Chemical Engineering

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.

Chemical engineering 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:

• biomass and sugar refining
• cement and lime production
• fertiliser manufacture
• food processing
• gas processing
• industrial and fine chemical production
• minerals and metals extraction
• petrochemical and polymer production
• petroleum refining
• pharmaceuticals
• refining, paper and board manufacture
• water and wastewater treatment.

You can select one of the following streams:

Chemical Engineering

In this general stream, you will examine processes for a wide range of materials.

You will explore 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

This stream covers chemical engineering fundamentals, but will also give you more detailed knowledge of the exploration and development of oil and gas resources.

You will explore the behaviour of hydrocarbon reservoirs, offshore drilling and production, refining of crude oil, and processing of natural gas.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information. 

Student profile

View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

Professional recognition

Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia.

Career information

Careers

• Chemical engineer
• Process engineer
• Production/operations engineer
• Risk and safety manager

Industries

• Oil, gas and petrochemical
• Bioengineering and biotechnology
• Aerospace and automotive
• Agrochemical
• Food processing
• Mineral and material processing
• Pharmaceutical
• Semiconductor
• Water and wastewater treatment

Further study

• Master of Science (Corrosion Engineering)
• Master of Professional Engineering
• Master of Science (Global Subsea Engineering)
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

What you'll learn

• apply scientific and engineering principles to process engineering design and development, including sound risk management, environmental and OHS practice
• think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum solutions
• identify, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources to optimise process engineering design and development
• communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose
• use appropriate information and process technologies (recognising their advantages and limitations) in the design and development of sustainable process systems
• engage in continuous education, training and research, and take control of their own learning and development
• recognise and apply international standards and best practice in process engineering
• demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
• be ‘career ready’ for the process engineering profession, demonstrate leadership qualities, and work ethically and professionally both within a team and independently

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