Chemical Engineering / Materials Science & Engineering Joint Major

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The joint major programs are designed for students who wish to undertake study in two areas of engineering in order to qualify for employment in either field or for positions in which competence in two fields is required. The joint majors contain comparable proportions of coursework in both major fields. While they require slightly increased course loads, they can be completed in four years. Both majors are shown on the student's transcript of record. Students in this joint major program are concurrently enrolled in both the College of Engineering and the College of Chemistry, but their college of residence will be Chemistry.

Many of the engineering problems facing the nation in the next decades will require solutions by engineers who have training in both chemical process engineering and materials engineering. Three typical examples are coal gasification and liquefaction, extraction of metals from low-grade ores and wastes, and environmental control of metallurgical processes. Students completing this joint major will successfully compete for positions in diverse industries and top graduate programs.

Admission to the Joint Major

Admission to the joint major programs is closed to freshmen. Continuing students may petition for a change to a joint major program after their first year. For further details regarding how to declare the joint major, please contact the College of Chemistry.

Other Joint Major Offered with the College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering/Nuclear Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mission

The goals of chemical engineering breadth requirements are to teach the arts of writing clearly and persuasively, to develop the skills to read carefully and evaluate evidence effectively, and to instill an awareness of humanity in historical and social contexts. The Berkeley American Cultures requirement affirms the value of diversity in acquiring knowledge.

The technical curriculum in chemical engineering seeks to provide students with a broad education emphasizing an excellent foundation in scientific and engineering fundamentals.

Learning Goals

1-An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complx engineering problems by applying the principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2-An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3-An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4-An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

5-An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6-An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7-An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Materials Science

Measured Curricular Outcomes

The program is designed around a set of curricular outcomes. 

1. Be able to apply general math, science and engineering skills to the solution of engineering problems.
2. Be aware of the social, safety and environmental consequences of their work, and be able to engage in public debate regarding these issues.
3. Be able to apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems.
4. Be knowledgeable of contemporary issues relevant to materials science and engineering.
5. Be able to select materials for design and construction.
6. Understand the importance of life-long learning.
7. Be able to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze data.
8. Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of a materials scientist and engineer.
9. Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
10. Be able to communicate effectively while speaking, employing graphics, and writing.
11. Possess the skills and techniques necessary for modern materials engineering practice.

Educational Objectives for Graduates

Stated succinctly, graduates from the program will have the following skills: 

1. Know the fundamental science and engineering principles relevant to materials.
2. Understand the relationship between nano/microstructure, characterization, properties and processing, and design of materials.
3. Have the experimental and computational skills for a professional career or graduate study in materials.
4. Possess a knowledge of the significance of research, the value of continued learning, and environmental/social issues surrounding materials.
5. Be able to communicate effectively, to work in teams and to assume positions as leaders.

• finish secondary school and
• earn a certificate of completion, which allows admission to a university in their home country or country of graduation

In addition:

Students who have completed the IGCSE or O-level exams have not yet met the requirements for admission at UC Berkeley. The university requires further study, either completion of the two-year A-level program with a minimum of three academic exams, the IB diploma program, or another similar academic curriculum.

Students from countries requiring entry into military service upon completion of secondary education should not submit an application until the obligation has been met. UC Berkeley cannot defer admission to a later term.

Students may have to meet additional admission requirements and follow certain guidelines for filling out the undergraduate application, depending on country or educational system.

Apply to Berkeley by filling out the UC application. You can begin working on the application as early as August 1, and must submit the application November 1-30. You can apply to as many UC campuses as you like with one application, and each campus will receive your application and official test scores. If you have difficulties, contact the UC Application Center at [email protected] or (800) 207-1710.