WHAT IS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?
Chemical Engineering is a science and an art dealing with the relationship of physical and chemical changes. The chemical engineer understands how and why a given process works. He/she is able to design, set up and operate equipment to carry out the process. In general, a chemical engineer must be able to apply a scientific understanding in an integrated manner to solve real problems. A chemical engineer is a creative person who requires fundamental working tools such as physical and chemical concepts, logical mind and an aptitude for the practical application of mathematics. The use of these tools permits the various principles to be achieved.
WHERE DO CHEMICAL ENGINEERS WORK?
Many graduates work in different and exciting workplaces – not only in the expected settings of the mining and petrochemical industries, but also in a wide variety of process-based disciplines, such as the food, beverage, paint, cement, lime, disposal of waste and pharmaceutical industries. Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, food processing, specialty chemicals, microelectronics, electronic and advanced materials, polymers, business services, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
On a typical day at work, Chemical Engineers conduct research on the job to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes. Not only that, they also develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions. Chemical engineers also perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacturing of new products and test proposed processes in small scale operation, such as pilot plant. Although specific duties may vary, many of them design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations and implement those measurement and control system at the industrial plant scale.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?
Chemical Engineers work for at least 8 hours on a normal work day. In a typical work week, they are expected to work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on the type of industry, some Chemical Engineers are required in shifts such as day shifts and night shifts.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Chemical engineering is marketable for the fact that one can work anywhere so long as it’s a manufacturing industry or laboratory based industry. The companies include Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, Chilanga Cement, Copper mining and processing companies, analytical laboratories like SGS or Alfred H Knight etc.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Chemical engineering is undeniably challenging, it involves a lot of physics and maths. That been said, it is important for one to possess the following qualities: analytical skills (chemical engineers must be able to figure out why a particular design does not work as planned), ingenuity, creativity, math skills and problem-solving skills to mention a few.
WHERE CAN I STUDY CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, FOR HOW LONG, TO EARN WHAT QUALIFICATION?
The program is offered at the Copperbelt University for a period of five years. A bachelor’s degree is earned upon successful completion.
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS, FLUID MECHANICS, CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES, CHEMISTRY, ENGINEERING LABS. AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS, HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN, REACTOR ENGINEERING, ENGINEERING LABS. AND DESIGN PROJECT, SEPARATION PROCESSES, PROCESS EQUIPMENT DESIGN, PROCESS CONTROL, DESIGN PROJECT, MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY CONTROL, PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY to mention a few.
The programme has five elective courses at fifth year of study. The options include; Combustion and Energy Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy, Industrial Waste Management, Polymer Science and Technology and Biotechnology Processes.
WHAT MODE OF STUDY ARE AVAILABLE?
This is a five-year programme available on full time.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The particular requirements are five GCE ‘O’ Level credits or better in the Zambian School Certification or its equivalent as follows: A Pass in English Language plus;
Schedule A: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
Schedule B: Physical Science, Biology and Science
Schedule C: Additional Maths, Metal/Wood Works, Geography and History
The above is the case for CBU, being the only university in the country offering bachelor’s degree in the field of chemical engineering.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A CHEMICAL ENGINEER?
As a case for Zambia, the only program of study that can make someone a Chemical Engineer is a diploma in the same field. He/she is eligible to upgrade to a degree level and subsequently, do advanced studies at one’s personal preference. Some jobs in the mineral processing industry in the Copper mines or Limestone mines for production of cement, a metallurgist can work in the same position as a chemical engineer.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
CBU under The Chemical Engineering Department has an established expertise in the following areas of research interest; Renewable Energy, Petrochemical Engineering, Chemical Technologies and Processing Beneficiation of Minerals and Processing Bio-chemical Processes, Environmental Management, Polymer Science and Technology, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Cement & Lime Production, Nano Technology, Heat and Mass Transfer Systems, Thermodynamic systems, Transport phenomena and Membrane Technology.
Drawing on the problem-solving skills that are central to the discipline, many CEOs of large companies have combined chemical engineering with a business-related qualification, such as an MBA. Many more work in niche consultancies or run their own businesses. There are also endless opportunities in research and development.