About the Faculty of Chemical Engineering
The Faculty of Chemical Engineering (FCE) at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) offers a unique combination of natural sciences and engineering education that meets the modern requirements for training chemical engineers.
Students gain a strong theoretical foundation in chemistry and engineering subjects, and in later years, they specialize in fields that combine both theoretical and practical knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes independent laboratory work, project-based learning, the development of engineering thinking, and a systems-based approach to problem-solving. Students also become proficient in using computers and specialized engineering software.
Education at FCHI follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), allowing students—especially in later years—to choose from a wide range of elective courses and shape their professional profiles.
- Bachelor’s programmes (3 years) provide a broad scientific and technical base applicable across all engineering disciplines.
- Master’s programmes (2 years) offer specialized study areas based on individual interests.
- Doctoral programmes (4 years) enable graduates to pursue research careers or advanced positions in industry and academia.
- FCHI also offers short-term courses within lifelong learning for professionals.
Graduates of the Faculty are highly sought-after across a wide range of industries, including chemical, petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors. They are employed in production, R&D, consulting, design, business, and management roles. Many also pursue careers in education, public administration, and information technology.
Research and Innovation
Research is a vital part of all departments within the Faculty. The topics explored often shape student thesis projects and contribute directly to real-world applications. FCE is a leading research centre, participating in numerous national and international grant projects and collaborations with industry.
Many faculty laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation used for both basic and applied research, giving students hands-on experience with advanced technologies.
Research activities are concentrated in six key areas:
- Chemical Engineering – modelling and experimental verification of systems involving hydrodynamics, mass and heat transfer, and chemical reactions; chemical robotics.
- Process Control and Informatics – modelling and control of chemical and biotechnological systems; computer vision; signal and image processing.
- Supply Chain Management – design and simulation of systems in the chemical and food industries; marketing, logistics, and finance.
- Molecular Modelling and Simulation – structure, thermodynamics, and spectroscopy of environmentally or biologically significant compounds.
- Analytical Chemistry – advanced separation and detection techniques; sensor technology; molecular recognition.
- Spectroscopy – biospectroscopy, atomic and molecular spectroscopy including chiroptical and high-resolution techniques.
History
The Faculty was established in 1960 as the Faculty of Automation and Economics of Chemical Production at UCT Prague. It originally comprised four departments: Processes and Apparatus, Economics and Management, Mathematics, and Physics. In 1969, it was renamed the Faculty of Chemical Engineering.
The Faculty’s origins, however, go further back—to the first lectures on chemical engineering given in 1948 at the Czech Technical University (CTU) by Professor George Standart. In 1952, these courses were transferred to the newly formed UCT Prague, under the leadership of Professor Hanuš Steidl, the first Dean of the Faculty. The newly formed department became a central influence on the development of chemical engineering education at the university.
Over time, the Faculty structure evolved with emerging disciplines. In 1973, the Department of Automated Control Systems was established, focusing on computer technology and systems engineering, now known as the Department of Computer and Control Engineering. This introduced computer science education across the university—a major innovation at the time.
In 1988, two departments from the Faculty of Chemical Technology—the Department of Analytical Chemistry and the Department of Physical Chemistry—were incorporated into the organizational structure of FCE.
This structure of FCE remained stable for several years. In 2007, the Department of Economics and Management of Chemical and Food Industry was renamed, and in 2015, it was separated from FCEand integrated into the rectorate structure as the Department of Economics and Management. The most recent organizational change took place in 2022, when the Department of Mathematics merged with the Department of Computer and Control Engineering, forming the Department of Mathematics, Informatics, and Cybernetics.