Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical engineering) and science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Science at Monash University is a double degree designed for students who want to combine industrial chemical engineering with in-depth scientific study across disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, biology, or physics. It suits students who are curious about how scientific discovery translates into large-scale engineering solutions used in energy, materials, healthcare, and environmental systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in both engineering and science. Engineering subjects include Engineering Mathematics, Chemistry for Engineering, and Introduction to Engineering Practice, while science study begins with core units such as Chemistry, Physics, or Biology (depending on specialisation). This year focuses on developing analytical thinking and core scientific understanding.

Year 2

Year 2 deepens chemical engineering knowledge alongside chosen science disciplines. Engineering subjects typically include Material and Energy Balances, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, while science units may include Organic Chemistry, Physics Principles, or Data Analysis in Science. Students begin linking theoretical science with real engineering applications.

Year 3

At this stage, chemical engineering becomes more advanced with subjects such as Reaction Engineering, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Process Systems Engineering, while science study becomes more specialised depending on the chosen major. Students begin solving complex interdisciplinary problems that combine scientific analysis with engineering design.

Year 4

Engineering study focuses on advanced topics such as Process Design, Separation Processes, and Engineering Design Projects, while science electives allow deeper exploration in areas like advanced chemistry, environmental science, or materials science. Students engage in more independent and applied problem-solving across both fields.

Year 5

The final year combines a major Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Project with advanced science electives or research-focused study. Students graduate with the ability to integrate scientific discovery with industrial-scale engineering design and innovation.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, applied sciences, materials science, environmental systems, energy engineering, industrial chemistry, and scientific research methods.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong expertise in chemical engineering design and scientific analysis, enabling them to apply scientific principles to solve large-scale industrial and environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

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

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Monash University is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for engineering and science, with strong global employability outcomes across research, energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Monash University, the Chemical Engineering and Science double degree is designed to give students strong hands-on technical experience while also developing deep scientific understanding across chemistry, physics, mathematics, and related disciplines. From early in the course, students work in advanced engineering laboratories, science teaching labs, and computational environments where they apply theory to real experimental and modelling challenges. The program strongly emphasises research-informed learning, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and science disciplines:

Experiential Learning (engineering labs, science laboratories, software tools, and research environments):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical training in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and reaction engineering using pilot-scale equipment and industrial simulation systems.
Science Teaching Laboratories : Hands-on experimental work in chemistry, physics, and biology depending on science specialisation, including molecular analysis, materials testing, and laboratory instrumentation techniques.
Process Simulation & Scientific Software : Use of industry-standard tools such as MATLAB and process modelling software (Aspen-style platforms) for chemical process design, data analysis, and system optimisation.
Monash Industry-Based Learning (IBL) Program : Paid internships where students gain real industry experience in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and advanced materials.
Interdisciplinary Research Projects : Group-based projects combining engineering design and scientific investigation, such as developing sustainable chemical processes or analysing environmental systems.
Capstone Engineering Design Projects : Final-year engineering projects where students design, model, and optimise chemical systems based on real industrial problems.
Monash Research-Active Environments : Opportunities to engage with science and engineering research groups working in areas like materials science, sustainability, chemical processes, and environmental systems.
Monash Engineering Design Studios : Collaborative spaces where students work in teams to design and present engineering solutions in industry-style environments.
Monash Library & Digital Research Resources : Access to extensive scientific journals, engineering databases, and computational tools supporting both scientific and engineering learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and Bachelor of Science at Monash University are well prepared for careers that sit at the intersection of industrial engineering and scientific research. This combination opens strong pathways into roles such as Process Engineer, Research Scientist, Environmental Engineer, and Materials/Process Development Engineer, where scientific discovery is translated into real-world industrial solutions.

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, resume development, and interview preparation tailored to engineering and science students.
Employment outcomes & salary outlook: Monash graduates consistently achieve strong full-time employment outcomes in national surveys, with engineering and science graduates typically entering roles in energy, resources, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and advanced materials industries with competitive early-career salaries in STEM sectors.
Industry partnerships & real-world exposure: The program is strengthened through Monash’s Industry-Based Learning (IBL) program and collaborations with leading organisations in engineering, energy, biotechnology, and scientific research, providing internship and project-based learning opportunities.
Professional accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineering registration and global career mobility.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop strong capabilities in both scientific analysis and engineering design, enabling them to solve complex industrial, environmental, and technological challenges across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Advanced Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Science, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These pathways allow further specialisation in areas such as chemical process engineering, materials science, environmental systems, and advanced scientific research.