Pembroke College Cambridge

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

UCAS Code: H810. Around 51 admitted per year at Cambridge. Pembroke seeks to admit around 2 per year. Assessment with registration required. No written work required. Mathematics and Chemistry required. Further Maths and/or Physics and/or Biology are highly desirable. A level typical offer: A star A star A. Scottish Advanced Highers: A1 A1 A2. International Baccalaureate typical offer: 42 to 43 points with 776  to 777 at Higher Level.

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Pembroke

By choosing to study Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Pembroke College, you will acquire the scientific and technical skills essential to address some of the major challenges facing humanity, including the transition to green energy sources, the need for sustainable food and water supplies amidst climate change, and the provision of improved healthcare solutions and therapeutics on a global scale.

This highly interdisciplinary course replaces the traditional Chemical Engineering programme from 2023, and will provide you with a deep understanding of the mathematical, chemical, physical, biological and computational underpinnings of modern chemical engineering and biotechnology, as well as the technical proficiency and transferable skills needed to meet the demands of industry. Alongside solid theoretical foundations, you will develop practical skills on process and product design, thanks to an array of hands-on projects and exercises.

Studying Chemical Engineering in Pembroke is one of the wisest decisions in Cambridge. The Director of Studies is really nice, and there is a small community within the course. The central location of our College proves to be very convenient in every aspect. The porters are really considerate and staff reply quickly to emails. People here are just so kind and friendly, which represents our pretty campus vibe.

The course is strengthened by direct links with industry, thanks to a consortium of seven leading companies that offer valuable input on content and assist with teaching. These connections create opportunities for students to pursue internships with some of the world's top companies in the field.

Pembroke College has an outstanding tradition in Engineering disciplines, and by studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology you will be part of a motivated and diverse cohort of national and international students, amongst the best performing across the University. The College supports Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology students with a dedicated Director of Studies, who will organise your supervisions, meet with you regularly to assess progress, and provide academic and career advice.

Pembroke Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Teaching Staff

Dr Lorenzo Di Michele - Director of Studies

As the Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, I am responsible for organising supervisions and advising students on academic matters through the duration of their studies, ensuring that they have the best possible study experience at Pembroke.

In my Departmental role as Assistant Professor in Biotechnology, I lead a research group that builds soft microrobots mimicking the behaviours of biological cells. These “synthetic cells” will revolutionise biotechnology, helping to design new therapeutic, sensing, and bioprocessing platforms. Among other materials, to build synthetic cells we use artificial DNA molecules, which behaves like smart Lego bricks capable of spontaneously assembling into structures with precise shape and functionality. This research is highly interdisciplinary and is only possible thanks to the contribution of researchers with the most diverse backgrounds, from engineering to physics, chemistry, and biology. This interdisciplinarity reflects the spirit and mission of the Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Department (CEB)!

Before joining CEB in 2023, I worked as Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. Prior to moving to London in 2019, I held various research fellowships at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where I also completed my PhD.

Go to Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology faculty website

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