Chemical & Process Engineering
Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of physical science (e.g. chemistry and physics), with mathematics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In addition to producing useful materials, chemical engineering is also concerned with pioneering valuable new materials and techniques, an important form of research and development. A person employed in this field is called a Chemical engineer.

Chemical engineering largely involves the design and maintenance of chemical processes for large-scale manufacture. Chemical engineers in this branch are usually employed under the title of  Process engineer. The development of the large-scale processes characteristic of industrialised economies is a feat of chemical engineering, not chemistry. Indeed, chemical engineers are responsible for the availability of the modern high-quality materials that are essential for running an industrial economy.

Chemical engineering is responsible for the production of chemicals for use in our everyday lives including water and waste water treatment, oil refinement for petrol production and petrochemicals, generating electricity, producing our food and beverages, cosmetics and textiles

Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering (BME) is the application of engineering principles and techniques to the medical field. It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to help improve patient health care and the quality of life of individuals.

As a relatively new discipline, much of the work in biomedical engineering consists of research and development, covering an array of fields: bioinformatics, medical imaging, image processing, physiological signal processing, biomechanics, biomaterials and bioengineering, systems analysis, 3-D modeling, etc. Examples of concrete applications of biomedical engineering are the development and manufacture of biocompatible prostheses, medical devices, diagnostic devices and imaging equipment such as MRI's and EEG's, and pharmaceutical drugs.

People working in the Biomedical sector may be involved in:

• the design and development of medical instruments and equipment.
• researching the engineering aspects of biological systems.
• researching new materials for medical products.
• adapting or designing computer hardware and software for medical uses.
• designing technology to assist people with disabilities.
  

Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry discovers, develops, makes and sells medicines. Over 25,000 people work in the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. Many are scientists, mainly chemists, biologists and pharmacists, others are engineers or manufacturing operatives, or may have qualifications in IT, finance, law, marketing or other specialist fields.

It takes about 12 years for a new medicine to go through the tests that are required before it can be prescribed by doctors. During this time hundreds of different people are involved, and the medicine passes through a large number of tests. These are designed to check that the medicine will work in the disease it is intended for; and that it will be safe for people to take.

As a result of the growth in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical device industries in Ireland, it is very likely that a student about to graduate with a third level qualification in science will find interesting employment in one of the following:

Research
This is a challenging and exciting area to work in. Opportunities in research are open to literally all those who have obtained a science degree. There is huge collaboration between industry, third level colleges and universities in this area as the government has recognized the importance of R&D to our future economic growth.

The government is committed to investing in this area and will continue to do so in the future. Working as part of a science team made up of different specialists is the normal working background for the Research scientist. The work requires attention to detail, good organisational skills and the ability to comprehend and communicate complex data clearly.

With many international companies now operating in Ireland, work and research worldwide is a likely prospect. Already there are skills shortages in the area of research and it is estimated that by 2010, Ireland will require many more researchers than the country is currently producing. The future lies in research, and those with the talent, interest and an enquiring mind will find rewarding career opportunities and will most definitely be in demand.

Manufacturing
New scientific products such as drugs, pharmaceuticals or sophisticated medical devices require a massive amount of research and testing before they can proceed to the production stage. Careers in this sector include Laboratory technician, Quality control technician, Product/process technician, Environmental technician and Research scientist. Major employers include the food processing, health care, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well as state, semi-state and local authorities.

In the case of drugs or pharmaceutics, when the product being researched is ready for development it requires blending chemical compounds with other ingredients to make the drug available in tablet or cream format. Quality control is vital at this stage. In a pharmaceutical plant for example this would involve ensuring purity and the correct chemical make-up at all stages of production. Working in a laboratory or on a high tech production team is not for everybody. The attractiveness of having a science qualification, preferable a degree in the area can offer a wide range of diverse opportunities.  These opportunities are not all based on working in the lab.

Regulation
The production of drugs and pharmaceuticals can bring great benefits to people. They also have the potential to cause great harm. For that reason it is crucial that all pharmaceutical, medical devices, veterinary and cosmetic products be registered with Governments before they can be marketed for sale.

This regulatory area can offer very exciting career prospects.  Working in legal and regulatory affairs involves people preparing all the scientific and technical information to support the product approval process.  This must be done both for the local and global markets.  Employees need to keep abreast of changes in the law and communicating those changes to management and fellow professionals.

Sales and Marketing
This area includes the sales and marketing of science related products. Scientific products can be complex so that those involved in the marketing, sales and after sales support much have the ability to understand complex technical information and be able to accurately communicate it. This can include dealing with queries on how best to use the product, how to operate the device safely, briefing doctors, patients or customers about new medicines or products that come onto the market. 

Scientific Journalism and Documentation
Medical writers are mainly employed by pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. They are required to write reports, which include drug registration, promotional literature, training manuals and scientific studies.

If you have a flair for writing and a strong scientific background, then scientific journalism could offer career possibilities. This type of career would involve a good deal of research, a good scientific degree and a flair for communication and writing.

Teaching and Training
If you enjoy science and would like to communicate your knowledge to the next generation, then a career in teaching may be for you. As well as the normal route into second level teaching by taking a Science degree followed by a H.Dip (Higher Diploma) there are a number of specialist courses now available to train science teachers. The continued expansion of the IT (Information Technology) sector also offers teaching possibilities.

Getting into this sector
There are a very wide range of third level courses available to support people that wish to make a career in this sector in Ireland. Degree courses (Level 8 Honours Degrees) offered in Irish Universities and Institutes of Technology (IoT's)  throughout the country provide you with a sound general grounding in chemistry and biology.

Some more specialised courses will focus on topics of relevance to the design and production of new medicinal compounds and the understanding of their biological actions. Many of these degree courses have a period of full-time paid employment in a pharmaceutical or chemical company as part of the course. IoT's offer a wide range of Level 6 Cert and Level 7 Degree courses that emphasise the practical skills of getting hands on experience in the laboratory. 

Useful Career Sheets from STEPS to Engineering [pdf files]
Biomedical Engineering	Biosystems Engineering	Chemical Engineering	Engineering Life