Bachelor of Engineering Honours(Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Bachelor of Science combines advanced engineering training with scientific exploration, giving students the opportunity to develop expertise across chemical engineering, biomolecular systems, and scientific research disciplines. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about innovation, sustainability, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy systems, and scientific problem-solving while also wanting strong technical engineering capabilities for industry and research careers.

Students study core chemical and biomolecular engineering concepts alongside a science major of their choice, allowing them to tailor the degree toward areas such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, biology, or environmental science. The program is delivered primarily at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown/Darlington campus in Sydney, Australia, home to the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Science with access to advanced laboratories, research institutes, and collaborative learning facilities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year builds a strong scientific and mathematical foundation while introducing students to engineering systems and scientific inquiry. Students commonly study units such as Calculus and Linear Algebra, Chemistry for Engineers, and Introduction to Engineering, while science studies begin with foundational subjects linked to the chosen science major. This combination helps students develop analytical thinking, laboratory skills, and technical problem-solving abilities from the beginning of the degree.

Year 2

In second year, students move deeper into core chemical and biomolecular engineering principles while expanding scientific knowledge through specialised science units. Engineering subjects such as Mass and Energy Balances, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics provide understanding of industrial process systems, while science studies may involve laboratory experimentation, quantitative analysis, and advanced scientific modelling depending on the selected major.

Year 3

Third year focuses on advanced engineering applications and interdisciplinary scientific learning. Students study units including Transport Phenomena, Reaction Engineering, and Process Design, developing expertise in process optimisation, system control, and industrial engineering operations. Science studies become increasingly specialised and research-oriented, allowing students to integrate scientific investigation with engineering innovation.

Year 4

Students undertake more advanced engineering and science coursework in fourth year, with opportunities to explore sustainability, biomolecular systems, and emerging technologies. Engineering subjects such as Process Control, Separation Processes, and Sustainable Engineering strengthen technical and environmental engineering capabilities, while science electives support deeper knowledge in research, data interpretation, modelling, or laboratory analysis within the chosen scientific discipline.

Year 5 and Honours

The final year centres on honours-level engineering design and research projects that integrate scientific knowledge with practical engineering solutions. Students complete major research or capstone projects while participating in the university’s Professional Engagement Program (PEP), gaining valuable industry exposure and professional development experience. By graduation, students are prepared for careers in engineering industries, scientific research, biotechnology, sustainability, and innovation-driven sectors.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering, biomolecular engineering, biotechnology, sustainability engineering, process systems, reaction engineering, advanced materials, environmental systems, scientific research, laboratory science, process optimisation, industrial innovation

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of chemical and biomolecular engineering systems; apply thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering principles; integrate scientific research with engineering problem-solving; design and optimise industrial processes; analyse experimental and engineering data; evaluate sustainability and environmental impacts; communicate technical findings professionally; apply interdisciplinary scientific and engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, supporting international professional recognition and global engineering career opportunities. The science component also provides strong preparation for research pathways and postgraduate scientific study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Sydney is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering, science, research, and graduate employability. The university consistently performs strongly in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is respected for producing graduates with advanced technical expertise, innovation capability, and strong research skills across engineering and scientific industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney provides students with extensive practical experience through laboratory experimentation, engineering design work, scientific research training, and multidisciplinary project learning. Students develop technical expertise in chemical processes, biomolecular systems, and scientific analysis while working in advanced laboratories and research-focused learning environments connected to real-world engineering and scientific challenges.

The program strongly integrates engineering practice with scientific investigation, giving students opportunities to apply theory through experimentation, process simulation, collaborative projects, and research activities. Through access to specialised facilities, research institutes, immersive technologies, and professional engagement experiences, students graduate with strong laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities:

