Chemistry or chemical engineering at university
Hi, I am a year 12 student going into year 13 in September studying a levels maths, chemistry and art. I am trying to decide between undergraduate course options of chemistry and chemical engineering and wondered if anyone has advice on how to choose between them?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I have heard that Chem Eng is 70% Maths, 20% Physics and only 10% Chemistry, so if you enjoy chemistry you should do a chemistry degree. You can still be a chemical engineer with a chemistry degree, because some companies only require a degree related to chemistry for you to be a chemical engineer. (But of course, your chances of being employed would be higher if you had a chemical engineering degree)
Original post by lydiahen
Hi, I am a year 12 student going into year 13 in September studying a levels maths, chemistry and art. I am trying to decide between undergraduate course options of chemistry and chemical engineering and wondered if anyone has advice on how to choose between them?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
Yes, chemical engineering - like all engineering - is mainly maths at university. There's plenty of physics too - but at university level physics is also essentially maths. Is that something you'd be OK with?
Original post by lydiahen
Hi, I am a year 12 student going into year 13 in September studying a levels maths, chemistry and art. I am trying to decide between undergraduate course options of chemistry and chemical engineering and wondered if anyone has advice on how to choose between them?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
If you want to study chemistry the only degree that really lets you do that in any substantive manner is chemistry. As above a degree in chemical engineering is a degree in the engineering of chemicals. It's a lot of maths and a fair bit of physics - not much chemistry.
That said Strathclyde has a joint honours course in both (applied chemistry and chemical engineering) - I believe it's actually unique there.
But fundamentally they're pretty different disciplines and I wouldn't suggest pursuing engineering unless you specifically are committed to engineering in terms of subject material as well.
Any STEM course will include a fair amount of labs, I think chemistry typically has possibly the most on average (I think 1-2 full days in lab a week is pretty common in chemistry degrees?).
Original post by lydiahen
Hi, I am a year 12 student going into year 13 in September studying a levels maths, chemistry and art. I am trying to decide between undergraduate course options of chemistry and chemical engineering and wondered if anyone has advice on how to choose between them?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I am struggling because I study chemistry and know I enjoy it but I don't know what I'd want to do with a chemistry degree whereas I feel that there is a clearer and more definite path in chemical engineering, but I don't know how much I'd enjoy the course.
I am also unsure about the amount of lab time in each one and how much the courses vary in terms of optional modules? I have heard that chemical engineering is 2/3 maths; is this true?
And finally, is there any way to become a chemical engineer after a chemistry degree?
I study chemistry at university (just finished my first year and going into my second), but as an Oxford student, my experience may not quite be representative of what to expect from a chemistry degree.
Chemistry at uni is very different from chemistry at A level and GCSE. Much of what you were taught previously will be contradicted and you will immediately be thrown into the deep end with new material. There will be much more emphasis on your understanding of complex topics than simply reciting facts, colours etc. Just remember that whilst a chemistry degree is immensely challenging, it is also equally rewarding.
The first two years of a chemistry course give you a well rounded understanding of what chemistry has to offer in all of the major disciplines, whilst giving you all the physics and maths skills you will ever need. In the third and fourth years, however, the areas of the course you found most appealing will be where you can ultimately specialise.
As for lab hours, you can expect maybe 10 - 12 hours most weeks, usually spread over two consecutive days. These will follow immediately after lectures (you usually have two each weekday, each lasting just under an hour).
I do believe you can access chemical engineering jobs with a chemistry degree, but I’m not sure the pathway itself is very straightforward. You probably would have to access engineering courses at postgraduate level (which may or may not be doable, depending on the university), but it anyone knows anything to the contrary, please do correct me if I’m wrong.
I've just finished an integrated masters in Chem eng and was in a similar boat to you unsure between chemistry and chem eng. With regards to job prospects a degree in chem eng lets you go into basically any manufacturing process - Pharmaceuticals, Oil&Gas, Chemicals, semiconductors, consumer products etc etc all of which require chemical engineers to design, maintain, manage safety, and improve the process. Equally many people i know finish and get jobs in finance, consulting etc.
I also enjoyed chemistry but would say that its not a massive focal point of the learning, you do a lot of mass balancing across large industrial plants where having a decent knowledge of what chemical reactions are ocurring and what products/side products are being produced is useful, but not required. Having strong maths skills and physics to an extent is more important like other comments have said as theres alot of new concepts eg laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, equipment design etc which can be quite tricky. Lots of people struggle with these on any engineering course.
