

B-TECH in Chemical Engineering at Panjab University


Chandigarh, Chandigarh
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Panjab University Chandigarh?
This B.Tech Chemical Engineering program at Panjab University, Chandigarh, focuses on applying scientific principles to design, operate, and optimize chemical processes. It addresses critical needs in Indian industries like petroleum, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental management, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological innovation. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for diverse career opportunities in the chemical sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with a strong aptitude for science and mathematics, aspiring to build careers in process industries. It also suits those seeking to contribute to India''''s growing manufacturing and R&D sectors, including working professionals looking to enhance their theoretical and practical expertise in chemical process design and management.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in Indian public and private sector companies, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Roles include Process Engineer, R&D Scientist, Production Manager, or Environmental Consultant, with opportunities for professional certifications and leadership growth in various industrial domains.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding foundational subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and basic engineering principles. Regular problem-solving, attending tutorials, and clarifying doubts are crucial to build a strong base for advanced chemical engineering concepts and future problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, online platforms like NPTEL for conceptual clarity, peer study groups, university library resources
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is indispensable for competitive exams (GATE, UPSC), higher studies, and for tackling complex engineering problems in industry, laying the groundwork for innovation.
Develop Programming and Software Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in the Computer Programming course and lab. Learn C/C++ or Python, as computational skills are increasingly vital for process simulation, data analysis, and automation in modern chemical industries. Practice coding regularly to enhance logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
HackerRank, GeeksforGeeks, Python/C++ IDEs, NPTEL courses on programming, university computing labs
Career Connection
Essential for roles in process simulation, data science, automation, and R&D, providing a significant edge in job interviews and industrial projects by demonstrating modern technical proficiency.
Engage in Engineering Graphics & Workshop Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Engineering Graphics for visualization skills and actively participate in the Engineering Workshop to gain hands-on experience with basic manufacturing processes. This practical exposure builds a tangible understanding of equipment and design principles, crucial for industrial applications.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD/SolidWorks tutorials (free student versions), workshop manuals, experienced technicians and faculty
Career Connection
Develops practical problem-solving abilities and a foundational understanding of fabrication and design, valuable for plant operations, maintenance, and equipment design roles in the industry.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Core Chemical Engineering Concepts to Real-World Problems- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge from subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat & Mass Transfer to case studies, mini-projects, and lab experiments. Focus on understanding the ''''why'''' and ''''how'''' of processes rather than just memorizing formulas.
Tools & Resources
Chemical engineering textbooks (e.g., McCabe, Smith, Van Ness), simulation software (Aspen HYSYS/Plus - if available at university), lab manuals
Career Connection
Builds analytical skills crucial for process design, optimization, and troubleshooting in industrial settings, directly preparing for core engineering roles and complex problem-solving.
Pursue Internships and Industrial Training- (Semester 3-5 (Summer breaks))
Proactively search for and complete internships during summer breaks in relevant chemical industries (e.g., petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers). This provides invaluable exposure to plant operations, safety protocols, and real-world industry practices.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, industry contacts, professor recommendations
Career Connection
Essential for gaining practical experience, building a professional network, and often leads directly to pre-placement offers or enhances placement prospects significantly by adding practical value.
Participate in Technical Competitions & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Join chemical engineering clubs or societies and participate in technical paper presentations, design competitions, and departmental projects. This fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation, and helps apply learned concepts creatively to solve challenges.
Tools & Resources
Institution''''s technical clubs, student chapters of professional bodies (e.g., IIChE), faculty mentors for guidance
Career Connection
Develops problem-solving, presentation, and leadership skills; builds an impressive resume for both placements and higher education admissions, showcasing initiative and practical aptitude.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Courses- (Semester 6-8)
Carefully select professional and open electives that align with your career interests (e.g., environmental engineering, biotechnology, advanced materials). Deepen your knowledge in these areas to build expertise for specific industry roles and to differentiate your profile.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, industry experts for insights, specialized journals and research papers, advanced textbooks and online certification courses
Career Connection
Creates a niche specialization, making you a more desirable candidate for specific roles in R&D, specialized manufacturing, or consulting, aligning your skills with industry demand.
Focus on Major Project and Design Work- (Semester 7-8)
Dedicate significant effort to the Major Project and Design Project. These are opportunities to conduct independent research, simulate complex processes, or design a complete chemical plant. This demonstrates advanced problem-solving and engineering application skills on a larger scale.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, simulation software licenses, faculty mentors and project guides, access to industry data (if possible)
Career Connection
The major project is often a key talking point in interviews, showcasing your ability to execute a full-scale engineering task, vital for R&D, design, and project management roles.
