Biochemical Engineering Degree: Program Structure and Career Prospect
Biochemical engineers combine engineering principles with knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, the biological sciences, and physics to convert raw materials into products that benefit society. They develop new ways to use cells, enzymes, antibodies, and other biochemical agents in medicine, environmental services, and industry. Students of biochemical engineering objective is to address the world’s complex needs while preserving resources and opportunities for future generations.
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Undergraduate students of biochemical engineering begin their studies with an extensive series of foundation courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. They then take fundamental engineering courses that cover topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, process control, bioreactors, biotechnology facility design, and regulatory compliance. The biochemical engineering laboratory is a major component of the program. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemical Engineering, graduates qualify for entry-level jobs in the field.
2. Master’s Degree
Master’s programs in biochemical engineering often offer students more than one pathway to their degree. Typical options include a thesis pathway, a research project pathway, and a course-only pathway. Regardless of the choice that individual students make, they are generally required to complete a limited core curriculum, such as the following:
- Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
- Methods of Engineering Analysis
- Transport Phenomena
- Advanced Chemical Reaction Kinetics
3. Doctoral Degree
The Doctoral Degree in Biochemical Engineering is very research intensive and prepares students for a career as an independent scholar in the areas of research, teaching, or advanced technical work. As in the master’s program, it is common for schools to require that doctoral students complete some core courses before advancing to Ph.D. candidacy. The four courses listed above, in the master’s section, are examples. Other requirements are passing a qualifying exam; preparation, research, and presentation of a dissertation proposal; and public defense of the doctoral dissertation.
Skills You’ll Learn From a Degree in Biochemical Engineering
Individuals who study and work in the field of biochemical engineering develop a set of skills that are transferable to a variety of careers. Among these skills are:
- Ability to formulate and test hypotheses and ideas
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Creativity and inquisitiveness
- Critical thinking
- Data collection, analysis, and information processing
- Detail orientation
- Developing processes
- Documentation and reporting
- Maintaining and updating knowledge
- Managing and leading cross-functional teams
- Persistence
- Training and teaching
- Troubleshooting
Where can Biochemical Engineering Graduates Work?
Biochemical engineering graduates work primarily in the areas of chemical manufacturing, scientific research and development, and sustainable production and manufacturing. These are some of the areas in which they make significant contributions:
- Cleaning Products
- Environmental Remediation – water purification, removal of pollutants or the reversal of other environmental damage
- Food Engineering / Food Production and Processing
- Healthcare / Medicine – making medicines from microbes
- Personal Care Products
- Pesticides
- Petroleum Products – such as oil, paint, and plastic
- Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
- Pulp and Paper
- Renewable Energy / Biofuels
- Technology Development – example: agro (agricultural) technology
- Textile