This seminar series is a 1-credit class, open to graduate students in the BTP program. Other students will be allowed to join as space allows any given year. Students enrolled in the seminar series are expected to attend 16 total seminars, with reporting on those attended, to receive 1 credit. Seminars span several departments and are chosen each year by the BTP executive committee for their relevance to topics in biotechnology.

A series of invited lectures on a variety of research programs. Required course; may be taken Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Methods of linear analysis for typical chemical engineering systems. Review of linear algebra and eigen problems. Linear initial-value problems, phase-plane analysis of selected nonlinear systems and some restrictions, elementary numerical methods for initial value problems. Boundary-value problems and eigenfunction expansions for Sturm-Liouville systems, special functions and applications, elementary numerical methods for bound value pde's. Linear partial differential equations by separation of variables, transform methods and methods of characteristics, elementary numerical methods.

Analysis of the kinetics of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions. The influence of transport and non-ideal fluid behavior on kinetics. The influence of in-homogeneity in temperature and mixing. Design parameters for ideal reactors and changes dictated by non-ideality. Prerequisites: courses in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, and differential calculus.

Review of the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. Prediction and correlation of thermodynamic properties of fluids and fluid mixtures. Stability of thermodynamic systems. Phase equilibrium. Chemical reaction equilibrium.

The application of chemical engineering and biochemistry principles to the design and optimization of processes in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Topics include enzyme catalysis, metabolic engineering and regulation, fermentation, microbial growth, bioreactor design, and product recovery and purification.

This course will introduce concepts of engineered tissue replacements and tissue model systems for basic research. We will discuss the growing need for tissue replacements, in vivo cell-matrix relationships in biology, and how we can engineer biomaterials (both bioinert and bioinstructive) to act as cell scaffolds.

Historically, poor chemical engineering practices have resulted in numerous negative consequences such as environmental degradation, social and economic costs, and social injustice. Thus, there is a strong need for a transition to a sustainable chemical engineering practice based on green chemistry principles. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of green chemical engineering and apply these principles to the design, retrofit, and management of chemical processes for a more sustainable chemical manufacturing.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.