Prepare Holistically for Placements and Career Pathways- (undefined)
Engage in mock interviews, resume building workshops, and aptitude test preparation offered by the university. Network with alumni and industry professionals. Simultaneously, explore options for higher education (GATE, GRE) or entrepreneurship based on your long-term career goals.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, alumni network platform, online aptitude test platforms, interview preparation guides, professional networking events
Career Connection
Maximizes chances for successful placements in desired companies, prepares for competitive exams, or provides a clear roadmap for entrepreneurial ventures post-graduation, ensuring a smooth transition into your career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 183 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory subjects), External: 60% (for theory subjects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSMC-CH101-20 | Communication Skills | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Courses | 2 | Communication Process, Oral Communication, Written Communication, Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills |
| BSC-MA101-20 | Mathematics-I | Basic Science Course | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Sequences and Series, Matrices, Vector Calculus |
| BSC-PH101-20 | Physics | Basic Science Course | 4 | Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Semiconductor Physics |
| BSC-CH101-20 | Chemistry | Basic Science Course | 4 | Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry Fundamentals, Stereochemistry |
| ESC-CS101-20 | Computer Programming | Engineering Science Course | 3 | Introduction to Programming, Control Structures, Functions, Arrays, Pointers and Structures |
| ESC-EE101-20 | Basic Electrical Engineering | Engineering Science Course | 3 | DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Transformers, Electrical Machines, Basic Electronics |
| ESC-ME101-20 | Engineering Graphics & Design | Engineering Science Course | 1 | Engineering Curves, Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sections of Solids, Development of Surfaces |
| BSC-PH102-20 | Physics Lab | Basic Science Course (Lab) | 1 | Error Analysis, Experiments on Optics, Electricity, Semiconductor Devices, Magnetic Fields |
| BSC-CH102-20 | Chemistry Lab | Basic Science Course (Lab) | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, Instrumental Methods, Organic Preparations, Water Analysis, pH Measurements |
| ESC-CS102-20 | Computer Programming Lab | Engineering Science Course (Lab) | 1 | C Programming Exercises, Debugging Techniques, Problem Solving, Data Structures Implementation, File Handling |
| ESC-EE102-20 | Basic Electrical Engineering Lab | Engineering Science Course (Lab) | 1 | Verification of Circuit Laws, Measurement of Electrical Quantities, Motor Characteristics, AC Circuits Experiments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSMC-CH102-20 | Professional Ethics & Human Values | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Courses | 2 | Ethics and Morality, Professionalism in Engineering, Human Values and Society, Environmental Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility |
| BSC-MA102-20 | Mathematics-II | Basic Science Course | 4 | Differential Equations, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Analysis |
| BSC-PH103-20 | Material Science | Basic Science Course | 3 | Crystalline Solids, Defects in Solids, Phase Diagrams, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Electrical & Magnetic Properties |
| ESC-EC101-20 | Basic Electronics Engineering | Engineering Science Course | 3 | PN Junction Diodes, Transistors, Rectifiers and Filters, Amplifiers, Operational Amplifiers |
| ESC-ME102-20 | Engineering Workshop | Engineering Science Course (Lab) | 2 | Carpentry Shop, Fitting Shop, Welding Shop, Foundry Shop, Machining Shop |
| PCC-CH101-20 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics-I | Professional Core Course | 3 | Basic Concepts of Thermodynamics, First Law of Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Properties of Pure Fluids, Heat Engines and Refrigeration |
| PCC-CH102-20 | Fluid Mechanics | Professional Core Course | 3 | Fluid Statics, Fluid Kinematics, Momentum and Energy Equations, Flow through Pipes and Channels, Flow Measurement |
| ESC-EC102-20 | Basic Electronics Engineering Lab | Engineering Science Course (Lab) | 1 | Diode Characteristics, Transistor Amplifiers, Rectifier Circuits, Op-Amp Applications, Logic Gates |
| PCC-CH103-20 | Fluid Mechanics Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Flow Measurement Devices, Friction Factor in Pipes, Pump Performance Characteristics, Bernoulli''''s Theorem Verification, Viscosity Measurement |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCC-CH201-20 | Chemical Process Calculations | Professional Core Course | 3 | Material Balances (Non-reactive), Material Balances (Reactive), Energy Balances, Humidity and Saturation, Recycle, Bypass, Purge Operations |
| PCC-CH202-20 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics-II | Professional Core Course | 3 | Phase Equilibria, Chemical Reaction Equilibria, Solution Thermodynamics, Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Compressors and Turbines |
| PCC-CH203-20 | Heat Transfer | Professional Core Course | 3 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers Design, Boiling and Condensation |
