Overview:
The Cambridge Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course focuses on fundamental scientific principles to tackle global challenges. This includes transitioning from fossil fuels, ensuring sustainable resources, and advancing healthcare solutions.
The course’s primary objective is to produce graduates equipped with a deep understanding of the subject. They will apply technical expertise, and transferable skills to meet the demands of the process and biotech industries today.
Students not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience through projects. These emphasise process and product design in chemical engineering and biotechnology.
The University’s Department consistently ranks highly in national league tables. Furthermore, their purpose-built facility offers state-of-the-art teaching and research resources to provide students with an optimal learning environment.
The course prepares students for careers in addressing critical global challenges and contributes to advancing science and technology in these fields. Therefore, it makes it an ideal choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in chemical engineering and biotechnology.
| UCAS Code | H810 |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – A*A*A IB – 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level |
| Admission Test for the Course at Cambridge | Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA)You must register in advance for this test. |
| Subject Requirements | A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics* and Chemistry Some Colleges require: A Level/IB Higher Level in a third science/mathematics subject |
| Extras things admission tutors look for | Applicants are not typically asked to submit examples of written work. Some may be asked by their College to do some reading in advance of their interview. |
| Duration | 4 years – MEng |
| Admissions Statistics | Applications per place: 8 Number accepted: 40 |
| What is the Course at Cambridge? | Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Cambridge is a course emphasising the fundamental scientific principles underpinning these fields. Furthermore, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary global challenges in the face of climate change and advancing healthcare solutions. It aims to produce graduates with a deep understanding of the subject. They will also build technical competence and transferable skills, thus preparing them to meet the needs of today’s process and biotech industries effectively. The course also combines theoretical learning with practical projects to teach students process and product design. |
| Cambridge Colleges that offer Course | Available at all Colleges except Corpus Christi |
| Structure of the Course at Cambridge | In a typical week students attend 10 lectures and have two supervisions. Year 1 (Part IA) You study: Fundamental scientific topics such as cell biology, materials science and engineering principles. Introductory chemical engineering and biotechnology principles such as sustainability, process calculations, fluid mechanics, and chemical and biochemical product design. Chemistry and Mathematics from Part IA of the Natural Sciences Tripos. Year 2 (Part IB) You study: Fundamental principles such as biotechnology, process thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat and mass transfer. Introductory applications such as reaction engineering, separations and solids processing. Supporting topics such as engineering mathematics, data science, and safety principles. You also take laboratory classes in chemical engineering and biotechnology. Finally, you undertake assessed exercises, and have classes in computing skills including process simulation. Year 3 (Part II) In the first term, you study further applications such as advanced biotechnology, equilibrium thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separation technology and process dynamics and control. In the second and third terms, you study process design and undertake a design project. This involves working in a team to design a plant making a particular chemical or biological product. Year 4 (Part III)You study some compulsory topics: energy technology, sustainability and advanced design. You study research skills and undertake a research project. This might involve experimental, theoretical and/or computational work. You choose further topics from a list of optional papers. |
| Common Careers after Course at Cambridge | Graduates of at Cambridge secure well-paid career opportunities as Engineers or scientists in industry, Research teams, Management positions, Industry, Finance or management consultancy. |
