The field of chemical engineering first emerged in 1908, as a result of the efforts of scientists and specialists in Europe and America who worked on conducting studies and combining engineering sciences with chemistry, and employing the sciences of physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology to contribute to many industries and provide products and materials useful to society. Chemical engineering is one of the broadest engineering sciences, specializing in the design, operation, and construction of industrial machinery and plants such as oil refining stations and the production of fine chemicals, plastics, paper, metals, and others. The tasks of chemical engineering include the following:
- Production of chemical materials
- Operation of various plants and facilities
- Working on developing atomic sciences
- Contributing to the manufacturing process of dyes and pharmaceuticals
- Contributing to petrochemical processes
- Contributing to food industries
- Innovating methods to exploit raw materials in beneficial industries
This major is studied in many universities around the world, and it takes 4 years in some universities and 5 years in others. Below, we discuss the subjects taught at the bachelor’s level in chemical engineering at a Turkish university. You can learn about the details of the subjects taught throughout the years of studying the specialization at the university you wish to study at by visiting its official website.
The academic program content for chemical engineering program:
First academic year:
- Solid modeling with computer assistance
- Calculus
- General physics
- Introduction to chemical engineering
- General chemistry
- Computer programming
Second academic year:
- Linear algebra
- Analytical chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Chemical process calculations
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Differential equations
- Thermodynamics
Third academic year:
- Fluid mechanics
- Heat and mass transfer
- Summer training
- Chemical reactions
Fourth academic year:
- Chemical engineering laboratory
- Applications of chemical engineering
There are also specialized practical lectures, mandatory and elective, held inside general chemistry, analytical chemistry, and organic chemistry laboratories.
Example: Click here to learn about the academic program content for chemical engineering at Atılım University
Job opportunities for graduates:
Various institutions, companies, and factories employ chemical engineers in diverse technical fields and in supervisory positions over various chemical, oil, and petrochemical industries, and other types of industries. They have numerous opportunities to travel and work abroad, especially in countries that play a significant role in petrochemical industries and require professional chemical engineers, such as Saudi Arabia and most Gulf countries.
The chemical engineer works in:
- Oil stations and processing of oil derivatives
- Fertilizer factories
- Companies and factories of personal care products, cleaning and beauty materials
- Pharmaceutical industry companies
