchanger Performance, Radiation Heat Transfer Studies |
| CH255 | Mass Transfer Laboratory-I | Lab | 1 | Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Diffusion Coefficient Measurement, Distillation Column Performance, Drying Rate Experiments |
| CH256 | Industrial Chemical Technology | Core | 2 | Basic Inorganic Chemical Industries, Basic Organic Chemical Industries, Petrochemicals and Fertilizers, Polymer Industries, Pulp and Paper Industry, Sugar Industry |
| CH257 | Seminar-II | Project | 2 | Advanced Technical Presentations, Research Paper Analysis, Communication of Complex Ideas, Literature Review Techniques |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH300 | Chemical Reaction Engineering-I | Core | 4 | Reaction Kinetics, Batch Reactor Design, Ideal Reactor Design (CSTR, PFR), Isothermal Reactor Design, Multiple Reactions |
| CH301 | Process Dynamics and Control | Core | 4 | Process Modeling and Simulation, Dynamic Behavior of Processes, Feedback Control Systems, PID Controller Tuning, Stability Analysis, Frequency Response Analysis |
| CH302 | Mass Transfer-II | Core | 4 | Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Membrane Separations, Humidification and Dehumidification, Leaching Operations, Gas-Solid and Liquid-Solid Operations |
| CH303 | Mechanical Operations | Core | 4 | Size Reduction Principles, Size Enlargement Techniques, Solid-Solid Separations, Solids Handling and Storage, Filtration and Centrifugation |
| CH304 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Batch Reactor Studies, CSTR and PFR Characteristics, Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate, Determination of Reaction Order |
| CH305 | Process Dynamics & Control Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Level Control Systems, Flow Control Systems, Temperature Control Systems, PID Controller Tuning Exercises, Dynamic Response of Processes |
| CH306 | Industrial Pollution Control & Safety | Core | 2 | Air Pollution Control, Water Pollution Control, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Industrial Safety Management, Risk Assessment and Management |
| CH307 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design and Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH350 | Chemical Reaction Engineering-II | Core | 4 | Non-Ideal Reactors, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Catalyst Deactivation, Multiphase Reactors, Biochemical Reaction Engineering |
| CH351 | Process Design & Economics | Core | 4 | Process Synthesis and Development, Equipment Sizing and Specification, Cost Estimation Techniques, Economic Evaluation of Projects, Financial Analysis |
| CH352 | Chemical Engineering Plant Design | Core | 4 | Process Flowsheet Development, Equipment Design Principles, Utility Design and Integration, Plant Layout and Piping, Safety Considerations in Design |
| CH353 | Process Design & Drawing Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Process Flow Diagram Generation, Piping and Instrumentation Diagram Creation, Equipment Design Calculations, Cost Analysis of Equipment |
| CH354 | Chemical Engineering Simulation Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Introduction to Process Simulators (Aspen Hysys/DWSIM), Steady-State Simulation of Processes, Thermodynamic Property Models, Process Optimization using Simulators |
| CH361 | Biotechnology & Biochemical Engineering | Elective | 3 | Microbial Growth Kinetics, Bioreactor Design and Operation, Enzyme Technology, Downstream Processing, Fermentation Technology |
| CH364 | Process Optimization | Elective | 3 | Optimization Fundamentals, Linear Programming, Non-linear Programming, Dynamic Programming, Genetic Algorithms |
| CH357 | Seminar-III | Project | 2 | Critical Review of Research, Advanced Technical Communication, Literature Search and Evaluation, Research Proposal Development |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH400 | Transport Phenomena | Core | 4 | Momentum Transport, Heat Transport, Mass Transport, Analogies in Transport, Boundary Layer Theory |
| CH401 | Instrumentation and Process Control | Core | 4 | Measurement Techniques, Sensors and Transducers, Control Valves, Feedback Control Strategies, Advanced Control Concepts |
| CH402 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory-II | Lab | 1 | Non-Ideal Reactor Studies, Catalytic Reactor Experiments, Residence Time Distribution, Flow Visualization Studies |
| CH410 | Energy Engineering | Elective | 3 | Renewable Energy Sources, Conventional Energy Technologies, Energy Conservation and Management, Biofuels and Biomass Energy, Fuel Cells |
| CH412 | Green Chemical Engineering | Elective | 3 | Principles of Green Chemistry, Sustainable Chemical Processes, Waste Minimization and Utilization, Life Cycle Assessment, Green Solvents and Catalysis |
| CH414 | Advanced Separation Processes | Elective | 3 | Adsorption and Chromatography, Membrane Separation Processes, Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Reactive Separation, Hybrid Separations |
| CH406 | Project Phase-I | Project | 2 | Problem Identification and Scoping, Comprehensive Literature Review, Methodology Development, Preliminary Experimental/Simulation Design |
| CH407 | Summer Internship | Project | 2 | Industrial Training Experience, Application of Engineering Principles, Report Writing and Presentation, Industry-Specific Project Work |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH450 | Process Safety and Loss Prevention | Core | 4 | Hazard Identification Methods, Risk Assessment and Management, Safety Analysis Techniques (HAZOP), Accident Investigation, Emergency Planning and Response |
| CH460 | Nano-Science and Technology in Chemical Engineering | Elective | 3 | Nanomaterial Synthesis Methods, Characterization Techniques, Applications in Catalysis, Nanocomposites, Environmental Applications |
| CH462 | Electrochemical Engineering | Elective | 3 | Electrochemistry Fundamentals, Electrolytic Processes, Fuel Cells and Batteries, Corrosion Engineering, Electrochemical Sensors |
| CH464 | Bioprocess Design and Downstream Processing | Elective | 3 | Bioreactor Scale-Up, Sterilization Techniques, Product Recovery Strategies, Protein Purification, Regulatory Aspects of Bioprocesses |
| CH454 | Project Phase-II | Project | 6 | Experimental/Simulation Work, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Results Discussion, Thesis Writing, Final Presentation and Viva Voce |
| CH455 | Industrial Lecture | Core | 1 | Industry Trends and Innovations, Case Studies from Industry, Career Opportunities, Professional Ethics, Guest Lectures by Industry Experts |
