Chemical engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

As populations grow and resources and energy reserves decline, the demand for chemical engineers is increasing

How to apply

What is Chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering blends chemistry with engineering and other fields including biological science, environmental science, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical science, mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, mineral processing, management and economics. Many everyday items involve chemical engineering during some stage of their production: pharmaceuticals, computer chips, mobile phones, catalysts, food and water, and our fossil fuel and renewable energy sources, to name just a few.

Chemical engineers invent, develop, design and improve the sustainability of processes that convert raw materials into useful products, with minimal environmental impact. They’re also involved with pollution control, energy generation and conservation, recovering energy from waste and renewable resources, and protection of the environment.

Why study Chemical engineering at Monash University?

Consistently ranked number one in Australia for chemical engineering, Monash offers a world-class educational experience taught by leading researchers in the chemical and biological engineering field. Plus, you’ll have the chance to join prizewinning student teams like Monash Carbon Capture and Conversion.

#38

in the world and #1 in Australia for Chemical engineering

81.4%

of graduates secure full-time employment within 4 months of graduating

Recognition

This engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia

Your pathway to success

From your first day to your final lecture, you’ll have everything you need to be prepared for a successful career.

Industry based learning

Monash Engineering offers world class industry internships and programs that put you at the top of the employability market.

World-class facilities

Some of the facilities and research centres that will enhance your learning experience include the Woodside building for Technology and Design, Monash Makerspace, the TITAN Microscope and Monash Centre for Membrane Innovation (MCMI).

Join a student team

You can join one of the many student teams like Monash BrewLab, Precious Plastics, Monash Motorsport or Engineers Without Borders and form lasting friendships, get hands on experience and put your classroom learning into practice.

Your future Chemical engineering career prospects

When you graduate as a chemical engineer, you could play a leading role in solving the challenge of providing society with food, energy and water. Exciting career opportunities are also available for highly trained chemical engineers in emerging industries of nanotechnology and biotechnology. You could also have a career in law, mining, business or government. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in top companies including:

  • DuPont
  • Tesla
  • ExxonMobile
  • PPG
  • Goldman Sachs
  • NASA
  • Nestlè
  • Tata
  • BHP
  • PepsiCo
  • BASF

What you will learn in Chemical engineering

You’ll begin with the basics of chemical engineering, mass and energy balances, fluid flow and other core fundamentals. Once you reach third-year, you’ll look into the design of chemical engineering plants and equipment, and how we incorporate the environmental impact and safety aspects into the design process. You can choose to specialise in two of four engineering chemical engineering technical elective topics:

Biotechnology

The use of biological processes for commercial and industrial applications. These include the use of recombinant DNA, the development of micro-organisms, and new bioprocessing techniques.

Sustainable processing

Sustainability and life-cycle assessment for environmental benefit. Develop processes to the manufacturing of existing processes and new products from renewable raw materials.

Nanotechnology

Is engineering at the molecular level to a new generation of products that are cleaner, smaller, stronger, lighter and more precise.

Green chemistry

Sustainable green approaches to chemical reactions for efficient, cleaner processes and products with less waste.

Expand your skills with an engineering minor

Complement your engineering specialisation with a minor and tailor your studies to explore your interests and expand your career opportunities. Choose from:

Artificial intelligence in engineering

Civil engineering

Computational engineering

Intelligent manufacturing

Internet of Things (IoT)

Environmental engineering

Electric vehicle technology

Medical technology

Micro and nano technologies

Mining engineering

Networks for connectivity

Power and energy systems engineering

Renewable energy engineering

Semiconductor

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0

Smart manufacturing

Sustainable energy transition

Sustainable engineering

Telecommunications infrastructure

Transport

Artificial intelligence in engineering

Artificial intelligence is used by engineers to develop driverless vehicles, meaningful human machine interaction and image recognition. Create new designs involving robotics, deep learning, computer vision and autonomous vehicles. [Available at Clayton & Malaysia]

Civil engineering

Civil engineers design and improve systems and processes that allow humans and nature to coexist with minimal impact. They design and build high capacity transportation systems; construct large commercial and industrial complexes; water supply and pollution control systems; and repair or replace roads, bridges and other structures. [Available at Clayton]

Computational engineering

Computational engineering is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field that simulates the physical world using computers to solve engineering design problems, develop new technologies and shape the world we live in. Biomedical devices, submarines and wind turbines are just a few examples where computer models are used to predict how new designs will behave in reality. [Available at Clayton]

Intelligent manufacturing

Involves applying creative problem-solving techniques to various manufacturing processes to produce any specific components required to build a product or a functional system at any scale. This minor provides the foundation for future engineers to create new products, technologies and automation techniques catering to the demands of the fast-paced world. [Available at Malaysia]

