Magdalene College, Cambridge

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Chemical Engineering

Director of Studies

Professor Howard Chase
Fellow, Professor of Biochemical Engineering, Head of the School of Technology
www.cheng.cam.ac.uk/chase.html

College Teachers

Mr Robert Skelton (Fellow Commonor and former Senior Lecturer).

www.cheng.cam.ac.uk/skelton.html

Student Numbers

Currently there are about 10 students studying Chemical Engineering at Magdalene

Applicants

Chemical Engineering studied at Cambridge is a four-year course. All students enter the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology after one year (Part IA) of either Natural Sciences or Engineering. An alternative entry route is to read Part IA Computer Sciences for one year and these students are treated with the group who have taken Natural Sciences. Each of these routes provides a suitable background and the choice between them is a personal one; Magdalene College expresses no preference for the route chosen. In any case, the first year of the Part I Chemical Engineering course contains lectures on engineering topics for those who read Natural Sciences in the first year, and chemical topics for those who read Engineering. However, it is important for students intending to study Chemical Engineering to think carefully about whether they wish to spend that first year studying topics of a broad scientific nature or an engineering nature.

The Course

Part I Chemical Engineering, read in the second year, introduces the basic concepts of the discipline. Part IIA taken in the third year covers much of core Chemical Engineering and is a preparation for professional practice. This part is taken in the third year and qualifies the student for a BA degree. However, almost all students continue to Part IIB which is taken in the fourth year.

Part IIB is an advanced course in Chemical Engineering and provides an opportunity to study the subject in greater depth, to consider recent advances and to undertake a major research project. Although, students may leave after Part IIA, with the BA Degree, those wishing to continue for a fourth year of study in Chemical Engineering, do not take their BA until after completion of Part IIB. The MEng Degree, in addition to the BA Degree, is awarded to those who obtain Honours in Part IIB Chemical Engineering. The MEng Degree satisfies the academic requirements for full membership to the Institution of Chemical Engineers, leading to Chartered Engineer status. Full details of the course and the content in each year can be found in the prospectus, available on the World Wide Web at www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/pages/undergraduates-chemeng-bameng.html. Further information about the Department, its history and the research undertaken therein can be found at www.ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Teaching

The majority of teaching (lectures, practical, project work) occurs within the Department situated in the centre of the city. The Department boasts extensive modern facilities.

College teaching takes the form of supervisions given by the Chemical Engineering Fellows of the College and additional supervisors. Undergraduates would expect to receive about two or three hours of supervision per week. Magdalene is particularly fortunate in having two Chemical Engineering Fellows.

Subject Requirements

Prospective candidates should normally be studying Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at A-Level, and although the College does not insist on a second Mathematics A-Level such a qualification is desirable as it demonstrates additional mathematical ability, which is important for success in this subject. It is most important that candidates who wish to read Chemical Engineering indicate on their application form, whether they wish to study Chemical Engineering via Engineering (UCAS code H810) or Chemical Engineering via Natural Sciences (UCAS code H813) or Chemical Engineering via Computer Science (UCAS code G400). Please see the Engineering and Natural Sciences pages for subject requirements.

Typical Offer

A*AA at A-Level assuming good AS-Levels already obtained.

Deferred Entry

Potential Chemical Engineers are encouraged to obtain industrial sponsorship and the College has an open attitude concerning taking a year off following school to gain relevant experience before coming up to Cambridge. There is certainly no requirement to do so, but the desire to take a gap year must be indicated on the application form. We try to accommodate late requests to change the year of entry but we cannot guarantee to do so.

Funding, Bursaries and Scholarships

College scholarships and prizes are awarded to those obtaining First Class results in University examinations.

Admissions Procedure

Most candidates, including those from overseas, are invited for interview normally in Cambridge or, if suitable arrangements can be made, in their home country. The main function of the interview is to assess the applicant's aptitude to study this subject with a high degree of success. In particular, the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject suits a flexible and enquiring mind, whereas a number of aspects demand numerical skills. Candidates would be expected to have some background knowledge of the nature of chemical engineering and the range of areas to which the discipline can be applied. In addition, they would be expected to be conversant with the subjects they are currently studying and to impart enthusiasm for their academic studies and their associated activities. Also consult the entries for Engineering and Natural Sciences, the entry routes into Chemical Engineering.

Overseas Candidates not available for interview

Overseas candidates who are unable to attend interview will be considered, but may be asked to supply additional material as specified by the Director of Studies. This may include a written test, administered by fax, at the candidate's school.

Careers of Recent Graduates

Many employers are international companies and the opportunities for travel and working abroad are widespread. Graduates from the Department have reached very senior positions in a wide range of companies; their achievements have clearly been based on technical expertise. Typical employment activities include oil and gas production, petrochemicals, food and personal goods, utilities and the environment, information technology and consultancy, pharmaceuticals, and contracting, whilst some continue in higher education to undertake research. Other graduates have been successful in finance and the city including diverse fields such as journalism, banking and law.

Undergraduate Application