Biomolecular Engineering
Biomolecular engineers work at the molecular level to explore the development of large-scale processes using microbial, plant or animal cells.
What is Biomolecular Engineering?
Biomolecular Engineers explore industrial processes as diverse as the brewing of beer, drug production using recombinant bacteria, biological waste treatment, the production of food additives by plant cell culture and artificial skin production. Developments in bionanotechnology have prompted the creation of this specialised degree program.
What You Study
Core engineering studies include systems design, mathematics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Biomolecular engineering study areas include particles mechanics, metabolic engineering and process engineering.
In the ME (Biomolecular), students develop the ability to design novel bioproducts, including bionanoengineered devices, under the guidance of staff known internationally for their research in areas such as dairy manufacturing innovations and the production of biofuels. Throughout the course they also benefit from interaction with industry representatives. Students will choose between an industry or research project, usually taken in the first year of the Masters.
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities for biomolecular engineers exist in various industries including food, petrochemicals, minerals and energy. Our graduates are employed in a diverse range of sectors, for companies including: CSL Limited, GlaxoSmithKline, National Foods, Tatura Milk, Nestle, Kraft and Fosters Group.
How to Become a Biomolecular Engineer
Step 1: Chemical Systems
The Chemical Systems major may be taken as a part of the following degree. You can find out more about the degree on the following website:
Bachelor of Commerce students may choose the Chemical Systems sequence, and study between eight and ten engineering subjects as the breadth component of their degree. You can find out more about the degree on the following website:
Duration
300 credit points / 3 years full-time
Fees
Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Places: Fees per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $4547–$7262 (with 10% up-front discount)
Commonwealth Supported Places are guaranteed until 2019 for the duration of the undergraduate degree and Master of Engineering course.
International Students
Typical yearly fee range per 100 credit points (depending on subjects taken) $28,788–$33,004
For more information please refer to the Fees page on the University’s Future Students website.
Course Structure
Sample Course Plan — Bachelor of Science (Chemical Systems)
This example is provided as a guide only. Subject availability will vary from year to year and there is no guarantee that the listed subjects will be available in future years. This information is for students with VCE Units 3 and 4 Specialist Mathematics.| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Engineering Systems Design 1 | Calculus 2 | Chemistry 1 | Physics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Engineering Systems Design 2 | Linear Algebra | Chemistry 2 | Physics |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Chemical Process Analysis 1 | Engineering Mathematics | Reactions and Synthesis | Breadth |
| Year 2 | Semester 2 | Chemical Process Analysis 2 | Transport Processes | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Reactor Engineering | Heat & Mass Transport Processes | Science elective | Breadth |
| Year 3 | Semester 2 | Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Process Dynamics & Control | Science elective | Breadth |
Step 2: Master of Engineering (Biomolecular)
Graduates with a Chemical Systems major (with a 65% average) are eligible for a two-year Master of Engineering (Biomolecular).
Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Biomolecular)
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Chemical Engineering Management | Biology for Engineers | Particles Mechanics & Processing | Chemical Engineering elective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Semester 2 | Metabolic Engineering | Process Engineering Case Studies | Project elective | |
| Year 5 | Semester 1 | Process Equipment Design | Process Engineering | Fermentation Processes | Chemical Engineering elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 2 | Biomolecular Engineering Design Project | Chemical Engineering elective | Chemical Engineering elective | |
| Civil Systems subjects | Electives | Breadth subjects |
Make an Enquiry
Please call or email Eastern Precinct Student Centre:
13 MELB (13 6352)
+61 3 9035 5511 (overseas)
Apply Now
Engineering Study Guide
Download Engineering Study Guide [PDF 2.9MB]
Sandra Kentish
Professor Sandra Kentish is Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She has nine years of industry experience across the petrochemical, photographic and pulp and paper industries. She conducts leading research in the area of separations technology, including desalination and dairy membrane operations.
It’s a really exciting field right now, and it will be over the next 20 years. The key world problems in the next 10 to 15 years are energy, food and water. Chemical and biomolecular engineering are really centred on addressing these problems.
If you’re going to solve the energy crisis, if you’re going to solve water issues and at the same time if you're going to provide food to the masses, chemical and biomolecular engineering is intimately involved in all of these areas.