BEng Chemical Engineering

This course focuses on the following topics:

Intermolecular forces and macroscopic vs microscopic

“Free” energies and Maxwell relations

Chemical potential and phase equilibrium

Equations of state and residual properties

Chemical potential of real fluids and excess properties

Fundamentals of vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) and VLE calculations

Fundamentals of gas-liquid equilibrium (GLE)

Fundamentals of liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE)

Chemical reaction equilibrium

The unit aims to:

Develop and apply the laws of thermodynamics into working equations to describe and predict phase and chemical equilibria and apply these to chemical engineering processes.

Students will be able to: 

ILO1. Use a knowledge of intermolecular forces to qualitatively predict the properties of bulk matter

ILO2. Apply equations of state to predict the properties of one-component systems and binary mixtures

ILO3. Apply activity coefficient models to predict the properties of liquid binary mixtures

ILO4. Manipulate the equations governing chemical equilibria so as to model chemical engineering processes

ILO5. Solve and critically evaluate phase and chemical equilibria analytically and by means of computer-based modelling programs

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.

Teaching Activities

Lecture - 18 hours
Workshop - 4 hours
Assessment (Revision/Preparation) - 28 hours
Independent Study - 50 hours

Final exam - 80%

Online test - 20%

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

Reading lists are accessible through the Blackboard system linked to the library catalogue.