
B-TECH in Chemical Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology


Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.Tech Chemical Engineering program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on the design, operation, and optimization of processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. With India''''s rapidly growing industrial landscape, from petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals, this program emphasizes fundamental principles, sustainable practices, and emerging technologies crucial for a robust manufacturing sector. It distinguishes itself by integrating theoretical knowledge with extensive practical exposure, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring engineers with a strong aptitude for science and mathematics, particularly those interested in applying scientific principles to industrial-scale production. It caters to fresh 10+2 graduates seeking entry into diverse sectors like energy, environment, and materials. Professionals looking to upskill in process optimization or sustainable technologies, or career changers aiming for roles in chemical industries, will also find the comprehensive curriculum beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India''''s thriving chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more based on their specialization and company. Growth trajectories often lead to roles in process design, R&D, operations management, or even entrepreneurship. The curriculum also aligns with the skills required for various professional certifications in process safety and quality management.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Mathematical and Scientific Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering core concepts in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Physics, and Chemistry. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL and Khan Academy for supplementary learning and problem-solving practice. Focus on understanding the why behind equations and phenomena rather than rote memorization.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Khan Academy, Textbooks, Peer study groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for understanding advanced chemical engineering principles in later semesters, which are essential for cracking technical interviews and excelling in R&D roles.
Develop Foundational Programming Skills for Engineering- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the ''''Introduction to Computing'''' course, focusing on C programming and basic data structures. Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or CodeChef regularly. Understand how computational thinking applies to engineering problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
C programming compiler (e.g., GCC), HackerRank, CodeChef, NPTEL''''s Programming in C course
Career Connection
Increasingly, chemical engineers use simulation and modeling tools. Early programming skills are vital for process simulation, data analysis, and automation roles, enhancing employability in Industry 4.0.
Cultivate Effective Communication and Professional Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in Professional English classes to hone communication, presentation, and teamwork skills. Engage in extracurricular activities, debates, or student clubs to practice public speaking and leadership. Start building a professional network by attending college workshops and guest lectures.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International clubs (if available), college communication labs, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Strong communication is paramount for report writing, client interaction, and team collaboration in any engineering role, directly impacting professional growth and leadership opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Core Engineering Principles through Labs and Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Maximize learning in Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, and Reaction Engineering labs. Focus on understanding the experimental setup, data analysis, and connecting theory to practical observations. Actively seek out mini-projects or research opportunities with faculty.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Simulation software like Aspen Plus (basic versions), MATLAB, Department research groups
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in unit operations and reactor design is highly valued by employers for roles in process development, plant operations, and R&D.
Gain Industry Exposure and Specialized Skills- (Semester 4-5)
Start exploring different chemical engineering specializations (e.g., process control, environmental engineering, materials) by attending industry talks and elective courses. Seek out internships during summer breaks, even short-term ones, to understand industrial practices and gain practical insights. Network with alumni.
Tools & Resources
Industry mentorship programs, company career pages, LinkedIn, SRMIST alumni network
Career Connection
Early industry exposure helps in identifying career interests, builds a professional network, and makes resumes stand out during placements, especially for core sector jobs.
Master Process Simulation and Data Analysis Tools- (Semester 4-5)
Beyond theoretical courses, dedicate time to learn process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS/Plus) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python with NumPy/Pandas, MATLAB). Participate in relevant workshops or online courses to build proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Aspen Education versions, Python (Anaconda distribution), MATLAB, Coursera/edX courses on process simulation
Career Connection
Proficiency in simulation and data analysis is a critical skill for modern chemical engineers, enabling them to optimize processes, troubleshoot problems, and contribute to digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Intensive Capstone Projects and Internships- (Semester 6-8)
Engage deeply in the Project I, II, and III courses, treating them as opportunities to solve complex, real-world problems. Aim for a substantial industrial internship (6 months if possible) to gain comprehensive practical experience and project exposure. Focus on applying all learned concepts.
Tools & Resources
Access to advanced lab facilities, industrial mentors, research papers, specialized simulation software
Career Connection
High-impact projects and successful internships are crucial for securing placements, as they demonstrate problem-solving abilities, industry readiness, and technical expertise to potential employers.
Specialize through Electives and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 6-8)
Carefully choose professional electives that align with your career aspirations and the demands of the Indian job market (e.g., petrochemicals, environmental, advanced materials). Begin rigorous placement preparation, including mock interviews, aptitude tests, and resume refinement, well in advance.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, company-specific preparation guides, online aptitude test platforms, mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Strategic elective choices enhance specialization, while dedicated placement preparation directly increases the chances of securing desirable job offers in core chemical engineering companies or related sectors.
