Chemical and Nuclear 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.

Year 3 gives you the opportunity to build on this foundation. You’ll develop a more advanced knowledge of key chemical engineering topics such as reaction engineering and separation processes, alongside a specialised module in nuclear science and engineering, from the principles of fission and fusion to reactor decommissioning and the treatment of nuclear waste.

If you continue to Year 4 for the MEng qualification, you’ll take Masters-level modules informed by the research interests of staff in the School. You’ll develop skills in designing new chemical products and manufacturing challenges and study reaction engineering in greater depth.

At the same time, you’ll deepen your understanding of the context of nuclear engineering and the directions it may take in the future, including public acceptance of nuclear power, the context of climate change and energy policy and technical issues like process instrumentation and control. You’ll also focus on a nuclear topic in depth when you apply your learning to a substantial research project.

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
• Nuclear Operations 20 credits
• Nuclear Fundamentals 20 credits