| PCC-CH204-20 | Mass Transfer-I | Professional Core Course | 3 | Molecular Diffusion, Convective Mass Transfer, Interphase Mass Transfer, Gas Absorption, Distillation Principles |
| PCC-CH205-20 | Mechanical Operations | Professional Core Course | 3 | Particle Technology, Fluidization, Filtration and Centrifugation, Size Reduction, Mixing and Agitation |
| PCC-CH206-20 | Chemical Reaction Engineering-I | Professional Core Course | 3 | Reaction Kinetics, Batch Reactors Design, Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR), Plug Flow Reactors (PFR), Multiple Reactions |
| PCC-CH207-20 | Heat Transfer Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Conduction Apparatus, Convection Apparatus, Heat Exchanger Performance, Emissivity Measurement, Boiler Efficiency Calculation |
| PCC-CH208-20 | Mass Transfer Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Diffusion Coefficient Measurement, Gas Absorption Studies, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Distillation Column Performance, Adsorption Isotherms |
| PCC-CH209-20 | Mechanical Operations Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Particle Size Analysis, Fluidization Characteristics, Filtration Rate Measurement, Sedimentation Rate, Ball Mill Performance |
| ES-CH201-20 | Basic Biotechnology | Engineering Science Elective | 3 | Cell Structure and Function, Molecular Biology Principles, Genetic Engineering Concepts, Fermentation Technology, Bioseparation Techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCC-CH210-20 | Instrumentation and Process Control | Professional Core Course | 3 | Process Variables Measurement, Transducers and Sensors, Control System Components, PID Controllers, Control Valves |
| PCC-CH211-20 | Mass Transfer-II | Professional Core Course | 3 | Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Humidification and Dehumidification, Drying Operations, Crystallization, Membrane Separations |
| PCC-CH212-20 | Chemical Reaction Engineering-II | Professional Core Course | 3 | Non-Ideal Flow and RTD, Catalytic Reactors, Multiphase Reactors, Biochemical Reactors, Reactor Stability and Safety |
| PCC-CH213-20 | Chemical Process Technology | Professional Core Course | 3 | Petrochemical Processes, Polymer Industries, Fertilizer Industries, Sugar and Distillery Industries, Pulp and Paper Industry |
| PCC-CH214-20 | Industrial Stoichiometry | Professional Core Course | 3 | Material Balances with Reaction, Energy Balances for Industrial Plants, Combustion Calculations, Thermodynamics of Reactive Systems, Process Utilities |
| PCC-CH215-20 | Environmental Engineering | Professional Core Course | 3 | Air Pollution Control, Water Pollution and Treatment, Wastewater Treatment Technologies, Solid Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment |
| PCC-CH216-20 | Instrumentation & Process Control Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Temperature Control Systems, Pressure and Flow Control, Level Control Systems, PID Controller Tuning, Control Valve Characteristics |
| PCC-CH217-20 | Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Batch Reactor Kinetics, CSTR Performance Evaluation, PFR Performance, Residence Time Distribution, Catalyst Activity Measurement |
| PCC-CH218-20 | Environmental Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Water Quality Analysis, Air Quality Monitoring, BOD/COD Measurement, Solid Waste Characterization, Effluent Treatment Studies |
| OEC-CH201-20 | Open Elective-I | Open Elective Course | 3 | As per chosen elective from approved list (e.g., Non-conventional Energy Sources, Disaster Management, Rural Technology) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCC-CH301-20 | Chemical Engineering Economics | Professional Core Course | 3 | Time Value of Money, Depreciation and Taxes, Profitability Analysis, Cost Estimation Techniques, Project Evaluation |
| PCC-CH302-20 | Process Design & Optimization | Professional Core Course | 3 | Process Synthesis and Analysis, Equipment Sizing and Selection, Optimization Techniques, Process Simulation Tools, Safety in Design |
| PCC-CH303-20 | Transport Phenomena | Professional Core Course | 3 | Momentum Transport, Energy Transport, Mass Transport, Analogies in Transport Phenomena, Turbulent Flow |
| PCC-CH304-20 | Polymer Science & Engineering | Professional Core Course | 3 | Polymerization Mechanisms, Polymer Structure and Characterization, Mechanical Properties of Polymers, Polymer Processing, Polymer Applications |
| PCC-CH305-20 | Process Equipment Design | Professional Core Course | 3 | Design of Heat Exchangers, Design of Distillation Columns, Design of Reactors, Design of Storage Vessels, Mechanical Design Considerations |
| OEC-CH301-20 | Open Elective-II | Open Elective Course | 3 | As per chosen elective from approved list (e.g., Constitution of India, Human Rights, IPR) |
| PCC-CH306-20 | Process Design & Optimization Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 3 | Process Simulation Software Application, Optimization Algorithms Implementation, Equipment Sizing Calculations, Cost Analysis for Chemical Plants, Heat Exchanger Network Design |
| PCC-CH307-20 | Transport Phenomena Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Viscosity Measurement, Thermal Conductivity Determination, Diffusion Coefficient Experiment, Mass Transfer in Packed Beds, Fluid Friction in Complex Geometries |
| PCC-CH308-20 | Polymer Science & Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Characterization Techniques, Mechanical Testing of Polymers, Rheological Studies of Polymers, Polymer Processing Experiments |
| PROJ-CH301-20 | Project-I | Project | 1 | Literature Survey, Problem Identification, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design/Analysis, Report Writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCC-CH309-20 | Advanced Separation Processes | Professional Core Course | 3 | Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Chromatography, Membrane Separations (Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration), Reactive Distillation, Supercritical Fluid Extraction |
| PCC-CH310-20 | Energy Engineering | Professional Core Course | 3 | Conventional Energy Sources, Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Conservation and Management, Cogeneration Systems, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Energy |
| PCC-CH311-20 | Process Safety & Hazard Analysis | Professional Core Course | 3 | Industrial Accidents and Incidents, Hazard Identification Methods (HAZOP), Risk Assessment Techniques, Safety Management Systems, Fire and Explosion Protection |
| PCC-CH312-20 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Professional Core Course | 3 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Discretization Methods (FDM, FVM), Grid Generation Techniques, Solver Algorithms, CFD Applications in Chemical Engineering |
| OEC-CH302-20 | Open Elective-III | Open Elective Course | 3 | As per chosen elective from approved list (e.g., Industrial Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Total Quality Management) |
| PEC-CH301-20 | Professional Elective-I | Professional Elective Course | 3 | Biochemical Engineering principles, Petroleum Refining processes, Food processing technologies, Catalytic reactions and reactor design |
| PCC-CH313-20 | Advanced Separation Processes Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Adsorption Column Operation, Ion Exchange Column Studies, Membrane Permeation Experiments, Chromatographic Separation, Reactive Distillation Pilot Plant |
| PCC-CH314-20 | Energy Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Fuel Analysis, Calorific Value Determination, Solar Energy System Performance, Heat Pump Studies, Energy Audit Techniques |
| PCC-CH315-20 | Process Safety & Hazard Analysis Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | HAZOP Study Application, Risk Assessment Software Usage, Emergency Response Planning, Safety Data Sheets Analysis, Fire Extinguisher Training |
| PROJ-CH302-20 | Project-II | Project | 1 | Experimental Work/Simulation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Interim Report Preparation, Presentation Skills, Project Management |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCC-CH401-20 | Industrial Management | Professional Core Course | 3 | Principles of Management, Production and Operations Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Quality Management |
| PCC-CH402-20 | Process Intensification | Professional Core Course | 3 | Microreactors and Miniaturization, Compact Heat Exchangers, High Gravity Separators, Reactive Separations, Process Integration |
| PEC-CH401-20 | Professional Elective-II | Professional Elective Course | 3 | Process modeling techniques, Advanced thermodynamic cycles, Corrosion mechanisms and prevention, Pulp and paper manufacturing processes |
| PEC-CH402-20 | Professional Elective-III | Professional Elective Course | 3 | Nanomaterials synthesis and applications, Biorefinery concepts and products, Optimization algorithms in chemical engineering, Fertilizer production processes |
| PCC-CH403-20 | Process Intensification Lab | Professional Core Course (Lab) | 1 | Microreactor Setup and Operation, High-Gravity Separator Performance, Reactive Distillation Pilot Plant, Compact Heat Exchanger Evaluation, Process Optimization Tools Application |
| PCC-CH404-20 | Design Project | Project | 3 | Chemical Plant Design, Equipment Sizing and Specification, Material and Energy Balances for Plants, Costing and Economic Analysis, Feasibility Study |
| PROJ-CH401-20 | Project-III | Project | 3 | Advanced Experimental Design, Data Interpretation and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation of Research, Research Methodology |
| INT-CH401-20 | Industrial Training/Internship | Internship | 5 | Industrial Exposure and Practices, Practical Skill Development, Technical Report Writing, Problem Solving in Industry, Professional Conduct |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEC-CH403-20 | Professional Elective-IV | Professional Elective Course | 3 | Computational chemistry methods, Advanced process control strategies, Waste conversion technologies, Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes |
| PEC-CH404-20 | Professional Elective-V | Professional Elective Course | 3 | Green chemistry principles and applications, Digital tools in chemical industry, Plant safety and risk assessment, Petrochemical synthesis and processes |
| PROJ-CH402-20 | Major Project | Project | 10 | Independent Research and Development, Advanced Problem Solving, Prototype Development/Simulation, Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Final Project Presentation |
| HSMC-CH401-20 | Entrepreneurship & Start-ups | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Courses | 3 | Business Idea Generation, Market Research and Analysis, Business Plan Development, Funding and Venture Capital, Legal Aspects and Marketing Strategies |




