Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology
Gain a firm foundation in the science and engineering of biological processes.
Gain a firm foundation in the science and engineering of biological processes
Get industry recognition with an accredited degree
Explore a key area of biotechnology on a dedicated research project
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
October 2023
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£16,600 Home
£38,600 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard 2023
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2:1 degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, life sciences or biomedical sciences
Course overview
Advance your knowledge of the science and engineering of biological processes on this Master's course.
You'll build expertise in a range of biotechnology concepts, and explore aspects of metabolic engineering, tissue engineering and wastewater treatment.
This varied programme will also broaden your understanding of basic sciences, mathematics and computing techniques.
You'll learn through a mixture of taught modules and a research project. Your project can be carried out at Imperial, within industry or at an approved institution.
The Department of Chemical Engineering offers four advanced courses, with the opportunity to take a general overview or specialise in areas of chemical engineering in more depth.
- Advanced Chemical Engineering
- Advanced Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology (this stream)
- Advanced Chemical Engineering with Materials Engineering
- Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
You'll study all of these core modules.
Core modules
Explore advanced topics in process design, with an emphasis on process modelling and optimisation theory and associated software packages.
Review the relevant fundamentals of biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology, and explore the principles behind fermentation processes.
Gain insights into the techniques used in biotechnology, which in many cases differ markedly from chemical engineering.
Interlink the biological principles of cellular physiology with the mathematical tools required for their analysis and modelling.
You’ll choose a range of optional modules. This includes the opportunity to study one business module.
Some optional modules are Level 6 or Level 7.
You’ll be guided on how many Level 7 modules you should complete during this year. The typical requirement is four.
Optional modules (Level 7)
Analyse how chemical discharges affect the planet and how the increased greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, smog formation and acid rain arise from human influences on natural cycles.
Study state-of-the-art optimisation based techniques for process synthesis, process design and molecular design, with a particular focus on mathematical modelling.
Understand a range of analytical techniques needed to address challenges being faced by industry and explore leading spectroscopic methods.
Delve into the fundamentals of colloid and interface science and analyse the nature of the various interparticle forces.
Develop a fundamental understanding of nonlinear dynamical systems to better appreciate complex phenomena in nature and a variety of chemical and biological engineering technological processes.
Apply your previous scientific knowledge in a pharmaceutical development context, with guidance from industry partners.
Understand the general workflows of facilities engineering teams and learn how to perform simple process and pipeline hydraulics hand calculations.
Assess basic principles and concepts of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer relevant to physiological and biological systems, as well as more advanced mathematical models.
Optional modules (Level 6)
Module description coming soon.
Module description coming soon.
Module description coming soon.
Develop a fundamental understanding of nonlinear dynamical systems to better appreciate complex phenomena in nature and a variety of chemical and biological engineering technological processes.
Module description coming soon.
Module description coming soon.
Module description coming soon.
Module description coming soon.
You’ll also complete a research project, examining a topic from a list of areas relevant to biotechnology
These are normally conducted at Imperial, but can be taken in industry or at an approved institution.
Your thesis forms the majority of the assessment for the research project (80%) with 10% each awarded for a presentation and literature review.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
Accreditation aims to raise standards and foster good practice. Accreditation helps provide a pathway to qualify as a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council.
Accreditation for this course is due for renewal in 2023.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Presentations
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Guest lectures
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Lab work
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Flipped teaching
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Virtual learning environment
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Team-based activities
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Independent study
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Skills workshops
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Exams
- Practical
- 45% Coursework
- 40% Exams
- 15% Practical
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Exams
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Practical
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In-class tests
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Individual and group reports
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Presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for all taught Master's applications excluding those to the Imperial College Business School
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH10-01-09
- Descriptor: chemical, process and energy engineering
- Supervisor name: Professor Omar Matar
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£16,600
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£38,600
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Your future career
Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in chemical engineering or similar fields.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Biotechnology, banking, finance, civil service and government are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths include consulting, data science, energy, financial services, IT, and technology.
Further links
Contact the department
Course Director: Dr Karen Polizzi
View the Department of Chemical Engineering website.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications