Are you thinking about becoming a Chemical Engineer and want to know how hard it is to study Chemical Engineering?
We’ll look at how difficult Chemical Engineering is in this article.
Is Chemical Engineering Hard?
Yes, Chemical engineering is hard if you are not comfortable with advanced mathematics, chemistry, and physics. and not willing to put in the time and effort to study and learn the curriculum you will find it hard.
However, if you are comfortable with these subjects, you will find studying Chemical engineering manageable.
Engineering is hard in general. It’s impossible to get through your studies and graduate without putting in the effort.
Lastly, you must consider other distractions that everyone in college faces, such as drinking, partying, and meeting new people.
Most of your fun activities will have to be put on hold until you graduate, which can be difficult for some people to deal with.
High School Students interested in chemical engineering should take science classes like chemistry, physics, and biology. Math courses, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, should also be taken.
At college, the curriculum will typically center around how to use chemical, physics, and biological sciences and technology to create and improve industrial processes like water purification, food production and processing, and product development like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
You’ll discover how to improve the efficiency of processing industries and reduce their environmental affect by using less energy and producing less waste.
You’ll also learn how to design and create methods for converting basic resources like minerals and oil into useful goods like composites, fuel, plastics, and paper.
In each college the curriculum will differ, however, you can expect core subjects to be the same. Here is an example of what to expect
- Math: 3 semesters of Calculus, Differential Equations, Statistics, and perhaps Linear Algebra
- Science: At least 2 semesters of Physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and perhaps a biology course.
- A collection of Chemical Engineering specific courses. My degree required the following.
- 2 semesters of Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat and Mass Transfer
- Reactor Kinetics
- Separations
- 2 Semesters of Engineering Design
- Electives
What is Chemical Engineering all about?
According to the encyclopedia Britannica chemical engineering, is the development of processes and the design and operation of plants in which materials change their physical or chemical state. Applied throughout the process industries, it is founded on the principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
What the Internet Is Saying
“Chemical engineering is something that should ABSOLUTELY NOT be taken lightly”:
“I am currently about to start my 3rd year studying chemical engineering and it’s been the busiest, hardest, and most challenging years I’ve had, lots of homework, books to read, and heavy courses of chemistry, mathematics, and physics”Source: Quora
What Is the Hardest Subject in Chemical Engineering?
Most students will tell you the hardest subject in Chemical Engineering is the transport phenomenon.
In physics, any of the phenomena involving the movement of various entities, such as mass, momentum, or energy, through a medium, fluid or solid, by nonuniform conditions existing within the medium.
The problem is that if you go deep in any subject, it will challenge your mathematics knowledge to the core. Differential equations of all kinds will come to haunt you.
Whether it be process dynamics or fluid flow.
What Is the Hardest Year in Chemical Engineering?
The junior year of college is considered the most difficult year of a Chemical engineering degree because you take the majority of your technical courses and learn the most difficult concepts during the third year.
The first year of Chemical engineering is more of an introduction to engineering.
You will have the opportunity to learn about various engineering fields. However, the majority of your classes will be in math or science.
What Attributes are required to become a Chemical Engineer?
Below is a list of attributes required to be successful in Chemical Engineering
»Analytical abilities Chemical engineers are responsible for troubleshooting designs that do not perform as expected. They must ask the proper questions and then come up with viable solutions.
»Creativity. Chemical engineers must learn to use engineering principles in novel ways. They work in chemical and biological engineering to develop new materials, enhanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications.
»Ingenuity. Chemical engineers study chemical engineering in general, but their profession demands them to apply those concepts to specific manufacturing issues.
»Interpersonal abilities Chemical engineers must create solid working connections with other workers involved in production processes because their mission is to put scientific concepts into effect in manufacturing industries.
»Math abilities. Chemical engineers employ complex math techniques such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
»Possessing problem-solving abilities. Engineers must be able to foresee and recognize difficulties while developing manufacturing equipment and processes, including issues such as worker safety, production issues, and environmental concerns.
How long does Chemical Engineering Degree take?
Chemical engineering is typically a four-year program that includes classroom, laboratory, and fieldwork. Some colleges and institutions offer 5-year engineering programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Final Thoughts
Chemical Engineering is worth studying if you enjoy maths and physics. It also leads to interesting and well-paying careers.
However, if you have a strong passion for the subject and are willing to work very hard, you should go for it.
