Chemical Engineering refers to the design, construction, operation and management of industrial plants in which raw materials undergo physical and/or chemical change.
The degree of Bachelor of Science in the field of Chemical Engineering is an Honours equivalent, professional Bachelors degree that extends over four years. Instruction is through lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals. Extensive use is made of computers in well-equipped facilities.
NSC degree pass with Maths and Physical Science Level 5 (65%), English and Life Orientation Level 4 (50%) and three other subjects from the designated list
33 - 48
CASSE is an Alternative Access and Academic Support Programme that caters for prospective students whose academic potential was not realised due to a disadvantaged educational background.
NSC degree pass with Maths, English, Life Orientation and Physical Science Level 4 (50%)
26 - 48
All first-time South African applicants to UKZN for entry into degree/ diploma study (Grade 12s and undergraduate transfer students from other institutions) must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
At the postgraduate level, students can specialise in their field by studying for a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Generally, students will use this degree to expand on their undergraduate studies and develop a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of their chosen discipline.
A Doctor of Philosophy programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically three years of fulltime study and normally follows on from a Master of Science Degree.
Applications must be submitted to our College office. Visit the College website to see the steps to follow, download the application pack/ forms and access the link to apply online.
We are a research-led institution, producing knowledge for the rapidly-changing and information-rich world.
We have a number of research groups that specialise in areas of research in Chemical Engineering.
UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.
Programme Co-ordinator: Chemical Engineering
SinghA36@ukzn.ac.za | 031 260 3127
The Analytical laboratory is equipped with the following equipment: Mass balances, conductivity meters, pH meters, autotitrators, drying ovens, refractometers , spectrophotometer , distillation apparatus, water baths, heating mantles, centrifuge etc. The laboratory serves the needs of wet-chemistry procedures.
The laboratory is serviced by Mrs Thobekile Mofokeng (Chemical Technician) and Mrs Nomthandazo (Xoli) Hadebe (Senior Chemical Technician).
The WASH R&D Centre maintains a modernized Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory with specialized equipment for conducting experiments in wastewater and sanitation. The laboratory is mainly used to investigate human excreta and sewage from the perspective of obtaining design and process data for on-site, decentralised and conventional wastewater treatment facilities.
Postgraduate students undertake research and final year undergraduate students undertake laboratory projects.
The laboratory is managed by Mr Thabiso Zikalala (Senior Laboratory Technician)
The Discipline of Chemical Engineering has one 72-seater computer LAN available for use by the 4th year students. Other LANS used by the Chemical Engineering students include:
This laboratory is equipped with the following equipment: Gas chromatographs (GC), Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GCMS), particle size analyzer, rheometer, moisture analyzer, FTIR spectrometer, viscometers etc. The instrument laboratory is used for data capturing and analysis.
The laboratory is serviced by Mrs Thobekile Mofokeng (Chemical Technician) and Mrs Nomthandazo (Xoli) Hadebe (Senior Chemical Technician).
This laboratory houses the larger equipment which are on a semi-industrial scale. Most of this equipment is used for the undergraduate practical programme. The laboratory is used by undergraduate, postgraduate, academic and laboratory staff in performing coursework practicals,
final year projects, postgraduate research, academic research, vacation work and internal and external consulting projects.
The laboratory is serviced by Mrs Thobekile Mofokeng (Chemical Technician) and Mrs Nomthandazo (Xoli) Hadebe (Senior Chemical Technician).
These resources are for current students in the Chemical Engineering disciplines. They’re meant to be used as tools throughout your. academic journey.
Enable candidate chemical engineers to gain an appreciation of a realistic work environment and to consider their studies in context.
The vacation work should consist of at least one of the following tasks relevant to Chemical Engineering: Project planning, Design, Routine analysis, Routine operation, and Troubleshooting.
Students to acquire an appreciation and basic skills in common fabrication techniques, and familiarize themselves with the structure and function of common chemical engineering equipment items.
Practical workshop instruction and experience includes methods of measurement, jointing & welding, material forming, heat treatment, precision drilling, shaping, turning, etc., with fitting (assembly/dis-assembly). The use of common hand tools, lathes, and drilling & milling equipment will be covered.
Students must earn a Duly performed certificate. As part of the degree programme, the School Rules require each student to undertake a two-week workshop course. The course is scheduled to take place in July and December. The course is offered by an external company, Tek-mation (PTY) LTD training institute. In order to confirm his/her booking, a fee of R2000 needs to be paid into the company’s account – details have been provided in the letter below. Please use the student number of the student as a reference when making the payment.
A letter from the company should be handed to the student after completion of the workshop training confirming what has been completed. The duly performed certificate must be submitted to the administrative officer in the Discipline of Chemical Engineering within 2 weeks of the start of the subsequent semester as per UKZN sessional dates. The training institute may arrange to send the letters directly to the Discipline administrator, and will inform the students accordingly.
Chemical Engineering building,
Howard College,
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Mazisi Kunene Road,
Glenwood, Durban,
4041