Chemical Engineering at the University of Balamand
Various Opportunities in Different Sectors
Chemical Engineers are engaged in the application of scientific knowledge and principles to the conversion of raw materials and chemicals into more useful forms in a variety of industries. They work on an industrial scale and oversee design, implementation, and optimization of chemical processes while accounting for cost, safety, and sustainability amongst other factors. Any company involved in large-scale conversion of raw materials into products will need Chemical Engineers. Hence, Chemical Engineering is often labeled “universal engineering” because of its broadness and multidisciplinary nature.
For Chemical Engineers, potential employment can be as diverse as the products they produce and it includes a wide range of industrial sectors. In the context of the Lebanese market, the need for skilled Chemical Engineers will grow in parallel with the growth of the national industries. They will be responsible for the development of products and processes that give companies competitive advantage.
With recent developments in the Lebanese offshore oil and gas sector, the demand for engineers will boom. For the regional Middle Eastern market including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the demand is mainly driven by the petroleum and natural gas industries; however, contrary to popular belief, as many countries in the region work towards developing their economies to minimize their reliance on oil and gas, the development of their industries will drive further the need for chemical engineers. On the international market, the demand remains multi-disciplinary. Any company involved in large-scale conversion of raw materials into products will need Chemical Engineers.
The University of Balamand was the first university in Lebanon to launch a Chemical Engineering program back in 2008. Ever since, the experienced faculty members and staff at the University coupled with state of the art facilities spanning a building of 5000 m2 have enabled this department to be selected to take part of several partnership projects with world class international agencies, educational institutions, and industry leaders. The University of Balamand has a picturesque campus in North Lebanon that is spacious, modern, easily accessible, and rich with vast open spaces, green areas, and a clean environment. The various facilities at the University are state of the art and designed to complement and enrich the student’s experience. The main campus creates a positive learning environment for students to study, explore, and engage in self-development.
Degrees offered
The Chemical Engineering program offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree: 3 years; 109 credits
The program provides a solid background enabling students to pursue graduate study programs or embark on professional career paths.
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree: 4 years including summer semesters; 146 credits.
The program builds on principles and technical skills allowing students to excel in their professional careers.
- Master of Science (MS) degree: 4 semesters after the BS; 46 credits or 2 semesters after the BE; 12 credits.
The MS program adds in-depth academic coverage and field training in essential specializations. The MS options are:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Food Processing
- Industrial Processes Engineering
Note: To enroll in the Order of Engineers in Lebanon, students must hold an MS degree or a BE degree.
Opportunities
The Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Balamand strives to create opportunities for direct contact with industry leaders. This interaction will help students to become leading engineers in a region where the need for skilled well-rounded engineers is ever-growing. The advanced laboratory facilities at the University enable our students to be exposed to practical work in various aspects and sub domains of chemical and petroleum engineering. For example, the Drilling Engineering Lab is one of its kind in the country equipped with a state-of-the-art simulator to expose students to real-life drilling engineering constraints. Many of our students have landed internship opportunities at leading corporations in fields such as:
- Oil and Gas
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Packaging
- Food and Beverage Production
- Cosmetics
- Heavy Industries
- Research and Development
Many of our graduates have pursued doctoral studies in leading institutions around the world. This is added to several opportunities for doctoral studies that we offer in partnership with leading international universities.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, kindly contact:
Dr Henri El Zakhem
(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Chairperson-Chemical Engineering Department)
Dr Rima Manneh
(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Associate Professor-Chemical Engineering Department),
or visit us at the following website:
www. Chemicalengineering.balamand.edu.lb
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