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) minor dives into the fast-growing world of interconnected systems that bridge computing, networking, and sensor technologies. Through a mix of hands-on projects and theoretical coursework, you will learn how to design, deploy, and manage IoT solutions across diverse sectors, from smart cities to healthcare and energy systems. [Available at Malaysia]

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineering involves the implementation and management of solutions that are in harmony with the principles of sustainable development. By improving the knowledge on air, water and land quality, environmental engineers help restore the environment and protect our natural world. [Available at Clayton]

Electric vehicle technology

The Electric vehicle technology minor equips you with the essential interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to thrive in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry. Covering key areas like vehicle design, electric powertrains, battery management, power electronics and autonomous EVs, this minor prepares you to tackle complex challenges like vehicle range and efficiency. By emphasising multifaceted approaches and focusing on the latest technologies and methodologies. [Available at Malaysia]

Medical technology

The Medical Technology minor will allow you to study medical devices ranging through cardiac valves and pacemakers, hip replacements, stents and contact lenses, as well as topics in controlled drug delivery, biosensor devices, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. You will examine the interactions between engineered devices and biological systems, and learn to negotiate design, economic and regulatory constraints in developing new technologies and translating them into clinical practice. [Available at Clayton]

Micro and nano technologies

Micro and nano technologies form the basis of any modern miniaturised system including electronic devices, sensors and actuators in smartphones and vehicles and diagnostic systems, biomedical devices and devices for environmental monitoring. Explore how the design properties of nanostructured materials may be exploited for everyday applications, ranging from food packaging and sunscreens, to sensors and energy-related areas. [Available at Clayton]

Mining engineering

Mining engineering involves environmentally-safe extraction and processing of natural minerals from the earth. Mining engineers supply critical materials like copper, iron, lithium and gold, that are essential for modern society and the world’s economy. Automation and digital technologies are modernising the mining industry and transforming mining careers. [Available at Clayton]

Networks for connectivity

The Networks for connectivity offers an opportunity to delve into the design and performance of smart networks and associated technologies. This includes exploration of communications protocols, multimedia, and optimisation techniques for enhancing network performance. [Available at Clayton]

Power and energy systems engineering

Power and energy systems engineering will enable you to explore power and energy systems, covering aspects from generation and transmission to distribution and low-voltage levels, including power customers. [Available at Clayton]

Renewable energy engineering

Renewable energy engineering focuses on the fundamental conversion of solar radiation, wind, hydro, and bioenergy resources into electricity by designing, building and operating energy plants such as wind farms, solar farms and hydro power facilities. Renewable energy engineers run the large-scale energy system incorporating renewables, and provide expert advice in the development of energy policy. [Available at Clayton]

Semiconductor

The semiconductor minor allows you to explore the principles and applications of semiconductor technology, the backbone of modern electronics. Through a blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on lab experiences, you'll gain a deep understanding of the design, fabrication, and characterisation of semiconductor devices. Develop expertise in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, positioning yourself to tackle complex challenges in this field. [Available at Malaysia]

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0 allow you to acquire the necessary knowledge and techniques to understand the analogue world, and its significance in processing and interaction within modern industries. Gain an understanding of advanced sensory systems, associated programming techniques and autonomous systems, to succeed in Industry 4.0, which integrates emerging technologies from the Internet of Things, cloud computing, machine learning, AI and more. [Available at Malaysia]

Smart manufacturing

Smart manufacturing is the core of Industry 4.0 which includes cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things, and augmented reality. This minor equips engineers with the knowledge of modern systems of telecommunication, mechatronics, cyber-physics, and manufacturing for the new era of industry. [Available at Clayton]

Sustainable energy transition

Sustainable energy transition empowers you with the knowledge and skills to address the evolving challenges of energy systems in the pursuit of sustainability. It builds a solid technical foundation and nurtures the innovative mindset essential for advancing your career in the rapidly growing energy sector. [Available at Malaysia]

Sustainable engineering

The Sustainable engineering minor provides the knowledge and skills to understand the interplay between the environment and human activities. A growing multidisciplinary field of engineering, you’ll be introduced to life-cycle analysis, sustainability in the built environments including passive and active technologies, and the political, social and environmental background to materials usage. [Available at Clayton]

Telecommunications infrastructure

The Telecommunications Infrastructure minor will enable you to delve into communication technologies, encompassing wireless (5G), optical and future-generation technologies, routing and switching principles, and telecommunications protocols. [Available at Clayton]

Transport

Transport is an essential component of the sustainability, economic and social outcomes of cities. How can we shape the transport system to reduce emissions, have a positive impact on cities, and embrace cutting-edge technologies? This minor will provide students with the skills to tackle the complex challenges of modern, sustainable transport systems. [Available at Clayton]