Professional Engagement Program (PEP) : Engineering students complete the university’s Professional Engagement Program, where they build professional communication, teamwork, leadership, and industry-readiness skills through engineering activities, reflective learning, and workplace engagement.
Chemical Engineering Pilot Plants : Students gain practical operational experience using pilot-scale engineering systems involving heat transfer, fluid flow, filtration, distillation, crystallisation, and process control applications.
Advanced Research Laboratories : Students have access to specialised laboratories supporting biomolecular engineering, environmental engineering, advanced materials, nanotechnology, and chemical process systems research.
Laboratory and Industrial Practice Units : Practical units provide hands-on laboratory training where students conduct experiments, evaluate engineering systems, analyse data, and prepare technical engineering reports.
Scientific Research Training : The science component gives students opportunities to participate in laboratory-based scientific learning, quantitative analysis, experimental design, and discipline-specific research projects depending on their chosen science major.
Process Simulation and Modelling Software : Students use engineering simulation and modelling tools for process analysis, flowsheet development, systems optimisation, and engineering design projects.
Group Engineering Projects : Students collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering and scientific challenges involving process optimisation, sustainability, and biomolecular systems design.
Immersive Learning Laboratory : The University of Sydney’s Immersive Learning Laboratory allows students to explore engineering systems and industrial environments using advanced virtual and simulation-based technologies.
Sydney Nano Institute : Students benefit from exposure to world-class nanoscience and advanced technology research through the Sydney Nano Institute, supporting innovation in materials science, biomolecular systems, and emerging technologies.
Net Zero Institute : Sustainability-focused initiatives connected to the Net Zero Institute provide opportunities to engage with renewable energy, decarbonisation, and environmental engineering research and innovation.
Engineering and Science Libraries : Students can access extensive scientific journals, engineering databases, collaborative learning spaces, and digital research resources through the University of Sydney library network.
Innovation and Research Facilities : The Faculty of Engineering provides access to specialised research centres, analytical laboratories, clean energy facilities, and experimental engineering environments that support advanced technical learning.
Data Analysis and Technical Computing : Students develop practical computational and analytical skills through engineering calculations, scientific modelling, laboratory data interpretation, and systems analysis activities.
Industry-Relevant Learning Environment : The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering maintains strong links with industry and research sectors, helping students engage with contemporary engineering practices and scientific innovation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) and Bachelor of Science from the University of Sydney are highly prepared for careers that combine advanced engineering capability with scientific research and analytical expertise. The program equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge valued across industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, environmental engineering, scientific research, and process industries. Typical graduate roles include Chemical Engineer, Biomolecular Engineer, Process Engineer, Research Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Biotechnology Specialist, and Sustainability Consultant.

The combination of engineering accreditation, scientific research exposure, and practical laboratory training gives graduates strong employability outcomes across both industry and research-focused career pathways:

Career and Employability Services : Students receive support through the University of Sydney Careers Centre, which provides career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, internship assistance, networking opportunities, and graduate recruitment events.
Professional Engagement Program (PEP) : Engineering students complete the university’s Professional Engagement Program, helping them develop professional communication, teamwork, leadership, and workplace-readiness skills through practical industry-focused activities.
Research and Innovation Exposure : Students engage with world-class research environments connected to institutes such as the Sydney Nano Institute and Net Zero Institute, supporting innovation in biomolecular systems, renewable energy, sustainability, nanotechnology, and advanced materials.
Industry Partnerships : The Faculty of Engineering maintains industry engagement across sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and industrial operations, helping students gain practical exposure to current industry practices.
Laboratory and Technical Skill Development : Graduates leave with strong laboratory experience, engineering design capability, data analysis skills, and scientific research expertise developed through advanced practical learning and project work.
Graduate Employability Reputation : The University of Sydney consistently ranks among Australia’s leading universities for graduate employability and employer reputation in engineering, science, and technology-related disciplines.
Median Salary : Graduates from engineering and science-related disciplines at the University of Sydney commonly achieve median full-time graduate salaries ranging from AUD $75,000–$100,000+, depending on industry, technical specialisation, and research or operational responsibilities.
Global Accreditation Value : The engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia and recognised under the Washington Accord, supporting international recognition and global engineering career mobility.
Research Career Preparation : The science component strengthens graduates’ preparation for laboratory-based careers, innovation-driven industries, scientific consulting, and technical research environments.
Industry-Ready Graduation Outcomes : Through engineering laboratories, process simulation projects, scientific experimentation, and collaborative research activities, graduates develop practical and analytical capabilities aligned with modern engineering and scientific industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this combined degree, graduates may continue into postgraduate study in areas such as Chemical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy Systems, Advanced Materials, Data Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Sustainability Engineering. Students interested in research may also pursue Master by Research or PhD programs through the University of Sydney’s engineering and science faculties, particularly in fields linked to clean energy, biomolecular technologies, nanotechnology, process systems, advanced manufacturing, and scientific innovation.