Bachelors of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical Engineering) / Mathematics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Mathematics dual degree at The University of Queensland combines advanced engineering design with high-level mathematical modelling and analytical problem-solving. This program is ideal for students who enjoy applying mathematics to complex industrial systems and want to develop expertise in areas such as process optimisation, data analysis, computational modelling, and sustainable engineering technologies.

Our campuses: St Lucia | Gatton | Herston | Dutton Park

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, and computing. Core subjects typically include Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Calculus and Linear Algebra, and Chemical Engineering Foundations, alongside introductory mathematics and scientific computation studies. Students begin developing analytical reasoning and quantitative problem-solving skills essential for both engineering and mathematics.

Year 2

Year 2 introduces fundamental chemical engineering systems together with advanced mathematical techniques. Students study engineering courses such as Thermodynamics, Fluid and Particle Mechanics, and Material & Energy Balances, while mathematics studies may include Ordinary Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus. This year focuses on applying mathematical concepts to physical and industrial engineering systems.

Year 3

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and mathematical modelling topics. Engineering studies include Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics and Control, while mathematics learning may involve Numerical Methods, Applied Mathematics, or Mathematical Modelling. Students learn how computational and mathematical tools are used to optimise chemical and industrial processes.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises complex systems analysis, engineering design, and specialised mathematics applications. Students undertake subjects such as Process Design and Safety, Separation Processes, and Sustainable Process Engineering, alongside advanced mathematical electives related to optimisation, statistics, or computational analysis. Collaborative projects and technical modelling become a major part of learning.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a substantial Engineering Honours Thesis and Design Project, integrating chemical engineering principles with mathematical modelling and systems analysis to solve real-world industrial or research challenges. This year strengthens research capability, technical communication, and advanced problem-solving expertise.

Focus Areas:

Chemical process engineering, mathematical modelling, computational analysis, process optimisation, sustainable engineering, systems engineering, industrial data analysis, and applied mathematics.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop expertise in chemical engineering systems and advanced mathematical analysis, enabling them to model, optimise, and improve complex industrial and technological processes across engineering and scientific industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and supporting pathways toward professional engineering registration globally.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, mathematics, and research innovation, with strong graduate employability outcomes and global industry partnerships across engineering, technology, and scientific sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Chemical Engineering and Mathematics dual degree gives students extensive practical experience in engineering design, industrial process analysis, computational modelling, and advanced mathematical problem-solving. Students learn through laboratory experimentation, simulation-based engineering projects, mathematical modelling activities, and collaborative design work that reflects real industry and research challenges. The program combines hands-on engineering training with analytical and computational approaches used across modern engineering, energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors:

Experiential Learning (engineering laboratories, mathematical modelling, software tools, and research environments):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Practical laboratory training in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, process control, and reaction engineering using pilot-scale industrial systems and chemical processing equipment.
Mathematical & Computational Modelling : Students apply advanced mathematical techniques to engineering systems through modelling, optimisation, numerical analysis, and simulation-based learning activities.
Engineering Simulation Software : Training with professional tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and computational modelling software for process simulation, systems optimisation, and engineering analysis.
Engineering Design Projects : Team-based projects where students solve real engineering challenges involving sustainability, industrial efficiency, and process optimisation using both engineering and mathematical approaches.
Data Analysis & Numerical Methods Training : Students gain experience in computational problem-solving, statistical analysis, and mathematical algorithms relevant to engineering and scientific industries.
Research-Integrated Learning : Opportunities to engage with UQ’s research-active engineering and mathematics environments focused on energy systems, industrial modelling, optimisation, and advanced technologies.
Engineering Design Studios & Collaborative Learning Spaces : Dedicated project environments where students develop and present engineering solutions through interdisciplinary teamwork and technical communication.
Industry Engagement Activities : Access to engineering seminars, technical workshops, employer networking events, and industry-connected learning experiences.
UQ Library & Digital Research Resources : Access to engineering databases, mathematical journals, computational research tools, technical standards, and scientific publications supporting both disciplines.
Honours Thesis & Capstone Project : Final-year students complete a substantial engineering research or design project integrating mathematical analysis with chemical engineering systems to address real-world industrial or research problems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Mathematics dual degree at The University of Queensland are highly valued for their ability to combine advanced engineering knowledge with mathematical modelling and analytical problem-solving. This degree prepares students for careers such as Chemical Engineer, Process Systems Engineer, Data & Optimisation Analyst, and Computational or Energy Systems Engineer, particularly in industries focused on advanced manufacturing, energy, sustainability, technology, and industrial analytics.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

UQ employability services: Students are supported through UQ’s career development services, including engineering employer networking events, internship preparation, mentoring programs, graduate recruitment workshops, resume coaching, and interview training.
Employment outcomes & salary outlook: According to UQ program information, chemical engineering graduates commonly enter industries offering an average annual salary range of AUD $95,000–$115,000, particularly in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, water treatment, and industrial processing.
Industry partnerships & practical exposure: The program includes opportunities for internships, placements, guest lectures, and industry-connected projects with engineering companies and industrial organisations, helping students build professional networks before graduation.
Professional accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, supporting international recognition and professional engineering registration pathways under global engineering accords.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in process engineering, systems optimisation, computational modelling, and industrial analysis, enabling them to work across engineering, technology, consulting, finance, and research-intensive sectors.
Global reputation & rankings: UQ is ranked #1 in Queensland and among the world’s leading universities for Chemical Engineering in the QS World University Rankings 2025–2026.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students may continue into postgraduate pathways such as a Master of Engineering, Master of Engineering Science, Master of Data Science, Master of Mathematics, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These programs allow students to specialise further in areas such as computational engineering, optimisation, industrial data analytics, sustainable energy systems, advanced mathematics, and process systems research.