Bachelor of Engineering Honours(Chemical Engineering) /Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

This double degree combines chemical engineering with a broad science foundation, equipping students to design, analyse, and improve industrial chemical processes while also developing strong scientific expertise. It is ideal for students who want flexible career pathways in industries such as energy, manufacturing, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, and research-driven sectors.

Campus: Joondalup Campus, Perth, Western Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build core knowledge in engineering principles and foundational science. Engineering units typically include Engineering Mathematics, Introduction to Chemical Engineering, and Engineering Design, while science study introduces subjects such as Chemistry Fundamentals and Scientific Methods and Practice. This year focuses on developing analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and a strong understanding of both engineering and scientific reasoning.

Second Year

The second year strengthens chemical engineering fundamentals while expanding scientific understanding. Students study engineering units such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Process Engineering Principles, alongside science subjects like Organic Chemistry or Environmental Science Foundations. This stage builds the ability to connect scientific principles with real industrial processes.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and specialised science study. Engineering subjects include Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes, and Process Control, while science electives may include Materials Science or Applied Chemistry. Students begin integrating both disciplines through applied laboratory work and project-based learning.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced chemical process systems and scientific application. Students study Advanced Process Design, Sustainable Engineering Systems, and Industrial Process Optimisation, while science electives allow deeper exploration of specialised areas. This year strongly emphasises real-world engineering problem solving and applied scientific analysis.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete a major capstone project combining chemical engineering and scientific research. Projects typically focus on industrial process design, sustainability, or applied scientific innovation. Graduates leave with advanced technical, analytical, and research-ready skills across both engineering and science domains.

Focus Areas:

Chemical engineering, process design, industrial systems, environmental science, materials science, scientific analysis, sustainability, reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and applied chemistry.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design and optimise chemical processes, apply scientific principles to real-world industrial challenges, conduct laboratory and analytical research, and contribute to innovation in energy, manufacturing, environmental, and research industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, ensuring professional engineering recognition and global career mobility. The Science component provides a flexible STEM foundation aligned with ECU’s internationally recognised science education framework.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Edith Cowan University is known for strong teaching quality, industry-focused education, and high graduate employability outcomes. It performs well in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings, particularly for practical, career-ready education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, students develop practical engineering and scientific skills through hands-on laboratory work, applied design projects, and industry-engaged learning experiences. You’ll work across chemical engineering systems and scientific disciplines using modern lab facilities and computational tools that reflect real industrial practice. The program is designed to ensure you graduate with strong technical capability in both engineering and science through continuous real-world application and collaboration:

Chemical engineering laboratories: practical training in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and process design experiments
Science laboratories: hands-on work in chemistry, environmental science, and materials-related experimental analysis
Engineering design studios: collaborative spaces for solving real chemical process engineering problems through applied projects
Process modelling and simulation tools: industry-relevant software used for chemical system design, analysis, and optimisation
Group-based engineering and science projects: interdisciplinary teamwork combining scientific analysis with engineering design solutions
Industry experience and professional practice units: exposure to real workplace environments through industry engagement and applied learning
Capstone engineering project: final-year project focusing on solving real industrial or environmental chemical engineering challenges
ECU library and digital learning resources: access to scientific journals, engineering databases, research papers, and technical standards
Applied research opportunities: involvement in projects linked to environmental systems, materials, and chemical process innovation
Industry-informed learning activities: case studies and project work developed in collaboration with engineering and science sectors

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in chemical process design, environmental systems, materials science, and industrial research, where they contribute to improving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in engineering systems. You can move into roles such as Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Environmental Scientist, and Research Scientist across industries including energy, resources, manufacturing, and environmental sectors:

ECU Employability and Careers support: personalised career guidance, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities
Industry experience pathways: professional practice units and applied learning experiences that connect students with real engineering and science workplaces
Graduate employment outcomes & salary range: engineering and science graduates in Australia typically achieve strong employability, with starting salaries often around AUD 65,000–95,000+, depending on role and industry
Industry partnerships: ECU collaborates with organisations in engineering, resources, environmental science, and manufacturing to support internships and applied learning opportunities
Professional accreditation value: the Engineering (Honours) component is aligned with Engineers Australia accreditation standards, ensuring long-term professional recognition and global career mobility
Strong interdisciplinary advantage: graduates benefit from combining engineering design skills with scientific expertise, making them highly adaptable across multiple STEM industries

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue a Master of Engineering (Chemical, Environmental, or Process Engineering) or other specialised postgraduate STEM qualifications. Those interested in research or innovation pathways may also progress to Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD programs, focusing on advanced chemical engineering systems, environmental solutions, or applied scientific research.