CN5010 Mathematical Methods in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-1-6
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This module is targeted at postgraduate students, who are interested in process modelling and simulation for various chemical and environmental engineering processes. The course covers both analytical and numerical techniques in solving the associated algebraic as well as differential equations. Analytical methods such as eigenvalue-eigenvector and Green’s function method, and numerical methods such as finite difference, collocation and finite element methods are discussed. All fundamental concepts are introduced with applications related to chemical and environmental engineering using modern software tools. Some background knowledge in analytical methods and numerical analysis from undergraduate modules will be beneficial.
CN5020 Advanced Reaction Engineering
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The module aims to train the students in the fundamentals of reaction engineering and their application to the design and analysis of reactor. The concepts and theory in reaction kinetics are applied to reactor design of single phase reaction system. These are extended to multiphase reaction systems, incorporating the effects of physical rate processes and the interfacial equilibrium leading to the formulation of procedure for the design performance and stability analysis of reactors. This postgraduate module is targeted at students with interests in reaction systems. Background in chemical kinetics and transport phenomena will be beneficial.
CN5030 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-3-4
Prerequisite(s): Physical chemistry and/or thermodynamics at undergraduate level
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The objective is to give students the fundamentals of thermodynamics at an advanced level, so that they can apply them to the analysis of complex processes and equipment design in chemical engineering. The module will begin by reviewing the basic laws of thermodynamics, the basic thermodynamic variables and molecular interactions. This is to be followed by the fundamentals of equilibrium thermodynamics, thermodynamics of the real gas mixture and the real solution systems, criteria of equilibrium and stability; molecular thermodynamics; thermodynamics of aqueous electrolyte and polymer-solutions; and an introduction to statistical thermodynamics. This is targeted at students who have a basic degree in science and engineering and are pursuing a higher degree in chemical engineering.
CN5040 Advanced Transport Phenomena
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Prerequisite(s): Fluid mechanics and/or heat and mass transfer at undergraduate level
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Its objective is to introduce to the students the concept and theory of fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer at advanced level. This module starts with derivation of three conservation equations for momentum, energy and mass, and introduction of constitutive equations that relate fluxes to material properties and driving forces. Application and simplification of these basic equations for various cases is then followed. Various classical methods are learned to solve different problems. It is targeted at students who have interested in the three transports. Some background in engineering mathematics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer is beneficial.
CN5050 Advanced Separation Processes
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The objective is to introduce the concept and theory of diffusion, and their application in the design and analysis of industrially important advanced separation processes. The module starts with a review of basic diffusion concepts and calculations followed by the impact of flow dynamics on diffusional mass transfer. These concepts are then applied to the understanding and design of absorption with chemical reaction, adsorption, and membrane separation processes. This is a postgraduate module targeted at students who are interested in design and/or operation of diffusional separation processes. Some background in equilibrium thermodynamics and principles of diffusion will be beneficial.
CN5111 Optimisation of Chemical Processes
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s): Linear algebra and numerical methods at undergraduate level
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Students will learn the fundamentals, methods and software for formulating and solving optimisation problems of relevance to chemical engineering. They will study various methods of linear/nonlinear and unconstrained/constrained programming, which would enable them to select and use appropriate solution algorithm and/or software for solving a given problem. They will also execute the various steps in optimisation and demonstrate their acquired knowledge by solving a sufficiently complex practical problem of their own choice in a term project. This is for graduate students who wish to learn optimisation methodology to solve real-life problems in research and/or industry.
CN5115 Distillation Dynamics & Control
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-2-5
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Students will learn about the dynamics and control of distillation columns thereby gaining physical insights for industrial application. Distillation is the most common and energy intensive unit operation in the chemical industry. Comprehending its behaviour and effectively controlling it is both challenging and vital.
This course will concentrate on understanding the effect of external and internal flows, merits/demerits of various control configurations and control techniques. Handling of process nonlinearities, uncertainty and the impact of column design on its controllability will also be studied. This module is targeted at postgraduate students who are interested in the application of advanced control theory to analyse and control distillation columns effectively.
