Chemical engineering is a discipline that deals with the design, development, and optimization of processes and systems involving chemical and biochemical transformations. It combines principles from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to convert raw materials into valuable products.
A Bachelor of Chemical Engineering is a four-year undergraduate degree program in Nepal with 8 semesters in it. The course provides students with a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. The engineering course is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary for designing, analyzing, and optimizing chemical processes, plants, and systems across various industries.
Chemical engineers apply their knowledge to various industries, including chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental protection, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations, that we will discuss in more detail below.
Currently only 2 institutions provide the chemical engineering course in Nepal and they are Pulchowk Engineering Campus and Kathmandu University School of Engineering.
Course Structure
The course structure is referred to the learning process, including schedule, activities, and assessments. The below table is the KU’s new course structure of chemical engineering:
First Year:
Semester I | Semester II |
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Course Code | Course Description | Credit | Course Code | Course Description | Credit |
---|
Math 101 | Calculus & Linear Algebra | 3 | MATH 104 | Advanced Calculus | 3 |
PHYS 101 | General Physics I | 3 | PHYS 102 | General Physics II | 3 |
CHEM 101 | General Chemistry | 3 | COMP116 | Object Oriented Programming | 3 |
COMP 102 | Computer Programming | 3 | ENGG112 | Elements of Engineering II | 3 |
ENGG111 | Elements of Engineering I | 3 | ENGT105 | Technical Communication | 3 |
EDRG 101 | Engineering Drawing I | 2 | ENVE101 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | 2 |
ENGG 101 | Engineering Project Preparation | 2 | EDRG 102 | Engineering Drawing II | 2 |
| | | ENGG102 | Engineering project | 2 |
| Total | 19 | | Total | 21 |
Second Year:
Semester I | Semester II |
---|
Course Code | Course Description | Credit | Course Code | Course Description | Credit |
---|
MATH 207 | Differential Equations and Complex Variables | 4 | MATH 208 | Statistics and Probability | 3 |
CHEG 201 | Chemical Process Calculation | 3 | MCSC 202 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
MEEG 216 | Engineering Mechanics | 3 | CHEG 210 | Chemical Process Technology I | 3 |
CHEM 201 | Reaction Mechanism and Stereochemistry | 3 | CHEG 211 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
EEEG 204 | Basic Electronics | 2 | CHEG 212 | Fluid Mechanics* | 3 |
MEEG 213 | Material Science and Metallurgy | 3 | CHEG 213 | Biochemical Engineering | 3 |
CHEG 215 | Chemistry Lab | 2 | CHEG 214 | Engineering Project | 2 |
| Total | 20 | | Total | 20 |
Third Year:
Semester I | Semester II |
---|
Course Code | Course Description | Credit | Course Code | Course Description | Credit |
---|
MGTS 301 | Engineering Economics | 3 | CHEG 310 | Unit Operation* | 3 |
CHEG 301 | Chemical Reaction Engineering I | 3 | CHEG 305 | Modelling and Simulation in Chemical Engineering | 3 |
CHEG 302 | Process Control and Instrumentation* | 3 | CHEG 312 | Chemical Reaction Engineering II* | 3 |
CHEG 303 | Heat Transfer* | 3 | INAN 301 | Instrumental Analysis | 3 |
CHEG 311 | Chemical Process Technology II | 3 | CHEG 313 | Mass Transfer* | 3 |
CHEG 3** | Elective | 3 | CHEG 325 | Process Equipment Design | 3 |
CHEG 306 | Engineering Project | 2 | | | |
| Total | 20 | | Total | 18 |
Fourth Year:
Semester I | Semester II |
---|
Course Code | Course Description | Credit | Course Code | Course Description | Credit |
---|
MGST 403 | Engineering Management | 3 | CHEG 448 | Internship | 6 |
MGST 402 | Entrepreneurship Development | 3 | CHEG 498 | Project Work | 6 |
CHEG 401 | Transport Phenomena | 3 | CHEG 403 | Plant Design | 3 |
CHEG 4** | Elective | 3 | CHEG 414 | Chemical Process Safety | 2 |
CHEG 404 | Design Lab | 2 | | | |
Total | 19 | | Total | 12 | |
Objective of Chemical Engineering
The objectives of chemical engineering education in Nepal are:
- To develop skilled professionals capable of designing, operating, and optimizing chemical processes and systems.
- To equip students with knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles for converting raw materials into useful products.
- To prepare graduates for careers in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and environmental management.
- To promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices in chemical processing and manufacturing.
Eligibilty of BE Chemical
You need to have a science background from your higher secondary level, meet the minimum mark requirements set by the university, and clear their entrance examination to be eligible for a BE in Chemical Engineering. Here’s the eligibility for a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Chemical Engineering in Nepal:
- You must have completed your higher secondary education (10+2 or equivalent) with a science stream, including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- You must qualify the entrance examination conducted by the respective university and secure a position in their merit list.
KU Requirements for Chemical Engineering Course
For Kathmandu University (KU), you need to score at least 50% aggregate marks or a C+ grade (in the letter grading system) or a CGPA of 2.4 in your higher secondary level. You should also have a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
TU Requirements for Chemical Engineering Course
For Tribhuvan University (TU), you need to secure at least 45% aggregate marks or a C grade (in the letter grading system) in your higher secondary level (10+2) with a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics).
Scope of Chemical Engineering in Nepal
While the scope of chemical engineering in Nepal is broad, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to grow steadily as the country continues to industrialize and prioritize sustainable development practices. Few of the sectors that demands chemical engineers are:
- Industrial Growth: With the increasing industrialization in Nepal, there is a rising demand for chemical engineers in various sectors such as chemical processing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, cement factories and environmental management.
- Energy Sector: Chemical engineers play a crucial role in the energy sector, including the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of petroleum products, as well as the development of alternative and renewable energy sources like biofuels and solar energy.
- Environmental Management: Chemical engineers are essential in addressing environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution control, waste management, and the development of sustainable processes and technologies.
- Research and Development: Chemical engineers contribute to research and development activities in areas like nanotechnology, biotechnology, and material science, creating new and innovative products and processes.
Scholarships in Chemical Engineering Course
Both Pulchowk Campus and Kathmandu University provide scholarships for the BE Chemical Engineering program. At Pulchowk, out of 48 seats, 12 are subsidized (regular) seats, while KU offers scholarships based on government rules.
Students need to perform well in the universities’ entrance exams which consists objective-type questions.
A merit list is prepared based on the exam scores, and securing a high rank is crucial due to limited seats.
After being selected, students must submit relevant documents like marksheets, character certificates, and citizenship proof for admission.
These scholarship opportunities provide financial assistance to deserving students pursuing this engineering discipline.