Program Overview

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Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)

Overview

Chemical engineering uses chemistry, physics and mathematics to convert raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms; and extractive metallurgy is involved in plant design, development, operations and control, management and research.

In this course, you will explore the development, design and operation of processes for the extraction, conversion and recovery of materials. You'll study minerals processing, hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy; and, following your Engineering Foundation Year, you’ll specialise in biosystems engineering, chemical engineering or oil and gas.

This course also covers environmental considerations and mine finance and management.

You'll also complete at least 12 weeks of exposure to professional engineering practice.

What jobs can the Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy course lead to?

Careers

• Chemical engineer
• Metallurgist
• Process engineer
• Process metallurgist
• Production/operations engineer
• Plant metallurgist
• Risk and safety manager

Industries

• Mining
• Energy and energy storage
• Bioengineering and biotechnology
• Agrochemical
• Food processing
• Mineral and material processing
• Pharmaceutical
• Semiconductor
• Biomass and sugar refining
• Cement and lime production
• Industrial and fine chemical production
• Petrochemical and polymer production
• Paper and board manufacture
• Water and wastewater treatment

Further study

• Master of Professional Engineering
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

What you'll learn

• apply scientific, process and metallurgical engineering principles to process engineering design and development, including sound risk management, environmental and occupational health and safety practice
• think critically and creatively to generate innovative and optimum solutions
• identify, evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources to optimise process engineering design and development
• communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose
• use appropriate information, process and metallurgical technologies (recognising their advantages and limitations) in the design and development of sustainable process systems
• engage in continuous education, training and research, and take control of their own learning and development
• recognise and apply international standards and best practice in process and metallurgical engineering
• demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
• be ‘career ready’ for the process engineering profession, demonstrate leadership qualities, and work ethically and professionally both within a team and independently

Why study Chemical Engineering, Extractive Metallurgy at Curtin?

Industry immersion

Experience Curtin’s world-renowned WA School of Mines, in the heart of Western Australia’s Goldfields region.

Career-focused facilities

Experience our purpose-designed Engineering Pavilion, studio and project rooms.

Industry accreditation

Accredited by Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and recognised internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Professional recognition and accreditation

This course is accredited by Engineers Australia and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and recognised internationally. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

Admission criteria

ATAR pathway

• Guaranteed ATAR: 80
• Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites):
  • Mathematics Methods ATAR
  • At least one of the following courses:
    • Physics ATAR
    • Chemistry ATAR
    • Engineering Studies ATAR
• Desirable WACE subjects:
  • Mathematics Specialist ATAR

Alternative pathways

• Indigenous applicant
• STAT entry
• TAFE entry
• Higher education course switcher criteria

English requirements

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6

Fees and scholarships

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

• 2025 Fee year: $8,100*
• Commonwealth supported

Location

• Curtin Perth

How to apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Curtin Perth

Course structure

• View course structure

Duration

• 5 years full-time
• Only one intake is offered each year, in Semester 1
• Students are based for the first two years at the Bentley Campus, for their third year at the Kalgoorlie Campus, and for the fourth and fifth year at the Bentley Campus

Credit

• A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester
• 1000

CRICOS

• The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas
• C

Location

• The Curtin campuses or teaching locations where units of this course are offered
• Curtin Perth

Course outline

• Overview
• Admission criteria
• Fees and scholarships
• Location
• How to apply

Application Requirements

• Credit for recognised learning (CRL)
• Use your experience to get credit towards your degree
• Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience

Pathway finder tool

• Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.