Department of Chemical
and Biological Engineering
From its inception at Colorado School of Mines in 1944, the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department has focused on education and basic and applied research aimed at problems of national interest. Our undergrads pursue degrees that are consistently shown to have some of the highest lifetime returns on investment for a public US university in an engineering department that is unique in that it delivers freshman biology in a state-of-the-art studio environment.
Want to know what makes a great department?
Our 75-year history was written and composed from student and faculty interviews, surveys of the Oredigger yearbook and commencement bulletins, department records, and registrar data, among other sources. The book can be found under our department history tab or by clicking here.
Excellent teaching, cutting-edge research
Our curriculum offers increased flexibility in elective options and provides optional specialty tracks in Process Engineering and Biological Engineering for those who want to focus their degree.
In addition, we maintain a high-quality, well-funded research program ($7-8 million per year in research awards) with strong participation from students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. About 80 graduate and postdoctoral students study within a broad research menu, including major programs in conventional and renewable energy, soft materials and biotechnology, catalysis and separations, simulation and modeling and pedagogy with top-notch faculty, including one PECASE award winner and seven NSF CAREER Award winners.
These research and educational activities take place in one of the most scenic locations in the United States. With over 300 days per year of sunshine and the proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains, this area provides a combination of year-round cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities that are virtually unmatched anywhere.
Chemical & Biological Engineering Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the most recent news
News
- 19 Mines faculty members awarded promotion, tenure for 2022-2023
The Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees has awarded promotions and/or tenure to 19 Mines faculty members for the 2022-2023 academic year. Additionally, five Mines faculty members were granted t … - Mohsen Asle Zaeem, Moises Carreon named Fryrear Chairs for Innovation and Excellence
The Ben L. Fryrear Endowed Chairs for Innovation and Excellence drive institutional change at Colorado School of Mines. - Two undergraduate Mines students win Astronaut scholarships
Gabriela Blanchard, a chemical engineering major, and Mason Weems, a metallurgical and materials engineering major, will each receive a scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), as … - New research findings “provide a road map” for improving silicon clathrate solar cells
Chemical engineering PhD student Yinan Liu was the lead author on the paper, published in the journal Applied Physics Reviews in November.