The profession of chemical engineering combines the principles of physical and chemical sciences with the discipline of engineering to solve modern technological problems and be of effective service to society. The chemical engineer is largely responsible for the continual development of new processes and new products that have a direct impact on improving the quality of life and the environment. To this end, the department provides a broad-based program with individual, academic, and professional counseling. The importance of professionalism in engineering cannot be overemphasized. Chemical engineering students are presented with a code of professional behavior and ethics at each academic level and are required to adhere to it. Copies of these codes are available on request.<br><br>The chemical engineering curriculum is sufficiently general that upon completion the student is prepared for a career in any of the process industries that involve chemical transformations. Employment opportunities cover a wide spectrum that includes, among others, petroleum, plastics production, basic chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, textiles, semiconductors, and various biomedical and biological specialties. Many chemical engineers also are directly involved in the design of systems to minimize pollution of the environment or are active with governmental regulatory agencies that set environmental standards.