The Learning Grid

Finding the best way to make the right products takes understanding; understanding of the science behind the processes, which change materials both chemically and physically. It could be as simple as understanding the interaction of acids and metal, or how to make better beer, but chemical engineering can create new materials and improve existing ones in a wide variety of ways.

Chemical engineers can be found in industries such as fuel refining, food processing, brewing, pharmaceuticals and any business, which produces materials. They have produced plastics, lead-free fuel and low-alcohol lager, not to mention antibiotics and water purification tablets.

Combining chemistry, maths and science in general, chemical engineering means that your tap water is safe to drink, your clothes don’t fall apart when it rains and you can cure a headache with a couple of tablets. Biochemical work is a fast-growing industry, looking at the effects of chemicals on biological processes – engineers are developing new gene therapy techniques, for instance.

More information is available from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.