Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering

Process engineering and chemical engineering are located within the interdisciplinary complex formed by mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, and physical and technical chemistry, and they are two of the core disciplines of engineering. Process engineering and chemical engineering are concerned with all aspects of the conversion of materials and energy. While chemical engineering concentrates on the chemistry involved, process engineering is distinguished by more in-depth training in devices and mechanical engineering.

The jobs open to process engineers/chemical engineers include all occupations that involve the industrial conversion of source materials by physical, chemical, or biological processes. The field also encompasses elements of efficient use of energy and raw materials as well as protection of the environment. Thanks to their broad-based education, process engineers/chemical engineers can take on roles in research, planning, and development, work on the technical side of environmental protection, get jobs in patents or the purchase and sale of processing devices, machinery and plants, or engage in supervisory and advisory activities for associations and public bodies.

Possible fields:

• Device and plant construction
• The automobile industry
• Biotechnology
• The chemical and petrochemical sectors
• Cosmetics
• The food industry
• Pharmaceuticals
• Green products and manufacturing
• Environmental technology

This degree program does very well in rankings, particularly in terms of the support students receive as they begin their studies and the assistance provided by teaching staff. This ensures the ideal supportive environmental for the sensitive transition from high school to university, and students continue to feel very well looked after at TU Clausthal as they advance through their programs.

The degree program begins by essentially concentrating on mathematics, physics and chemistry for the first two semesters. At the start of their third semester, students choose a focus for a total of 24 credits: either chemistry, devices and plants, or environmental technology. Building on these foundations in engineering expertise, the core subjects of process engineering are taught in the fifth semester. Finally, the production of a bachelor’s thesis marks the end of the program. Holders of the bachelor’s degree can continue into the master’s program in process engineering/chemical engineering. The master’s program in environmental process engineering and recycling is also an option.

Focus Devices and Plants

• Device-focused plant engineering I
• Elements of device design
• Component testing
• Mechanical engineering I

Focus Chemistry

• General and inorganic chemistry II
• Physical chemistry I
• Physical chemistry II
• Industrial placement in organic chemistry

Focus Environmental Technology

• Physical chemistry I
• Waste-water engineering I
• Foundations of waste processing
• Recycling I
• Geological soil science and treatment

Part (eight weeks) of each student’s work experience is to be completed before the start of the degree program; students must provide evidence of its completion, at the latest, when registering for their bachelor’s thesis. The second part is a 12-week industrial placement related to the subject matter of their studies, to be undertaken during the semester break.

More videos on the Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering program:

• Bachelor Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering
• Lower Saxony Technical Center