About Us
About the Department
Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE) is one of the six departments of UBC Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science (APSC).
Chemical Engineering was established at UBC in 1915, as the first Canadian chemical engineering program west of Ontario, and a separate Department of Chemical Engineering was established in 1954. The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering was established in 1999, and reflects the growing need for engineers in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical and bio-resource engineering.
Biological Engineering evolved from Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Mechanics established at UBC in 1945. In 1975, the name and degree were changed to Bio-Resource Engineering. In 1996, the Department of Chemical and Bio-Resource Engineering was formed from the merger of these two separate departments. In 1999, the name was changed to the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and a single undergraduate program is now offered with options in process, environmental and biological engineering.
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC has an established worldwide reputation for its accredited undergraduate programs, innovative research and the quality of its graduates and faculty. At present there are 27 full-time faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, together with a support staff of 17. There are approximately 280 students in the final three years of the undergraduate programs, including the Co-op program. Graduates are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) and are eligible, after appropriate industrial experience, for registration as Professional Engineers.
In addition, roughly 175 students are studying in graduate programs. The Department offers programs leading to the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in a number of areas of specialization within chemical and biological engineering. The Department is actively engaged in applied research in chemical and biological engineering, supported in part by external funding of about $2.7 million a year.
CHBE Vision:
To be a globally renowned department advancing contribution of chemical and biological engineering to society through excellence in
education, research, and social responsibility.
CHBE Mission Statement:
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is committed to:
Provide outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs, educating engineers empowered with excellent technical
and leadership skills, integrity, and social responsibility.
Be recognized internationally as a leader in research and engineering science, creating novel and sustainable solutions to serve
public interests and to address global challenges in areas such as health, energy, and environment.
Promote inclusive, safe, collaborative, and respectful community for learning and work.
CHBE Values:
As members of the Department, we are committed to our core values:
Excellence
We strive to achieve excellence in teaching, to carry out leading-edge research and to provide an outstanding work place
environment.
Innovation
Innovation is at the core of our vision. We instill an innovative spirit in our students to drive the future of our profession.
Integrity
We support UBC Values by acting with integrity, fulfilling promises, and ensuring open, respectful relationships.
Mutual respect and equity
We commit to include, respect, and value the diverse perspectives that comprise Canadian society. We create an equitable
environment for all our members.
Sustainability
We embrace and practice the concept of sustainability, and exemplify economic, environmental and social responsibility
Accountability and responsibility
We honour obligations and takes social, environmental, and economical responsibility for actions and outcomes.
Collegiality
We promote an equitable, transparent, intellectual, respectful and collaborative working environment.
