Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering

Chemical and bioprocess engineering is the industrial processing of raw materials to higher value products through combinations of physical, chemical or biochemical action. These processes can be very diverse. Chemical and bioprocess engineers design, optimise and operate these processes.

Examples include:

• fermentation of sugars to alcohol
• production of pharmaceutical products
• extraction of high value compounds
• composting of organic waste
• conversion of milk solids to dairy ingredients
• conversion of wood into paper
• production of fuels from waste streams.

A focus on innovative approaches

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering) will equip you with core chemical engineering skills for more traditional industries (oil, gas). But there is also a focus on innovative approaches such as nanotechnologies, biocatalysts, and clean processing techniques.

What will I learn?

The first year of study builds a solid platform of science principles with an engineering context, in common with the other engineering majors.

In the second year, you will build further on these fundamental sciences. Youll also learn about their application to chemical and bioprocess engineering systems.

In your third year, your study will extend from the study of engineering and chemical principles to processing applications. These may include bio-separations and reactor technologies.

In the fourth year, you will design a major innovative production process to integrate the various engineering and science skills youve learned in earlier years of study.

Follow your interests

You can focus on particular processing industry sectors such as biotechnology, chemical processing, environmental engineering and renewable energy.

The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second etc.

You’ll take eight 15-credit courses a year, 60 credits per semester and 120 credits a year.

See the Bachelor of Engineering main page for more information on planning.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

• Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. However please refer to the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours  entry requirements to find out more about recommended preparation and prior learning.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

• Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Can't meet the entry requirements?

There are some alternative ways to help you enter the engineering qualification:

Certificate in Science and Technology

This one-semester pathway qualification is if you need extra preparation in mathematics (160105 Methods of Mathematics), physics (124100 Introductory Physics) or chemistry (123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences). These courses can be taken separately (depending on your background) or as part of the CertScTech qualification.

Please note you must have achieved 16 Credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics (or equivalent) before you can enrol into 124100 Introductory Physics or 160105 Methods of Mathematics. To find out if you have what it takes, or what you need to do the introductory courses we recommend that you attempt the relevant quiz. Once you have completed the test/s, please contact the relevant course coordinator enquire through this page to discuss your suitability for this course or an alternative pathway.

Diploma in Science and Technology

This two-semester pathway is if you need extra preparation in mathematics, physics or chemistry.This is suitable if you wish to study a wide range of courses and keep your options open to change to another qualification.

You can also choose subjects from: biology, programming, statistics, food, accounting, marketing, finance and management.

Summer Compact Courses (at Auckland Campus only)

If you need extra preparation in mathematics, physics or chemistry, we have ‘compact’ courses over the summer that may help.

These courses are an intensive learning experience. You are advised to only take two introductory subjects. Tuition in each course takes six weeks and attendance is required during January and early February. These courses can be taken as a Certificate of Proficiency and can be put towards another qualification such as the BSc, BInfSc and BBus.

If you prefer to study at a slower pace, equivalent preparatory courses are available via Distance Learning mode:

• 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences
• 124100 Introductory Physics
• 160105 Methods of Mathematics.

If you are currently completing Year 13 you should apply for discretionary entrance if you intend to study these courses before your NCEA Level 3 results (or equivalent) become available in January. See Massey University entry requirements for more information.

If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.

• Summer School

Chemical and bioprocess engineering is a fascinating career, where you can be involved in the design of a whole process. You can help optimise existing processes or operate the process itself.

You can work in a diverse range of industries including chemical processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, dairy, meat and food processing and environmental engineering. Jobs can include process engineers, wastewater engineers, energy development engineers and many others.

What will my career look like?

You’ll typically begin your career in a technical role in the processing industry. The business and management skills that are an integral part of your learning during the Massey engineering degree will stand you in good stead.

The wide scope of employment options and the central role process engineers play in the New Zealand industry means chemical and bioprocess engineering graduates are sought after in industry and well paid.