Overview

Overview of the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) programme

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering is in the Top 10 Chemical Engineering Department in the World. As one of the largest chemical engineering departments in the world and the oldest chemical engineering department in Singapore, we enjoy the luxury of being strong in both classical domains and emerging areas in chemical and biomolecular engineering. We have more than 5000 alumni, with some in top-level positions in industry and government.

The four-year B.Eng. (Chemical Engineering) programme at NUS educates budding engineers to design, develop, and operate chemical processes by which chemicals, petroleum products, food, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods can be produced economically and safely with minimal environmental impact. In addition, Chemical Engineering students acquire the necessary background and skills to design and develop functional products that benefit society in many ways. Chemical processes involve reactions, heat transfer, separations and biological phenomena to produce useful and valuable products. Accordingly, they study changes in the composition, energy content and/or state of aggregation of materials taking into consideration the nature of matter and its properties (chemistry), the forces that act on matter (physics), similar aspects of biological materials (biology), and the relationships between them (mathematics). Chemical engineering differs from chemistry and applied chemistry programmes, with its emphasis on industrial applications of chemical reactions, separations and techniques for designing and operating economical, safe and environmentally benign processes.

See our curriculum for details on what you will learn.

Check our Admission Requirements.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)

  1. Excel in careers in petro/chemical, bio/pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, microelectronics, energy, materials or other industries that require strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  2. Pursue advanced degrees or certifications in engineering, computing, data analytics, safety, business, and medicine.
  3. Display leadership with contemporary and global outlook.
  4. Continue to demonstrate high-level of (a) professionalism, ethical and social responsibility, and (b) independent learning, and desire for life-long learning.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

The student learning outcomes of B.Eng. (ChE) programme are as follows:

  1. Engineering knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialisation as specified in WK1 to WK4 respectively to the solution of complex engineering problems.
  2. Problem Analysis: Identify, formulate, research literature, and analyse complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering with holistic considerations for sustainable development. (WK1 to WK4)
  3. Design/development of Solutions: Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required. (WK5)
  4. Investigation: Conduct investigations of complex problems using research-based knowledge (WK8) and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions.
  5. Modern Tool Usage: Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools including prediction and modelling to complex engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations. (WK2 and WK6)
  6. The Engineer and The World: When solving complex engineering problems, analyse and evaluate sustainable development impacts to: society, the economy, sustainability, health and safety, legal frameworks and the environment (WK1, WK5, and WK7).
  7. Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice and adhere to relevant national and international laws. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for diversity and inclusion (WK9).
  8. Individual and Collaborative Teamwork: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse and inclusive teams and in multidisciplinary, face-to-face, remote and distributed settings (WK9).
  9. Communication: Communicate effectively and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences.
  10. Project Management and Finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making, and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
  11. Life‐long Learning: Recognise the need for, and have the preparation and ability to (i) engage in independent and life-long learning, and (ii) adapt to new and emerging technologies, and (iii) think critically, in the broadest context of technological change (WK8).

Knowledge profiles (WK1 – WK9) and complex engineering problems in the above SLOs are described in EAB accreditation manual (For evaluation visits after July 2024)

Accreditation

The ChE programme is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of Singapore, which is a signatory of the Washington Accord. This means that as our graduate, you will be accepted for the practice of engineering at the professional level, as well as for graduate studies, in countries that are part of this Accord, including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.