Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a four-year engineering degree that teaches students how to apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to design, optimise, and operate chemical processes that turn raw materials into valuable products. It suits students who want careers in energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, environmental systems, and process industries, combining strong theory with practical laboratory, simulation, and industrial‐scale design experiences. 

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build essential foundations in mathematics and physical sciences with courses like Calculus I & II, General Physics I & II, and General Chemistry I & II, which establish critical problem-solving and scientific reasoning. These units are supported by laboratory courses that reinforce experimental technique, data analysis, and safety, while Introduction to Academic English for Engineering and general education modules strengthen communication skills for technical contexts. The emphasis is on understanding physical laws and basic chemical behaviour that underlie all chemical engineering systems. 

Year 2:
The second year introduces core chemical engineering science with Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Chemical Engineering Fluid Mechanics, where students begin to learn how energy, mass, and momentum transfer govern real processes. Complementary courses such as Organic Chemistry for Non-Majors and Probability and Statistics refine understanding of chemical interactions and quantitative analysis, while Engineering Economics and Engineering Ethics embed professional context. Students also undertake their first Internship I, gaining early industry exposure that links theory with workplace practice. 

Year 3:
In the third year, learners progress with specialised modules like Reactor Design, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, and Engineering and Strength of Materials, deepening their ability to analyse and design chemical processes and equipment. Laboratory components such as Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Lab and Mass Transfer and Reactor Design Lab provide hands-on experience with measurement, instrumentation, and safety. Elective options in areas such as Biochemical Engineering or Renewable Energy Sources allow students to begin shaping their technical interests within the field. 

Year 4:
The final year focuses on professional synthesis with advanced units such as Process and Plant Design, Process Control, Mass Transfer Operations, and Process Modeling & Simulation, where students apply integrated principles to design, control, and simulate industrial systems. The Capstone Engineering Design Project is a major team-oriented project that challenges students to solve real chemical engineering problems, while the Unit Operations and Process Control Lab reinforces practical competence in complex processes. Additional electives and Internship II further prepare graduates for industry or postgraduate study. 

Focus areas (in a string):
Mathematical modelling, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reactor design, process control, process and plant design, materials science, biochemical engineering, numerical methods. 

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply chemical engineering principles to solve complex process problems; design and optimise unit operations; analyse data from experiments and simulations; communicate technical information; demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility; and integrate multidisciplinary knowledge in team projects. 

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Chemical Engineering programme at UAEU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring it complies with internationally recognised standards for engineering education. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
UAEU is a leading national research university consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab region and globally, and chemical engineering graduates from ABET-accredited programs are highly employable in energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering, and process industries. (ABET accreditation and global ranking context)