Biochemical engineering combines biological and chemical engineering to produce products or processes from living organisms. A biochemical engineer works in areas such as security control, product development, and energy creation. They work with a wide range of organizations and need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics.
Biochemical engineering combines the disciplines of biological engineering and chemical engineering, and knowledge of both fields is desirable. The main characteristic of a biochemical engineer job is the ability to produce products or processes from living biological organisms. A typical biochemical engineer works in areas such as security control, product development, and energy creation.
The first aspect of biochemical engineering – also called biological engineering – uses principles in physics and mathematics to study and solve problems related to living things. Biological engineers study individual biological components and use these findings to create new concepts and products. Applications can be found in various areas such as disease prevention. Chemical engineering, on the other hand, takes the ideals of physics and mathematics and applies them to converting raw materials and chemicals into a different form. For example, chemical engineering plays a large role in the creation and operation of fuel plants.
When biological engineering and chemical engineering are merged, the goal is to create processes or machines that convert materials through the use of living organisms. A biochemical engineer is responsible for designing and creating these processes. A bioreactor serves as a proxy for a machine that can be designed by biochemical engineering. This type of machine can use bacteria to chemically alter and treat sewage at a sewer plant. In addition to sanitation, a biochemical engineer can also work in areas such as pharmacology, food processing, and product creation and guidelines for farm maintenance.
A biochemical engineer usually works closely with a wide range of organizations. Manufacturing companies such as paper, plastic, film and paint producers often enlist the services of a biochemical engineer during some stage of their manufacturing processes. Farmers may need a new type of fertilizer or an innovative way to grow their produce. Pharmaceutical companies find the expertise of a biochemical engineer essential in processes such as antibiotic development. Similarly, alternative fuel and even traditional ventures are finding biochemical processes to be an effective source of power generation.
Due to the complex and technical nature of the job, the biochemical engineer’s responsibilities and skill set are constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. A potential employee should be equally at home in an office or lab. An analytical and creative mindset is invaluable, as is a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. This foundation can be gained through a basic education in biochemical engineering: an undergraduate degree in engineering and subsequent certification in engineering. People skills are also important, as the engineer will work with a variety of scientific professionals and anyone found in the chosen area of expertise.
In a sense, biochemical engineers are the best applicators. They take raw, natural things and, through innovation and technique, transform these things into useful and valuable materials. These employees serve as important advocates for safety and progress. A prospective biochemical engineer may want to focus on the research aspect of their career, or they may look to advance into a supervisory position.
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