Biochemical Engineering

Biochemical Engineering is concerned with producing and processing biochemicals and related materials, including the design and operation of bioreactors and bioseparation processes.

This programme consists of traditional process engineering fundamentals combined with chemistry, advanced biochemistry and microbiology. It provides an excellent basis for a career in the bioprocess, food and pharmaceutical industries focusing on developing highly valuable products.

Career Opportunities

• Biochemical Engineer
• Biotechnologist  
• Food Technology Engineer  
• Manager  
• Pharmaceutical Engineer

Potential Employers

• Biotechnology Industries
• Food and Dairy Industries
• Forestry Sector
• Pharmaceutical Industry

Degrees

• Bachelor of Engineering

School subjects

NCEA Level 3 Physics, Chemistry and one of Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics with Modelling.

Other subjects that may interest you

Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Electronic Engineering, Materials and Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering.

Papers

BIOL101 Cellular and Molecular Biology
An examination of the ultrastructure and function of cells and the energy flow in photosynthesis, respiration and metabolism. Topics include an introduction to microbiology and immunology, and DNA as biological information, its transfer and variability, including recombinant DNA and the principles of evolution.

CHEM102 Chemical Change and Organic Compounds
An introduction to physical and organic chemistry with some emphasis on environmental, technological and biological relevance, chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and mechanism and the common organic functional groups and their typical reactions.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry a minimum D pass at AS or A level. 

CHEM101 Chemical Concepts
A study of chemical concepts fundamental to the sciences and technology. Topics include atoms, elements, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces, states of matter, gas-phase, solution, acid-base and redox equilibria, atomic structure, quantum theory, orbitals and electronic configurations, bonding and structure and systematic chemistry of main group elements.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Chemistry, or CIE Chemistry a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

ENGG180 Foundations of Engineering
An introduction to engineering analysis and design and the engineering profession. Topics include: the skills of a successful engineer, the nature of design and the design process, fundamental laws for engineering analysis, accounting principles applied to mass, energy, charge, momentum and money, as well as design-build-test experience.

ENMP102 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
An introduction to the basic laws and concepts of materials science. Topics include: relation of the structure of solids to the physical and mechanical properties of materials and uses of different type of materials. This paper is also a requirement for Materials and Processing Engineering.

MATH101 Introduction to Calculus
An introduction to the fundamental techniques of calculus, including differentiation and integration for functions of one real variable.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Mathematics with Calculus, or Statistics and Modelling with some Calculus background, or CIE Mathematics a minimum C pass at AS or A level.

MATH102 Introduction to Algebra
A study of the fundamental techniques and applications of algebra including vector and matrix algebra, complex numbers, induction, and recursion.
Prerequisite: 18 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Statistics and Modelling, or Mathematics with Calculus, or CIE Mathematics a minimum C pass at AS or A level.

PHYS103 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1
An introduction to physics suitable for scientists and engineers. Applications of physics to the real world will be emphasised. Topics include: mechanics, dynamics, oscillations, waves, sound, light, and electric and magnetic forces. This paper includes a compulsory laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 14 credits at Level 3 in NCEA Physics, or CIE Physics with a minimum D pass at AS or A level.

200 Level and Beyond
200 and 300 level papers cover topics from biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, engineering and management.