Navigating the Chemical Engineering Curriculum at UCF: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing a major and navigating the university curriculum can be a complex process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Chemical Engineering curriculum at the University of Central Florida (UCF), designed to guide prospective and current students. It covers various aspects, including transfer pathways, core coursework, electives, minors, and professional certifications, to help students make informed decisions and succeed in their academic pursuits.

Transferring to UCF for Chemical Engineering

For students planning to transfer to UCF to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, it is highly recommended to review the admission requirements, including prerequisites, of their intended institution. Course requirements may differ slightly depending on the transfer institution, so guidance should be sought from that institution.

The Chemistry major works best if you can start in the highest math for which you are qualified, based on P.E.R.T.

Materials Science and Engineering at UCF

Everything is made of materials, from computer chips to car batteries. As a materials scientist or engineer, you can create new materials or alter existing ones to improve anything from electronic sensors to semiconductors. Materials science incorporates multiple disciplines, including metallurgy, physics, biology, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Prepare for a dynamic career with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the UCF Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The curriculum provides fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry, electrical engineering, structures and behaviors of materials, materials processing, transport phenomena, and much more. This program also offers an accelerated B.S. to M.S.

Read also: Learn about the Boudart Award

As an undergraduate student at UCF, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in research, from projects in our faculty laboratories to Student Research Week events. With a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from UCF, you can prepare to work for a variety of engineering organizations including NASA, Siemens, and General Electric. Our graduates work for these organizations and more, including Kismet Technologies, the NASA Glenn Research Center, Orthomerica Products, and Soarce. Materials compose the products that make human life easier, such as electronics and medical devices. Become the scientist who develops materials that are stronger, better and more advanced with a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from UCF. The program offers an outstanding selection of courses taught by world-renowned instructors who offer students innovative classroom and research opportunities.

Students who wish to declare their major in Materials Science and Engineering must be in good academic standing and must have a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in each of the following courses or their equivalents: MAC 2311, MAC 2312, CHM 2045C, and PHY 2048C. View the UCF Undergraduate Catalog for full admissions criteria.

While licensure or certification may be available in this field of study, our program does not directly lead to such licensure or certification upon graduation. The professional preparation you receive in our program may still assist you in such pursuits; however, we are unable to confirm the specific licensure and certification requirements of each state, territory, or foreign entity in which professional credentialing may be possible. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we strongly advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its academic criteria.

Core Coursework in Engineering

The engineering curriculum at UCF is designed to provide a strong foundation in fundamental engineering principles. Several core courses are essential for students pursuing a degree in engineering. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

Environmental Engineering: ENV 3001 introduces the concepts and terminology of environmental engineering, stressing material and energy balances and covering air, water, and land pollution. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in MAC 2312 and in CHM 2045C or CHS 1440 or CHM 2041 is required.
Biological Process Control: EES 4111C focuses on the engineering design, measurements, and analysis of biological systems in environmental engineering for water management, bioenergy products, wastewater treatment, and others. ENV 3001 with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better is a prerequisite.
Chemical Process Control: EES 4202C requires a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in CHM 2046 and ENV 3001, focusing on chemical processes.
Mechanics of Materials: EGN 3331C covers concepts of stress, strain, strength, and deflection of axial force members, shafts in torsion, beams in flexure, combined stress, the stability of columns, and design of simple elements. A grade of “C” or better in EGN 3310 is required, and MAP 2302 is a co-requisite.
Civil Engineering Materials: CGN 3501C explores mechanical and aerospace engineering materials. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better in EGN 3331C and in CHS 1440 or CHM 2045C or CHM 2041 is required.
Fluid Mechanics I: EML 3701 covers principles of continuum fluid mechanics, integral and differential forms of governing equations, fluid statics, dimensional analysis, measurements, and internal flows. A “C” (2.0) or better is required in all of the following: MAC 2311C, MAC2312, MAC 2313, MAP 2302, PHY 2048C, EGN 3321 and EGN 3343.
Solid Mechanics: EGM 3601 covers solid mechanics. A “C” (2.0) or better in the following MAC 2311C, MAC2312, MAC2313, PHY 2048C and EGN 3310 is required; PR or CR: MAP 2302.
Engineering Biomechanics: BME 3211 focuses on engineering approaches and tools used in different aspects of biomechanics, requiring ENG 3310 and (ENG 3321 or EML 3217) and EGM 3601.

