Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Overview

A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the discipline.

Research Foci

Chemical and Biological Engineering is a highly diversified engineering and science discipline. The Department’s research can be classified into five major areas: 

Advanced MaterialsNanomaterials, graphene, 2D materials, zeolites, novel polymers, polymer composites, DNA self-assembly process, polymer interfaces and surfaces as well as polymer/ceramic membranes. In-depth studies are being carried out in: nanomaterial synthesis and characterization, rheology, non-Newtonian flow, heat and mass transport, and process control associated with the injection-molding process. 

Biomolecular EngineeringMolecular-level design and engineering of nature-derived and artificial materials for regenerative medicine, drug deliveries and therapeutics, novel sensing strategies and diagnostic platform for point of care, synthetic and systems biology, omics technology and bioinformatics. 

Energy TechnologiesEnergy storage and conversion technologies including fuel cells, advanced batteries, solar cells, electrolyzers, and supercapacitors. Main research activities include optimization of energy systems, development of advanced materials and critical components, understanding reaction mechanisms, and modelling/ simulation. 

Environmental EngineeringAir pollution formation and abatement, deodorization of indoor air, catalytic and advanced oxidation, electrocoagulation and electrooxidation, advanced methods for wastewater treatment, hazardous wastes and micro-contamination, waste minimization and cleaner technologies. 

Product and Process DesignDesign optimization, smart manufacturing, big data, artificial intelligence, chemical processes, biochemical processes, environmental fate and transport, and surface phenomena and effects. The design of high value-added products, such as, food additives and pharmaceuticals, is also an active research area. 

Synthetic BiologyThe core of synthetic biology lies in the systematic design and engineering of biological components or systems with desirable functions. By harnessing the potential of living organisms, synthetic biology aims to create sustainable solutions for a wide range of applications, from healthcare and environmental remediation to energy production and novel materials.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , graduates will be able to:

• Devise proper personal and acadmeic strategies to achieve defined research objectives in a professional and independent manner;
• Make original contributions to the field of chemical and biological engineering;
• Perform critical analysis on their research work and data, and existing research in the field of chemical and bilogical engineering;
• Effectively communicate their research work and findings to an audience with different levels of knowledge and backgrounds; and
• Excel in teamwork and leadership skills, and succeed in careers in engineering, science, research and development and in business and managerial positions.