The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering welcomes two new options for the Chemical Engineering program

On July 1, 2024, the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering launched two new options in the Chemical Engineering undergraduate program: Clean Energy & Sustainable Process Systems and Bioprocessing & Biomanufacturing. These options result from years of curriculum development that included consultations with stakeholders, case studies, surveys, and research into effective educational methods. The goal was to create a curriculum that combines specialized knowledge with core chemical engineering principles, offering students a comprehensive education. The new courses are rich in laboratory practice, experiential learning, and team-based projects — ensuring students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. With concentrations in biomanufacturing or sustainable process systems, students will develop industry-relevant skills that align with market needs.

The introduction of these options is motivated by growing federal and provincial interest in Canadian biopharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine development and clean energy production. Recent years have seen a surge in industrial and research activity in these fields, and Alberta, with its advancing research and development facilities, is becoming an attractive destination for investors in bioprocessing industries and sustainable technologies. This trend creates diverse employment opportunities for graduates in industries such as food and brewing process engineering, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, carbon capture and sequestration, biomass and biofuel production, and other sustainable processes.

Moreover, the department anticipates increased opportunities for research grants and funding to develop new laboratories focused on clean energy and biomanufacturing. Companies like Shell, Amazon, Suncor, Genome Alberta and Antos Pharmaceuticals are already proposing biomanufacturing and clean energy initiatives in Alberta, further emphasizing the relevance of these new program options.

Historically, the University of Alberta's Chemical Engineering program has been viewed as aligned primarily with the oil and gas sectors. This perception, coupled with fluctuating energy prices and growing concerns about emissions, has contributed to a decline in interest in the field. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the global response have sparked increased interest in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing, providing an opportunity to expand the program’s scope. While several Canadian universities, including UBC, Toronto, Waterloo and Calgary, offer graduate programs in clean energy and sustainability, there are no undergraduate programs currently available in these fields across Canada. The introduction of these options at the undergraduate level places the U of A in a unique position to prepare students with in-demand skills while addressing the shifting energy and bioprocessing landscape.

The student response to these new options has been overwhelmingly positive. In the Fall 2024 term, the department welcomed its first cohort for these specializations, exceeding the department’s overall enrollment since 2016. This enthusiasm reflects the growing student interest in fields like clean energy and biomanufacturing and signals a promising future for the program. By integrating these forward-looking disciplines, the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering is positioning itself as a leader in preparing graduates for the evolving challenges and opportunities in chemical engineering.