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Process and Resources Engineering

Below are details about the field of study you have chosen to explore, as well as some potential careers.

Overview

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.

Course skills

Process and Resources Engineering develops skills in:

  • analysing the structure, composition and properties of materials
  • applying chemical and metallurgical techniques to the commercial production of metals, alloys, petrochemicals, ceramics, polymers and other materials
  • developing techniques for producing and processing metals, alloys, petrochemicals, ceramics, polymers, foodstuffs and other materials
  • designing, constructing and operating mines, refineries, chemical and food processing plants
  • surveying mineral, oil and gas deposits to assess the economic feasibility of mining.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Careers

Chemical and Materials Engineers

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.

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Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators

Chemical, 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.

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Drillers, Miners and Shot Firers

Drillers, 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.

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Metal Engineering Process Workers

Metal Engineering Process Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing metal products.

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Mining Engineers

Mining Engineers plan and direct the engineering aspects of locating and extracting minerals, petroleum and natural gas from the earth.

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Other Building and Engineering Technicians

Other Building and Engineering Technicians include Maintenance Planner, Metallurgical or Materials Technician and Mine Deputy occupations.

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Other Factory Process Workers

Other 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.

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Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals

Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals include Conservator, Metallurgist, Meteorologist and Physicist occupations.

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Production Managers

Production Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the production activities of forestry, manufacturing and mining organisations including physical and human resources.

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Timber and Wood Process Workers

Timber and Wood Process Workers perform routine tasks in paper and pulp mills, sawmills, timber yards, and wood processing and timber products factories.

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University Lecturers and Tutors

University 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.

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