The study of planning, designing and developing systems, processes and plant for locating and extracting minerals, oil and gas from the earth, and for physically and chemically transforming raw materials to produce metals, alloys, petrochemicals, ceramics, polymers and other materials. It includes the industrial manufacture, processing, packaging and handling of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and biochemicals. The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the theory and technology of extracting, processing and refining minerals, oil and gas; the chemical and physical properties of metals, alloys, petrochemicals, ceramics, polymers and other materials; the techniques of packaging food; and the management, regulatory and safety aspects of production.
Process and Resources Engineering develops skills in:
Chemical and Materials Engineers design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants, supervise industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical change, and investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications.
Explore careerChemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators control the operation of chemical production equipment, pump gas and oil from wellheads, refine and process petroleum products, and operate boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power.
Explore careerDrillers, Miners and Shot Firers assemble, position and operate drilling rigs and mining plants, and detonate explosives to extract materials from the earth and demolish structures.
Explore careerFood and Drink Factory Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing food and beverages.
Explore careerMeat Boners and Slicers, and Slaughterers trim and cut meat from bones, sides and carcasses, and slaughter livestock in abattoirs.
Explore careerMeat, Poultry and Seafood Process Workers slaughter and eviscerate poultry, and process, grade and package meat, poultry, fish and shellfish.
Explore careerMetal Engineering Process Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing metal products.
Explore careerMining Engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of locating and extracting minerals, petroleum and natural gas from the earth.
Explore careerOther Building and Engineering Technicians include Maintenance Planner, Metallurgical or Materials Technician and Mine Deputy occupations.
Explore careerOther Factory Process Workers include Cement and Concrete Plant Worker, Chemical Plant Worker, Clay Processing Factory Worker, Fabric and Textile Factory Worker, Footwear Factory Worker, Glass Processing Worker, Hide and Skin Processing Worker and Recycling Workers.
Explore careerOther Natural and Physical Science Professionals include Conservator, Metallurgist, Meteorologist and Physicist occupations.
Explore careerPlastics and Rubber Factory Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing plastic and rubber products.
Explore careerProduction Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the production activities of forestry, manufacturing and mining organisations including physical and human resources.
Explore careerTimber and Wood Process Workers perform routine tasks in paper and pulp mills, sawmills, timber yards, and wood processing and timber products factories.
Explore careerUniversity Lecturers and Tutors prepare and deliver lectures and conduct tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a university and conduct research in a particular field of knowledge.
Explore career