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 a career in chemical engineering with specialist expertise in environmental protection and sustainability.
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. Environmental protection and management are significant components and a field course is undertaken.
At the end of year two you can elect to transfer between BEng and MEng courses; 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 will specialise in environmental management and design, and can undertake further optional modules according to your choice.
Year-three students undertake a group design project, which simulates a commercial environment where companies tender for a design contract concerning an environmental project. Projects are industry driven and allow you to develop and demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to be professional chemical engineers wishing to specialise in the environment.
Year four
Year four allows you to develop specialist expertise, with many module options available. You will be completely independent in your learning and are able to tackle a wide variety of complex, multidisciplinary problems and more advanced chemical and environmental engineering concepts. A research and development project is undertaken, giving you first-hand experience in cutting-edge research and the opportunity to develop the more advanced skills that set masters-level students apart from other graduates.
Entry requirements
A levels: AAA-AAB, including maths and either chemistry or physics at A 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 the 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
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Fluid Mechanics
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Process Engineering Fundamentals
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Environmental Management
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Introductory Geology
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Heat and Mass Transfer
Typical year-two modules
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Chemical and Phase Equilibria
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Particle Mechanics
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Site Investigation
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Engineering Materials
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Computer Systems
Typical year-three modules
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Waste and Waste Water Treatment
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Multicomponent Separations
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Process Dynamics and Control
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Reactor Design
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Project Management
Typical year-four modules
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Computational Fluid Dynamics
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Advanced Rheology and Materials
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Power Generation and Carbon Capture
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Air Pollution Control Technology
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Design Project MEng
Typical optional modules
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Chemical Engineering Laboratory
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Advanced Reaction Engineering
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Multiphase Systems
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
This degree has been accredited by the Institute of Chemical Engineers under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
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.