Read the URI press release, which appeared in the Providence Journal on June 22, 2005

The Department of Chemical Engineering has introduced a new biology track into its curriculum. The primary motivation is to respond to advances in our understanding of biological processes at the molecular and macroscopic levels, and the unique opportunity for chemical engineers to translate that understanding to useful processes. The application of the chemical engineering paradigm to biology will enable graduates to develop new molecular biology tools; drug delivery systems; artificial skin, organs and tissues; sensors and alternative fuels and to integrate new bio-products into existing materials.

The new curriculum is founded on the core principles of transport phenomena, unit operations, thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Students opting for this track will take a series of five courses in the Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology departments. Besides preparing students for the biotechnology industry, this combination of biology, chemical engineering and chemistry courses is relevant to those considering medical school.

The courses in this track are listed by semester on the curriculum page.

Further information is included within the Chemical Engineering section of the 2008-2009 course catalog.