Electives and Specializations

The curriculum includes electives that allow students to delve deeply into selected subject matter and learn other pertinent subjects. Mechanical Engineers are capable of working in a wide variety of industry sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, environment, transportation, materials, and structures.

Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

The goal of the baccalaureate degree program is to prepare students to embark upon a professional career in Mechanical Engineering or to begin a graduate study. Graduates will be known for their accomplishments in the early stage of their careers and they should: Be successful in the professional practice of engineering or related fields and will advance in their chosen careers. Be successful in pursuing advanced degrees in engineering or related fields. Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and oldest of the engineering disciplines. It is the engineering discipline that applies the principles of engineering, materials science, thermal sciences, mechanics, mathematics, and physics for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Because of the extremely rapid growth and changes relating to the application of mechanical engineering principles, the curriculum is designed to concentrate on a solid core of foundation courses. Electives are included to permit a student to delve deeply into selected subject matter and to learn other pertinent subjects. Mechanical Engineers are capable of working in a wide variety of industry sectors, including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, environment, transportation, materials, and structures.

Program Requirements

Students are required to have a laptop or tablet PC. Students should check with the department for minimum hardware configurations. In addition to the University’s general requirements, students seeking the BSME must meet the requirements listed below. A minimum course grade of "C-" or better is required in certain Engineering courses as well as all math, science, and engineering courses that serve as prerequisites to EGN, EGM, EML, and EEL prefixed courses and labs. See program requirements below for a full set of courses that require a grade of "C-" or better. The mechanical engineering curriculum is designed to yield a set of outcomes. Each upper-division course in the program contributes to at least one of these outcomes.

General Education and State Requirements

In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum: In order to minimize the number of courses required, students should consult with their academic advisor for courses which will satisfy both the General Education requirements and common prerequisites. For example, students can take MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II to complete the Mathematics requirement. The sciences listed in the Common Prerequisites section will also fulfill the General Education Natural Science requirement. To maximize the overlap, one of the two General Education Electives should be taken in the Natural Sciences, specifically CHM 2045 General Chemistry I , PHY 2048 Calculus-Based Physics I , or PHY 2049 Calculus-Based Physics II .

General Education Breadth/Elective requirements for students majoring in Mechanical Engineering differ from other majors. Students must not register for general education courses without consulting their academic advisor.

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Students Included in Cohort	Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018	None
Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020	Complete a course or Assessment.
Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023	Course and Assessment.
Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter	Course and Assessment.

Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement. There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement.

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.

Algebra through Calculus

Students will be placed on a starting point based on their mathematics placement. MAC 1105College Algebra3-4 or MAC 1105C College Algebra with Lab or MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra or MAC 1114 Trigonometry or MAC 1147 Precalculus with Trigonometry or MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I MAC 1140Precalculus Algebra3-4 or MAC 1114 Trigonometry or MAC 1147 Precalculus with Trigonometry or MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I or MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities. A minimum grade of a "C" is required in the following courses. Note that the labs are required for Physics and Chemistry, but a "C" is not required (although a passing grade is required).

CHM 2045& 2045LGeneral Chemistry Iand General Chemistry I Laboratory
MAC 2311Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
MAC 2312Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
MAC 2313Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
MAP 2302Differential Equations
PHY 2048& 2048LCalculus-Based Physics Iand Calculus-Based Physics I Lab
PHY 2049& 2049LCalculus-Based Physics IIand Calculus-Based Physics II Lab

Note that students may begin taking engineering courses prior to completing all of these math and science prerequisites, but they must complete those math and science courses (with a minimum of a "C-" grade) listed as prerequisites to any engineering classes they wish to take.

Major Courses

EEL 3111& 3111LCircuits Iand Electrical Circuits Laboratory +, c
EGM 2500Engineering Mechanics-Statics +, c
EEL 4834Programming for Engineers +, c
EGN 3365Engineering Materials +, c
EGM 3401Engineering Mechanics-Dynamics +, c
EGM 3344Numerical Methods +, c
EGN 2911LSophomore Engineering Design I +, c,
EGN 2912LSophomore Engineering Design II +. c,
EGN 3913LJunior Engineering Design I +, c
EGN 3914LJunior Engineering Design II +, c
EML 3022Computer Aided Design and Modeling +, c
EML 3015Thermal Fluid Systems I +, c
EML 3016& 3016LThermal Fluid Systems IIand Thermal Fluid Systems II lab +
EML 3703Thermal Systems
EML 3500Machine Design +
EML 3011& EML 3172LMechanics of Materialsand Mechanics of Materials lab +, c
EML 4804& 4804LMechatronic Systemsand Mechatronic Systems lab +
EML 4225Dynamic Systems +
EGN 4950Capstone Design I 2, +, c
EGN 4952LCapstone Design II 2, +, c
EGS 4032Professional Ethics +
Mechanical Engineering Electives 1, +

