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Would going to a red-brick university give me a definite edge over going to somewhere else, such as a Russell Group uni? I was looking at Birmingham or Nottingham as two of my choices, however Birmingham's entry requirements are higher. Is the benefit of having a 'red-brick' degree worth pushing for the higher grades? Or would a degree from a Russell Group Uni serve me just as well.

Cheers, this threads been really helpful.

Would you prefer to work in America or the UK as an engineer? Just asking this question as quite a few people I know are interested in working abroad partly because they feel the remuneration is better than in the UK

can you hook me up with some LSD? awesome thx

I graduated with a MEng in Chemical Engineering from The University of Nottingham in 1997, and a PhD in Fluid Dynamics from Heriot-Watt in 2001.

I currently work in North America selling and supporting in engineering simulation software.

I still use some of the skills I learned as an undergraduate, as well as some of the math. I've stayed in the technical stream, but I have a hand in selling and marketing as well.

Ask me anything at all about my career, studying, whatever.

T

I graduated with a MEng in Chemical Engineering from The University of Nottingham in 1997, and a PhD in Fluid Dynamics from Heriot-Watt in 2001.

I currently work in North America selling and supporting in engineering simulation software.

I still use some of the skills I learned as an undergraduate, as well as some of the math. I've stayed in the technical stream, but I have a hand in selling and marketing as well.

Ask me anything at all about my career, studying, whatever.

T

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No, but that chap around the corner in a raincoat and a trilby can get you sorted for Es and Whiz

T

so you started on 17k/yr with a phd?

Yes thank you... this has been an excellent thread.

T in your opinion what is the best advise you can give a undergraduate chem enger?

Can you please explain to me the process you had to go through in obtaining a PhD?

During the final year of my undergraduate degree, I met my supervisor. She offered me a research project sponsored by a large UK chemical company, with the final aim being a PhD. I then started on three years of theoretical and experimental work in fluid dynamics, followed by another year of writing my thesis.

The final year was extremely difficult for several reasons (no money coming in from the chemical company, so I had to stack shelves to support myself while trying to write my thesis and complete some experimental work at night, my supervisor was getting increasingly irate with me). The final year was the hardest I have ever worked. After I submitted my thesis, I had a few rounds of corrections, followed by my oral defense. The oral defense lasted a few hours and I was questions about my work by an expert in the field.

T

I'm starting my personal statement for Chrmical engineering, and was wondering does anyone have a list of books they could advise reading just for extra information.

You could keep up to date with latest news and developments in the various sectors on: http://www.tcetoday.com/

Most of the books I can think of on top of my head will only be useful once you've started the course. They are Coulson and Richardson's Chemical Engineering series, Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook.... like I said, I don't think they'll be useful pre-university.

Cambridge uni recommend "Introduction to Chemical Engineering: tools for today and tomorrow" but I haven't read it so can't really comment.

Shell published a book couple of years ago regarding challenges faced in the energy sector, which you can download here: http://www-static.shell.com/static/public/downloads/brochures/corporate_pkg/scenarios/shell_energy_scenarios_2050.pdf

I'll update if I can think of any others.