University of Patras

The University of Patras

The University of Patras (https://www.upatras.gr/en) was founded in the city of Patras in 1964 and it began functioning in the Academic year 1966-67. The establishment of the University contributed vastly to the decentralization of Academic Education in Greece. In June 2013 the University of Western Greece was incorporated in the University of Patras. In 2014, the University of Patras celebrated 50 years of Academic operation, marked by continuous development and constantly emerging new achievements. In 2019 the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece was incorporated in the University of Patras {N.4610/109, ΦΕΚ 70/7,5,2019 (Α' 70)]

The University presently stands well ahead of its original goal, which was to set “a firm model of an Academic institution providing Greece with a highly qualified Alumnae contributing to the society’s development and growth”. Today, the University of Patras enjoys recognition as an Academic Institution with a worldwide impact, attracting thousands of students and a large number of Academic and Research Personnel actively involved in the cutting-of-edge science, Innovation and Excellence. The University is situated in Patras, Messolonghi, Agrinio, Aigio, Pyrgos, Amaliada. The campus in Patras is located in the suburb of Rion. It is a self-contained campus located at the foot of mount Panachaico with a view over the Gulf of Corinth and the mountains of Central Greece across the water. The University consists of eight (8) Schools, 37 Departments with Undergraduate Study Programs leading to a specific Degree. Furthermore, the University of Patras offers 49 Postgraduate Study Programs. The enrollment at the University includes 29.901 Undergraduate students and 3.931 Postgraduate students, studying in 37 Departments, 161 Laboratories, 17 Clinics. At the University, serve 715 Faculty members, 226 Scientific Staff members and 454 Administrative Staff members.

The Department of Chemical Engineering (DCE) of the Engineering School of the University of Patras was established in 1977. The mission of DCE is to produce chemical engineers educated in research, development and optimization of methods for production of industrial products, in materials technology, in environmental protection and in energy production.

DCE follows the modern trends and international dynamics of the science of chemical engineering, which pioneers in areas such as biotechnology and biological engineering, nanotechnology and renewable and alternative energy forms, being a center of excellence in several of these areas.

Education and research in DCE are carried out according to international quality standards and have resulted in numerous distinctions of the Department, faculty and alumni who have proven able to meet successfully in the highly competitive Greek, European and international environment. Faculty and staff members in DCE are involved in major research projects funded by the European Union, the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT), other Greek organizations and industry, in collaboration with some of the top universities and research centers globally.

The Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, becomes the first Greek University Department, awarding an internationally accredited Diploma. The 5-year, 300 ECTS, Diploma is accredited by an independent international organization as an Integrated Master of Engineering (MEng), qualified at Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework. This level includes the first and second cycles, according to the Bologna process.

Specifically, the Diploma Degree was accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), based on Learning Outcomes. The certification process lasted for more than two years and included a thorough examination of the content and application of the curriculum, including process design and diploma theses. The process was completed with a visit of an international committee of representatives of universities and industry.

It should be noted that the certification of IChemE also brings the certification of the “EURACE (EURopean ACcredited Engineer)” quality label and the assignment of the title "Chartered Engineer" to the graduates.