Chemical Engineering BEng

Course overview

This course equips graduates with core scientific and engineering knowledge, practical laboratory skills, teamworking, problem solving and other transferable skills needed to pursue careers as professional chemical engineers, as well as a diverse range of other career options.

Year one 

The Department teaches a common first year across chemical engineering and environmental engineering courses. The transition between school/college and university is very carefully managed, with extensive staff support and formative feedback mechanisms.

Year one takes students with backgrounds in science and maths and introduces the fundamental engineering sciences including heat and mass transfer and fluid mechanics. Safety and environmental aspects are also covered, as are the development of professional skills. The material is taught using a wide variety of methods from problem-based learning to tutorials and laboratory classes.

At the end of year one you can elect to transfer to any of the courses offered by the Department.

Year two

The focus of year two is to develop the fundamental engineering sciences into the key processes and operations that are common within chemical engineering, such as reaction engineering, separations, plant design and computer systems. Laboratory work is a major component of year two and the exposure to industry and cutting-edge research also increases. Safety and environmental aspects are an important part of year two, which also sees you becoming more independent in your approach to learning.

At the end of year two students can elect to transfer between BEng and MEng courses, and this is also the most common time for you to take a year out to work in industry or to undertake a study abroad programme.

Year three 

In year three we develop the practical application of the knowledge and skills that have been gained in years one and two. Laboratory exercises are more open-ended, using large-scale and industrial equipment. Project management, business and finance are covered and there is a significant amount of input from industry. You can choose between a number of optional modules in year three, allowing them to specialise in a particular area according to their your choice.

Year-three students undertake a group design project, which simulates a commercial environment where companies tender for a design contract. Projects are industry driven and allow you to develop and demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to be professional chemical engineers.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAA-AAB, including maths and either chemistry or physics at A2 level

English language requirements 

ILETS: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 87 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Foundation year - a foundation year is available for this course

Notes for applicants 

Scholarships - for details of scholarships, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/funding

Course options  - the Department teaches a common first year across chemical engineering and environmental engineering courses. The transition between school/college and university is very carefully managed, with extensive staff support and formative feedback mechanisms. At the end of year one you will be able to transfer to any of the courses offered by the Department. At the end of year two you will have the opportunity to transfer between BEng and MEng courses; this is also the most common time for students to take a year out to work in industry or to undertake a study abroad programme.

Modules

Our modules provide a balance of fundamental principles and applications, engineering practice and design elements.  Modules are shaped by new developments in industry and as a consequence, may change from year to year.  The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Fluid Mechanics
• Introductory Chemistry
• Physics and Process Chemistry
• Engineering Thermodynamics
• Introductory Geology

Typical year-two modules

• Particle Mechanics
• Interfacial Chemistry
• Safety Engineering
• Computer Systems
• Analytical Measurement

Typical year-three modules

• Project Management
• Chemical Product Design
• Design Project BEng
• Multicomponent Separations
• Process Dynamics and Control

Typical optional modules

• Polymer Engineering
• Process Simulation 1
• Bioreaction Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Advanced Transport Phenomena
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory

Skills and careers

You will have developed your knowledge of science and engineering, together with a wide range of transferable skills including IT, communication, analysis, problem solving, teamworking and management. You will be highly sought-after by companies worldwide to work in areas such as process and product design, management and consultancy.

Professional recognition

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering was £28,909.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.