Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical engineering) and Biomedical Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University is a multidisciplinary double degree that blends industrial chemical engineering with the science of human health and disease. It is designed for students who are interested in solving complex problems at the intersection of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and large-scale chemical systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build core foundations in both engineering and biomedical science. Engineering studies typically include Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineering, and Introduction to Engineering Practice, while biomedical science begins with subjects such as Human Biology and Cells & Tissues. This year focuses on developing scientific reasoning and understanding both engineering systems and biological structures.

Year 2

Year 2 strengthens core disciplinary knowledge, with engineering subjects such as Material and Energy Balances, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, alongside biomedical science units like Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Students begin to understand how chemical processes and biological systems interact, especially in medical and industrial contexts.

Year 3

At this stage, chemical engineering becomes more advanced with subjects such as Reaction Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Process Control, while biomedical science explores areas like Human Physiology and Microbiology. Students start applying both engineering and biomedical concepts to real-world healthcare and biotechnology problems.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on specialised engineering topics such as Process Design, Separation Processes, and Engineering Design Projects, alongside biomedical science electives in areas such as Pharmacology, Immunology, or Pathology. Students engage in more complex problem-solving, often linking engineering design with biomedical applications.

Year 5

The final year centres on advanced engineering practice through a capstone chemical engineering design project, combined with final biomedical science electives or research-based learning. Students graduate with the ability to integrate engineering design with biomedical knowledge, particularly in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical systems, human biology, healthcare innovation, and industrial process design.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong capabilities in designing chemical processes and understanding biological systems, enabling them to work in industries that bridge engineering, medicine, and biotechnology.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineering registration pathways.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Monash University is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for engineering and biomedical sciences, with strong graduate employability outcomes across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Monash University, the Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Science double degree is built around learning by doing — where you actively move between engineering design environments, biomedical laboratories, and research-driven scientific settings. Students don’t just study how chemical processes and human biology work separately; they learn how they connect, especially in areas like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical manufacturing. A strong emphasis is placed on experimentation, simulation, and real-world problem solving through structured lab work, team-based projects, and industry exposure:

Experiential Learning (engineering labs, biomedical science facilities, software tools, and industry experience):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical training in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, and heat and mass transfer using controlled lab systems that replicate real industrial chemical processes.
Biomedical Science Teaching Laboratories : Hands-on experience in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry labs, including microscopy work, biological sample analysis, and experimental techniques used in health and biomedical research.
Engineering & Process Simulation Software : Use of industry-standard tools such as MATLAB and process modelling software (e.g., Aspen-style simulation tools) to analyse chemical systems and optimise engineering designs.
Monash Industry-Based Learning (IBL) Program : Structured internship opportunities where students gain real workplace experience in engineering firms, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology organisations, and healthcare-related industries.
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) : Exposure to leading pharmaceutical research environments focusing on drug discovery, formulation science, and biomedical innovation.
Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) : Opportunities to engage with advanced biomedical research in tissue engineering, stem cells, and regenerative medicine applications.
Capstone Engineering Design Projects : Final-year team projects where students design and optimise chemical or biomedical-related systems, often based on real industry or healthcare challenges.
Interdisciplinary Group Learning : Collaborative projects combining engineering process design with biomedical problem-solving, such as drug delivery systems or biochemical production processes.
Monash Engineering Design Studios & Libraries : Access to collaborative engineering workspaces, digital research databases, scientific journals, and biomedical science resources supporting both disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Biomedical Science at Monash University are well-prepared for careers at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and biotechnology. This unique combination opens pathways into roles such as Process Engineer (Pharmaceutical/Biotech), Biomedical Engineer, R&D Engineer, and Bioprocess Engineer, where scientific innovation directly impacts health, medicine, and industrial production.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

Monash employability services: Students are supported through Monash Talent & Career Services, offering personalised career coaching, internship placement support, employer networking events, technical interview preparation, and resume development tailored to engineering and biomedical science students.
Employment outcomes & salary outlook: Monash graduates consistently achieve strong full-time employment outcomes in national surveys, with chemical and biomedical engineering graduates typically entering competitive STEM roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare manufacturing, and research industries with strong early-career salary potential.
Industry partnerships & real-world exposure: The program benefits from Monash’s strong connections with industry and research organisations, including pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, enabling internships, collaborative projects, and exposure to real-world healthcare and engineering challenges.
Professional accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineering pathways and global career mobility.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop integrated expertise in chemical process design and biomedical systems, enabling them to contribute to drug development, medical manufacturing, biotechnology innovation, and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can pursue advanced study such as a Master of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), Master of Biomedical Engineering, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Advanced Engineering, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These pathways support specialisation in areas like pharmaceutical engineering, biomedical innovation, regenerative medicine, and advanced bioprocess engineering.