411-101 Introduction to Chemical Engineering

The objective of this unit is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the discipline of chemical engineering, its role in the modern world, the challenges that lie ahead and the tools available to the chemical engineer.

This subject comprises lectures, tutorial sessions and plant visits covering the following areas: the origins of chemical engineering and its historical development; basic chemical engineering concepts and principles and their role in the development of integrated chemical processes; the traditional chemical engineering industries: oil refining, petrochemicals, heavy chemicals; the expanding involvement of chemical engineers in the biochemical, food, mineral, electronics and environmental fields; and factors influencing the design and operation of process plants: safety, risk and hazards; costs and profitability; environmental considerations; and community interactions.

Instruction will also be provided in basic computing skills, effective communication and information retrieval.

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development

• understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them

One written 3-hour end-of-semester examination (40%); two 4000-word plant visit reports (30% each) due two weeks after the corresponding plant visits. An overall mark of 50% and a mark of 30% or more in each component of assessment are needed to pass the subject.