Major-Related Courses

EGS 3441Engineering Statistics
EGS 1006Introduction to Engineering 3, +, c

Students who begin their Mechanical program as sophomores or higher may replace this with a professional development elective. Work with your academic advisor to choose an elective that will aid you in your career objectives. Typical courses for this elective include, but are not limited to, professional writing courses, courses from other STEM fields, and business courses.

Mechanical Engineering Minor

The Minor in Mechanical Engineering provides an opportunity for students majoring in other areas to take a limited number of mechanical engineering courses to complement their majors. The Minor in Mechanical Engineering is open to all UWF students with the exception of mechanical engineering majors. Students applying for the minor must have a declared major. Students may not take a course and its prerequisite during the same semester. Students seeking the Minor in Mechanical Engineering must have a minimum course grade of “C” or better in EML 3022 Computer Aided Design and Modeling, EGM 2500 Engineering Mechanics-Statics, EGN 3365 Engineering Materials, and EML 3011 Mechanics of Materials. The courses in the minor require MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I, CHM 2045 General Chemistry I, and PHY 2048 Calculus-Based Physics I as prerequisites with a minimum grade of "C".

Engineering Professional Certificate

This certificate program is focused on engineering professional knowledge. The Engineering Professional Certificate prepares students to achieve licensure and other valued industry certifications. The certificate will help students learn engineering fundamentals as well as specific industry skills. All prerequisites must be met in order to enroll in these courses.

Admission Requirements for Certificate

Students seeking admission to the Engineering Professional Certificate Program must meet the requirements at the time of application. The program selection criteria are based on the following:

Completion of prerequisite courses.
In lieu of prerequisite course completion: ABET accredited bachelor's degree in engineering OR related field.
At least one year of professional experience as an Engineering Professional.

Specialized Courses in Various Engineering Fields

UCF offers a variety of specialized courses across different engineering fields. These courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills in specific areas, preparing students for advanced studies or specialized roles in the industry. Examples include:

Electrical Engineering

Biomedical Sensors (EEE 5272): This course studies the engineering concepts behind various biomedical sensors used to monitor a patient undergoing clinical therapy. It requires EEL 4750 or EEL 4832 with a grade of C.I.
Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals (EEL 4750): This course covers discrete-time signals and systems, Z-transform, and DFT introduction to digital filter design. It requires EEL 3123C with a grade of ‘C” (2.0) or better.
Engineering Applications of Computer Methods (EEL 4832): Focuses on the design of data structures and algorithms, with emphasis on performance analysis, memory organization, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, graphs, searches, and sorts. It requires EEL 3123C and EGN 3211 both with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better.
Honors Networks and Systems (EEL 3123C): This course requires consent of Honors and EEL 3004C, MAP 2302 both with grades of “C” (2.0) or better.

Biomedical Engineering

Biofluid Mechanics (BME 5267): Covers the physical and mathematical principles of fluid mechanics and its application and relevance to human physiology and pathology. It requires EML 3701 and EGM 3601 or C.I.
Applied and Computational Biofluids (BME 5268C): Requires EML 3701 and EGM 3601 or C.I.