Earn two degrees with only one extra year of study

Combining engineering with another degree gives you a distinct set of skills and helps you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Combine Chemical engineering with:

Architectural Design

Arts

Biomedical Science

Commerce

Computer Science

Design

Information Technology

Laws (Honours)

Pharmaceutical Science

Science

Architectural Design

The building industry needs engineering professionals with strong architectural knowledge. The combination of architectural design with civil engineering is an exploration of creative solutions to a wide variety of engineering and social problems.You’ll graduate with valuable skills for transforming the built environment, from the design of buildings or bridges to renovating existing structures to work more efficiently. The ability to provide solutions through creative thinking and realistic applications will make you attractive to architectural and engineering firms in Australia and overseas.

Arts

Combining an engineering degree with an arts degree provides complementary skills in technology and communications. You’ll develop the transferable skills employers are looking for: communication, teamwork, research and critical thinking. Arts at Monash provides your comprehensive gateway to about 40 areas of study across the arts, humanities and social sciences. With this dual degree you’ll have a portfolio uniquely tailored to meet your interests and aspirations.

Biomedical Science

If you’re eager to explore a career in biological/biomedical engineering, consider a double degree in engineering and biomedical science. Advances in biological sciences and demand for technological solutions are creating opportunities for engineers. In the coming years engineering will be transformed, as it parallels and fuses with developments in biomedical science.

Commerce

Do you dream of making it big in the business world? If so, engineering and commerce is a powerful combination. Many CEOs of major corporations have engineering qualifications. People with sound business skills and a strong technological background are consistently in demand across many industries and organisations.

Computer Science

Computer science provides solutions to the ever-increasing information challenges in the modern world. Industry needs people who can extract and analyse information from the massive datasets generated by engineering processes and devices. Big data is the new challenge and opportunity in engineering practice across industries from construction and manufacturing, to transport and the energy sector. This double degree integrates theoretical and practical skills to solve engineering problems and create innovative solutions across the IT spectrum, from hardware to software.

Design

Have an eye for form and function? Like to build things? Consider combining mechanical engineering with design to become a product design engineer. Product design engineers design and develop manufactured products that are functional, ergonomic, beautiful and well-engineered. This double degree integrates the technical and project management skills of an engineer with the creativity and manufacturing know-how of an industrial designer.

Information Technology

In an age of increasing technological advancements, the synergy between engineering and information technology will only become stronger. IT underpins engineering practice in all disciplines, and industry needs graduates with skills and expertise spanning both. You could do anything from designing a stunning visualisation of engineering data, to building an app for data collection, to setting up the business IT processes to deliver an engineering product via the internet. This double degree combines creative and problem-solving skills to use IT in engineering applications.

Laws (Honours)

An engineering and law degree bridges the gap between technological and legal issues. This double degree combination produces engineers who are sensitive to the legal, corporate and political implications of technology and its applications. As an engineering and law graduate, you’re eligible to practise as a solicitor; alternatively, you might join the legal team of an engineering, manufacturing or technology firm.

Pharmaceutical Science

There’s an increasing demand for pharmaceutical scientists with the expertise to take products from the design and formulation stage through to manufacturing. Chemical engineers can design, run and troubleshoot production facilities, but their training typically excludes the skills to develop pharmaceutical and related products. Similarly, formulation scientists can invent and test products such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, but they lack the know-how to manage the product process beyond the laboratory stage.This double degree combines chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science to produce professionals capable of covering the full spectrum of the pharmaceutical product design and development process.

Science

Engineering is concerned with the application of science, however many engineers are fascinated by scientific investigation and eager to enhance their understanding of the pure sciences. You may choose to combine engineering with food science or technology, or explore the fundamentals of the cosmos through astrophysics. Or you may be interested in the most fascinating machine of all – the human body.

Hear from our engineering students

Romalya Ranasinghe

My studies have opened doors to a lot of new skills and opportunities. During my undergraduate degree I did an internship with the Monash Woodside Energy Partnership, which introduced me to research concepts and led me to commencing a PhD with industry. I get the best of both worlds. I work with industry and academics at Monash. Everything that we’ve done is actually so hands-on and we get to see the result of our work much earlier. It’s been great seeing commercial projects come to life.”

Romalya Ranasinghe

Industry Doctoral Program (Industry PhD)

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)

Vice President, Monash Pilot Processes team

Latest Chemical engineering news

Ready to apply?

4 years full-time/ 8 years part-time

Starts: February/July

Clayton campus/Malaysia campus

You’re almost there. Find out all you need to know about making an application, including entry requirements, course structure, fees, scholarships, double degree options and more.

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