About the Department
The Department of Oil & Gas Refinery Engineering focuses on the downstream sector of Iraq’s energy industry — the complex processes that transform crude oil and raw natural gas into refined fuels, petrochemicals, and industrial feedstocks.
Students study the core unit operations of refining: distillation, cracking, reforming, hydrotreating, and gas processing — alongside process control, plant design, safety engineering, and environmental compliance.
Graduates are in high demand at Iraq’s refineries, petrochemical plants, and gas processing facilities, as well as at engineering consultancies serving the downstream energy sector both locally and internationally.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a leading academic department in refinery and process engineering — producing highly competent engineers who advance Iraq's downstream energy sector through technical excellence, innovation, and a commitment to safe and sustainable industrial practice.
Mission
To deliver rigorous, industry-aligned refinery engineering education that equips graduates with deep process knowledge, hands-on simulation skills, and professional competence — enabling them to design, operate, and optimise the refining and gas processing facilities that are central to Iraq's economy.
Objectives & Goals
- ✓Provide thorough grounding in petroleum refining processes, unit operations, and plant design principles.
- ✓Develop graduates skilled in process simulation using HYSYS, Aspen Plus, and similar platforms.
- ✓Train students in process safety management, HAZOP analysis, and regulatory compliance.
- ✓Equip graduates with knowledge of environmental controls, emissions management, and clean fuels standards.
- ✓Foster research into refinery optimisation, energy efficiency, and advanced catalytic processes.
- ✓Build industry links with Iraqi refineries and petrochemical plants for internships and applied projects.
- ✓Integrate economics, project management, and cost engineering into the professional curriculum.
- ✓Develop graduates who can work effectively in multidisciplinary teams across complex industrial environments.
Prof. [Head Name]
Head of the Oil & Gas Refinery Engineering Department
A Message from the Head of Department
The downstream oil and gas industry is where Iraq’s vast hydrocarbon wealth is converted into real economic value. Refiners and process engineers are at the centre of that transformation. Our department is proud to train engineers who understand not just the chemistry and physics of refining, but also the operational discipline, safety culture, and environmental awareness that modern industrial practice demands. Our graduates are working at facilities across Iraq and I invite the next generation to join that tradition.
Research & Specializations
Petroleum Refining Processes
Distillation, catalytic cracking, reforming, alkylation, and hydroprocessing unit operations.
Process Simulation & Design
Steady-state and dynamic simulation of refinery processes using HYSYS and Aspen platforms.
Process Safety Engineering
HAZOP, risk assessment, relief system design, and safety instrumented systems in refinery contexts.
Clean Fuels & Emissions
Desulphurisation, fuel quality upgrading, and emissions reduction technologies.
Petrochemical Engineering
Production of olefins, aromatics, polymers, and other downstream chemical products.
Refinery Optimisation
Linear programming models, energy integration, pinch analysis, and operational performance improvement.
Career Prospects
Graduates from this department are equipped for a wide range of professional roles across public and private sectors in Iraq and internationally.
Academic Staff
Staff List