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Overview of Chemical Engineering
Alongside civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, chemical engineering is one of the main kinds of engineering you can study. Chemical engineers work out ways to turn raw materials into useful end products. This may involve researching the properties of raw materials, developing equipment and evaluating operation processes.
Products chemical engineers might find themselves working on include food, petrol, plastics, minerals, glass and pharmaceuticals. To become a chemical engineer, you need to have a chemical engineering degree. |
Studying Chemical Engineering
A degree in chemical engineering, which is required for a career in this field, takes about four years to complete.
Usually there are no prerequisites, except for a high ENTER/ATAR, but you should have a strong knowledge of chemistry and maths, or you might have to do a bridging program before you start university.
Make sure you choose a university accredited by Engineers Australia, so you can become a member of the association as a professional engineer when you graduate.
Careers in Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering jobs can be found in these industries: petrol and fuel, merchant banking, plastic and rubber manufacturing, metals and ceramics, food and beverage, mining and pharmaceuticals.
Chemical engineers can specialise as combustion, principal chemical, water treatment or minerals engineers. Environmental engineers are another specialisation of chemical engineering, and they work to protect the environment.
The average weekly income for chemical engineers is $1438. It’s a relatively small industry in Australia and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations expects it to grow strongly until at least 2015.
Skills needed in Chemical Engineering
People who work as chemical engineers obviously need to be good at chemistry. They also need to be safety conscious and enjoy finding creative solutions to difficult problems.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software, electronic systems and design principles and methods would also be an advantage.
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