Chemical Engineering University of Pretoria

Overview

Chemical engineering involves all aspects of the industrial processes that, in the broadest sense, convert raw materials into higher-value products by means of combinations of physical, chemical, thermal, biochemical and mechanical changes. The Chemical Engineering programme from University of Pretoria provides you with the necessary foundation to ensure that once you graduate, you will be able to make creative contributions to the world’s ever-increasing needs by:

• converting natural resources into efficient and useable forms of energy;
• developing more durable, lighter and renewable materials;
• designing more efficient, environmentally friendly processing plants;
• applying biotechnology to convert raw materials into products in a sustainable way;
• designing processes to ensure that limited natural resources, such as water, can be reused; and
• leaving a clean and sustainable environment behind for future generations.

Career Opportunities

Chemical engineers are involved in industrial processes that convert raw materials to products with a higher economic value. This is achieved by means of physical, thermal, chemical, biochemical and mechanical changes and processes. Chemical engineers apply their specialised knowledge in the petroleum, food, minerals processing, power generation and the paper and pulp industries, water and effluent treatment, and environmental engineering activities, including air pollution control. Like those in other engineering disciplines, chemical engineers are involved in research and development, techno-economic evaluation, equipment and plant design, process control and optimisation, construction, commissioning, operation and management, and the marketing and distribution of the final products.