Lab time id say was around 5/6 hours every other week but theres alot of group working on design projects, obviously this differs depending on the uni you choose. In terms of optional modules i only picked in my final year and i have a few friends who went to other unis doing the same course and had similar experiences.
On your final point there is little to no crossover between chemistry and chemical engineering. Process/Chemical engineering is its own discipline and the skills/knowledge for it are relatively specific to the degree, its unlikely you'd be able to move into a process position without a chem eng degree. Or like the above commenter mentioned without a postgrad in it.
I also enjoyed chemistry but would say that its not a massive focal point of the learning, you do a lot of mass balancing across large industrial plants where having a decent knowledge of what chemical reactions are ocurring and what products/side products are being produced is useful, but not required. Having strong maths skills and physics to an extent is more important like other comments have said as theres alot of new concepts eg laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, equipment design etc which can be quite tricky. Lots of people struggle with these on any engineering course.
Lab time id say was around 5/6 hours every other week but theres alot of group working on design projects, obviously this differs depending on the uni you choose. In terms of optional modules i only picked in my final year and i have a few friends who went to other unis doing the same course and had similar experiences.
On your final point there is little to no crossover between chemistry and chemical engineering. Process/Chemical engineering is its own discipline and the skills/knowledge for it are relatively specific to the degree, its unlikely you'd be able to move into a process position without a chem eng degree. Or like the above commenter mentioned without a postgrad in it.
Original post by UtterlyUseless69
I study chemistry at university (just finished my first year and going into my second), but as an Oxford student, my experience may not quite be representative of what to expect from a chemistry degree.
Chemistry at uni is very different from chemistry at A level and GCSE. Much of what you were taught previously will be contradicted and you will immediately be thrown into the deep end with new material. There will be much more emphasis on your understanding of complex topics than simply reciting facts, colours etc. Just remember that whilst a chemistry degree is immensely challenging, it is also equally rewarding.
The first two years of a chemistry course give you a well rounded understanding of what chemistry has to offer in all of the major disciplines, whilst giving you all the physics and maths skills you will ever need. In the third and fourth years, however, the areas of the course you found most appealing will be where you can ultimately specialise.
As for lab hours, you can expect maybe 10 - 12 hours most weeks, usually spread over two consecutive days. These will follow immediately after lectures (you usually have two each weekday, each lasting just under an hour).
I do believe you can access chemical engineering jobs with a chemistry degree, but I’m not sure the pathway itself is very straightforward. You probably would have to access engineering courses at postgraduate level (which may or may not be doable, depending on the university), but it anyone knows anything to the contrary, please do correct me if I’m wrong.
Chemistry at uni is very different from chemistry at A level and GCSE. Much of what you were taught previously will be contradicted and you will immediately be thrown into the deep end with new material. There will be much more emphasis on your understanding of complex topics than simply reciting facts, colours etc. Just remember that whilst a chemistry degree is immensely challenging, it is also equally rewarding.
The first two years of a chemistry course give you a well rounded understanding of what chemistry has to offer in all of the major disciplines, whilst giving you all the physics and maths skills you will ever need. In the third and fourth years, however, the areas of the course you found most appealing will be where you can ultimately specialise.
As for lab hours, you can expect maybe 10 - 12 hours most weeks, usually spread over two consecutive days. These will follow immediately after lectures (you usually have two each weekday, each lasting just under an hour).
I do believe you can access chemical engineering jobs with a chemistry degree, but I’m not sure the pathway itself is very straightforward. You probably would have to access engineering courses at postgraduate level (which may or may not be doable, depending on the university), but it anyone knows anything to the contrary, please do correct me if I’m wrong.
This is really helpful, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I think I'm definitely understanding the differences better now! What made you decide to do a chemistry degree?
Original post by psidd
I've just finished an integrated masters in Chem eng and was in a similar boat to you unsure between chemistry and chem eng. With regards to job prospects a degree in chem eng lets you go into basically any manufacturing process - Pharmaceuticals, Oil&Gas, Chemicals, semiconductors, consumer products etc etc all of which require chemical engineers to design, maintain, manage safety, and improve the process. Equally many people i know finish and get jobs in finance, consulting etc.
