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Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering

BE (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering (CBE) is fundamentally about the ingenious transformation of matter and energy into products and services. More specifically, it addresses the design and operation of facilities needed to achieve this transformation in a technically, economically and environmentally acceptable manner. Examples of products include petrochemicals, (bio)pharmaceuticals and nano-materials. Examples of services include energy supply (from carbon-based to renewable resources), clean air and CO2-sequestration.

As a Chemical & Bioprocess Engineer you’ll use the sciences as the basis for understanding these transformations; you’ll apply mathematical and engineering principles to realise them on the appropriate scale. If you seek invention, and want to work at the interface between the sciences, mathematics and engineering, with a broad and well-paid portfolio of career opportunities, strongly consider CBE.

Visit the college Youtube Channel (UCDEngArch) for student testimonials and recorded talks from our recent open days.

About This Course

First Year

Engineering students follow a common first year. Modules include:

  • Chemistry
  • Creativity in Design
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering Computing
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics
  • Physics

Second to Fifth Year

Sample modules for Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students include:

  • Organic Chemistry for Engineers
  • Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for Engineers
  • Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Measurement
  • Biotechnology for Engineers
  • Computing in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering
  • Chemical & Bioprocess Reaction Engineering
  • Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Commercial Pharmaceutical & Bioprocessing Technology
  • Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Design
  • Professional Engineering (Finance
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Advanced Separation Processes
  • Advanced Experimental Design

A student’s week includes attending lectures and tutorials, as well as participating in laboratory-based workshops and undertaking independent study. A combination of end-of-semester written examinations and continuous assessment is used, culminating in the submission of advanced research and design projects.

Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University, there are options to study in countries such as France, Spain, China, Australia, Canada, USA, Singapore, New Zealand. 

Recent opportunities have included a year in:

  • University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
  • University of Connecticut, USA
  • ENSIACET, Toulouse, France
  • McGill University, Canada

See our UCD Global exchanges page for more information

UCD has the oldest, largest and most research-active School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering in Ireland, and is benchmarked competitively against the top schools in Europe and abroad. In addition, our programme is professionally accredited to master’s level by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). All of this translates to our graduates being among the best-paid engineering professionals and sought after for employment in sectors from chemical to (bio)pharmaceutical and from energy to consultancy and design. We offer taught and research master’s and PhD opportunities, and our graduates also enter master’s and PhD programmes in leading international universities.

Professional Work Experience (PWE) is incorporated in the ME Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering programme. Six- to eight-month internships (the majority of which are paid) have included the following employers: AbbVie, Alexion, APC, BMS, GSK, Irving Oil, Jacobs, Lilly, MSD, Pfizer and PM Group.

