Units in first semester 2021 may be delivered online and in alternative formats whilst restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic are in place.
Chemical Engineering
Undergraduate Major
MJRH-CHENG
- Major
- Chemical Engineering Major (BEng Hons)
- Admission criteria
- Guaranteed ATAR 80
- Credit
- 600
Outline
Open up a diverse range of career options in the process engineering industry.
Units in first semester 2021 may be delivered online and in alternative formats whilst restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic are in place.
Get the Curtin edge
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Qualify sooner
Start working as a professional engineering graduate in just four years.
Professional recognition
Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia for a professional engineer.
Chemical or ‘process’ engineering involves finding the best sequence of chemical and physical processing operations, plus 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.
There are numerous process industries serving a range of societal needs.
You will select either the Chemical Engineering or Oil and Gas streams to study.
Chemical Engineering
In this general stream, you will examine processes for a range of materials.
You’ll explore the theory and applications of fluid flow, energy transfer, and separation and chemical reaction for the synthesis, design, control and optimisation of general chemical processes.
Oil and Gas
In addition to learning chemical engineering fundamentals, you will gain detailed knowledge of the exploration and development of oil and gas resources.
You’ll explore the behaviour of hydrocarbon reservoirs, offshore drilling and production, the refining of crude oil and processing of natural gas.
Double degree options
You can study a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) with a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) or Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy).
See our handbook for more course 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 and gas
- Bioengineering and biotechnology
- Aerospace and automotive
- Agrochemical
- Food processing
- Mineral and material processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Semiconductor
- Biomass and sugar refining
- Cement and lime production
- Industrial and fine chemical production
- Petrochemical and polymer production
- Paper and board manufacture
- 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
Admission criteria
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
| IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
|---|---|
| Writing | 6.0 |
| Speaking | 6.0 |
| Reading | 6.0 |
| Listening | 6.0 |
| Overall band score | 6.0 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
I recently attended high school
Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, but also includes those who may have completed their senior secondary studies with a TAFE or other VET provider within the same time frame. This includes applicants whose secondary education was undertaken interstate or overseas.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 80
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
- Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR and Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Not accepted.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Other admission options
Recipients of the John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship will receive an early offer to study this course.
Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.
Lowest selection rank to which a recent Year 12 student offer was made (including the consideration of any equity or other adjustment factors)
View the lowest selection rank (incorporating ATAR plus any adjustments) of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the most relevant recent intake period, this includes any ATAR adjustments.
Selection rank adjustments (previously referred to as ATAR related adjustments)
Details of the types of adjustment factors (bonus points) commonly available to applicants can be found on our StepUp to Curtin webpage.
ATAR and selection rank profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most recent intake period
View data on the ATAR and selection rank profile of offers made from the most relevant recent intake period.
I have work and life experience
Applicants with work and life experience are those who left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 80
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
- Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR and Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Not accepted.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
I’ve studied at TAFE or done an apprenticeship
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
- Guaranteed ATAR : 80
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
- Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR and Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
- STAT entry : Not accepted.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
I’ve gone to university before
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This includes applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It also includes applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
- Curtin offers a variety of bridging courses to help you meet the admission criteria for this course. Find out more about our bridging courses.
- Essential WACE subjects (pre-requisites):
- Mathematics: Methods ATAR and at least one of the following: Physics ATAR, Chemistry ATAR and Engineering Studies ATAR, or equivalent.
- Desirable WACE subjects: Mathematics: Specialist ATAR, or equivalent.
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Curtin course switcher criteria
To switch into this course, you need to have:
- attained an ATAR of 80 and completed the prerequisites; or
- if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester with a semester weighted average (SWA) of at least 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR and Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR.
The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:
- Maths Methods ATAR; or
- MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus (12.5 credits); and
- MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.
The Physics ATAR prerequisite can be met with:
- Physics ATAR; or
- PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.
The Chemistry ATAR prerequisite can be met with:
- Chemistry ATAR; or
- CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry.
Higher education course switcher criteria
To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have:
- attained an ATAR of 80 plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 70%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR; or
- if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
- completed 75 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 65%; or
- completed 100 credits within one semester, with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR, and Physics ATAR or Chemistry ATAR.
Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Other requirements and notes for this course
In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.
Application information
This major sits within the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree. To apply for this major directly through Curtin, you will apply for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Email: crl@curtin.edu.au
Tel: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Apply nowHelp is at hand
See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.
- What are the alternative pathways into Curtin?
- What scholarships are available?
- How is studying online different from studying on campus?
- What are my study mode options?
- Browse all FAQs
- Opening hours:
- Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm, except Tues: 9.30am – 4.30pm (AWST). Closed public holidays.
The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: MJRH-CHENG
- Last updated on: March 5, 2021
Useful links