Chemical or Mechanical Engineering: Which Specialisation Is Right for You?

Engineering is a lucrative field for Science students who like to innovate and solve real-world issues. However, this field presents you with several specialisations. Some students have shown interest in computer engineering programmes. However, the mechanical and chemical engineering fields are also popular among students. So, how will you choose between these engineering areas? Which one will match your skills and preferences? Before applying for the desired course in engineering colleges in Gujarat, you should learn about the differences.

Who are chemical engineers?

Professionals working in the chemical engineering industry deal with food, chemicals, and fuel. They are also responsible for conducting processes and creating materials with their scientific and math skills. They are efficient at identifying complexities in manufacturing methods. Moreover, they instruct others on various safety techniques for dealing with harmful chemicals.

Who are mechanical engineers?

Expert mechanical engineers design and analyse mechanical devices. So they know how to use the devices and find solutions for different issues. They also supervise a device production method to ensure that the industry-standard requirements have been met. They need to track the design process and develop a flawless mechanical design.

Which engineering programme is challenging?

Both engineering fields are challenging, but your personal strengths determine the difficulty level of the subject. To obtain a mechanical engineering degree, you should have strong concepts in mathematics, physics, and material science. The courses are related to dynamics, statistics, and other topics. You should learn the way to use CAD software.

On the contrary, if you like to deal with chemistry, chemical engineering is the best course. The chemical engineering programme in colleges covers organic and physical chemistry. You should have strong mathematical skills to become a chemical engineer. 

Differences in requirements for engineering degrees

Another factor that differentiates engineering fields is degree requirements. For both specialities, you should meet the requirements to become an engineer. Chemical engineers need to attend chemistry and science classes. On the contrary, mechanical engineering candidates have to study physics and mathematics in detail. 

Specialties in mechanical engineering

Potential mechanical engineers can choose from specialisations-

• Robotics- It is about optimising robotic systems like biomedical technologies and autonomous cars. Engineers who have selected this specialisation deal with mechanical robots and AI. Companies in the aerospace industries look for these engineers
• Thermal systems and fluid mechanics- Students interested in thermodynamics choose specialisations like thermal systems and fluid mechanics. These engineers need to know the fluid’s behaviour, energy conservation, and mass flow. 
• Material science– It is another specialisation focusing on the intersection of physics and chemistry. Engineers in this field deal with biotechnology and nanotechnology.

Specialties in chemical engineering

Chemical engineers can choose specialisations like-

• Materials synthesis– Specialists in this field create new materials using chemical components. Materials synthesis is a vast speciality covering everything, from biomaterials to ceramics.
• Materials Processing- Chemical engineers work with materials’ properties and use them to create things. 

Other specialisations include

• Food engineering
• Biomedical engineering
• Alternative energies

Mechanical versus chemical engineers- Salary details

Your salary depends on the experience and certifications you have achieved. Moreover, the company for which you work makes a difference in the salary.

The hourly rate of a mechanical engineer is around ₹842. The average bonus amount earned by mechanical engineers is ₹61,095. So, the average base salary is around ₹7,51,213.

The average salary of a chemical engineer is not less than ₹4 lacs per year.

Conclusion

You can now choose the specialisation for engineering courses. Many renowned universities provide courses in mechanical and chemical engineering. However, you should select the course depending on your interests and strengths. The detailed comparison will help you decide on the right engineering field in the private university in Gujarat.