MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Waste Management and Treatment

Course unit fact file
Unit code CHEN60512
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This module focuses on two key areas:

1. The management of water and wastewater treatment 

Students will gain an understanding in water availability, sources of pollution and the legislative framework for water quality from an EU perspective. Municipal water and wastewater treatment processes will be covered, focusing on key unit processes including sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Design considerations and operation of water treatment processes will be considered along with emerging issues in water treatment and the advanced technologies to address them.

2. Air pollution problems and control techniques

Students will gain an overview of air pollution problems and range of techniques which are available for its control. The sources and effects of air pollutants of major concern and the development of air quality criteria will be covered. An overview of current EU and UK environmental legislation is provided, and the role of the assessment and control of air pollution in the planning application of existing and new industrial process is discussed. An Introduction to the selection and design of air pollution control processes including, cyclone design, electrostatic precipitator design, and particulate scrubbers.

Links to UN Sustainable Development Goals:

- 6. Clean water and Sanitation

- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

- 12. Responsible consumption and Production

Aims

The unit aims to:
Develop an understanding of the importance of waste within the chemical industry and the regulations and treatment required.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to: 

ILO1. Appraise water availability, sources of pollution, and problems

ILO2. Describe air pollution problems and the issues caused

ILO3. Compare UK and EU legislation and calculate controlled release of waste

ILO4. Design key water treatment units and devise water treatment plants

ILO5. Design key air pollution control processes and create suitable units for chemical plant

Teaching and learning methods

Fundamental aspects supporting the critical learning of the module will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous short videos via our virtual learning environment. These will be supported by synchronous sessions with master lecture content, Q&A, and problem-solving sessions where you can apply the new concepts.

Surgery hours are also available for drop-in support.

Students are expected to expand the concepts presented in the session and online by additional reading (suggested in the Online Reading List) in order to consolidate their learning process and further stimulate their interest to the module.

Assessment methods

Continuous assessment.

Feedback methods

Feedback on problems and examples, feedback on coursework and exams, and support will be 
provided through the virtual learning environment. A discussion board provides an opportunity to 
discuss topics related to the material presented in the module.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 48
Lectures 36
Independent study hours
Independent study 66

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Thomas Rodgers Unit coordinator

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