Cultivate Professional Networking and Entrepreneurial Mindset- (Semester 7-8)
Actively expand your professional network by attending industry conferences, workshops, and alumni events. Explore entrepreneurial opportunities, perhaps through participating in college innovation challenges or developing a startup idea related to chemical processes or sustainable solutions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry associations (e.g., IIChE), SRMIST incubation center, startup workshops
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and future collaborations. An entrepreneurial mindset can lead to innovative roles within companies or successful ventures, contributing to India''''s startup ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics / Biology / Biotechnology / Technical Vocational subject. (Source: SRMIST Admissions 2024-25 eligibility criteria for B.Tech programs)
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LEM101T | Professional English I | Core | 3 | Language skills, Reading strategies, Writing academic paragraphs, Grammar, Listening and speaking skills |
| 21MAB101T | Calculus and Differential Equations | Core | 4 | Differential calculus, Functions of several variables, Ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, Vector calculus |
| 21CYB101J | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 4 | Electrochemistry, Corrosion, Water treatment, Fuel chemistry, Polymers, Material characterization |
| 21PHB102J | Physics for Chemical Sciences | Core | 4 | Solid state physics, Semiconductor physics, Thermodynamics, Quantum mechanics, Spectroscopy |
| 21GEB101T | Introduction to Engineering and Design | Core | 3 | Engineering fundamentals, Design thinking, Engineering materials, Energy systems, Project management |
| 21CHB101L | Chemical Engineering Drawing | Lab | 2 | Engineering graphics, Orthographic projections, Sectional views, Dimensioning, CAD tools |
| 21PDM101L | Personal and Professional Development I | Lab | 1 | Self-awareness, Goal setting, Time management, Communication skills, Professional ethics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LEM102T | Professional English II | Core | 3 | Advanced reading comprehension, Effective writing, Presentation skills, Group discussion, Interview techniques |
| 21MAB102T | Linear Algebra and Complex Analysis | Core | 4 | Matrices, Vector spaces, Eigenvalues, Complex numbers, Conformal mapping, Cauchy''''s theorem |
| 21CSB101J | Introduction to Computing | Core | 4 | Programming in C, Data structures, Algorithms, Object-oriented concepts, Operating systems basics |
| 21GEB102L | Engineering Practices | Lab | 2 | Workshop practice, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical wiring, Sheet metal work, Welding |
| 21GEB103T | Environmental Science and Engineering | Core | 3 | Ecosystems, Environmental pollution, Waste management, Renewable energy, Environmental laws, Climate change |
| 21CHB102T | Elements of Chemical Engineering | Core | 3 | Unit operations, Mass balance, Energy balance, Fluid mechanics, Heat transfer, Mass transfer |
| 21PDM102L | Personal and Professional Development II | Lab | 1 | Interpersonal skills, Conflict resolution, Leadership, Teamwork, Stress management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MAB201T | Probability and Statistics | Core | 4 | Probability theory, Random variables, Probability distributions, Sampling distributions, Hypothesis testing, Regression analysis |
| 21CHB201T | Fluid Mechanics | Core | 3 | Fluid properties, Fluid statics, Fluid dynamics, Flow through pipes, Pumps, Flow measurement |
| 21CHB202T | Heat Transfer | Core | 3 | Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Heat exchangers, Boiling and condensation, Heat transfer equipment |
| 21CHB203T | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 3 | First and Second Law of Thermodynamics, P-V-T behavior, Thermodynamic properties, Phase equilibria, Chemical reaction equilibria |
| 21CHB204T | Analytical Chemistry | Core | 3 | Gravimetric analysis, Volumetric analysis, Spectroscopic techniques, Chromatographic methods, Electrochemical methods |
| 21CHB205L | Fluid Mechanics Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Flow through pipes, Pump characteristics, Orifice meter, Venturi meter, Reynolds experiment |
| 21CHB206L | Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | Lab | 2 | pH metry, Conductometry, Potentiometry, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography |
| 21PDM201L | Personal and Professional Development III | Lab | 1 | Resume building, Interview skills, Group discussion techniques, Career planning, Corporate etiquette |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21CHB207T | Mass Transfer I | Core | 3 | Diffusion, Mass transfer coefficients, Interphase mass transfer, Humidification, Drying, Crystallization |
| 21CHB208T | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | Core | 3 | Reaction kinetics, Rate laws, Batch reactors, Ideal reactors (PFR, CSTR), Reactor design |
| 21CHB209T | Process Control | Core | 3 | Process dynamics, Control systems, PID controllers, Stability analysis, Advanced control strategies |
| 21CHB210T | Mechanical Operations | Core | 3 | Size reduction, Size enlargement, Filtration, Centrifugation, Mixing, Solid-fluid separation |
