Process Engineering (CHEN90013)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Dr Stefano Freguia
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject aims to develop critical thinking skills essential for work in the chemical process and other industries. Students will learn by tackling ill-defined engineering tasks, learn to organise and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and improve their analytical and written communication skills. They will gain an appreciation of the tools and resources used in the design of process plants. Their understanding of issues relating to project management and plant safety will also be deepened.
This subject provides grounding in chemical engineering process design and feasibility studies prior to the final design subject CHEN90022.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Students will conduct chemical plant feasibility and design studies through a series of assignments that analyse process plant feasibility, the sensitivity of process economics to external influences and consider the technological, market, environmental and other effects on project viability. Students will learn how to design chemical plants, including the necessary documentation, and consider control strategies for safe operation. Student teams will discuss tools and resources available for the design of chemical processes and the critical analysis of information sources. Issues relating to project and safety management will be discussed and professional-quality technical reports and oral presentations delivered throughout the semester.
Please view this video for further information: Process Engineering
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Define the steps involved in designing a chemical processing facility
- Competently undertake many aspects of the design process
- Have developed an appreciation for the technical and non-technical aspects of design, in particular the need for such a facility to operate safely, sustainably and economically
- Demonstrated an ability to communicate technical information orally or in written reports.
Generic skills
- Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
- Ability to analyse and utilise a variety of information sources
- Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
- Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
- Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN30001 | Reactors and Catalysis | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CHEN30015 | Safety and Sustainability Case Studies | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CHEN90012 | Design and Construction of Equipment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN90032 | Process Simulation and Control | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN30005 | Heat and Mass Transport Processes | No longer available | |
| CHEN90042 | Thermal and Separation Design | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time):
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN90020 | Chemical Engineering Management | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENGM90011 | Economic Analysis for Engineers | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
CHEN40007 Process Engineering
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended students undertake
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEN90020 | Chemical Engineering Management | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGM90011 | Economic Analysis for Engineers | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
One pair-prepared oral presentation of 20 minutes on a chemical process modification and its conceptual design and feasibility. 25-30 hours over three weeks to complete. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 3 | 20% |
One written group assignment on front end engineering design. 45-50 hours to complete within four weeks. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4 are addressed in this assessment
| Week 7 | 30% |
One written schematic developing a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram and an oral defence of the schematic. 45-50 hours to complete within four weeks. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 11 | 30% |
One written HAZOP . 3-hour workshop class plus prior reading. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 and 3 are addressed in this assessment.
| Week 12 | 5% |
Continuous peer assessment of team-working conduct and contribution to five group assignments. Five online surveys each requiring 1-hour to complete. Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 4 is addressed in this assessment.
| From Week 3 to Week 12 | 15% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Stefano Freguia Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 1 hour lecture per week + 1 x 3 hour workshop per week Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 1 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Dr Stefano Freguia
Time commitment details
Estimated 200 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
Albright, L., (Ed.), , 2008, Albright’s Chemical Engineering Handbook, CRC Press (note: this is available as an e-book through the library)
Seider, W.D., Seader, J.D., Lewin, D.R., Widagdo, S., 2009, Product and Process Design Principles: Synthesis, Analysis, and Evaluation, Third Edition, John Wiley
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops. Students will work independently and in small teams. Discussion boards are also used for problem solving outside of the workshops.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides. Books, journals, and web-based sources will also be used to develop solutions in workshops and key engineering software programs used to present key documents.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
A number of industrial processes will be used to illustrate case studies with the industry varying from year to year.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Specialisation (formal) Chemical Specialisation (formal) Biochemical - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 4 March 2025