Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering(Chemical and Biomedical Engineering)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering) is an integrated five-year program that combines advanced engineering theory, practical industry experience, and specialised postgraduate-level expertise in chemical and biomedical engineering. The program is ideal for students interested in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable processing, medical technologies, energy systems, and advanced manufacturing who want to graduate with both an honours degree and a professionally accredited master’s qualification.

Students develop strong foundations in engineering science before progressing into advanced studies in biochemical systems, process engineering, biomedical technologies, sustainability, and industrial innovation. The program is delivered primarily at UQ’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane, Australia, home to the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology and world-class engineering research facilities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds core engineering and scientific foundations through mathematics, chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering design. Students commonly study units such as Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Calculus & Linear Algebra, while also developing teamwork and communication skills through introductory engineering projects. This foundation prepares students for more specialised chemical and biomedical engineering studies in later years.

Year 2

In second year, students begin developing core chemical and biomedical engineering knowledge through process analysis, materials science, and systems engineering. Subjects such as Fluid and Particle Mechanics, Material and Energy Balances, and Engineering Chemistry introduce students to industrial process operations and engineering calculations. Laboratory sessions and technical assignments strengthen practical analytical and experimental capabilities.

Year 3

Third year focuses on advanced engineering applications, biomedical systems, and industrial process design. Students study units including Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Biomaterials Engineering, learning how engineering principles are applied to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical industries. Students also participate in collaborative engineering design projects and process simulation activities.

Year 4

Students move into honours-level engineering and specialised biomedical learning during fourth year. Units such as Process Control and Dynamics, Biochemical Engineering, and Sustainable Energy Engineering develop expertise in process optimisation, sustainability, biomedical systems, and industrial innovation. Research-focused coursework and industry-related projects help students apply engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.

Year 5 – Master of Engineering

The final year delivers advanced postgraduate engineering training and professional specialisation. Students complete advanced technical electives, industry-oriented design projects, and a substantial research thesis in areas related to chemical processing, biotechnology, biomaterials, renewable energy, or biomedical systems engineering. By graduation, students are equipped for leadership, research, and specialist engineering roles across global industries.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, biomaterials, biotechnology, sustainable processing, renewable energy systems, process design, industrial optimisation, pharmaceuticals, biomedical systems, engineering research

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of chemical and biomedical engineering systems; apply thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and biochemical engineering principles; design and optimise industrial and biomedical processes; evaluate sustainability and engineering performance; conduct advanced engineering research; analyse complex engineering systems; communicate technical findings professionally; integrate innovation and problem-solving into engineering practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised internationally under the Washington Accord, supporting global engineering career mobility and professional recognition. The integrated master’s qualification also strengthens preparation for advanced engineering practice, leadership, and research-focused careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, biotechnology, sustainability research, and graduate employability. UQ consistently performs strongly in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is respected by employers for producing graduates with strong technical expertise, research capability, and industry readiness across engineering and technology sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering) at the University of Queensland provides students with extensive hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, pilot-scale engineering facilities, biomedical research environments, and industry-connected engineering projects. Students develop practical expertise in chemical processing, biomaterials, biotechnology, renewable energy systems, and biomedical engineering while working in research-intensive and industry-relevant learning environments.

The integrated master’s structure allows students to progressively build professional engineering capability through laboratory experimentation, engineering design, computational modelling, and research-led project work. Through specialised facilities, collaborative industry experiences, and advanced engineering technologies, students graduate with strong technical, research, and innovation-focused skills:

