MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advanced Chemical & Process Engineering (distance learning)

The focus of this module is on the principles of conceptual design and flowsheet development, which often represent the most difficult and challenging aspects of process design. The first stage is to define “design” and the associated terminology, and to show how this can be applied to both equipment and process selection. The second stage is to develop an appreciation of the hierarchical and structural methods of developing conceptual designs including the effective design of utility systems to reduce energy use.

The module will teach the following:

• terminology of design
• hierarchy of process design: block flow diagrams (BFDs), process flow diagrams (PFDs)
• input-output structures of flowsheets
• choice of reactors and separators
• reaction, separation and recycle systems
• hot and cold utility systems
• energy utilisation to minimise utility and overall capital costs
• retrofit design
• batch process design

This module provides you with an advanced level exposure to the role of management and management systems in safety and loss prevention.

It will involve in-depth analysis of major incidents in recent history pinpointing:

• the structure of safety management systems
• the approach to auditing safety management
• the role of human factors
• the process and concept of safe design

This course will also involve developing site emergency plans and accident investigation skills, as well as a review of legal structure for the UK.

This module aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of scientific programming. In particular, its application to optimisation in engineering applications.

The module will teach you to:

• develop algorithms to solve optimisation tasks
• present working Excel spreadsheets tackling optimisation tasks in a form suitable for other engineers to use

The focus of this module is on the wider implications of process design.

Firstly you’ll explore how batch and semi-batch processes are represented and described. The second stage will look at the broader context or macro level in which process design takes place. The third part of the module focuses on defining chemical product design and showing the similarities and differences between CPD and process design.

This module aims to assist students to understand their role in engineering sustainability, environmental aspects and professional ethics and how these may influence their professional practice and will teach the following:

• ethical dimensions to engineering problem solving; professionalism
• codes of conduct; and obligations to the public; case studies engineering ethics
• ethical frameworks; introduction to applied ethics
• psychological aspects of decision making
• history & global context of sustainable development
• environmental engineering in the chemical & process industries
• environmental legislation relevant to the chemical & process industries

This class aims to provide you with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in project management. There's a focus on the effective and efficient use of resources.

This module will teach the following:

• introduction to project management & various methods & frameworks used in industry
• overview of the PMBOK framework
• overview of the PRINCE 2 methodology
• project scheduling & the use of project management software
• project management case studies
• guided in-depth study of an aspect of project management in an area of interest to the student. For example risk, quality, planning etc

This module aims to:

• introduce to the students the concepts of origin and formation of petroleum, types and quality of refinery feedstock and natural gas
• provide detailed understanding of petroleum production processes from reservoir to export
• introduce field development planning and economic assessment
• introduce advanced topics in multiphase flow, flow assurance, and carbon capture and storage

The educational aims of this module are:

• how chemical engineering processes operate at a molecular scale and how the molecular scale eventually determines what happens at the process scale
• the usefulness of Molecular Simulation in a chemical engineering context
• the theoretical framework that underlies molecular simulations, thermodynamics and most of chemeng, namely basic statistical mechanics
• molecular simulation conventions
• transferable skills useful for obtaining measurements from simulations, analysing data, and communication of technical data and ideas.

This module provides an overview of electrochemical energy conversion devices, including batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for energy storage and generation.

The course will introduce important concepts in electrochemistry as applied to energy devices and will discuss engineering solutions for devices and systems.

This module aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of combustion engineering, and the concepts and applications of clean combustion technologies.

This module aims to enhance students' knowledge and understanding of surface science and material properties, their underlying molecular origin, and their applications.

This is the final assessment of the MSc programmes and is only taken by students in their final year of these degrees.

The module extends across the various advanced chemistry and business/management subjects taught during the course. You’ll explore an advanced technical issue and a business case within your industrial workplace.