Degree structure
This is a sample course plan and not a guide for enrolment. See the handbook entry to plan your enrolment.
The first year (or part thereof) is only required for students entering from non-Biochemical Engineering backgrounds. Applicants with 100 points of credit and graduates from corresponding University of Melbourne undergraduate pathways enter at second year (Semester 3).
For further information on course structures, subjects and electives:
Watch a short video on what your course plan might look like:
300 point program
Semester 1 | |
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Points | |
Chemistry: Reactions and SynthesisCore | 12.5 |
Chemistry: Reactions and SynthesisThis subject covers key concepts associated with the synthesis and design of organic and inorganic molecules, molecular architecture and the energy transformations associated with chemical and physical processes. Topics covered include synthesis of simple polyfunctional organic compounds, thermodynamically controlled reactions of s-, p- and d- block elements and thermodynamics. In the last three weeks of the subject students will be able to choose between lecture modules with a focus on introductory materials chemistry or biological chemistry. These topics have applications in drug discovery, chemical industry, nanotechnology, and energy harnessing through conventional and alternative ene... Detailed Information CHEM20018 Type Core | |
Material and Energy BalancesCore | 12.5 |
Material and Energy BalancesThis subject introduces chemical engineering flow sheet calculations, including material balances, energy balances and compositions of mixtures. The concept of conversion of mass is developed as the basis for determining mass flows in chemical processing systems involving chemical reactions and separation systems. Then the concept of conservation of energy is developed as the basis for determining energy flows in and around chemical processing systems, evaluation of enthalpy changes with and without phase change, simplified energy balances for batch, steady-state and adiabatic systems, estimation of heats of reaction, combustion, solution and dilution, energy balances in reacting systems,... Detailed Information CHEN20010 Type Core | |
Engineering MathematicsCore | 12.5 |
Engineering MathematicsThis subject introduces important mathematical methods required in engineering such as manipulating vector differential operators, computing multiple integrals and using integral theorems. A range of ordinary and partial differential equations are solved by a variety of methods and their solution behaviour is interpreted. The subject also introduces sequences and series including the concepts of convergence and divergence. Topics include: Vector calculus, including Gauss’ and Stokes’ Theorems; sequences and series; Fourier series, Laplace transforms; systems of homogeneous ordinary differential equations, including phase plane and linearization for nonlinear systems; second order partia... Detailed Information MAST20029 Type Core | |
Select either of: | Points |
Engineering Practice and CommunicationElective | 12.5 |
Engineering Practice and CommunicationThis subject introduces the nature of engineering work, at the heart of which is communication and problem solving using set criteria. Detailed Information ENGR90021 Type Elective | |
Creating Innovative EngineeringElective | 12.5 |
Creating Innovative EngineeringThe aim of this subject is to give participants both practical experience in, and theoretical insights into, elements of engineering innovation. The subject is intense, challenging, experiential and requires significant self-direction. Participants will work on an innovation project sponsored by a local organisation. A key theme is that the individual cannot be separated from the technical processes of engineering innovation. The impact of both individual and team contributions to the engineering and innovation processes will be examined in the context of real world challenges. All project sponsors will require that students maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. ... Detailed Information ENGR90034 Type Elective |
Semester 2 | |
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Points | |
Transport ProcessesCore | 12.5 |
Transport ProcessesThis subject covers fundamental concepts of diffusion and conservation within momentum, heat and mass transport. Use of these concepts is integral to the profession of Chemical Engineering. For example, heat exchangers are used throughout Chemical Engineering processes to transfer thermal energy from one stream to another. Knowledge of heat transport and momentum transport (ie fluid flow) is required to design a heat exchanger, other key pieces of Chemical Engineering process equipment, including distillation columns. Similarly, knowledge of mass transport is required to design other key Chemical Engineering processes, such as distillation. Detailed Information CHEN20009 Type Core | |
Chemical Process AnalysisCore | 12.5 |
Chemical Process AnalysisThis subject introduces students to important chemical engineering processes both on the large plant-wide scale and at the single unit operation scale. Students learn how to read, process flow diagrams and process and instrumentation diagrams. Process measurement and instrumentation is also covered. Chemical engineering thermodynamics is introduced through some of the most common quantities of temperature, pressure, enthalpy and entropy. Industrially important thermodynamic cycles are included. The importance of phase behaviour and the ability to predict the behaviour of real gases is covered as are the properties of humid air as an example. Students are also introduced to steady-state an... Detailed Information CHEN20011 Type Core | |
