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Chemical Process Engineering
Study program name
Chemical Process Engineering
Schools
Doctoral School
City
Barcelona
Duration
Undetermined
credits
Description
The doctoral programme in Chemical Process Engineering was established in 1986 within the framework of the UPC’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Over the last 30 years, the programme has produced some 160 doctoral graduates, most of whom have gone on to work in the business sector or at universities or research centres.
The programme’s prioritisation of industrial applicability translates into a focus on developing innovative techniques and methods. Doctoral theses completed within the framework of the programme are characterised by innovation and originality, technological impact, and applicability in industrial production and environmental protection. The two main fields covered are the design, improvement, simulation and optimisation of operations and processes, and analysis and reduction of risk and environmental impact (in relation to severe accidents, emissions, waste, etc.).
In 2004, the programme was recognised with a quality award given by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MCD2004-00410), which was renewed without interruption until 2010. From 2011 to 2013 (the year of the most recent call), the programme was recognised with a Pathway to Excellence award (MEE2011-0313). The approach and track record of the programme have made it very attractive to graduates of other Catalan universities (30% of students in the last five years) and from Spanish universities and institutions in the Americas (20% and 35% of students in the last five years, respectively). The programme was associated with the UPC master’s degree in Chemical Process Engineering and is now linked to the master’s degree in Chemical Engineering: Smart Chemical Factories, specialisation in Green Chemical Process Engineering.
Research carried out within the programme is currently supported by five research groups, all of which are very active at the international level. Four are recognised as consolidated research groups by the Government of Catalonia, and one as an emerging research group. Research is conducted within the framework of European projects, with funding from national and regional administrations, and projects carried out for companies.
The programme has done scientific, academic and professional work of great interest. The chemical industry plays a key role in the Spanish economy and in contemporary society, and the chemical business of production companies based in Catalonia currently accounts for 48% of the total for Spain and 50% of commercial activity in the sector (source: http://www.fedequim.es/).
The scientific and academic quality of the doctoral programme is evident in the scientific results achieved (publications, awards, etc.) since it was launched. The interest of employers is reflected in the hiring of graduates to fill positions of responsibility.