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. The first stage is to consider how batch and semi-batch processes are represented and described, including special factors when compared with continuous processes. This will also include start-up and shut-down procedures in continuous processes. 

The second stage will provide appreciation of the broader context or macro level in which process design takes place, and in particular looking at the conceptual phase which stakes cognisance of geography, stakeholders, politics, access to infrastructure, economic drivers, logistics, legislation etc., as some of the factors which influence the major process design decisions. The second stage will also provide a framework for how major projects are executed from conceptual to detailed design.

The third stage is to define chemical product design (CPD) and show the similarities/differences between CPD and process design.

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.

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

• describe the main devices for electrochemical energy conversion and their uses in industries, transport and energy systems.
• describe the half cell reactions involved in fuel cells, electrolysers and redox flow batteries
• understand basic diagnostic tools used in electrochemical device development

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

The module will teach you to:

• calculate key parameters of gaseous flames and analyse solid fuel combustion processes
• analyse the mechanism of pollutants formation along with combustion process control methods
• evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of combustion technologies

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

The module will teach you to demonstrate:

• knowledge and quantitative understanding of the processes that take place at interfaces and their applications
• knowledge of experimental techniques used to study and engineer interfaces
• a quantitative understanding of the link between molecular-scale structure and interactions and the macroscopic properties of a material
• knowledge of how the microscopic properties of a material are exploited in applications

This module aims to assist you to understand your role in engineering sustainability, environmental aspects and professional ethics and how these may influence your professional practice.

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

• understand the nature of professional responsibility and develop a professional ethical identity to carry forward in working life
• understand the historical and global context of sustainable development
• understand and describe the main environmental and legislative issues relating to chemical and process engineering related industries

This module aims to provide you with knowledge and skills relating to Project Management. The classes introduces methods of frameworks that are commonly used in business and industry, and teaches Project Management principles through this lens. Software relating to construction of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Project scheduling is also introduced.

This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies manage and report financial information. On completion of this module you're expected to be able:

• read and interpret the financial reports that are published by companies and understand the links between the cash flow, expenditure and the profit reported
• be aware of the implications of budgets and budgeting in order to exercise control within the organisation and understand the issues involved in determining the cost of a product or service
• be familiar with the techniques that are used in the decision making process in respect of both short-term and capital investment decisions

This module aims to provide you with an appreciation of how companies develop their business strategy and the role that technology development plays in that process.

On completion of this module you're expected to be able:

• gain an overview of the competitive environment and wider external environment
• understand how technology development has influenced company’s strategy 
• be able to carry out analysis of technology strategic development using international strategy models

This module aims to provide you with understanding of the range of computerised information systems in contemporary organisations and the strategic use of these. The central theme of the class is not the computer but rather our picture of computers. The computer knowledge of the user is not only about how to use the computer but also when, i.e. for what, it is appropriate using them for. You should get a picture about what is available in terms of computerised IS/ICT, acquiring the basic concepts, using which you can expand your knowledge in the future.

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

• distinguish databases from knowledge bases and understand when is one needed and when the other
• build and use knowledge bases
• acquire the basic techniques of IS/ICT design including practical experience using structured methods
• explore some implications of the strategic view of IS/ICT

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.