Process Dynamics And ControlCore | 12.5 |
Process Dynamics And ControlContinuous chemical processes are inherently dynamic systems – process inputs and outputs change in time. To accommodate this, modern plants require some form of automatic control. This subject equips students with the skills to understand how and why key process variables change in time, and to then design and implement effective control strategies to accommodate this. Students are introduced to the concept of feedback control, with examples of control schemes for common unit operations. Time domain analysis of process dynamics is performed using linear ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, and transfer functions. The response of complex process plants to common dynamic in... Detailed Information CHEN90032 Type Core | |
Fluid MechanicsCore | 12.5 |
Fluid MechanicsThis subject concerns the fundamental science of fluid flow relevant to a range of engineering applications, and is essential for specialisations relating to Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Detailed Information ENGR30002 Type Core |
Semester 3 | |
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Points | |
Reactor EngineeringCore | 12.5 |
Reactor EngineeringThis subject introduces students to aspects of reactor system design. Chemical reactors are at the heart of any major chemical process design. Chemical reaction engineering is concerned with the exploitation of chemical reactions on a commercial scale. Chemical reaction engineering aims at studying and optimizing chemical reactions in order to define the best reactor design. Hence, the interactions of flow phenomena, mass transfer, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics are of prime importance in order to relate reactor performance to feed composition and operating conditions. This subject is one of the key parts of the chemical and biochemical engineering curriculum upon which a lot of lat... Detailed Information CHEN30001 Type Core | |
Heat and Mass Transport ProcessesCore | 12.5 |
Heat and Mass Transport ProcessesThis subject aims to extend the fundamental concepts of heat transfer from that covered in CHEN20009 Transport Processes to include natural and forced convection and two phase systems. Mass transfer concepts are extended to unsteady state mass transfer and Fick's Second Law, prediction of diffusivity and of mass transfer coefficients. These fundamental concepts are then applied to the design of processes and equipment including shell and tube, air-cooled and plate heat exchangers, evaporator systems, membrane devices, binary distillation systems, gas absorbers and cooling towers. Experience in the use of appropriate simulation packages such as HYSYS for exchanger and distillation column d... Detailed Information CHEN30005 Type Core | |
Chemical Engineering ManagementCore | 12.5 |
Chemical Engineering ManagementFor long term sustainability, a company must focus on its Triple Bottom Line (Financial performance, Environmental performance and Sociological performance). This subject will cover the key parameters needed to manage performance in each of these areas for both new projects and redevelopments.This is the key chemical engineering economics subject which introduces students to process plant economics. It is a key subject that is required to be mastered before the capstone Design Project can be attempted. Detailed Information CHEN90020 Type Core | |
Bioprocess EngineeringCore | 12.5 |
Bioprocess EngineeringDevelop an basic microbiology, cell structure and nutritional requirements. Products from microbes and bioprocesses, enzyme kinetics, cell growth kinetics and product formation. Product separation methods. This subject introduces students to the area of bioprocessing, an area growing in importance in the process industries. Detailed Information CHEN90031 Type Core |
Semester 4 | |
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Points | |
Biochemical & Pharmaceutical EngineeringCore | 12.5 |
Biochemical & Pharmaceutical EngineeringThis subject aims to build on the principles introduced in CHEN90031 Bioprocess Engineering to provide a more advanced understanding of biochemical production processes with a focus on pharmaceutical production. Students will learn about pharmaceutical and biochemical production processes in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Detailed Information BIEN90004 Type Core | |
Safety and Sustainability Case StudiesCore | 12.5 |
Safety and Sustainability Case StudiesThis subject provides an introduction to process work in process engineering, focusing specifically on process safety and sustainability. Material taught in other chemical engineering subjects will be reinforced via a series of assignments in which ill-defined and open-ended process engineering problems will be tackled. Both hypothetical and real case studies from the process engineering field are used throughout the subject. Several assessment tasks combine to form a capstone project. Within this project students, in teams of three or four, perform design tasks related to the development of a Chemical Process Engineering facility. This capstone project culminates in an Environmental Eff... Detailed Information CHEN30015 Type Core | |
