Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering involves industrial scale processes in which materials undergo chemical or physical changes to produce the products we need for everyday life.
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineers invent, design and implement these processes to produce pharmaceuticals, metals, fuels, plastics, paper, fabric and biochemical processes. They also make a difference to our wider environment by developing methods for cleaner production, air pollution control, environmental bioremediation, sustainable development and waste treatment by chemical and biological processes.
What You Study
Core engineering studies include mathematics and fluid dynamics. Chemical Engineering study areas include chemical process analysis, reactor engineering, bioprocess engineering, heat and mass transport and particle mechanics and processing.
The Chemical Engineering specialisation promotes development of practical, laboratory-based skills, combined with expertise in computing and simulation. Students have the opportunity to complete a project with an industry partner.
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities in the field are extensive and exist in petrochemicals, mining, food, energy, the environment, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Our graduates are employed in a diverse range of sectors, for companies including: Exxon Mobil, BP, PETRONAS, Schlumberger, Nyrstar, BHP Billiton, GHD, Mars and Unilever.
How to Become a Chemical 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 Commerce with a sequence of subjects in 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 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Calculus 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Chemistry 1 | Linear Algebra |
| Year 2 | Semester 1 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Chemical Process Analysis 1 |
| Year 2 | Semester 2 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Chemistry 2 | Chemical Process Analysis 2 |
| Year 3 | Semester 1 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Reactor Engineering |
| Year 3 | Semester 2 | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Commerce subject | Transport Processes |
Step 2: Master of Engineering (Chemical)
Graduates with a Chemical Systems major (with a 65% average) are eligible for a two-year Master of Engineering (Chemical).
Find out more about the Master of Engineering (Chemical)
| Year 4 | Semester 1 | Reactions and Synthesis | Engineering Mathematics | Fluid Mechanics | Heat and Mass Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Semester 2 | Process Engineering Case Studies | Advanced Thermo and Reactors | Process Dynamics and Control | Chemical Engineering elective |
| Year 5 | Semester 1 | Chemical Engineering Management | Bioprocess Engineering | Process Equipment Design | Process Engineering |
| Year 5 | Semester 2 | Chemical Engineering Design Project | Chemical Engineering elective | Chemical Engineering elective | |
| Year 6 | Semester 1 | Project Elective | Advanced Heat & Mass Transport Processes | Particle Mechanics & Processing | |
| Chemical Systems subjects | Commerce subjects | Electives |
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]
Stephanie Lynch
Stephanie Lynch recently completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemical Systems, and is now undertaking a Master of Engineering (Chemical).
She complemented her studies with a busy schedule of extracurricular activities: working with other students on social justice initiatives as part of the Student Ambassador Leadership Program (SALP) and also serving as chair of the Chemical Engineering Students Society.
In high school I always wanted to do medicine, but after studying subjects like chemistry, and really enjoying maths, I realised that applying my science skills would be really interesting. With chemical engineering it looked like there were so many different options in different fields.
Plus there does seem to be a push towards the development of renewable energy. There is the opportunity to work in roles where you’re making plants more efficient and using less energy. Chemical Engineers definitely could play a part in helping the planet.