Computer Skills

Why should Chemical Engineers have good computer skills?

Computers are an important tool to all fields, and most especially a technical field such as Chemical Engineering. Almost anything you do in Engineering will require you to have at least basic computer skills. Many careers now require you to have advanced knowledge of several programs.

What computer programs should I be able to use well?

You will learn to use Microsoft Excel and MathCAD during yourfirst year of Chemical Engineering. Both of these programs are useful in setting
up potential systems and testing them mathematically instead of having to write them out on paper, or even build them out by hand. You will likely use both these, or others similar to them, later on not only at UMass, but also in your future career.

You should also be able to use a Word Processing program, such as Microsoft Word. Being able to use Powerpoint to make presentations is also a useful skill. There are many other pieces of software which you will be required to learn during your career as a Chemical Engineer. However, by having good basic skills in these programs, you should be able to learn new ones rather easily.

Where can I use a computer at UMass?

As a Chemical Engineer, you have access to the computers in the Alumni Computer Lab (LGRT 201) and the Cave (Goessman 261). Contact Dr. Robert Huss for assistance with the Cave or the Lab:

Robert Huss
5-2819; e-mail rhuss@ecs.umass.edu

As a UMass student, you can get a UMaccess account for $30.00 a semester, which provides access to PCCO labs across campus. Check the PCCO Website for more information. Your UMaccess account also allows you to hook up your computer to the ethernet in your dorm room. Contact the OIT Client Support Services (AKA Help Desk) for more information at 545-9400 or visit their website for more information.

[Brainstorming] [Technical Writing] [Orally Communicating and Presenting]
[Résumé Writing] [Interviews] [Using Computers]