BEng- Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Introduction

What is chemical engineering?

The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in the Department of Chemical, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology is unique in many respects. Firstly, the knowledge areas combining biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics create a sound scientific foundation for engineering students. Secondly, core modules offered in the early stages drawn from various engineering programmes give the students some interdisciplinary flair. Thirdly, the two programmes offered under one umbrella give students sufficient latitude for career options. Holders of the two degrees offered namely; BEng Chemical Engineering and BEng Materials and Metallurgical Engineering are widely sought after in industries in both developed and emerging economies.

Chemical Engineering

 Award: BEng

Duration: 5 years

Chemical engineers are principally involved in the production of a wide range of chemicals and materials such as soaps, dyes, polyethylene, detergents, paper, fertilizers, cement, bricks etc., and foodstuffs such as cooking oil, margarine, beverages and pharmaceuticals as well as petroleum products. They are also involved in processes to produce potable water, cars, steel, mineral resources processing, production of energy, textiles, beverages, waste processing and minimization. In addition, chemical engineers address environmental impacts such as water, soil and air pollution arising from the process industries and human activities. Chemical engineers design processes, build and manage chemical operations and ensure efficiency of production by intelligent control and optimization of physical, thermal and chemical parameters. Chemical engineering principles address grand global problems such as: energy systems, carbon mitigation, water management, health care, medicine systems engineering, urban processes and systems, bioengineering, biomedical and industrial biotechnology applications.

Why is this Course for me?               

The need to address climate change and develop industrial processes that would address the growing need for employment, sustainable resource utilisation, food and energy security, novel health care products and environmentally friendly materials is a global challenge. If you are looking for a programme that would equip you with the skills and knowledge to address these challenges, then chemical engineering is a course for you.

 What Will I Study?

You would be taught courses that would enable you to develop, design, operate and control processes for the manufacture of a wide range of products such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, petroleum products etc. In addition, you would also be introduced to courses that address mitigating environmental pollution, entrepreneurship, business management and process economics. You would also have an opportunity to undertake work integrated learning during the second semester of your fourth year to enable you to apply the engineering principles you have learnt and prepare you for the work environment.

The modules content

For the first two years of study, students will study basic subjects that include inter alia, mathematics, physics and chemistry, which form the building blocks for an engineering career. The core chemical engineering courses covered in the curriculum include the following:

• Bioprocess Engineering
• Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Environmental Process Engineering
• Heat and Mass Transfer
• Plant and Equipment Design
• Process Control and Instrumentation
• Process Engineering Principles
• Unit Operations and Separation Processes

Career and postgraduate opportunities

The course opens the door for postgraduate studies and a wide range of careers in industry, banks, government, consultancies, business, and R&D centres. Career opportunities for chemical engineers are found in chemical and petroleum processing plants, metallurgical and material processing plants, food and beverage industries, pharmaceutical plants, biotechnology and agro-based industries such as fertilisers, pesticides and veterinary products manufacture. Careers can be diversified to other associated functions such as energy utilisation, environmental protection, health and safety, disposal of hazardous waste, process control and quality management.