chemical engineering

hi im 15 and im looking to go into chem eng can u tell what sort of stuff its about and waht u do? and plz tell me some unis that that are good for chem eng.

Reply 1

Steeeeevo

Career Details: Engineer: Chemical
Below are some of the main careers that can be found within Engineer: Chemical.
*
Job Description
Chemical, process or biochemical engineers design solutions, modify processes and give production support to an engineering specification. They may work on the production of pharmaceuticals, food and drink, plastics, fuels, artificial fibres and any other man-made synthetic process.

They extract as many products as they can from the raw materials in a cost effective and safe way. Using computer models and simulations, they design and build plants to change the physical or chemical composition of the material into a man-made product, such as a plastic.

Once a plant is in operation, a chemical engineer’s role changes from construction to production. They will then be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the plant. This will involve responsibility for:

* maintenance procedures and trouble-shooting
* repair and replacement
* quality control
* health and safety of the plant itself and the environment
* profitable operation of the plant.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes for the application of new and existing technologies. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They have a detailed knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, and have the skills and know-how to put plans into practice. They often hold key operational management roles.
Working Environment
Chemical engineers working in a research or development team normally work a 37-hour week. Those working on development projects can work 50 hours or more a week, including evenings and weekends.

The work is usually in a laboratory, often under sterile conditions. In some areas there may be the need to wear protective clothing, shoes and eye shields.

Related Skills
To be a chemical engineer you should:

* have an aptitude and interest in chemistry
* have mathematical ability and be able to understand engineering principles
* have good communication skills
* have analytical and problem solving skills
* have a high standard of computer literacy
* understand computer-aided design
* be able to work as part of a team.

Career Opportunities
Opportunities for chemical, process and biochemical engineers exist in industries such as pulp and paper manufacture for newspapers, personal care products such as cosmetics and lotions, food and drink, drugs and medicines, textiles and materials, oil and gas, energy, water, and metallurgy for vehicles and furniture.

Other fields include the nuclear industry, cryogenic engineering, propellants for space exploration, microchip development and production, and the biotechnology industry.

Chemical engineers are always in demand and there are opportunities to reach senior managerial positions, often at a relatively young age. It is not unusual to find chemical engineers on the boards of large multinational companies.

ANNUAL INCOME
Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Graduates starting salaries range between £18,500 and £26,000.
Experienced chemical engineers can earn on average £42,000.
The average income for chartered chemical engineers is £52,000.

Starting Salary
£19,000

SOURCE http://www.hotcourses.com/

Top 20 Universities for Chemical Engineering - http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/gooduniversityguide2005/20chemicaleng.pdf
--------------
EDIT I also recommend you check out the UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) website if you want to start researching your degree now UCAS

Reply 2

ledzep15

Thanks alot steevo!