Chemical Engineering

• Department of Chemical Engineering website
• Department of Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Handbook

Introduction

Chemical Engineers are involved in the conversion of raw materials into valuable products, usually on an industrial scale. Examples include the refining of oil to produce petrochemicals, the production of plastics, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, food processing, and wastewater treatment. Many Chemical Engineers now work in the area of biotechnology where biological organisms are used to perform the desired transformations (e.g. to make a particular molecule).

Chemical Engineering is a very broad discipline involving elements of Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering. Chemical Engineers also need to know about Economics, Safety, the Environment and Sustainability.

Chemical Engineering is an interesting discipline that is useful to society. Within the discipline, there are many career opportunities. Graduates might work as field engineers, be part of research teams, or occupy management positions. There are plenty of challenges and the potential for travel all over the world. It's also worth noting that Chemical Engineers are, on average, better paid than pure scientists and engineers from other disciplines. The wide variety of skills acquired during a Chemical Engineering course also provides career opportunities outside the discipline.

The Cambridge Course

The Cambridge Chemical Engineering course is a four-year full-time course qualifying students for both the BA and MEng degrees. The course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. It is possible to graduate after three years with just the BA degree.

The first year of Chemical Engineering is treated as a "foundation year" in which students study either first-year Natural Sciences or first-year Engineering. Chemical Engineering students entering via the Natural Sciences route are required to take at least one of Chemistry, Physics and Biology of Cells in their first year, and to take Mathematics or Quantitative Biology. It's also possible to study first-year Computer Science if Chemistry is taken as an option.

The following years are spent within the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The choice of subjects taken in the first year should reflect the interests of the student. All provide equally good preparation for the following years. The opportunity to study a broad range of subjects is one of the great advantages of the Cambridge system. Another example is its flexibility. For instance, if a student changes her mind after the first year, it is usually possible to continue studying either Engineering or Natural Sciences rather than joining Chemical Engineering. Equally, it is usually possible to change to Chemical Engineering even if this wasn't stated on the original application form, if an appropriate first-year course is studied.

Murray Edwards College Information

On average, Murray Edwards College admits two Chemical Engineering students each year.

Maths and Chemistry are essential at A2-level (or equivalent qualification). Students applying via the engineering route also require A2-level Physics (or equivalent qualification).

Applicants normally have three interviews. The usual arrangement is for one to be with the Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering, one to be with the Director of Studies of the first-year subject chosen, and one to be of a general nature. In interviews, we are trying to assess academic potential. For instance, we will test an applicant's understanding of material covered at school and then see if the applicant can apply that knowledge to solve a problem.

The Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering for Murray Edwards College is Dr David Scott.

Checked by ER, August 2011