To obtain an integrated understanding of chemistry and its associated industries, both at the molecular level and in terms of engineering, processes and technology, an integrated curriculum of chemistry and chemical engineering topics is essential. Our academic configuration at Aston in which chemical engineers and chemists work closely alongside each other is ideal for this.
Throughout the four years of study students follow a curriculum with equal weighting on chemistry and chemical engineering topics. While this makes for an intensive programme, there is still room to for students to study complementary topics such as economics and sustainability.
Year 1
Chemical Engineering Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Chemical Kinetics
- States of Matter
Chemical Engineering Operations:
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Separation Processes
Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry:
- Process and Product Design
- Mathematics
- Health, Safety and the Environment
- Laboratory Skills
Year 2
Chemical Engineering Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Reaction Engineering
- Chemical Process and Equipment Design
- Transfer Processes
Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry:
- Polymer Science
- Process Evaluation
- Laboratory Skills
Year 3 - Optional placement year
See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.
Year 4
- Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
- Polymer Science
- Advanced Transfer and Separation Processes
- Process Simulation
- Bio Materials
- Process Economics and Loss Prevention
- Research Project
Final Year
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- Advanced Polymer Science
- Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
- NMR Techniques
- Pollution Prevention and Control
- Process Control
- Design Problem
- Sustainability
Our programmes incorporate lectures, tutorials, plant visits and lab work. You will also be involved in project work; developing essential problem solving skills with specialist supervision from staff and industrial consultants. This hands-on experience will involve learning a wide range of techniques.
Assessment is by a combination of exams, project, lab and coursework.
Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.
Our excellent links with the chemical industry allow you to test and expand your knowledge, skills and understanding with a paid twelve month professional placement.
It will provide integrated industrial and professional training, often in a position of responsibility, in areas such as the design, development, commissioning or operation of a chemical plant. We will help arrange your placement for you or in conjunction with your sponsoring company.
We will also provide opportunities for you to visit companies, undertake commercial project work and compete for sponsorships and prizes. Our current and recent placement employers include: BP, BNFL, ConocoPhillips, GSK, Kraft, Alfa Laval, Thames Water, AMEC and 3M.
Aston placement students also qualify for our £1,000 placement allowance for that year.
Find out more about placement years at Aston.
Uniquely our MEng in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This means that following time spent in post after graduation you will be eligible for Corporate Membership of both Institutions and the status of Chartered Engineer and Chartered Chemist.
In addition to the traditional oil and chemical-based industries you will be well equipped to go into a wide range of careers including food production, pollution control, environmental protection, energy conservation, waste recovery and recycling, medical science, health and safety, alternative energy sources, resource conservation, research, management and consultancy. Our graduates have a strong record of finding suitable positions, reflecting the fact that the UK is a major contributor to the global chemical industry. Our recent graduates found lucrative graduate engineering/consultancy positions with companies including: Procter and Gamble, Stone and Webster, BP, ExxonMobil, Kodak, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Unilever, AMEC, British Energy, Kappa, Mowlem, BT, Corus and Pfizer.
Further information about careers and salaries for graduate Chemical Engineers can be found at:
www.icheme.org.uk
www.whynotchemeng.com
During your studies you will be involved in individual and group project work. This is designed to develop individual skills as an engineer as well as communication, both written and verbal, organisational and leadership skills needed to work effectively after graduation.
The programme emphasises the commercial as well as industrial aspects of chemical engineering and you will take a number of management-related modules.
Our modern, purpose-designed labs and teaching facilities include excellent IT facilities and a well-equipped pilot plant area. Tailored computing courses and self-tuition packages ensure the development of IT and word processing skills required by the modern chemical engineer or chemist.
Dr S Al-Malaika
Dr Al-Malaika's researches are in the areas of oxidation, stabilisation and modification of polymers. Current interests include studies on the oxidation and stabilisation of metallocene polyolefins, the antioxidant mechanisms and performance of biological antioxidant in polymers, synthesis of reactive compatibilisers for polymer blends, upgrading properties of polymers by reactive processing techniques, free radical grafting reactions on polymer melts and photo-bio-degradability of polymers.
Prof A V Bridgwater
Professor Bridgwater established the Bioenergy Research Group (BERG) in 1986. Since then it has grown to 25 members with an aggregated research income of over £13m. BERG specialises in the fast pyrolysis of biomass and solid wastes for production of liquid bio-fuels and chemicals. The group also researches advanced gasification and bioenergy system analysis, design and evaluation including economic assessment. Professor Bridgwater leads the SuperGen Biomass and Bioenergy Consortium supported by EPSRC. He also leads Thermalnet, an EU-forum on the thermal conversion of biomass, sponsored by the EC and IEA Bioenergy.
Prof B J Tighe
Professor Tighe's research focuses on the design, synthesis and applications of biomedical polymers, a significant proportion of which are hydrogels, a term frequently used to describe polymers swollen with water. Current interests include novel materials for ophthalmic applications, drug delivery systems, bioadhesive polymers, synthetic materials for articular cartilage, lung surfactant and cornea. The research is interdisciplinary and involves strong interactive connections with relevant industrial companies.
EAS Undergraduate Admissions Office
+44 (0)121 204 3400
engineering@aston.ac.uk
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