Why study chemical engineering at Sydney?

A broad and in-demand field, chemical and biomolecular engineering is the practice of using chemical processes to transform raw materials into products.

You might not know that chemical and biomolecular engineering has been behind products and processes that impact our daily lives – from vaccines and food products to our energy sources and fuels.

The field requires creativity and problem-solving to apply advanced technical knowledge to meet human needs and create useable products.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, our Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) could be a perfect fit.

Chemical and biomolecular engineering plays a critical role in addressing climate change. With chemical and biomolecular engineers behind green energy, decarbonisation technologies, waste treatment, and even advancements in the plant-based meat industry, we need their expertise to drive future climate action.

With the Net Zero Initiative also underpinning much of the Faculty of Engineering's research, when you study with us you'll have opportunities to work with researchers making their own strides towards a net zero emissions target.

As an engineering discipline responsible for new products, chemical and biomolecular engineers are at the forefront of innovation – whether that's finding new ways to recycle or advancing vaccines in times of need. This means their skills are always in demand and are to set meet the needs of future industries.

When you study chemical and biomolecular engineering at Sydney, you'll gain exposure to emerging fields such as molecular biology and nanotechnology, and build digital and computational skills from the outset of your degree. 

The University of Sydney's Faculty of Engineering is home to a wide range of laboratories and facilities to support our teaching and research activities.

This includes a $200m investment in our new Engineering and Technology Precinct, which is now home to the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Using purpose built labs, you can test different heat exchangers and measure their performance, operate pilot distillation columns, or learn about microfluidics and operate a pilot scale carbon capture pant.

Several of our researchers also work out of the Sydney Nano Institute, a multidisciplinary centre that harnesses research at the nanoscale.

Build skills in our laboratories before putting them into practice during industry placements and as you enter the workforce.

Our engineering curriculum is focused on preparing you for your career, allowing you to gain industry experience and strengthen your research, problem-solving, and communication skills.

All Bachelor of Engineering students complete the award-winning Professional Engagement Program, ensuring exposure to industry and professional work from the very beginning of their studies. The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is also home to the Major Industrial Project Placement Scheme Scholarship, which has seen over 300 students receive a scholarship to support them to work closely with one of the University’s 1,200+ industry partners.

Other programs include the Jacaranda Flame Consulting Program or the Engineering Sydney Industry Placement Scholarship.

With opportunities to work with global energy and pharmaceutical companies, or on humanitarian projects, a career in chemical and biomolecular engineering could take you across the world.

What's more, our Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) is accredited by both Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers, with our graduates also recognised internationally through the Washington Accord of the International Engineering Alliance. This means your degree is recognised in more countries, opening doors throughout your career.