I also enjoyed chemistry but would say that its not a massive focal point of the learning, you do a lot of mass balancing across large industrial plants where having a decent knowledge of what chemical reactions are ocurring and what products/side products are being produced is useful, but not required. Having strong maths skills and physics to an extent is more important like other comments have said as theres alot of new concepts eg laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, equipment design etc which can be quite tricky. Lots of people struggle with these on any engineering course.
Lab time id say was around 5/6 hours every other week but theres alot of group working on design projects, obviously this differs depending on the uni you choose. In terms of optional modules i only picked in my final year and i have a few friends who went to other unis doing the same course and had similar experiences.
On your final point there is little to no crossover between chemistry and chemical engineering. Process/Chemical engineering is its own discipline and the skills/knowledge for it are relatively specific to the degree, its unlikely you'd be able to move into a process position without a chem eng degree. Or like the above commenter mentioned without a postgrad in it.
I also enjoyed chemistry but would say that its not a massive focal point of the learning, you do a lot of mass balancing across large industrial plants where having a decent knowledge of what chemical reactions are ocurring and what products/side products are being produced is useful, but not required. Having strong maths skills and physics to an extent is more important like other comments have said as theres alot of new concepts eg laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, equipment design etc which can be quite tricky. Lots of people struggle with these on any engineering course.
Lab time id say was around 5/6 hours every other week but theres alot of group working on design projects, obviously this differs depending on the uni you choose. In terms of optional modules i only picked in my final year and i have a few friends who went to other unis doing the same course and had similar experiences.
On your final point there is little to no crossover between chemistry and chemical engineering. Process/Chemical engineering is its own discipline and the skills/knowledge for it are relatively specific to the degree, its unlikely you'd be able to move into a process position without a chem eng degree. Or like the above commenter mentioned without a postgrad in it.
Thank you for taking the time to write, this is really helpful to gain an insight into chem eng. I'd heard before that there is a lot of group work so that is interesting, and congrats on completing your degree!
Original post by lydiahen
This is really helpful, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I think I'm definitely understanding the differences better now! What made you decide to do a chemistry degree?
I seriously thought about what sorts of jobs appealed to me (i.e I looked up these jobs and the required qualifications for them) and what areas interested me.
In the end, I decided chemistry would be the best fit because a degree in it would be acceptable for all the jobs I had decided appealed to me and that since chemistry was a favourite subject of mine I’d actually want to study it at uni and would (hopefully) be setting myself up for success.
Whilst I could have done ChemEng or NatSci, both would have forced me to study a lot on the side that I wouldn’t have found particularly interesting and I think in taking either I would have set myself up to fail.
Furthermore, I considered the relative strength of things I’d put on my application (GCSEs, supercurriculars etc) and how competitive each course is. Chemistry is only moderately competitive, whereas ChemEng tends to be much more competitive. My application I judged to be at best a high average for ChemEng but much stronger for Chemistry. After all, with strong performances in UKChO but relatively weak little experience with things like the mathematical or physics olympiads I was definitely in a better position to apply for chemistry. My GCSE grades, whilst still perfectly good, were perhaps not enough to stand out in a more competitive subject and so I saw ChemEng as being a risky option.
Original post by UtterlyUseless69
I do believe you can access chemical engineering jobs with a chemistry degree, but I’m not sure the pathway itself is very straightforward. You probably would have to access engineering courses at postgraduate level (which may or may not be doable, depending on the university), but it anyone knows anything to the contrary, please do correct me if I’m wrong.
I can’t contradict but this isn’t typical from what ive seen.
Chemistry graduates who pursue science/technology careers from what ive seen tend to go into reactions & jobs related to understanding or evaluating reactions. Chemical engineers tend to go into optimising the processes of which chemical reactions maybe viewed on a macro scale (which is really very different), and plenty of chemical engineering graduates go into other roles related to optimising processes with physics (which are not chemical reaction based).
Im sure there are some points of cross over but I wouldn’t do a chemistry degree and assume the world of chemical & process engineering is an open door. It’s probably some specific opportunities that are open (however if you “break in” to a specific company which does chemical engineering as a chemist for example petrochemical production, it is probably easier to transition, but it relies on getting your foot in the door and building a reputation).
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