Project (select either of) | Points |
Biochemical Engineering Research ProjectElective | 12.5 |
Biochemical Engineering Research ProjectStudents will undertake as individuals or as a member of a team a designated investigative project which could involve a critical literature review, experimental research and/or development, theoretical modelling, process simulation and/or the solution of an industrial problem. Rigorous planning and scheduling of the project, time management, written and verbal technical communication, interpretation of results and team work will be required. Lectures will be presented on laboratory safety, and the use of statistical methods for experimental data analysis. Engineering graduates need the ability to research topics and to perform structured investigations. This research project subject prov... Detailed Information BIEN90001 Type Elective | |
Industry ProjectElective | 12.5 |
Industry ProjectCandidates will undertake as individuals or as a member of a team a designated investigative project within a suitable industry partner that could involve critical analysis of a topic, experimental research and/or development, theoretical modelling, process simulation and/or the solution of an industrial problem. Rigorous planning and scheduling of the project, time management, written and verbal technical communication, interpretation of results and team work will be required. Working off campus may be also be required, depending on the project. Detailed Information CHEN90028 Type Elective |
Semester 5 | |
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Points | |
Process Equipment DesignCore | 12.5 |
Process Equipment DesignApplication to the design of chemical equipment. Design of fluid storage and transfer equipment; pressure and non-pressure vessels, pumps and compressors, nozzles, piping, valves. Design of other operational units commonly used in chemical plants; heat exchangers, solid handling devices, fluid processing units. Hydraulic aspects of plate distillation column, packed columns, fluidised beds. Safety and integrity of equipment; safe working stress. Design standards and codes of practice. Flow sheets, plant layout; equipment, piping and site layouts. Detailed Information CHEN90012 Type Core | |
Process EngineeringCore | 12.5 |
Process EngineeringThis subject aims to develop critical thinking skills essential for work in the chemical process and other industries. Students will learn by tackling ill-defined engineering tasks, learn to organise and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and improve their analytical and written communication skills. They will gain an appreciation of the tools and resources used in the design of process plants. Their understanding of issues relating to project management and plant safety will also be deepened.This subject provides grounding in chemical engineering process design and feasibility studies prior to the final design subject CHEN90022. Detailed Information CHEN90013 Type Core | |
Particle Mechanics and ProcessingCore | 12.5 |
Particle Mechanics and ProcessingThis subject covers many of the aspects related to powder and suspension processing. Initially, the student learns how to describe particles and systems of particles in terms of size, shape and distribution, followed by understanding the basic mechanics of fluid flow around particles. This knowledge is used as the basis for designing unit operations associated with powders and suspensions, including particle classification, particle breakage (comminution) and agglomeration, solid-liquid separation through filtration, centrifugation and thickening, packed beds and fluidisation, flotation and powder storage in hoppers. The combination and variety of topics in this subject provides students ... Detailed Information CHEN90018 Type Core | |
Food EngineeringCore | 12.5 |
Food EngineeringThis subject will cover the application of chemical engineering principles to modern food processing. This is a specialised elective subject and part of the Biochemical Engineering course that builds on core chemical engineering knowledge and the material presented in the Bioprocess Engineering subject. In this subject, students will develop a broad understanding of the nature food components and materials and the principles underlying their processing. The subject will allow students to learn how to apply chemical and bioprocess engineering knowledge in the design and implementation of important industrial food processes. The principles and technical knowledge developed in this subject a... Detailed Information FOOD90029 Type Core |
Semester 6 | |
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Points | |
Biochemical Engineering Design ProjectCore | 25 |
Biochemical Engineering Design ProjectThis unit requires the students to undertake a major design task utilising the knowledge gained throughout the Biochemical engineering course. This comprises the following tasks: design of a process to meet a specified requirement; feasibility study of alternative processes which meet the specification; determination of sequence for investigation of a chemical manufacturing project and preparation of a report; consideration of environmental impacts and sustainability issues; preparation of flowsheets; confirmation of effects of market forecasts; economic evaluation; preparation of estimates for the minimisation of capital and production costs; specification of equipment; selection of cons... Detailed Information BIEN90002 Type Core | |
