Handbook

A key part of the professional practice of chemical engineering is the ability to investigate problems. Sometimes these investigations occur on the desktop (e.g. researching design options, simulating processes or developing techno-economic models). Other investigations involve the collection and analysis of data from natural phenomena, equipment or product testing, or process operations. As professional chemical engineers you will be called upon to lead, plan and execute engineering projects investigating opportunities for process development and improvement. It's our bread and butter.

In this course you will develop and extend your skills in designing and executing experimental investigations of chemical engineering problems using small pilot-scale unit operations and analytical equipment. You will work in a team to conduct and document three experimental projects. Each team in your class will complete a different set of projects; however, they are all designed to achieve the same learning outcomes. The experimental projects in this course have an open-ended nature and will require you to plan and execute laboratory work over one or two lab sessions in consecutive weeks.

This course will further develop your skills in analysis, critical thinking, communication, project management and teamwork. This will be achieved through preparing and presenting an experimental proposal, collaborating in laboratory environment to execute your plan, and documenting and reflecting on your results in a technical report. Direct feedback will be provided the demonstrator in charge of your experimental project, with additional feedback and grades provided online. The course concludes with a seminar where each team will reflect on their learning over the term.