Laurentian University Programs

Available in English

Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Reactions, interactions and design – aiming to solve problems, drive economic development, and benefit society.

Discover the program Program Details

Program Overview

Transform the world with Chemical Engineering. Turn raw materials into everyday products, from clean energy solutions to new medicines.

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering is a field where people use science, chemistry, physics, and math to turn raw materials into useful products that we use every day. Chemical engineers create and improve products like medicines, fuels, and food by figuring out how to mix, separate, and transform different materials. They design and oversee processes in factories and plants to make sure everything is made safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly way.

What you’ll learn

In class, you’ll learn about chemical and biological processes, and how they can be used to drive our economy and benefit society. You’ll combine your knowledge and creativity to solve problems, plan and create sustainable processes and products, and design industrial production systems for a wide array of products. Through group design projects, you’ll tackle issues like renewable energy, environmental protection, mineral extraction and processing, green production, and many more regionally and globally important topics.

Choose your focus

Starting in your second year, you can choose to specialize in :

Sustainability and the environment - Learn about eco-friendly processes and reducing pollution.
Extractive metallurgy and mineral processing - Focus on how to extract and process minerals and metals efficiently.

Co-op option

Gain valuable experience and get paid while you study. Choose the 5-year co-op option to participate in a 16-month placement in your second year.

When you graduate

Once you complete the program, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering degree and earn your iron ring. You’ll also be prepared to apply to become licensed with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or with another Canadian engineering regulator. You can also continue your studies and pursue research with the Master of Engineering Science program at Laurentian University.

This program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), fulfilling the educational requirement to become a Professional Engineer in Canada.

After completing the program, you’ll meet the academic requirements to become a Professional Engineer in Canada.

The paid co-op program provides you with professional experience and exposure, allowing you to enhance your resume. You’ll also gain knowledge and skills valuable to future employers.

Customize your education by specializing in one of two streams: Environmental Sustainability or Extractive Metallurgy and Mineral Processing.

Career Outlook

Many industries rely on chemical engineers to make and use chemicals and materials. The Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering degree can open doors for you in many different fields, such as food and beverage manufacturing, the energy sector, environmental sustainability, healthcare, plastic production, wastewater treatment, and more. Some career options include, but are not limited to:

Bioresource Engineer
Consultant
Colour technologist
Energy generation specialist
Environmental manager and protection officer
Food production worker
Nuclear engineer
Process engineer
Research and development officer
Water treatment engineer

I loved taking chemical engineering at Laurentian - I learnt a lot, and it importantly allowed me to keep my options open for the future!

I always wanted to work in medicine, and I am now enrolled in a graduate degree program pursuing that dream!

Heidi Tuszkiewicz

Program Details

Program language:

English

Delivery method:

On Campus

Contact info

Corey Laamanen
705.822.1291
F216
cy_laamanen@laurentian.ca

Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!

More About The Program

Program Accreditation

All of our engineering programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). More information on this process is available on the Engineers Canada website.

Co-Operative Education in Chemical Engineering

Co-operative (Co-op) education at Laurentian University is an option of work-integrated learning where you can, starting in the second year, put your academic knowledge into action through paid discipline-related work terms.

The initial work term usually begins at the end of the second year and consists of a period of 4 months over the summer. After completing the third year, you will undertake a second work term of up to 16 months before returning to complete your final year of academic study.

Advantages for Students

integrate your studies with practical experience;
gain knowledge and exposure to a wide variety of professions;
earn money that can substantially contribute to your student expenses;
acquire necessary work skills;
learn to function as a key member of a team;
gain a significant advantage upon graduation, not only in finding employment of your choice but also in obtaining one with higher pay and more responsibility due to your experience in the workforce; and,
gain up to 12 months of pregraduate experience towards your Professional Engineering designation.

Work terms will be highlighted on your transcript. If 16 to 20 months are completed along with work term reports, the co-op designation will also be added to your degree diploma.

Advantages for Employers
In addition to employing highly motivated and committed individuals with an engineering background, they can observe progress and suitability over a succession of placements for potential full-time employment after graduation.

The selection process ensures that, in addition to valuable work experience, students in the co-op program:

are high academic achievers;
possess good communication skills;
have positive attitudes;
are adaptable and eager to work with others; and,
have leadership potential.

Eligibility
A minimum overall average of 70% is required for entry into the co-op program and must be maintained.

In addition to academic performance, admission is based on individual interviews through which factors, such as motivation, interpersonal skills and communication skills are evaluated.

Furthermore, for entry into the initial work term, you must have completed all required core courses from the 2nd year of the program. To enter further work terms, you must have completed all required core courses from the 3rd year of the program.

