Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering (NQS2)

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Our objective is to offer an internationally-accredited, integrated masters-level degree in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.



The Integrated ME degree programme in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, operating at the interface between engineering and the basic sciences, seeks to develop ethical Engineers capable of assuming roles of responsibility within the Chemical Engineering and allied sectors in Ireland and internationally.



Engineering values good judgment, achieved by the critical application of mathematical and scientific principles, integrated into a framework of best practice, imbued with good social, environmental and ethical principles. UCD Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering graduates are prepared to meet these demands, through the structure and content of the degree programme.



We foster an environment of engaged learning, using both traditional and novel teaching methods, supported by experience and evidence-based research. There are structured opportunities for students to study and practice as individuals and also in small groups, with ample opportunity for constructive feedback.  Where appropriate, learning is embedded with state-of-the-art knowledge derived from staff research activities and expertise.


1 - PO1. Knowledge and Understanding Advanced knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, data science, analytics, and other technologies underpinning Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering.
2 - PO2. Problem Analysis The ability to identify, formulate and analyse complex Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering problems.
3 - PO3. Design The ability to design innovative solutions to complex Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering problems.
4 - PO4. Investigation The ability to investigate, experiment and apply standard and specialised research methods.
5 - PO5. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities towards people and the environment in the practice of engineering.
6 - PO6. Teamwork and Lifelong Learning The ability to work effectively independently and in diverse and inclusive teams, and to prepare for lifelong learning.
7 - PO7. Communication The ability to communicate effectively on complex engineering activities to diverse audiences.
8 - PO8. Engineering Management Knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and financial decision-making relevant to Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering and an ability to apply these to one’s own work and to the management of projects.

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 Neworks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.


Stage 2

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 IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to meet professional accreditation requirements, CHEN10010 Chem Eng Proc Principles must be taken as an Additonal Option module if not taken in Stage 1.

Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
CHEN20020 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Measurement Autumn 5
CHEN20030 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics & Kinetics Autumn 5
CHEN20050 Bioprocess Engineering Principles Autumn 5
CHEN20080 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory 1 Autumn 10
MATH20290 Multivariable Calculus for Eng Autumn 5
CHEM20060 Organic Chemistry for Engineers Spring 5
CHEN20060 Transport Phenomena Spring 5
CHEN20070 Computers in Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Spring 5
Stage 2 Core Modules
     
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
CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles 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.
     
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN0OF:
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
CHEN10010 Chemical Engineering Process Principles Spring 5
CHEN20090 Biotechnology Principles Spring 5
Stage 2 Options - B)MIN0OF:
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.
     
Stage 3 Core Modules
     
ACM30030 Multivariable Calculus Eng II Autumn 5
CHEN30010 Chemical & Bioprocess Reaction Engineering Autumn 5
CHEN30020 Unit Operations Autumn 5
CHEN30030 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Thermodynamics Autumn 5
CHEN30040 Commercial Pharmaceutical & Bioprocessing Technology Autumn 5
CHEN30130 Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Spring 5
CHEN30200 Chem & Bioprocess Eng Design Spring 10
CHEN30210 Chem & Bioprocess Eng Lab 2 Spring 10
MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring 5
Stage 3 Core Modules
     
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN0OF:
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 3 Options - A)MIN0OF:
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.
     
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
CHEN40150 Advanced Separation Processes Autumn 5
CHEN40160 Advanced Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Autumn 5
CHEN40210 Advanced Experimental Design Autumn 5
CHEN40620 Advanced Process Design Autumn 10
CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering Spring 5
CHEN40200 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Research Project Spring 10
CHEN40560 Process Control Spring 5
Stage 4 Core Modules
     
Stage 4 Options - A)1OF
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
CHEN40570 Chemical & Bioproc Systems Eng Autumn 5
Stage 4 Options - A)1OF
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).
     
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN1OF:
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
CHEN40610 Applied Chemistry: Selected Frontier areas Spring 5
Stage 4 Options - B)MIN1OF:
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.
     
Stage 4 Options - C)MIN0OF:
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
CHEN40460 Downstream Processing Spring 5
CHEN40470 Cell Culture & Tissue Eng Spring 5
CHEN40510 Advanced Characterisation Tech Spring 5
Stage 4 Options - C)MIN0OF:
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.
     
See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info  
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHENG001 Stage 4 - 70.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47


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