| 21CHB211L | Heat Transfer Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Shell and tube heat exchanger, Double pipe heat exchanger, Condensation, Radiation heat transfer |
| 21CHB212L | Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Batch reactor kinetics, CSTR performance, PFR performance, Reactor non-ideality |
| 21CHB213L | Mechanical Operations Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Jaw crusher, Ball mill, Filtration equipment, Sedimentation, Fluidized bed |
| 21CHB214P | Mini Project | Project | 1 | Problem identification, Literature review, Experimental design, Data analysis, Report writing |
| 21PDM202L | Personal and Professional Development IV | Lab | 1 | Critical thinking, Problem solving, Creativity, Innovation, Entrepreneurial mindset |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21CHB301T | Mass Transfer II | Core | 3 | Distillation, Absorption, Extraction, Adsorption, Ion exchange, Membrane separations |
| 21CHB302T | Chemical Reaction Engineering II | Core | 3 | Non-ideal reactors, Catalytic reactions, Heterogeneous reactors, Multi-phase reactors, Reactor stability |
| 21CHB303T | Process Modeling and Simulation | Core | 3 | Mathematical modeling, Numerical methods, Process simulation software, Optimization, Dynamic modeling |
| 21CHB304T | Chemical Process Technology | Core | 3 | Industrial inorganic processes, Industrial organic processes, Petrochemicals, Polymer industries, Fertilizers |
| 21CHB305L | Mass Transfer Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Distillation column, Packed column, Liquid-liquid extraction, Adsorption, Tray dryer |
| 21CHB306L | Process Control Laboratory | Lab | 2 | First order system, Second order system, PID controller tuning, Cascade control, Feedforward control |
| 21CHE3xxT | Professional Elective I | Professional Elective | 3 | Biochemical Engineering (Example): Enzyme kinetics, Bioreactor design, Fermentation technology, Downstream processing, Waste treatment |
| 21GEExxT | Open Elective I | Open Elective | 3 | Topics vary widely based on chosen elective from university-wide list |
| 21PDM301L | Personal and Professional Development V | Lab | 1 | Professional networking, Negotiation skills, Ethical decision making, Global awareness, Diversity and inclusion |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21CHB307T | Process Economics and Plant Design | Core | 3 | Cost estimation, Profitability analysis, Feasibility studies, Equipment selection, Plant layout, Safety in design |
| 21CHB308T | Environmental Chemical Engineering | Core | 3 | Air pollution control, Water pollution control, Solid waste management, Hazardous waste treatment, Green chemistry |
| 21CHB309T | Materials Science and Engineering | Core | 3 | Structure of materials, Properties of materials, Metals, Ceramics, Polymers, Composites |
| 21CHB310L | Process Modeling and Simulation Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Aspen HYSYS, PRO/II, MATLAB, Simulation of unit operations, Process optimization |
| 21CHB311P | Project I | Project | 3 | Project proposal, Literature review, Experimental work/Simulation, Data collection, Progress report |
| 21CHE3xxT | Professional Elective II | Professional Elective | 3 | Renewable Energy Systems (Example): Solar energy, Wind energy, Biofuels, Geothermal energy, Hydrogen energy |
| 21GEExxT | Open Elective II | Open Elective | 3 | Topics vary widely based on chosen elective from university-wide list |
| 21PDM302L | Personal and Professional Development VI | Lab | 1 | Entrepreneurship, Start-up ecosystem, Intellectual property rights, Mentorship, Leadership roles |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21CHB401T | Chemical Process Safety | Core | 3 | Hazard identification, Risk assessment, Safety management systems, Accident investigation, Emergency planning |
| 21CHB402L | Industrial Training / Internship | Practical | 6 | Industrial exposure, Application of theoretical knowledge, Report writing, Presentation, Skill development |
| 21CHB403P | Project II | Project | 6 | Advanced project development, Problem-solving, Data analysis, Scientific writing, Viva-voce |
| 21CHE4xxT | Professional Elective III | Professional Elective | 3 | Nanotechnology in Chemical Engineering (Example): Nanomaterials synthesis, Nanocomposites, Nanocatalysis, Nanofiltration, Safety aspects |
| 21CHE4xxT | Professional Elective IV | Professional Elective | 3 | Food Process Engineering (Example): Food properties, Unit operations in food processing, Food preservation, Packaging, Quality control |
| 21GEExxT | Open Elective III | Open Elective | 3 | Topics vary widely based on chosen elective from university-wide list |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21CHB404T | Energy Engineering | Core | 3 | Energy resources, Energy conservation, Energy efficiency, Power generation, Energy policy |
| 21CHE4xxT | Professional Elective V | Professional Elective | 3 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (Example): Governing equations, Numerical methods, Grid generation, Turbulence models, CFD software |
| 21CHE4xxT | Professional Elective VI | Professional Elective | 3 | Petroleum Refining Engineering (Example): Crude oil processing, Distillation, Cracking, Reforming, Petrochemical intermediates |
| 21CHB405P | Project III | Project | 10 | Comprehensive research, Prototype development, Thesis writing, Defense, Publication |