Iron Ring

The Calling of an Engineer

The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer has a history dating back to 1922, when it was felt that an organization was needed to bind all members of the engineering profession in Canada. It was also felt that a statement of ethics to which a young graduate in engineering should subscribe to should be developed.

Rudyard Kipling, who made reference to the work of engineers in his poems and writings, was approached, and he produced both an obligation and a ceremony entitled "The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer."

The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer has been instituted to direct newly qualified engineers toward an awareness of the profession and its social significance, and to remind experienced engineers of their responsibilities in welcoming and supporting new engineers entering the profession.

An iron ring is given to symbolize the pride which engineers have in their profession. The ring also serves as a reminder to the engineer and to others of the engineer's obligation to live and work by a high standard of professional conduct.

For more information, please see the Iron Ring website.

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Applicants

Program Prerequisites:

1 grade 12 English U/M course; 1 grade 12 4U Advanced Functions; 1 grade 12 4U Physics; 1 grade 12 4U Chemistry; 1 additional grade 12 U/M Math or Science; 1 other grade 12 U/M course
A minimum overall average of 70% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses

Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.

Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.

Applicants from outside an Ontario High School

International Students

Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario

Applicants from Colleges

Applicants from other Universities

Mature Students

How To Apply

Canadian Applicants

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.

Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant

International Applicants

If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.

Apply Now as an International Applicant

Degree Options

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (144 credits)

First Year
Fall Term:

ENGR 0100E Health and Safety Training I

ENGR 1501E Introduction to Engineering

ENGR 1056E Applied Mechanics I

CHMI 1006E General Chemistry I + LAB

MATH 1036E Calculus I

PHYS 1006E Introductory Physics I + LAB

ENGR 1026E Introduction to Technical Writing and Communication for Engineers

Winter Term:

ENGR 1007E Engineering Graphics and Design + LAB

CHMI 1007E General Chemistry II + LAB

COSC 2836E Computer Software for Sciences

MATH 1037E Calculus II

MATH 1057E Linear Algebra I

PHYS 1007E Introductory Physics II + LAB

Second Year*
Fall Term:

ENGR 0200E Health and Safety Training II

ENGR 2026E Engineering Materials + LAB

ENGR 2076E Mechanics and Strength of Materials I + LAB

CHMI 2426E Organic Chemistry I + LAB

CHMI 2526E Introduction to Physical Chemistry I

MATH 2066E Introduction to Differential Equations

3 credits of Complementary Studies elective OR Table B Technical elective

Winter Term:

ENGR 2097E Fluid Mechanics I + LAB

ENGR 2276E Chemical Process Calculations

CHMI 2527E Introductory Physical Chemistry II

MATH 3416E Numerical Methods I

STAT 2246E Statistics for Scientists

3 credits of Complementary Studies elective OR Table B Technical elective

* This program has a co-op option. Please contact the School of Engineering for more information.

Third Year
Fall Term:

ENGR 0300E Health and Safety Training III

ENGR 3426E Engineering Economics

ENGR 3436E Chemical Reaction Engineering and Reactor Design I + LAB

ENGR 3446E Heat Transfer + LAB

9 credits of Technical Electives (Table A or B)

Winter Term:

ENGR 3486E Bioprocess Engineering

ENGR 3126E Occupational Health Engineering + LAB

ENGR 3267E Process Dynamics and Control

ENGR 3416E Mass Transfer

ENGR 3601E Engineering Project Management

3 credits of Technical electives (Table A or B)

Fourth Year
Fall Term:

ENGR 0400E Health and Safety Training IV

ENGR 4435E Engineering Design Project

ENGR 4457E Separation Processes and Unit Operations + LAB

ENGR 4436E Chemical Process and Plant Design

ENGR 4477E Process Modeling and Control

3 credits of Technical electives (Table A or B)

3 credits of Complementary Studies elective

Winter Term:

ENGR 4106E Engineering Law, Ethics, Technology and Society

ENGR 4435E Engineering Design Project (cont'd)

ENGR 4447E Chemical Reaction Engineering and Reactor Design II + LAB

9 credits of Technical electives (Table A or B)

Technical elective requirements:

Overall: 27 credits

Table A Technical Electives: 18 or more credits

Table B Tecnical Electives: up to 9 credits

Extractive Metallurgy option: 15 credits from Table A and 3 credits from Table B as indicated by *

Environmental Sustainability option: 15 credits from Table A and 3 credits from Table B as indicated by **

