Chemical, or ‘process’, engineering involves finding the best sequence of chemical and physical processing operations, and the right operating conditions, to convert raw materials into higher-value products. It covers the development, design and management of processes and equipment for the extraction, conversion and upgrading of materials using physical, chemical and biological operations.
A great variety of process industries serve the needs of society. These include petroleum refining, gas processing, petrochemical and polymer production, bio-processing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, water and wastewater treatment, fertiliser manufacture, cement and lime production, minerals and metals extraction and refining, paper and board manufacture, biomass and sugar refining, and production of industrial and fine chemicals.
You can specialise in one of the following streams:
Chemical Engineering
In the general Chemical Engineering stream you will examine the development, design and operation of processes for the extraction, conversion and purification of a wide range of materials. This stream covers the theory and applications of fluid flow, energy transfer, separation and chemical reaction for the synthesis, design, control and optimisation of general chemical processes.
Oil and Gas
The Oil and Gas stream covers chemical engineering fundamentals, but will also give you more detailed knowledge of the exploration, development and conservation of oil and gas resources. You will explore the theory and practice required to plan and supervise drilling and well-completion programs; design and select drilling and production equipment; estimate reserves; and manage oil and gas processes.
In your first year you will complete the Engineering Foundation Year (EFY). The EFY builds a solid base of the fundamental concepts common to all areas of engineering. The EFY was developed in partnership with industry to create a curriculum that is reflective of engineering practice.
To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete at least 12 weeks or equivalent of exposure to professional engineering practice.