BH087 - Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

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Plan: BH087SCBDD - Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Award abbreviation: BE(ChemEng)(Hons)/BSc(Biotech)
Total credit points: 516
Career: UGRD
Duration: 5 years full time or 10 years part time
Location: Onshore, City Campus
Owning school: Science (171H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/science
ASCED code: 030301
CRICOS code: 079781B

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Purpose of the Program

The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) is designed to produce graduates who are skilled as both scientists and engineers. In particular, you will acquire the knowledge and skill to implement large-scale production of material produced through biotechnological processes.

Biology/biotechnology differs from biology by its emphasis on using the knowledge of biology to solve important practical problems. This double degree program covers the application of chemical engineering and biotechnology methodologies and technologies for better management of the environment; preventing, diagnosing and curing disease; improving crop plants and stock; detecting pollutants and contaminants; and using organisms to produce chemicals, including drugs and food.

Students graduating from the double degree will be sought after by employers as they will be specifically trained for work in the booming biotechnology industry, yet will also be able to take up the wide range of career options open to chemical engineers.

Careers in the biotechnology industry offer the opportunity to be involved in the development of new vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other vital health products.

The objectives of this program are to enable you to:

  • develop an understanding of fundamental knowledge of Chemical Engineering principles and apply them to design sustainable processes and products for the benefit of society, environment, and businesses
  • understand the burgeoning new field of biotechnology, and to be equipped with skills in genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, molecular agriculture, bioinformatics, and regulatory, ethical and legal issues in biotechnology.
  • engage with the processes of innovation and global change and to deal with new challenges.
  • develop sustaining values, including a commitment to student's own learning.

In learning environments which focus on:

  • knowledge: contemporary content, clear goals, deep learning focus, global focus
  • learners: adequate preparation, interactive engagement, adaptation to individual learning styles
  • 'hands-on' techniques 
  • assessment: specific standards, range of assessments, progressive feedback
  • community: application and transfer focused, cross-disciplinary, problem-solving, vocationally recognised, socially inclusive, internationally relevant.

You will undertake a capstone experience in the final year courses OENG1167 Engineering Capstone Project Part A and OENG1168 Engineering Capstone Project Part B, in which you will conduct a research project that can be analytical, experimental, design or computational in nature (or some combination of these). A capstone experience is also provided in ONPS2186 Science Project 1 where knowledge and skills come together to develop and implement, sometimes in a group, a research proposal and / or a research project.

This program is primarily delivered in face-to-face mode at the City Campus. While most courses in the program are delivered on campus, others are delivered online.

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Articulation and pathways

Pathways

Students who apply to transfer to one of the single degrees that are components of this double degree program, will be eligible for credit for any equivalent courses in the single degree structure, and may transfer credit for any other courses that can meet elective requirements of the single degree structure.

Pathways refer to related programs for which you may be eligible once you have graduated from your current program.  As a successful graduate of this program, you may (upon application) be eligible to proceed to a coursework Masters degree in Electronic Engineering or related fields, or even to a research degree including Masters by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  Acceptance into these programs would be subject to each programs' entry requirements.

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Entrance requirements

Program entry requirements

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.  

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page.

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) prerequisite units 3 and 4 — a study score of at least 20 in Chemistry and one of Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, and a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English.

English language requirements

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent.   

For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

 

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External accreditation and industry links

The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) is fully accredited by Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practice as professional engineers. 

Engineers Australia is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This means that the program is internationally recognised and graduates are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world. Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)(Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global professional membership organisation for chemical, biochemical and process engineers and other professionals involved in the chemical, process and bioprocess industries. The Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) is accredited by IChemE.

Depending on the option courses chosen, the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) component of the double degree qualifies graduates for professional membership of scientific societies such as the Australian Society for Microbiology and the Australian Biochemical Society.

This program is supported by an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC comprises external members drawn from a diverse external industry base and institutions, providing further opportunities for networking and is a useful link in ensuring that the teaching material and student capabilities remain close to the needs of future external employers.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

As a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.

Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service.

The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, e-journals and newspapers.

You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.

Online learning tools and content

You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT: www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit.

Electronic courseware is available for some courses, and extensive use is made of the RMIT web-based learning environment.

Services available to you as a student at RMIT University

RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.

Services are available face to face and online assisting with:

  • transition to tertiary study and learning
  • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
  • enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
  • career development and employment
  • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
  • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
  • opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

You can find more information at: www.rmit.edu.au/students.

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