Chemical and Materials Engineering

The first two years of our four chemical engineering degrees share the same set of modules, focusing on the fundamental science and engineering concepts associated with the subject. Not only does this give you a firm foundation for your studies, but it also means you can switch easily between our courses if you choose.

You’ll cover topics such as mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science and process modeling, as well as having plenty of opportunities to put that knowledge into practice in design and laboratory work.

Design is a particularly important element of this course in every year. In Year 3, you’ll take part in a group design project concentrating on the design of a materials processing plant, supported by modules that will help develop your specialist knowledge. You’ll learn about structural materials and functional and nano-materials, as well as core topics like separation processes.

If you continue into Year 4 for the MEng qualification, you’ll take Masters-level modules informed by the research interests of staff in the School. These will give you sophisticated knowledge of topics like materials selection and failure analysis, industrial polymer engineering and product design. You’ll also conduct an individual research project on a materials-related topic.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Technical Skills and Applications 20 credits
• Introduction to Process Engineering 30 credits
• Engineering Science 1 30 credits
• Mathematical Techniques 1 10 credits
• Materials Science and Engineering 20 credits

Optional modules

• Introduction to Petroleum Engineering 10 credits
• Foundation Mathematics 10 credits
• Fundamentals of Process Chemistry 10 credits
• Foundation Engineering Physics 10 credits
• Topics in Nanotechnology 10 credits
• Introduction to Management 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Mathematical Techniques 2 20 credits
• Safety, Health and Environment 20 credits
• Process Systems and Applications 20 credits
• Engineering Science 2 30 credits
• Chemical Thermodynamics 10 credits
• Materials Synthesis and Characterisation 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Design Project (BEng) 40 credits
• Separation Processes 20 credits
• Reaction Engineering 20 credits
• Structural Materials 20 credits
• Functional and Nano-Materials 20 credits

Year 4