Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

BIOCHEMICAL engineers apply engineering science principles to biological materials, processes and systems to create new products.

These could include almost anything – vaccines, foods, plastic forks and plates, cattle feed, clothing, soda pop sweeteners – the list is endless.

The processes biochemical engineers work on can have a dramatic effect on making our lives better. They are involved, for example, in making ‘magic bullets’ that locate and kill cancerous tumours; developing and producing pharmaceuticals to reduce heart disease; and synthesising high performance lubricants which last a car’s lifetime.

They also develop processes to reduce pollution or treat waste products.

Typical work activities include:

n applying biological and biochemical principles to the mass production of new products

n scaling up production processes so that the product can be produced in bulk, safely, economically and profitably

n designing, installing/constructing and commissioning new production units, monitoring development and troubleshooting existing processes

n working with chemists and biologists to devise new products and processes

Biochemical engineers can take on managerial responsibility for projects, or specialise in particular processes or techniques. An increasing number of graduates are choosing to join small start-up companies working on new technologies.

Typical employers come from all sectors of the biotechnology industries, including those with interests in pharmaceuticals, food, environment, waste treatment, and consulting.