University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

The Chemical Engineering curriculum covers fundamental sciences and progressively moves into core engineering subjects and process design. Early years emphasise calculus, physics, general chemistry, computer programming and engineering fundamentals. Later years focus on chemical engineering-specific topics, typically including:

• Thermodynamics — properties of pure substances and solutions, phase equilibrium and application to process cycles.
• Transport Phenomena — momentum, heat and mass transfer principles and their engineering applications.
• Chemical Reaction Engineering — reaction kinetics, reactor design and scale-up.
• Separation Processes — distillation, absorption, filtration, membrane separation and unit operation design.
• Process Control and Instrumentation — feedback control, sensors, PLCs and stability analysis for process systems.
• Materials and Corrosion — material selection, corrosion mechanisms and prevention in process environments.
• Process Safety and Environmental Engineering — hazard assessment, safety management and pollution control strategies.
• Process Design and Capstone Project — multi-term group design project integrating economics, design codes and regulatory considerations.
• Laboratory and Pilot-scale Work — hands-on experiments and pilot-plant demonstrations to link theory with practice.

The degree typically includes mathematics and statistics courses relevant to numerical methods and modelling, as well as electives that allow specialisation in areas such as biochemical engineering, energy systems, materials or environmental process engineering. Many students take advantage of co-operative education placements or summer internships to gain workplace experience.

Entry requirements

Entry to chemical engineering requires a strong secondary-school background in mathematics and science. Typical requirements include:

• High school calculus (or advanced mathematics) and physics.
• Senior-level chemistry with laboratory experience.
• Competitive academic standing across senior-level subjects; exact grade thresholds vary by year and applicant pool.
• English language proficiency for applicants whose primary language is not English.

Applicants may enter through direct admission, transfer from other post-secondary institutions, or begin with first-year engineering studies at the UNB Saint John campus before transferring to Fredericton to complete the chemical engineering specialisation. Mature students and applicants with prior post-secondary study are considered on the basis of their academic record. Specific course prerequisites and admissions policies are published by UNB and should be consulted before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the chemical engineering programme pursue careers across a broad range of sectors. Typical employment destinations include:

• Petrochemical and refining industries, process plant operations and optimisation.
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food processing companies involved in production and process development.
• Water treatment, environmental consulting and waste management engineering.
• Energy and renewables, including hydrogen, battery materials and carbon capture projects.
• Consulting firms offering process design, safety and regulatory compliance services.
• Research and development roles in materials, catalysis and process intensification.
• Project engineering and technical sales supporting engineered equipment and instrumentation.

Graduates are eligible to pursue professional licensure (P.Eng) in Canada after meeting experiential requirements and completing relevant examinations; many also continue to postgraduate study in engineering, business or applied science disciplines.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

UNB's Faculty of Engineering offers an accredited curriculum with a focus on applied learning, industry engagement and research. Chemical engineering students benefit from laboratory and pilot-scale facilities at the Fredericton campus, industry co-op and internship opportunities, and close links with regional process industries. For students in the Saint John region, UNB provides pathways to begin engineering studies locally with the possibility to transfer into the chemical engineering honours stream in Fredericton, combining the advantages of smaller-campus support with access to specialised facilities and supervisory expertise.

Additional strengths include access to research groups working on energy, environment and materials challenges, dedicated career services and alumni networks across Atlantic Canada that help graduates transition into professional roles.