P.C. Rossin College of
Engineering and Applied Science
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Are you a Lehigh student looking to pick up an elective for the Spring 2027 semester?
 
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has a number of courses available for all majors. See below and register now!

CHE 001 "Coffee and Cosmetics"

Course Instructor: Blake Lopez

This class starts with everything about coffee - from agriculture and roasting to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, ending with either a presentation or a competition for best design or brew mid-semester. Cosmetics are then taught, emphasizing both their beauty and health impacts and the engineering of these soft matter coatings applied to a biological substrate (skin), also ending in a presentation and/or a competition for best lip balm. Engineering, environmental, and cultural aspects will be discussed about each topic. 

CHE 195/295/395 "Experiential Student Projects"

Tackle real-world, open-ended challenges in chemical and biomolecular engineering on your own terms. This student-driven, faculty-mentored experience gives you the freedom to explore creative solution pathways and build tangible, hands-on outcomes. Select your project and apply. 

CHE 370 "Beer, Wine and Distilling"

Course Instructor: Joseph Menicucci

An open-ended and experiential exploration of engineering principles required for the brewing of beer, winemaking, and distilling of spirits. Restricted to over 21, limited spaces assigned through application process. All majors welcome to apply. Counts towards Biomolecular Engineering concentration

CHE 371 "Our Sustainable Future"

Course Instructor: Steven McIntosh

Change in global climate marches on in 2026 as we face a ‘super’ El Nino. Beyond direct climatic impacts, our current and growing societal demands for energy, natural resources, food, housing and health set us on a globally unsustainable path. In this course, we examine how we got here and the critical and rational role that we all must play in redefining our societal trajectory. Discussions will be framed around core scientific and engineering principles with students challenged to explore how these interact with societies around the globe. The course leverages AI tools for research, organization, and to create engaging new content explaining the issues and proposed solutions. Counts towards concentration: Energy and Environment

CHE 372/472 "Polymers in Medicine"

Course Instructor: Whitney Blocher McTigue
 
Introduction of polymers and their use in biomedical applications. Discussion of basic polymer physics and then a more in-depth look into how polymers play key roles in the development of therapies, drug delivery vehicles, and other technologies. Emphasis will be placed on biopolymers, but synthetic polymers will be examined. This course will explore innovations in biomedicine surrounding polymers and discuss current and future research. Counts towards concentration: Biomolecular Engineering

CHE 398 "Sustainable Product Innovation: Molecules to Market"

Course Instructor: Diego Gonzalez
 
What if you could redesign everyday products to make them more sustainable? Explore how chemical engineering and green chemistry can transform commercial products through smarter ingredients, innovative formulations, and sustainable design. Get hands-on laboratory experience developing and testing your own product while considering performance, environmental impact, cost, and manufacturing feasibility. Counts towards concentration: Energy and Environment
Department/Program: 
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
College of Engineering