Chemical Engineering Approved Technical Electives - Table A

ENGR 3116E Mineral Processing I + LAB*

ENGR 3147E Mineral Processing II+ LAB*

ENGR 3226E Hydrometallurgy + LAB*

ENGR 3246E Corrosion and Protection of Metals + LAB*

ENGR 3257E Pyrometallurgy*

ENGR 3307E Materials Handling

ENGR 3437E Water and Wastewater Treatment**

ENGR 3466E Environmental Impact of Process Industries**

ENGR 3477E Adsorption and Membrane Processes in Pollution Control**

ENGR 3536E Materials and Manufacturing + LAB

ENGR 3566E Biomechanics of Living Tissues

ENGR 4187E Solids Waste Processing and Recycling in the Minerals Industry**

ENGR 4366E Automation and Reliability of Mining Equipment

ENGR 4426E Air Pollution Control**

Chemical Engineering Approved Technical Electives - Table b

BIOL 1506E/F Biology I

BIOL 1507E/F Biology II

BIOL 2356E/F Principles of Ecology

BIOL 2757E/F Biological Aspects of Human Sexuality

BIOL 4116E Environmental Remediation

CHMI 2041E Introductory Environmental Chemistry**

CHMI 2117E/F Introductory Quantitative Analysis

CHMI 2316E/F Inorganic Chemistry I

CHMI 2427E/F Organic Chemistry II

COSC 1046E Computer Science I

COSC 1047E Computer Science II

ENGR 1057E Applied Mechanics II

ENGR 2106E Introduction to Mineral Resources Engineering*

ENGR 3157E Operations Research

ENGR 3526E Fluid Mechanics II

GEOL 1006E/F Introductory Geology I

GEOL 1007E/F Introductory Geology II

MATH 2037E Advanced Calculus

+ other Science or Engineering courses may be allowed with Program Coordinator's permission

Approved Complementary Studies electives (6 credits required)

Courses in arts, management, economics or comunication that complement the technical content of the engineering curriculum

are generally accepted as complementary studies electives. In particular, it is important to take courses that contain subject matter

that deals with central issues, thought processes and methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.

ACCT 1001E/F Using Financial Information

ANTR 1007E Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology

ANTR 2036E Indigenous Peoples of North America

ECON - All ECON courses level 3000 and below with the following exceptions: (ECON 2127, 2136, and 3476)

ENGL - All ENGL courses level 3000 and below with the following exceptions: (ENGL 2056, 2057, 3056, and 3057)

ENVI 1507E Introduction to Environmental Studies

GEOG 1026E Introduction to Physical Geography

HIST - All HIST courses level 3000 and below

INDI 1501E Indigenous Peoples of Canada

INDI 2001E Indigenous in the City: Urban Indigenous In Canada

INDI 2006E Indigenous in the City: an International Perspective

JURI 1106F Introduction à l'étude du droit

JURI 1007F Introduction au droit criminel

JURI 1105E Introduction to Legal Studies

MGMT - All MGMT courses level 3000 and below

MKTG 2006E/F Marketing Management

OPER - All OPER courses level 4000 and below with the following exceptions: (OPER 2106)

PHIL 2876E/F Business Ethics

POLI - All POLI courses level 3000 and below

PSYC 1105E/F Introduction to Psychology

SOCI 1015E/F Understanding Society

SOCI 2127E/F Research Methods and Data Analysis

+Other suitable courses may be allowed with the Program Coordinator's permission.

Program Regulations

To be in good academic standing and progress in the BEng program, a student must:

1) Meet all conditions of admission
2) Not fail more than 6 credits in any one year
3) Achieve an overall average of 3.5 GPA (or C letter grade or 60%) in all passed courses in the previous year (or previous 30 consecutive credits)

A student is subject to a one year probationary period for failure to meet any of the above criteria under academic standing.

A student is required to withdraw from the Bharti School of Engineering if he or she:

1) Does not satisfy all conditions after one probationary year or 30 consecutive credits
2) Fails 42 credits or more
3) Has not achieved good academic standing in two consecutive years or 60 consecutive credits
4) Fails to obtain the minimum academic grade and satisfactory lab performance where appropriate in a course on a third attempt

A student who is required to withdraw may petition the Senate Committee on Acadaemic Regulations and Awards for readmission after one calendar year. Such an appeal should have a recommendation from the director of the school before being considered by the committee.

Students in good academic standing who choose to discontinue their studies at the end of the first or any other year, with successful completion of that year, may apply for readmission with advanced standing. Cases are considered on an individual basis.

***Time limit: The Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree must be completed within seven (7) years of initial registration in the program.