Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study BEng

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham's BEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study offers a comprehensive education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience through a year-long industrial placement. Students gain expertise in chemical engineering principles and develop essential skills in design, analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing them for successful careers in the industry. The program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers and provides students with a strong foundation and a range of career opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study is a four-year undergraduate program offered by the University of Birmingham. It aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in chemical engineering.

• To develop students' practical skills in areas such as process design, analysis, and control.
• To foster students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.
• To prepare students for a successful career in the chemical engineering industry.

Program Description:

The program includes a year-long industrial placement at the end of the second year, providing students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. The University has strong links with numerous key companies, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, BP, EDF, ConocoPhilips, PepsiCo, Jaguar/Land Rover, ExxonMobil, Cadbury, AstraZeneca, Johnson Matthey, and GlaxoSmithKline, as well as smaller to medium enterprises. Students typically need to pass an interview process conducted by the company they are seeking a placement with.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Chemistry and Materials (20 credits)
• Introduction to Transport Phenomena 1 (10 credits)
• Introduction to Transport Phenomena 2 (10 credits)
• Labs and Data Analysis 1 (10 credits)
• Labs and Data Analysis 2 (10 credits)
• Modelling Concepts and Tools 1 (10 credits)
• Modelling Concepts and Tools 2 (10 credits)
• Process Design and Analysis 1 (10 credits)
• Process Design and Analysis 2 (10 credits)
• Reaction, Equilibria and Thermodynamics (20 credits)

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Computing for Chemical Engineers (10 credits)
• Mass, Heat and Momentum Transport (20 credits)
• Process Integration and Unit Operations (20 credits)
• Process Systems and Principles of Process Control (20 credits)
• Product Design Exercise (10 credits)
• Reactors, Catalysis and Thermodynamics (20 credits)
• Sustainable Process Engineering (20 credits)

Year 3:

• Industrial Placement: Students have the option to spend a year in industry at the end of their second year.

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Reactors and Thermodynamics (20 credits)
• Design Project (40 credits)
• Multiphase Systems (20 credits)
• Optional Modules (Select 40 credits):
• Designing for Climate Change (10 credits)
• Efficient Use of Energy (10 credits)
• Energy Economics (10 credits)
• Engineering of Food (10 credits)
• Introduction to Healthcare Technologies (10 credits)
• Low Carbon Chemical and Energy Processes (10 credits)
• Petrochemical Engineering (10 credits)
• Plant Optimisation (10 credits)
• Processing for Formulation (10 credits)

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary across modules and may include exams, written assignments, laboratory reports, and project reports.
• The balance between exams and coursework varies depending on the module.
• The final year has a strong emphasis on project work.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and project work.
• Students are encouraged to develop their core technical and transferable skills, including teamwork, leadership, and evaluation.
• Industry experts contribute through guest lectures.
• The program utilizes Canvas, a virtual learning environment, for lecture notes, additional learning units, self-tests, and supplementary interactive information.

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped with the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed to lead change in various sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, energy, and finance.
• Example career paths include:
• Process engineer
• Design engineer
• Analytical scientist
• Formulation engineer
• Production engineer
• Patent attorney
• Project manager
• Investment banker

Other:

• The School of Chemical Engineering is the first in the UK to have a research facility for energy storage using cryogenic liquids, comprising new laboratories, state-of-the-art equipment, and a major demonstration plant - The Birmingham Centre for Cryogenic Energy Storage.
• The program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
• Students have access to a comprehensive support system, including personal tutors, wellbeing officers, the Academic Skills Centre, and the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS).
• The program offers a transferable and teamworking skills weekend in the Lake District, providing students with opportunities to learn new ways of working collaboratively.