Physics

Mechanics I (PHY 3220): Covers particle dynamics, rigid bodies, Lagrangian formulation of mechanics, and Hamilton’s equations. It requires PHY 2048C or PHY 2048H, MAP 2302.
Electricity and Magnetism I (PHY 3323): Covers electrostatics, magnetostatics, Lorentz force current electricity, and Maxwell’s equations. It requires PHY 2049C, MAP 2302.
Electricity and Magnetism II (PHY 4324): Requires PHY 3323.
Optics (PHY 4424): Covers wave optics, absorption, stimulated emission, lasers, transforms, coherence, and holography. It requires PHY 3101 and PHY 3323.
Lasers (PHY 4445): Covers principles of laser gain media, properties of resonators and modes, and description of specific laser systems. It requires PHY 3101, MAP 2302, PHY 4424, or C.I.
Wave Mechanics I (PHY 4604): Covers postulates of quantum mechanics, operators and observables, and the Schroedinger equation with simple applications. It requires PHZ 3113 and PHY 3220.
Wave Mechanics II (PHY 4605): Requires PHY 4604.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Applied Biological Chemistry (CHM 5305): Focuses on the identification from plants, synthesis, assessment of bioactivity, and design of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, as well as the impact of biotechnology in the chemical industry. It requires CHM 2211, and graduate status or senior standing or C.I.
Polymer Chemistry (CHM 5450 & CHM 4455): Introduces the chemistry of synthetic polymers, covering synthetic methods, polymerization mechanisms, characterization techniques, and polymer properties. CHM 2211, and graduate status or senior standing or C.I. are required for CHM 5450; CHM 2211 is required for CHM 4455.
Electrochemistry (CHM 4427): Covers electrochemical methods and their applications, requiring CHM 2046.
Biochemistry I (BCH 4053): A consideration of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, enzymes and their effect on biochemical systems, and inter-relationship of intermediary metabolism. Requires CHM 2211.
Organic Laboratory Techniques II (CHM 3215L): Open-end laboratory to develop synthesis techniques and structure elucidation skills. Requires CHM 2211 and CHM 2211L.

Biology

Biology II (BSC 2011C): Continuation of BSC 2010C, covering organismal anatomy and physiology as it relates to biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. A “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2010C or C.I. is required.
Honors Quantitative Biological Methods (BSC 3403C): Requires Consent of Honors, BSC 2010C, MCB 3020C, CHM 2046.
Tissue Engineering (BSC 5418): Introduction to Tissue Engineering with a special emphasis on the current status of the field, on novel methods and on cell-biomaterial interactions. Requires Graduate standing.
General Microbiology (MCB 3020C): Covers fundamentals of Microbiology, evaluating microbial structure and function, metabolism, growth, genetics, virology environmental control, ecology, pathogenicity; and laboratory techniques. Requires BSC 2010C, CHM 2046, or CR: CHM 2210.
Molecular Biology I (PCB 3522): Covers the general principles governing the structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. Requires CM 2211 and MCB 3020C or C.I.
Human Physiology (PCB 3703C): Covers the physiology and interrelationships of organ systems of the human body. Requires BSC 2010C, CMB 1032 or CHM 2045C.
Genetics (PCB 3063): Requires CHM 2046 and a “C” (2.0) or better in BSC 2010C, or C.I.

Zoology

Human Anatomy (ZOO 3733C): Structure of the human body. Requires BSC 2010C or equivalent.
Neurobiology (ZOO 3744): Biological principles governing the physiology of the nervous system including electrical properties, chemical signaling, cellular compositions, development, injury, and regeneration. Requires BSC 2010C.

Admission to UCF

Admission to UCF is competitive, so applying early is encouraged. As an incoming first-year student, you should apply between September and November of your high school senior year if you plan to enroll the following summer or fall semester. By applying early, you may benefit from scholarship consideration and housing availability.

Transferring to UCF

UCF has more than 245 degree programs in 12 colleges, plus a talented team of faculty and staff to help find what’s right for you. Whether you’re planning to complete your bachelor’s degree or are seeking a new college with bigger opportunities, get the tools and support you need to transfer and succeed. Plus, if you earn an A.A. or articulated A.S. degree from one of our partner institutions, DirectConnect to UCF guarantees* you admission. Reach out to the Office of Transfer and Transition Services to help make your transition smooth and seamless.

UCF Online

With more than 25 years of innovation in educational technology, UCF Online offers high-quality distance learning options for both traditional and nontraditional students. You’ll have a dedicated team that guides you every step of the way - from application through graduation - and helps you stay on track to achieve your goals. Choose from fully online offerings, including bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, professional certificates and 2+2 baccalaureate completion programs. Learn wherever and whenever you want.

Graduate Studies

With world-class research, pioneering partnerships and renowned faculty, you’ll enjoy a rich blend of academics, research, culture and fun. Explore more than 138 master’s, specialist, doctoral and certificate programs to help you achieve your professional and personal goals. Continue your education and take the next step in your career.

International Students

UCF students come from all over the world. With 151 countries represented on campus, there’s plenty of opportunity to make new friends and enjoy cultural experiences. International students, like you, make significant contributions to our campus learning, innovative research and global partnerships.

Certifications

Gain skills. Get certified. And get ahead. Enroll in credit and noncredit courses, as well as expert test prep programs. Whether you’re just starting out or have worked in an industry for years, certifications can help you achieve your goals and give you a competitive edge in your career.

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