BSc Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering at University College Dublin is a four-year honours undergraduate degree focusing on the design, optimization, and management of industrial processes that convert raw materials into useful products — including chemicals, polymers, energy, and biopharmaceuticals. It suits students who want to work at the interface of science and engineering, especially in sectors such as biotechnology, energy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental technology.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students build core scientific and engineering foundations, typically through modules in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Introduction to Engineering Principles. These courses develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that form the basis for understanding how physical laws govern matter and energy transformations. Early laboratory and project work prepare students for more advanced technical challenges in later years.

Second Year:

In the second year, learners progress into engineering fundamentals with subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Material & Energy Balances, which are core to understanding how chemical and bioprocess systems operate. Courses such as Process Modelling and Transport Phenomena introduce mathematical and computational techniques for predicting real-world process behaviour. Students also grow independent learning skills through team projects and applied problem sets.

Third Year:

The third year focuses on integrated process engineering topics — for example Chemical Reaction Engineering, Heat & Mass Transfer, and Process Control and Instrumentation — that enable students to design, analyze, and optimize unit operations and complete processes. Students also encounter modules in Biochemical Engineering or Bioprocess Technology, where biological systems are studied within engineered environments (e.g., fermentation and bioreactor systems). Laboratory work and simulation practice support theoretical learning.

Fourth Year:

In the final year, students typically engage with advanced design and professional modules such as Process Design & Economics, Environmental & Sustainability Engineering, and specialized electives in areas like Bioprocess Engineering and Bioseparations. A significant capstone project driven by real industry or research problems fosters integration of engineering knowledge, teamwork, and independent technical leadership. Optional internships or industrial placements may further enhance practical readiness.

Focus areas (in a string):
Chemical process design, bioprocess engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reactor engineering, process control, environmental and sustainability engineering, process simulation.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply math and science fundamentals to engineering problems; design and analyze chemical and bioprocess systems; use modern engineering tools and simulation software; integrate sustainability and safety principles; lead multidisciplinary projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The BE in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering meets IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) accreditation standards and aligns with Engineers Ireland professional pathways, preparing graduates for chartered engineering roles upon appropriate work experience.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCD is ranked within the top 1% of global universities and typically appears in the QS World University Rankings ~171 globally, supporting strong graduate prospects in engineering, biotechnology, chemicals, and related industries.