Chemical engineering occupies a unique position at the interface between molecular sciences and engineering. Chemical engineers sometimes are called ‘universal engineers’ because of their broad scientific and technical mastery in all the areas of engineering.
Apart from being involved in design, operations and management of the “traditional” chemical plants for manufacture of basic chemicals, petroleum, polymers, pharmaceuticals, cement, fertilizer, mineral processing and food processing. The discipline is fast expanding and the new science and engineering are helping develop technologies that are more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly. Chemical engineers are spearheading developments in medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, microelectronics, advanced materials, energy, consumer products, manufacturing, and environmental solutions.
The department has a long-standing history of excellence in undergraduate education with its inception in the year 1980 with an annual intake of 15. The intake was increased to 30 in 1986, 40 in 1997 and further increased to 60 in 2009.
The Department has strong links with industry, with interactions spanning consultancy, training and industrial visits. The department provides the students ample opportunities to interact with research institutions like ISRO,NIIST Trivandrum (CSIR) and various process industries like BPCL-Kochi Refineries, HLL Life Care Ltd, Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), FACT, Travancore Cochin Chemicals, Binani Zinc Ltd and a host of public and private sector industries available around.
The Student Chapters of prestigious professional bodies like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) and the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) functions in the department. The students get a chance to interact with professionals, academicians and peers throughout the world and participate in events and competitions at International and National levels through these Chapters.
