Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering student with clipboard
Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering student with clipboard
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
30
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 838
Entry Requirements
465 CAO Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Aisling O’Gorman

T: +353 (0)21 433 5883

Email: (email)

Overview

Chemical engineering is ideally suited to students with ability in mathematics and science, who enjoy problem-solving and aspire to well-paid, satisfying jobs at home and abroad. Chemical engineering is all about change; creating life-enhancing products and services by applying scientific and mathematical understanding to design, control and improve processes that change raw materials into useful products. Chemical engineers are world leaders in producing medicines, clean energy and water, and other key products in a cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Lectures are supplemented by laboratory sessions, project work and team exercises. The course is comprehensive, addressing sectors from heavy chemicals like oil and gas to high-value products like pharmaceuticals, as well as issues like energy efficiency, waste minimisation and environmental protection, all in the context of safe and sustainable operations.

 

Accreditation

This degree programme has IChemE accreditation at the “M-standard” issued by the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Qualifications accredited at M-Standard meet the full academic requirements for Chartered Member (MIChemE) and Chartered Engineer (CEng). M-Standard recognises integrated degrees that provide both a solid academic foundation (in chemical engineering) plus advanced chemical engineering knowledge and skills. This offers our graduates enhanced qualifications with the potential opportunities to work and compete in a global market. The programme is also accredited by Engineers Ireland, which represents all engineering disciplines in Ireland.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Mathematics: is the language of engineering, students will use mathematics to model, analyse, predict and control the behaviour of complex chemical and pharmaceutical systems
  • Communications: students need to communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large
  • Engineering Science: students will learn the fundamentals of physics, chemistry and biology to allow them to understand the scientific basis of chemical engineering
  • Engineering Laboratory Practices: students will learn how to operate items of chemical and biopharmaceutical process equipment in a professional and safe manner, supporting theory learning
  • Principles of Process Engineering: students are introduced to material and energy balances on reactive processes and unreactive processes
  • Cellular Microbiology: students will learn how cells can be used to produce useful biotechnology products

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include English or Irish grade O6/H7, and Mathematics H4 or see Note 1 Below.

Note 1: The requirement for H4 Maths may be satisfied by H4 in Applied Maths plus H6 in Maths.

NB: Please note the H4 grade in Maths can also be used to satisfy one of the H5 entry requirements.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Many of our graduates remain in technical support roles, others develop into managerial positions as production, engineering, human resources, and general managers. The ‘typical’ graduate is engaged in the region, in the greater Munster area, in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector. Starting salary for chemical engineers is usually the highest of all engineers, reflecting the worldwide demand for their skills.

  • Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
  • Food and Beverages
  • Oil and Gas
  • Energy and Environment
  • Building Products
  • Consultancy

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply for a postgraduate degree at MTU:

  • MEng in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering (Taught)
  • MEng (by Research)
  • PhD

Question Time

As with all engineering programmes, Mathematics is used as a tool to communicate ideas and to solve problems so you should be comfortable with Mathematics. See minimum Leaving Certificate Maths requirements above.

Many graduates pursue careers in the fine chemical, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries where they are involved with plant design, commissioning, operations and optimisation.

The lecturers are chemical engineers, and most have spent significant amounts of time working in the process industry, and as a result can bring real-life experiences to the classroom.

MTU prides itself on the fact that all courses are taught in a small class environment (typically 30 students per class), ensuring that students have every opportunity to interact with their lecturers and succeed in their studies.

Yes. A salaried placement is undertaken, starting at the end of year 3 and continuing into the second semester of year 4, and is spent either in industry or with a consultancy (subject to availability).

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