Institution: University of Limerick

Course duration: Number admitted to course:

Entry requirement: degree in chemistry, industrial biochemistry, biotechnology, mechanical or environmental engineering.

How long has the course been running?

Since last year.

Why was the course introduced?

Because of a shortage of chemical engineers in Irish industry, says course co-ordinator Dr Duncan Martin. "There was a demand for a conversion course for people with chemistry degrees. A lot of people may have liked to do chemical engineering straight from school, but they didn't get the grades. Other people make the decision as undergraduates."

Er, what exactly is chemical engineering? It's the design and operation of processes which manufacture or change materials. It's one of the highest paid engineering professions.

Is there anything special about the course?

Yes. According to Duncan Martin, it was designed with Irish industry in mind and places a particular emphasis on pharmaceutical and food manufacturing. And it has been accredited by the British Institution of Chemical Engineers as the equivalent of a BEng in chemical engineering.

How did last year's graduates fare in the jobs' market?:

Very well. The two-thirds of graduates who have contacted the department all have jobs.

Course content: The course places a strong emphasis on process and plant s design. There are two design projects, which Martin says is unusual. "Irish industry uses more batch design processes than continuous design processes. That's why we include two projects."

Cost: £2,560

Dr Duncan Martin. Tel: (061) 213123 e-mail: duncan.martin@ul.ie.