Commencing semesters, 2014

Semester 1
Semester 2

Program level

Undergraduate

Program code

2327

Faculty

Engineering, Architecture & Information Technology

School

School of Chemical Engineering

Teaching Location

St Lucia

Delivery mode

Internal

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Chemical and Biological Engineering field of study.

Enquiries

Australian/domestic students

Manager, Academic Administration, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology

Email: enquiries@eait.uq.edu.au

Phone: 07 3365 4777

International students

International Student Advisor

Email: study@uq.edu.au

Phone: Outside Australia: + 61 3 8676 7004
Within Australia (Free Call): 1800 671 980

Enquire online

Why study Chemical and Biological Engineering?

Engineering combines quantitative analysis and synthesis to elucidate system design principles. Through the genomics revolution engineers can now begin to tackle biological problems using the same "measure, model, and manipulate" approach they have applied to physics and chemistry. Indeed, applying this system approach is widely recognised as essential not only for the development of innovative biotechnologies but also to yield fundamental scientific understanding of biological systems. As our ability to modify and control biological systems increases, biological processes will replace chemical and mechanical processes due to their inherent advantages of renewable resources, mild operation conditions and minimal waste problems. Early signs of the change are seen not only in the high-value pharmaceutical industry, but also in the production of bulk chemicals like lysine by fermentation and in bioleaching of copper and gold from mineral ore. Advances in our understanding of and ability to mimic biological systems are also inspiring completely new approaches such as nanotechnology and tissue engineering, which will form the foundation of new industries of the 21st century.

What you can study

The Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering (BE/ME) in Chemical & Biological Engineering builds on the project centred curriculum in the first three years of the BE. The final two years of the BE/ME are built around a placement semester where students are able to choose what type of placement they would like to do and where they would like to do it. This placement is a key element in the student's development and to give context to the preceding BE course work and grounding for the ME level coursework to follow. The student is supported during their placement by their host, a UQ academic and a professional development program to get the most out of the placement. The ME level coursework will put students closer to the cutting edge of knowledge and technology in select fields that are important to Chemical & Biological Engineers in industry and research. These courses will be delivered in a mixture of modes with academic and industry leaders in various fields.

Courses and requirements

View the courses and requirements for courses that can be studied as part of the Chemical and Biological Engineering field of study.

Employment opportunities

Chemical engineering is one of the most mobile and diverse careers you can choose. Your skills will allow you to work in a wide range of industries, government departments and private consultancies. For example you can work in: - Environmental protection, management and safety - Natural resource utilisation and the energy sector - Chemical, petroleum and petrochemical industries - Biochemical, biomedical and pharmaceuticals industries - Computer-aided process and control engineering - Advanced materials design and manufacture - Minerals processing and related industries - Food processing - Product design and development. Chemical & Biological Engineering involves working with processes like the design and manufacture of biomolecules, cell-based products, and tissue replication and manipulation. Students with a specialisation in this field will have a clear advantage in industrial and research positions that deal with these emerging areas. The integrated Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering (BE/ME) is the first 5 year engineering degree in Australia to integrate a semester placement, either in industry or research, into the degree with the Master's level course work. This unique combination in an undergraduate degree will provide graduates with world class knowledge and skills in their field of study as well as an enhanced ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and across fields. These are the attributes required to tackle current and future issues facing society and to create value for industry and society through innovation. BE/ME graduates will have a head start in careers that require specialist skills and adaptability (e.g. in consulting, corporate/governmental advising or industrial research) or when applying for research higher degrees at the world's top research institutions.

What it costs

Please view the Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering for indicative fees.

How to apply

Please view the Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering for information on key dates and how to apply.

Professional memberships

Graduates may be eligible for membership with the following professional bodies:

  • Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia
  • Engineers Australia
  • Institution of Chemical Engineers