Course structure
Core modules
Advanced Chemical Engineering Design
This module will enable you to explore the use of industrial standard modelling and simulation software in the design of complex chemical engineering unit operations. You will use the knowledge and skills gained to produce a computational design of a chemical plant.
You will also learn about the business and regulatory aspects of process design and development in chemical engineering.
The assessment comprises of 100 percent course work. It consists of group produced portfolio where evaluation of an individual contribution will be based on tutor moderated self and peer assessment.
Advanced Fluid Dynamics
This module covers multiphase flow and computational fluid dynamics for various engineering applications, and incompressible and compressible flow applicable to flight of subsonic and supersonic aircraft.
In addition it includes a revision of the fundamental fluid flow and thermodynamic governing equations, introduction to CFD, multiphase flow, subsonic and supersonic around wings, flow through nozzles and diffusers, oblique shock waves and expansion waves, shock wave and boundary layer interaction.
The module content will be delivered by lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions. This will include a series of keynote lectures delivered by academic staff providing the core of the learning experience, supplemented by problem-solving seminars and IT-based laboratory sessions providing an opportunity to explore complex flows through the use of CFD codes.
Advanced Practice
Advanced Practice is normally undertaken over a one semester period and has been developed to enable a student to gain real-world practical experience to enhance their employability and academic learning. Students will receive preparatory sessions to enable them to apply to internship opportunities, which normally include:
Vocational internships with external organisations based offsite
Research or development internships based on campus
Employer-led internships based on campus
Students will undertake an appropriate advanced practice opportunity to meet their skill set and aspirations, related to their course.
All students will be assigned an academic supervisor to provide academic and pastoral support throughout their internship. Students will be assessed through a reflective report on a pass/fail basis. This module does not count towards the overall classification of the degree.
Electrochemical Principles
You gain an insight into the principles of electrochemical systems and the supporting theory. Also applications of this technology such as electrolysis processes, batteries, and fuel cells will be considered. The module examines the relevant kinetics and thermodynamics theory to model the mass transfer and diffusion effects observed.
Engineering Research Project
You investigate an area of engineering and work independently to a level recognised to be at the forefront of the discipline. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project. Key skills in research and in knowledge application and creation will be developed through keynote lectures and self-managed independent study. You are required to demonstrate the capacity for a comprehensive and objective analysis, and for developing innovative and constructive proposals for the solution to the project topic.
Process Improvement and Optimisation
Although the chemical industry has spectacularly changed within the last decade, there is still demand and ongoing need for process improvement and optimisation, to align technology to market needs by producing “lean and mean” designs.
You gain a sound understanding of the complex concepts of process improvement and a working knowledge of the sophisticated optimisation techniques that are applied to the design and control of chemical engineering processes.
Based on a thorough technical analysis of the chemical process, quality improvement measures will be proposed in order to optimise the reaction and operation conditions. In this respect, the use of catalysts with high activity and selectivity will be foreseen along with advanced flow reactors, while designing a new technology or re-designing an existing one. The standard optimisation techniques will be introduced and the most beneficial applications will be identified.
Quality, Health, Safety and Environment
The module provides an understanding of the aims, responsibilities and means to achieve effective Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) management systems in Oil and Gas related organisations.
This module presents a number of core and specialist areas appropriate for effective management of QHSE in a successful oil and gas related organisation. Critical components of Safety Management (including a QHSE plan, process safety, hazard identification, safety auditing and managing risk) form a comprehensive part of the core study underpinning the total Safety Management System (SMS). Where appropriate, actual industry examples are used as case studies to enhance the students’ learning and to demonstrate the mechanisms used, and impact of, legal and administrative compliance. Further, the relevance of occupational health and safety and also sustainability in safety are discussed in terms of best industry practice.
The importance of implementing a Total Quality Management (TQM) system and the impact on the industry/organisation will be emphasised to students. Environmental drives and current issues, including an Environmental Impact Assessment will complete this part of the programme content.
Sustainability in Chemical Engineering
This module covers environmental assessments such as life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment and environmental management system on environmental impacts from industrial and human activities. You also gain an understanding of sustainable engineering strategies such as clean technology and renewable energy to address current environmental issues.
