302529 v.3 Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)

Introduction

This course covers the development, design and operation of processes and plant for the extraction, conversion and recovery of materials. A great variety of process industries serves the needs of society. Among the more familiar are petroleum refining, gas processing, petrochemical and polymer production, fertiliser manufacture, cement and lime production, minerals and metals extraction and refining, paper and board manufacture, sugar refining, food processing, production of industrial and fine chemicals.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Applicable Mathematics and two out of TEE Calculus/Physics/Chemistry. Well-performed candidates without one of the prerequisite subjects may be accepted and required to undertake an additional program of preparatory studies.

Specific Requirements

The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. A current certificate of successful completion of an approved course in first aid is required before a degree will be awarded. To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete at least 12 weeks of approved work experience associated with engineering in industry. Students may make their own arrangements for employment or seek the assistance of Careers and Prospective Students Service. As one objective of this work is to make theoretical studies in courses more meaningful, it must be done during the period that the student is undertaking those studies, ie it is to be done in vacations, or in employment as a part-time student, rather than after all course work has been completed. Students are strongly urged to consider the 12 weeks a minimum and to undertake as much additional work experience as they can. Students are required to submit a report covering the work carried out. Further details regarding the work/report required are available from the various engineering schools.

Note

In certain cases, the need to complete special units may result in extension of studies beyond the regular four year term. Students with other, or equivalent, qualifications should direct enquiries to the Head of the Department.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Provided that the stipulated prerequisites and corequisites are fulfilled, enrolment on a part-time basis is permitted.

Course Organisation

Students undertake the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major in the first year and on successful completion, proceed to the second year of an engineering discipline. Please refer to the section at the front of the Department of First Year Engineering Studies to obtain details about the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering has full recognition by The Institution of Engineers, Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers. To qualify for the grade of Corporate Member of these institutions, graduates are required to complete a minimum of four years approved experience following the award of the Bachelor of Engineering degree. Further information regarding membership of professional institutions can be obtained from the Department of Chemical Engineering, or from Institution of Engineers, Australia or the Institution of Chemical Engineers in Australia.

Career Opportunities

A graduate in chemical engineering may expect to find employment with process and plant design engineers or with manufacturing industry. Engineering companies design and build plant for the production and processing industries. Manufacturing companies manage, operate, maintain and develop processes and plant for the efficient production of materials. Other opportunities for employment are afforded by public utilities and authorities, research laboratories, academic institutions and consulting practices. There are many fields of specialisation both by class of industry and by nature of work. Particular interests for work in design, plant management, administration, project engineering, resource development, process control, environmental management, operation planning and financial consulting can be accommodated.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note

The curriculum was revised during 2003 and the revised program will be phased in from 2004 to 2007. Information on the original course structure and units for students who commenced this course prior to 2004 is available by consulting the 2003 Curtin Courses Handbook.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.