Advanced Engineering Laboratories : Students work in specialised chemical and biomedical engineering laboratories involving fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, reaction engineering, biomaterials, and biochemical processing systems.
Pilot Plant Facilities : The program provides practical experience with pilot-scale processing equipment and industrial systems used for separation processes, chemical production, and process optimisation activities.
Biomedical Engineering Research Spaces : Students gain exposure to biomedical and biomaterials research environments focused on tissue engineering, medical technologies, biomolecular systems, and healthcare innovation.
Industry and Research Projects : Engineering design and research projects allow students to solve complex real-world engineering problems related to pharmaceuticals, sustainability, biotechnology, industrial processing, and biomedical technologies.
Engineering Thesis and Research Training : Master’s-level students complete a substantial research thesis, gaining advanced experience in technical investigation, engineering analysis, experimental design, and professional research methodologies.
Process Simulation and Engineering Software : Students use industry-relevant process simulation, modelling, and computational engineering tools for systems analysis, process optimisation, design evaluation, and engineering decision-making.
Collaborative Group Projects : Team-based engineering projects develop professional communication, leadership, project coordination, and multidisciplinary problem-solving skills within realistic engineering scenarios.
UQ Centre for Advanced Imaging Exposure : Students may engage with advanced imaging technologies and interdisciplinary biomedical research environments connected to the university’s research institutes.
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) : Students benefit from proximity to one of Australia’s leading biotechnology and nanotechnology research institutes, supporting innovation in biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical systems.
Sustainability and Energy Research Facilities : The program exposes students to renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable processing research linked to UQ’s engineering and energy initiatives.
Engineering Workshops and Innovation Spaces : Students can access collaborative engineering workshops, maker spaces, and technical innovation hubs that support design prototyping and experimentation.
Libraries and Digital Engineering Resources : Students have access to UQ’s engineering and scientific databases, digital research platforms, collaborative study environments, and specialised technical learning resources.
Professional Industry Exposure : The Faculty of Engineering maintains strong relationships with industries connected to chemical processing, biotechnology, mining, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare technologies, helping students connect practical learning with industry expectations.
Laboratory-Based Learning : Practical laboratory sessions throughout the program help students build expertise in experimental techniques, engineering measurements, technical reporting, and systems evaluation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering) from the University of Queensland are highly prepared for advanced engineering, biomedical, and research-focused careers across industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare technologies, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and industrial processing. The integrated honours and master’s structure gives graduates both strong professional engineering capability and advanced specialist expertise, helping them stand out for leadership, technical innovation, and research-oriented roles. Typical career outcomes include Chemical Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Process Engineer, Biotechnology Engineer, Research Engineer, Sustainability Engineer, and Pharmaceutical Process Specialist.

The program’s combination of professional accreditation, industry engagement, advanced laboratory training, and postgraduate-level research experience creates strong long-term employability and global career opportunities for graduates:

Career Development and Employability Services : Students receive support through UQ’s Student Employability Centre, which provides career planning, internship assistance, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Advanced Industry and Research Exposure : Students participate in industry-focused engineering projects and research activities connected to sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical systems, renewable energy, and industrial processing.
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) : Students benefit from exposure to one of Australia’s leading biotechnology and nanotechnology research institutes, strengthening expertise in biomaterials, biomedical innovation, and pharmaceutical technologies.
Industry Partnerships : UQ maintains strong industry relationships across engineering, healthcare technologies, mining, sustainability, biotechnology, manufacturing, and energy sectors, helping students connect academic learning with real engineering practice.
Research and Innovation Capability : The integrated master’s and research thesis components prepare graduates for advanced technical, consulting, and research-intensive careers requiring innovation and analytical expertise.
Graduate Employability Reputation : The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for engineering, biomedical research, sustainability innovation, and graduate employability, with strong employer reputation across engineering and technology industries.
Median Salary : Graduates from advanced chemical and biomedical engineering disciplines at UQ commonly achieve median full-time graduate salaries ranging from AUD $80,000–$110,000+, depending on industry sector, technical specialisation, research experience, and leadership responsibilities.
Global Accreditation Value : The program is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, supporting international engineering recognition and global professional mobility.
Professional Engineering Leadership Preparation : The combined honours and master’s qualification strengthens graduate readiness for specialist engineering, project leadership, technical consulting, operations management, and innovation-focused career pathways.
Industry-Ready Graduation Outcomes : Through advanced laboratories, engineering design projects, biomedical research experiences, process simulation activities, and postgraduate research training, graduates develop highly practical and industry-relevant technical capabilities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this integrated program, graduates may continue into higher research pathways such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biomaterials, Renewable Energy Systems, Sustainability Engineering, or Advanced Manufacturing. Graduates may also pursue specialised professional certifications, research fellowships, or advanced interdisciplinary study connected to healthcare technologies, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, and industrial innovation.