Electives (select 25 points) | Points |
Biochemical Engineering Minor ThesisElective | 12.5 |
Biochemical Engineering Minor ThesisCandidates will undertake as individuals a high level investigative research project which could involve a critical literature review, experimental research and/or development, theoretical modelling, process simulation and/or the solution of an industrial problem. Rigorous planning and scheduling of the project, time management, technical communication, interpretation of results and team work will be required. Lectures will be presented on Laboratory safety, and the use of statistical methods for experimental data analysis. This subject is designed for students who have demonstrated an ability to undertake a research project to a high standard and who wish to continue and extend the proje... Detailed Information BIEN90003 Type Elective | |
Tissue Engineering & Stem CellsElective | 12.5 |
Tissue Engineering & Stem CellsStudents studying Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells will become familiar with the history, scope and potential of tissue engineering, and the potential role of stem cells in this field. This subject will address the use of biomaterials in tissue engineering; major scaffold materials and fabrication methods, scaffold strength and degradation; cell sources, selection, challenges and potential manipulation; cell-surface interactions, biocompatibility and the foreign body reaction; the role and delivery of growth factors for tissue engineering applications; in vitro and in vivo tissue engineering strategies, challenges, cell culture, scale-up issues and transport modelling; ethical and regula... Detailed Information BMEN90011 Type Elective | |
Advanced Thermo & Reactor EngineeringElective | 12.5 |
Advanced Thermo & Reactor EngineeringThis subject is divided into advanced thermodynamics (approximately 9 weeks) and advanced reactor engineering (approximately 3 weeks).The laws of thermodynamics, which govern energy and the direction of energy flow, are amongst the most important fundamentals of chemical engineering that students learn during their course. This subject revises and expands the students’ understanding of the conservation of energy, learnt through subjects such as Chemical Process Analysis. In addition the students learn about the concepts of entropy and equilibrium, which form the basis for the topics of phase equilibrium, mixture properties, mixture equilibrium, reaction equilibrium and interfacial equilib... Detailed Information CHEN90007 Type Elective | |
Minerals, Materials and RecyclingElective | 12.5 |
Minerals, Materials and RecyclingThe importance of the minerals industry to the Australian economy. Liberation, size reduction, size separation and concentration separations in minerals processing. Extractive metallurgy, including hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. Aspects of physico-chemical principles of mineral separation processes to produce metals and ceramic products from ores as well as recycled materials and consumer products. The influence of interatomic bonding and material atomic structure on material behaviour. Phase diagrams and equilibria as well as material mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties will be covered. The process of developing material selection criteria and selecting materials for part... Detailed Information CHEN90010 Type Elective | |
Bioenvironmental EngineeringElective | 12.5 |
Bioenvironmental EngineeringThis is a specialised elective subject covering a range of environmental and waste treatment topics of key importance to society and of relevance to most chemical engineering industries. The subject builds on core chemical engineering knowledge and is complementary to the material presented in the Bioprocess Engineering subject and the Biochemical Engineering course. In this subject, students will develop a broad understanding of the nature of waste streams and the principles underlying their treatment. The subject will allow students to learn how to apply chemical and bioprocess engineering knowledge in the design and operation of a range of processes used to treat a variety of domestic,... Detailed Information CHEN90011 Type Elective | |
Engineering EntrepreneurshipElective | 12.5 |
Engineering EntrepreneurshipThe aim of this subject is to examine the nature of entrepreneurial behaviour and its role in both small and large organisations within an engineering context. By developing their own enterprise proposal within small groups, students will learn various processes by which successful new ventures are created. This subject is available as an elective in many of the Melbourne School of Engineering's Masters programs. It is designed to introduce participants to their potential as technical entrepreneurs. Detailed Information ENGR90026 Type Elective | |
InternshipElective | 25 |
InternshipThis subject involves students undertaking professional work experience at a Host Organisation’s premises. Students will work under the supervision of both a member of academic staff and an external supervisor at the Host Organisation. During the period of work experience, students will be introduced to workplace culture and be offered the opportunity to strengthen their employability. Students will undertake seminars covering topics that will include professional standards of behaviour and ethical conduct, working in teams, time management and workplace networking. Detailed Information ENGR90033 Type Elective |