Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical & Biochemical Engineering at the University of Limerick is a four-year honours programme that combines core engineering principles with chemical and biochemical process knowledge to prepare graduates for careers in industries such as biopharmaceuticals, energy, chemicals, and environmental technologies. It suits students who enjoy applying mathematics, science, and problem-solving to real-world process challenges and want professional engineering competencies with international accreditation.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students develop essential engineering fundamentals through modules such as Engineering Maths 1 & 2, General Chemistry 1, Physics for Engineers, and Process Engineering Computation. These units build the quantitative, physical science, and computing skills necessary to model and analyze basic engineering systems. Early exposure to Principles of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Materials introduces students to materials behaviour and foundational engineering methods that underpin later core topics.

Second Year:

In the second year, the programme progresses into technical process and systems understanding with units including Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer, Bioprocess Engineering 1, Analytical Chemistry, Process Technology: Instrumentation & Control, and Chemical Engineering Design Methods. Students learn to quantify how fluids behave, how heat moves in systems, and how instrumentation and control theory contribute to process efficiency and safety. Bioprocess Engineering 1 begins biochemical process contexts that are key to biopharmaceutical and fermentation-based industries.

Third Year:

The third year focuses on integrated engineering and design applications, with modules like Reaction Engineering & Reactor Design, Mass Transfer Separations, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Process Flowsheeting & Unit Sizing. These subjects challenge students to apply foundational knowledge to design and optimize unit operations such as reactors, heat exchangers, and separators. A Cooperative Education placement in industry gives hands-on experience solving real problems under professional supervision.

Fourth Year:

In the final year, students refine advanced process engineering skills and professional competencies through modules such as Bioprocess Engineering 2, Sustainable Energy Processes, and a team-based Design Project focused on large-scale process design and optimization. Electives such as Pharmaceutical Formulation and Advanced Transport Processes allow specialisation toward industry sectors. The design project integrates technical, economic, and sustainability considerations — preparing students for leadership roles in engineering practice.

Focus areas (in a string):
Process engineering, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, bioprocess engineering, reaction engineering, sustainable energy processes, chemical engineering design.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply mathematical and scientific principles to process systems; design and optimize chemical and biochemical processes; analyze and troubleshoot engineering problems; integrate sustainable and safe practices; communicate technical solutions effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), ensuring international professional recognition and alignment with engineering competency standards for graduates entering global engineering roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Limerick is recognised for strong industry engagement and research excellence, and the Chemical & Biochemical Engineering degree is well-regarded for producing graduates who enter fields such as biopharmaceutical production, energy systems, and process design engineering — supporting high employability in engineering and technology sectors. (based on UL’s institutional profile and rankings).