Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at American University of Sharjah is a four-year, 140-credit undergraduate degree that prepares students to solve real-world problems in process industries by applying principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering. It suits students aiming for careers in energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, sustainability, and advanced process design, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on lab work, simulation tools, a required internship, and a senior project. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational engineering and science knowledge with courses such as General Chemistry I & II, Calculus I & II, University Physics I, and Engineering Fundamentals. These units introduce the behaviour of matter and energy, mathematical modelling, and basic engineering principles that support future chemical engineering coursework. Laboratory sessions reinforce experimental technique and data interpretation, while communication courses sharpen students’ technical writing and teamwork abilities. 

Year 2:
During the second year, learners transition into core chemical engineering topics with courses like Principles of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, where they begin to analyse transport phenomena, phase equilibria, and flow systems that are central to process design. Complementary units such as Introduction to Process Simulation and Materials Science expand students’ understanding of process modelling and the behaviour of engineering materials. Many students also begin supervised Internship I, gaining workplace exposure to industry standards and practices. 

Year 3:
In year three, students deepen and integrate their technical expertise through subjects such as Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics & Control, which teach them how to design and optimise unit operations and control systems. Hands-on labs and project work reinforce key concepts by challenging students to apply theoretical knowledge to design problems, measure performance, and interpret results. Elective options — for example in environmental or biochemical process topics — allow learners to tailor their studies toward emerging fields. 

Year 4:
The final year emphasizes capstone design and professional readiness with a Senior Chemical Engineering Design Project, advanced electives like Process Safety and Risk Analysis or Bioprocess Engineering, and Internship II, where students apply cumulative learning to complex tasks. The capstone project integrates thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and process simulation as students develop full-scale design solutions and present them professionally. By graduation, students are prepared for industry positions or graduate study with a portfolio of technical and teamwork accomplishments.

Focus areas (in a string):
Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, process design and simulation, materials science, process control, environmental and biochemical process topics. 

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply engineering science and mathematics to complex chemical engineering problems; design and analyse processes and unit operations; conduct experiments and interpret data; integrate computational tools and simulation; communicate effectively; and demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility. 

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Education and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring it meets international quality standards for engineering education. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
The American University of Sharjah is a well-established private university in the UAE recognised for its engineering programs; it appears in major global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is positioned to support strong graduate employability in energy, materials, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability sectors.