Education

Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Engineering: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Category Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Undergraduate
Tags Biomolecular, Chemical, Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, NTU

Chemical engineering found its roots in 1930s and ever since has been consolidated into a key manufacturing sector. Chemical engineering concerns the large-scale conversion of naturally available raw materials, effecting a chemical or physical transformation, to valuable products. The chemist develops ways of synthesising a particular chemical and the chemical engineer with his knowledge of chemistry combined with engineering principles translates the synthesis into an inherently safe, economically profitable and environmentally benign process for large-scale manufacturing intended for commercial applications.

In the past decade, a wealth of knowledge has been created towards understanding the fundamental mechanisms of developing biological processes from the molecular level to large-scale industrial production. This area termed biomolecular engineering is an emerging area of academic and industrial interest. Chemical engineers, combining their knowledge with the principles of life sciences (biology, biochemistry and genetics), are making important contributions to the development of biological processes for the production of pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and other biological products. This knowledge has also been effectively used for the processing of industrial organic waste, thus keeping the environment clean.

In the modern world, it is hard to imagine an aspect of life that is untouched by chemical and biomolecular engineering. The gasoline that runs cars and airplanes; fertilizers and food preservation techniques that feed the growing population; catalytic converters that reduce noxious pollutants that come out of motor cars; biopharmaceutical drugs that have potential to treat diseases; biological products (e.g. gene therapy and drug delivery devices, whole cells and tissues, biomaterials, etc.) that are of vital importance for medical applications; polymers that transform into costumes and plastics; rubber tyres that moves mighty machines; cosmetics that enhance looks; processes that convert saline water into potable water; are just a few examples of contributions of chemical and biomolecular engineers.