Biochemical Engineering BEng

Course overview

Core modules are designed to introduce you to biochemical engineering through lectures and the use of practical training facilities. Scenario-based learning activities will give you hands-on experience in a diverse range of fields, from tackling biopharmaceutical process development to evaluating the sustainability of biofuels.

The programme builds up to the Design Project in year three, where students apply the knowledge they have gained to a case study where they will be tasked with creating a process for the manufacture of a biopharmaceutical product, for example, facility design and techno-economic, including facility design and techno-economic evaluation.

The degree will be broken down into three main components:

• Discipline-specific material in biochemical engineering;
• Common engineering elements taught within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences;
• Minor modules where you may choose from a range of subjects offered by the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.

Students register for Biochemical Engineering as the core discipline but also engage in activities spanning departments via the UCL Integrated Engineering Programme. Our degrees encourage professional development, emphasising design and challenging students to apply knowledge to complex problems.

You may reassess your choice of BEng/MEng route towards the end of the second year when you have gained a more profound knowledge of what the subject involves. We advise applying for the MEng if you are undecided, as this gives you the most control over your study plans.

Optional modules (year 1)
All first-year modules are compulsory.

Optional modules (year 2)
IEP Minor I*

*Students will choose the IEP Minor towards the end of year 1 for year two. The IEP Minor allows them to gain a grounding in another engineering, or relevant discipline or an interdisciplinary topic, by offering a coherent set of three modules (over Years 2 & 3) allowing an introduction to a field, as well as an opportunity to cover an interdisciplinary topic to a reasonable depth.

Optional modules (year 3)
These modules (IEP Minor modules 2 and 3) are automatically allocated by the IEP (based on their Year 2 Minor Selection)

The Biochemical Engineering undergraduate programme at UCL fully integrates engineering and biotechnology. The BEng degree is ideal for those who would like to explore careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or bioenergy sectors. Both BEng and MEng degrees share a common curriculum of practical and core modules delivered through innovative teaching.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

The foundation of your career

The incredible pace of biological advances towards new medicines and greener sustainable processes is creating an ever-growing need for biochemical engineering graduates to work in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biofuels, chemical, environment and food industries.

After graduation, you may progress to work in a company, conducting research and development activity in the design of facilities and the creation of safe materials. Many past students work in managing the multi-million-pound investments that produce life science drugs. Others decide to pursue a higher degree, either an MSc or a doctorate.

Employability

The science, engineering, business and leadership skills that you acquire on the programme will provide you with excellent and diverse career prospects. In addition to your core subject knowledge in biochemical engineering, the programme will provide you with the analytical, problem-solving and numeracy skills desired by a wide range of sectors.