Also check out the UCD Career Networks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEM10030 Chemistry for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CHEN10040 Intro. to Eng. Computing Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CVEN10040 Creativity in Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 EEEN10010 Electronic and Electrical Engineering I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10250 Introduction to Calculus for Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10150 Physics for Engineers I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MATH10260 Linear Algebra for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10030 Mechanics for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEEN10050 Energy Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10160 Physics for Engineers II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CHEN10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 CVEN10060 The Engineering and Architecture of Structures 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
In the Spring Trimester, Students must select at least one OPTION Module from the list of Stage 1 Option Modules.Students may also select one Elective Module. The First Year Elective can be from anywhere in UCD.However, if preferred, students may select another module related to Engineering by choosing another OPTION Module from the following list or one from the list of ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.The recommended workload is 30 credits (6 modules) per Trimester.For information on choosing Option Modules, please refer to the Programme Office website for Current Engineering students.
 EEEN10050 Introduction to Biomedical Eng Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10010 Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 BSEN10020 How Sustainable is My Food? Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 CVEN10050 Challenges in Civil Engineering Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10060 Energy, Climate Change & Policy Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 DSCY10070 Materials in Society Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may may select one First Year Elective Module. The Elective can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select another Module related to Engineering by choosing one of the following ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
 EEEN10020 Robotics Design Project Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20020 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Measurement Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20030 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics & Kinetics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20050 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20080 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory 1 Autumn  10
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MATH20290 Multivariable Calculus for Eng Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEM20060 Organic Chemistry for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20060 Transport Phenomena Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEN20070 Computers in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
IMPORTANT NOTE - STAGE 2 OPTIONS: Students intending to pursue the BE Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering (Non-Minor) Programme are required to select: CHEM20070 Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for Engineers. Students intending to pursue the BE Chemical Engineering (with Biochemical Engineering Minor) are required to select: CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles. Students who are undecided may take either of these modules as an Additional Option module.********** STAGE 2 ELECTIVES: IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as an Additional Option module in Spring if not taken in Stage 1.
 CHEM20070 Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A)1 of:
IMPORTANT NOTE - STAGE 2 OPTIONS: Students intending to pursue the BE Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering (Non-Minor) Programme are required to select: CHEM20070 Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for Engineers. Students intending to pursue the BE Chemical Engineering (with Biochemical Engineering Minor) are required to select: CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles. Students who are undecided may take either of these modules as an Additional Option module.********** STAGE 2 ELECTIVES: IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as an Additional Option module in Spring if not taken in Stage 1.
 CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, both in the Spring Trimester, to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. IMPORTANT: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as Additional Option, if not taken in Stage 1.
CHEM20070 Inorganic & Physical Chemistry for Engineers Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, both in the Spring Trimester, to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. IMPORTANT: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as Additional Option, if not taken in Stage 1.
CHEN10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
All Stage 2 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select two Elective Modules, both in the Spring Trimester, to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing one or two of the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester. IMPORTANT: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as Additional Option, if not taken in Stage 1.
CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ACM30030 Multivariable Calculus Eng II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30010 Chemical & Bioprocess Reaction Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30020 Unit Operations Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30030 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Thermodynamics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30040 Commercial Pharmaceutical & Bioprocessing Technology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30130 Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30200 Chem & Bioprocess Eng Design Spring  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEN30210 Chem & Bioprocess Eng Lab 2 Spring  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
All Stage 3 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select one Elective Module in the Autumn Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may prefer to choose the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CHEN40790 Bio-material Interactions Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40150 Advanced Separation Processes Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40160 Advanced Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40210 Advanced Experimental Design Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40620 Advanced Process Design Autumn  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40200 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Research Project Spring  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEN40560 Process Control Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
AUTUMN OPTION MODULES. ALL students MUST select one OPTION Module. The Option Module CHEN30010 CBE Reaction Engineering MUST be taken if students have not yet taken a reaction-engineering based course/module (CHEN30010 or equivalent).
CHEN30010 Chemical & Bioprocess Reaction Engineering Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
AUTUMN OPTION MODULES. ALL students MUST select one OPTION Module. The Option Module CHEN30010 CBE Reaction Engineering MUST be taken if students have not yet taken a reaction-engineering based course/module (CHEN30010 or equivalent).
CHEN40570 Chemical & Bioproc Systems Eng Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTION MODULES. IMPORTANT: 1) Students who have undertaken Stage 3 on Study Abroad on Erasmus/Exchange and who have not taken CHEN30200 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Design or equivalent must select CHEN30200 (CBE Process Design) (10 Credits) AND do NOT select an ELECTIVE/ ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULE in Stage 4. ***2) Students who undertook Stage 3 in UCD must select CHEN40610 (Applied Chemistry) together with one 5 credit ELECTIVE/ ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULE.
CHEN30200 Chem & Bioprocess Eng Design Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
SPRING OPTION MODULES. IMPORTANT: 1) Students who have undertaken Stage 3 on Study Abroad on Erasmus/Exchange and who have not taken CHEN30200 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Design or equivalent must select CHEN30200 (CBE Process Design) (10 Credits) AND do NOT select an ELECTIVE/ ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULE in Stage 4. ***2) Students who undertook Stage 3 in UCD must select CHEN40610 (Applied Chemistry) together with one 5 credit ELECTIVE/ ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULE.
CHEN40610 Applied Chemistry: Selected Frontier areas Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULES. All Stage 4 (BE Stream) Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select one Elective Module in the Spring Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may prefer to choose from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CHEN40130 Bioprocess Scale-up and Technology Transfer Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULES. All Stage 4 (BE Stream) Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select one Elective Module in the Spring Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may prefer to choose from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CHEN40460 Downstream Processing Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULES. All Stage 4 (BE Stream) Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select one Elective Module in the Spring Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may prefer to choose from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CHEN40510 Advanced Characterisation Tech Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
ADDITIONAL OPTION MODULES. All Stage 4 (BE Stream) Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering students may select one Elective Module in the Spring Trimester to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester. However, if preferred, students may prefer to choose from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules, to give a total workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
MEEN41410 Tissue Engineering Spring  5

SDG6 SDG7 SDG 9 SDG 13

By joining the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The mission of the College of Engineering and Architecture is to affect a just transition to a more sustainable and equitable future through our education of professionals in engineering, architecture, planning and policy, and our research in technology, design, and policy.  The College, in our engineers and architects, brings together the technical expertise to deliver and create infrastructure and technologies that can create a more sustainable future and, uniquely, the College, in our planners and environmental policy researchers, also brings together the research and professions required to create the policies and the regulatory environment that supports technological and infrastructure development, and that can also scrutinise and investigate the behavioural changes affected by our technologies.

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their education where most relevant.

Engineering: 

The college offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, ensuring that our students are educated in the fundamental principles of engineering, while also embedding sustainable practices and principles. The goal is to educate engineering professionals who can play an active role in developing innovative, engineering-based solutions to the challenges of sustainability and equity.

  • Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
  • Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
  • Climate Action (SDG 13)

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN150
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt NUS1
Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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