Category: Chemical Eng Faqs

IChemE offers a range of products and services to help its members maintain an awareness of developments in their field and support their professional development. Membership introduces students to the world of chemical engineering and provides networking opportunities in addition to other resources. Students can join IChemE as soon as they start university (or have…

A number of companies and organisations offer schemes to financially assist chemical engineering students, though demand is high so competition for places is fierce. Contact your university of choice to find out more as many companies have particular sponsorship opportunities linked to specific university departments. Alternatively, visit The Scholarship Hub.

Many companies offer work experience placements – some as short as one week, others lasting six months or even a year. To find out more visit the website of the company you are interested in or write to them directly. Alternatively, you can contact the Year in Industry who find paid, degree-relevant work experience for students in…

Apart from the compulsory ‘core’ subjects which are usually studied in the earlier years, there are a broad range of optional subjects. In addition to ‘straight’ chemical engineering or biochemical engineering there are some courses that combine both, and others which include elements of energy engineering, chemistry, nuclear engineering or biopharmaceutical engineering. Other options such…

A chemical engineering degree accredited at B-Standard (bachelors level) entitles you to become an Associate Member of IChemE upon graduation; from there you will be able to work towards a professional qualification. Qualified member grades are widely recognised and demonstrate professional competence and commitment to employers, policy makers, regulators and society. You can see the…

There are a number of universities that offer foundation courses that cover the necessary background. However, these are usually designed for those without the correct subjects needed for entry, rather than for those who have the correct subjects but haven’t met the level/grades required. You could also consider an apprenticeship.

The most straightforward entry route is via an undergraduate degree course. There are some HND and HNC courses available but these would usually lead to completing a chemical engineering degree. Degree-level apprenticeships are becoming available in a range of industries and allow you to gain practical experience and earn a living while also studying towards…

Process engineering is essentially the application of chemical engineering principles to optimise the design, operation and control of chemical processes. Since this requires equipment design and selection, mechanical engineers may also be employed as process engineers.

Chemical engineering is concerned with changing raw materials into useful products by designing processes which change their chemical or physical composition, structure or energy content. Biochemical engineering is a branch of chemical engineering which is concerned with biological changes and is particularly important in the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and the treatment of waste.

Chemistry investigates the background of the science encompassing aspects of; organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and bio-chemistry. Chemical engineering is more multidisciplinary and practical, applying engineering science to problems relating to heat transfer, fluid dynamics, equipment design etc. Whilst chemists will focus on developing novel materials and processes, chemical engineers focus on turning these new ideas…