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

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Biotechnology dual degree at The University of Queensland combines advanced chemical engineering with modern biotechnology, preparing students to work in industries focused on healthcare, sustainable manufacturing, bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, and environmental innovation. This program is ideal for students who are interested in applying engineering principles to biological systems and want to develop expertise in both industrial process engineering and biotechnology research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in engineering, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Core studies typically include Engineering Modelling and Problem Solving, Calculus and Linear Algebra, and Introduction to Biotechnology, alongside chemistry and biology subjects that introduce molecular and cellular science. Students begin developing analytical and scientific problem-solving skills across both disciplines.

Year 2

Year 2 strengthens core chemical engineering principles while expanding biotechnology knowledge. Students study subjects such as Thermodynamics, Fluid and Particle Mechanics, and Material & Energy Balances, while biotechnology learning includes areas such as Molecular Biology and Genetics. This stage focuses on understanding how biological and chemical systems interact in industrial applications.

Year 3

In the third year, students move into advanced engineering and biotechnology topics including Heat and Mass Transfer, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Process Dynamics and Control. Biotechnology studies may include Microbiology and Bioprocess Engineering, allowing students to explore large-scale biological production systems and industrial biotechnology processes.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises professional engineering design and applied biotechnology. Students complete advanced engineering units such as Process Design and Safety, Separation Processes, and Sustainable Process Engineering, while biotechnology electives may focus on genomics, bioinformatics, or pharmaceutical biotechnology. Students also begin major project-based and research-focused learning.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete a substantial Engineering Honours Thesis and Design Project, integrating chemical engineering and biotechnology knowledge to solve real industry or research challenges. This year develops high-level technical, research, and innovation capabilities relevant to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and sustainable industries.

Focus Areas:

Bioprocess engineering, chemical process design, industrial biotechnology, sustainable manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, process systems, and environmental biotechnology.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop expertise in chemical engineering systems and biotechnology applications, enabling them to design, optimise, and manage biological and chemical production processes across healthcare, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineering registration pathways.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

The University of Queensland is internationally recognised for excellence in engineering and biotechnology research, with strong graduate employability outcomes and global industry connections across life sciences, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Queensland, the Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology dual degree is built around hands-on scientific discovery, industrial engineering practice, and biotechnology innovation. Students gain practical experience in advanced laboratories, pilot-scale processing environments, and collaborative research settings where they apply engineering and biological science principles to real-world challenges in healthcare, sustainable manufacturing, energy, and bioprocessing industries. The program combines experimental laboratory training with computational modelling, industry-focused projects, and research-integrated learning experiences:

Experiential Learning (biotechnology labs, engineering facilities, software tools, and industry-connected projects):

Chemical Engineering Laboratories : Hands-on practical work in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, process control, and reaction engineering using pilot-scale industrial equipment and simulation systems.
Biotechnology & Molecular Biology Laboratories : Students perform laboratory work in microbiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology using modern biotechnology instrumentation and analytical techniques.
Bioprocess Engineering Training : Practical learning in fermentation systems, biological production processes, and industrial biotechnology applications relevant to pharmaceutical and environmental industries.
Engineering Simulation Software : Use of professional tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and process modelling software for chemical process simulation, optimisation, and systems analysis.
Research-Integrated Learning : Students engage with UQ’s research-active environments and biotechnology research groups working in areas such as sustainable bioprocessing, biomedical engineering, and industrial biotechnology.
Team-Based Engineering & Biotechnology Projects : Collaborative projects focused on solving interdisciplinary problems involving chemical manufacturing, biological systems, and sustainable technologies.
Industry Engagement & Professional Practice : Opportunities to interact with industry professionals through seminars, technical workshops, employer networking events, and engineering industry projects.
Engineering Design Studios & Collaborative Learning Spaces : Dedicated project environments where students develop, prototype, and present engineering and biotechnology solutions in team settings.
UQ Library & Digital Scientific Resources : Access to advanced engineering databases, biotechnology journals, bioinformatics resources, and scientific research platforms supporting both disciplines.
Honours Thesis & Capstone Project : Final-year students complete a substantial research or engineering design project integrating chemical engineering and biotechnology expertise to address real-world scientific or industrial challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical Engineering) and Biotechnology dual degree at The University of Queensland are highly prepared for careers that combine engineering expertise with biotechnology innovation and biological systems design. The program opens pathways into roles such as Bioprocess Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Biotechnology Research Scientist, and Pharmaceutical or Process Development Engineer, particularly within healthcare, pharmaceuticals, sustainable manufacturing, and biotechnology industries.

Career progression & industry outcomes:

UQ employability services: Students receive support through UQ’s career development services, including engineering and science employer networking events, internship guidance, resume and interview coaching, career planning workshops, and graduate recruitment preparation.
Employment outcomes & salary outlook: UQ graduates consistently achieve strong graduate employment outcomes, with engineering and biotechnology graduates entering high-demand sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical industries, environmental technology, food processing, and industrial biotechnology with competitive salary potential.
Industry partnerships & real-world exposure: The program benefits from UQ’s strong industry and research connections across biotechnology, healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors, providing opportunities for industry-linked projects, research collaboration, and professional engagement.
Professional accreditation value: The Chemical Engineering component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring international recognition and eligibility for professional engineering registration pathways globally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop advanced capabilities in engineering design, biological systems analysis, process optimisation, and biotechnology innovation, enabling them to contribute to emerging industries focused on sustainability, healthcare, and advanced production technologies.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can continue into postgraduate pathways such as a Master of Biotechnology, Master of Engineering, Master of Bioengineering, or research degrees (MPhil/PhD). These programs allow further specialisation in areas such as pharmaceutical biotechnology, sustainable bioprocessing, biomedical engineering, synthetic biology, and advanced chemical engineering research.