BEng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering (Energy Engineering)

Chemical engineering is a broad based discipline that extends to numerous areas of technology and development. Chemical engineers are responsible for the conception and design of processes for the physico-chemical transformation of raw materials into desired products; it generally begins with laboratory experimentations followed by process and technology development up to implementation of alternative commercial full scale production systems. Modern chemical engineering generally encompasses new elements such as sustainable design, safety, optimal resource use and the environment. Chemical engineering requires a complete and quantitative understanding of both the engineering and scientific principles underlying technological processes that enables appropriate plant design and practical problem solving in industries. The first three years of this 4-year degree programme provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the design, development and operation of chemical processes and plants together with their proper management and optimum resource use; it focuses on specific chemical engineering modules like chemical thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, unit operations, chemical process design, reaction engineering and process safety. In the t h i r d a n d fourth year, it subsequently provides the learners with the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired so far in designing a complete commercial chemical processing plant, and to concurrently specialize in energy engineering by acquiring knowledge in specific modules like energy engineering/management and renewable energy technologies, and by opting or linking the bachelor degree project to this area. This programme thus combines the wide range of core chemical engineering modules including those focusing on multidisciplinary knowledge with complementary specialization electives; it includes the essential academic structure to provide the undergraduates with an excellent foundation for careers in the chemical and/or energy engineering industry. It typically prepares them to meet the challenges in the chemical processing industries such as the sugarcane industry involved in the production of sugar, bioethanol, electricity and other by-products; food and allied industries; textile industry; soap, detergents and paint industries; fertilizer production plants, amongst many others. The specialization option extends opportunities in the energy area, in particular energy management and renewable energy technologies. The programme has been developed to meet the requirement of Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).