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, including:

• 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 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, 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.

Professional recognition

Graduates fulfil the stage one competencies required by Engineers Australia.

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