The graduate plans of study in chemical engineering are heavily oriented toward synthesis as well as the usual emphasis upon analysis. There is a strong thread of physics, chemistry, mathematics, biochemistry, and microbiology in much of the research in the department. Active research areas include polymer science and engineering, colloid and surface chemistry, solid state chemistry and physics, microelectronics and nanotechnology, applied thermodynamics, biomolecular modeling, biochemical and tissue engineering, catalysis and surface science, pollution prevention and computer-aided design, and supercritical fluid science and technology. This brief list of topics give an indication of the breadth and diversity of research areas in the department.