Chemical Engineers play a crucial role to conceive, design and implement processes and technology to meet the needs of society, improve quality of life, protect the environment and ensure sustainability for future generations. Chemical Engineers contribute to:
- Providing clean water for drinking and sanitation
- Developing and manufacturing medicines and vaccines to save lives
- Developing and implementing sustainable forms of energy
- Developing and implementing greener products, processes and technologies
- Producing food and beverages to meet the needs of growing populations
- Protecting the environment
- Producing the products that society depends upon, including textiles, fertilizers, electronic devices, consumer goods and personal protective equipment
At the very basic level, Chemical Engineers combine the three physical sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) with applied mathematics. Chemical Engineers use this knowledge and their unique skillsets to convert raw materials into products that address societal needs and generate value. They understand the social, environmental and economic impacts of what they do, and apply this understanding to design processes and technologies to address the ever-changing needs of the modern world.
Chemical Engineers are in high demand from the large number of industrial sectors that rely on the production, transformation and transportation of materials. Chemical Engineering graduates go on to have exciting and impactful careers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotechnology, water/sanitation, sustainable energy, chemical, oil and gas, environmental engineering, and electronics sectors, or pursue career opportunities in other fields such as medicine, law, finance, business and academia.
Chemical Engineering research involves the conception, design and implementation of processes and technologies that begins in the laboratory and then are translated to large industrial scales. McMaster has research opportunities in several exciting areas of Chemical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering students are exposed to a diverse, engaging and enriching curriculum at McMaster University, and are provided opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities that enrich their learning and University experience. The experience of an undergraduate student includes:
- Lecture based learning to learn the principles and theoretical knowledge essential for careers in Chemical Engineering
- Problem based learning to apply the fundamental knowledge learned in lectures, develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving capabilities that are needed in the modern workplace
- Hands on laboratories to develop practical skills and gain first-hand exposure to Chemical Engineering processes at work
- Working in teams on projects, assignments and problem-based learning to develop teamwork, communication and project management skills that employers have identified as essential competencies for new hires
- Building friendships and networks that will last their entire life through shared experiences and participation in activities that Chemical Engineering has to offer such as clubs, committees or social events