CN5121 Electrochemical Systems and Methods
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This graduate module assumes no prior formal introduction to electrochemistry. The course therefore begins with first establishing the thermodynamic basis of electrochemistry, and then uses the concepts in absolute rate theory in chemical kinetics to deduce the rates of charge transfer reactions. Transport processes are introduced next particularly mass transfer phenomena under the influence of an electric field. With these basic understandings, the students are introduced to the electrochemical methods of detection and the contributions of electrochemistry in frontier science & technological areas such as batteries and fuel cells, photochemical energy conversion, and redox processes in biological systems.
CN5131 Colloids and Surfaces
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The objective of the course is to introduce fundamental concepts of describing and interpreting interfacial phenomena and to discuss important applications in selected technological areas. The course commences with key theories such as surface tension, contact angle, Young-Laplace equation, and Kelvin equation, followed by the thermodynamics of surfaces, forces that govern interfacial interactions, adsorption at various interfaces, colloidal systems, self assembly system, and surfactants.
Investigative techniques for analyses of interfacial and colloidal systems are presented to demonstrate the application of the concepts. Students who are interested in physicochemical events at interface and in colloidal systems are strongly encouraged to study this module. Background in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, engineering mathematics, and materials science and engineering will be beneficial.
CN5152 Chiral Sciences and Technologies
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-2-5
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
This module familiarises students with the separation techniques and synthetic techniques for the production of optically pure isomers. The module begins with an overview of the commonly used stereochemical terms. This is followed by in-depth discussions of the various separation techniques, such as crystallisation, chromatographic methods, simulated moving bed for large-scale separation, enzymatic resolution and asymmetric synthesis. The general characteristics and fundamental principles of the techniques in each of the major section will be highlighted. Each major section will be discussed in details. Wherever possible and applicable, the current state of the research and industrial examples will be illustrated.
CN5161 Polymer Processing Engineering
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-1-6
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): CN4203
Cross-listing(s): Nil
Polymer Production, polymerisation kinetics, methods of bulk, solution, dispersion, suspension and emulsion polymerisation; design of polymerisation reactors; analysis of polymer processing operations, extrusion, film blowing, wire-coating, injection molding, blow moulding, thermoforming, calendering and mixing; polymer rheology, the kinematics of deformation and flow, viscometry and rheometry, constitutive equations based on continuum/rational mechanics and on molecular theory.
CN5162 Advanced Polymeric Materials
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-1-6
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s): Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil
An advanced introduction to polymer chemistry and physics. Current state of development in controlled polymerisations. Survey of functional polymers. Electroactive polymers and polymers in optoelectronics.
Polymers in microelectronics: as photoresists, e-beam resists, and IC encapsulants. Polymer blends and polymer membranes. Membrane fabrication, characterisation and applications. Liquid crystalline polymers.
Polymers as biomaterials. Surface modified and functionalised polymers.
CN5172 Biochemical Engineering
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0.5-0-1.5-5
Prerequisite(s): CN1111, CN2122, CN2116, LSM1401 or with the consent of the instructor
Preclusion(s): CN4208
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The objective of this module is to familiarise students with the upstream section of a bioprocess for the manufacture of a biological product. The module starts with the drug discovery process and natural products research. Growth and product kinetics are reviewed through a cursory treatment. This is followed by introduction to rDNA and hybridoma technology for biopharmaceuticals production. Detailed treatment of fermenter design including operating strategies, and transport phenomena with respect to agitation and aeration follows. Considerations for mammalian cell cultivation are discussed as well as media sterilisation and process monitoring of a bioprocess. These concepts are finally applied to a term paper. This module is targeted at graduate students who are interested in biopharmaceuticals production.
CN5173 Downstream Processing of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Products
Modular Credits: 4
Workload: 3-0.5-0-1.5-5
Prerequisite(s): CN3132 or with the consent of the instructor
Preclusion(s): CN4231
Cross-listing(s): Nil
The objective of this module is to familiarise students with the downstream section of a bioprocess for the production of biochemical and pharmaceutical products. The module first discusses drug requirements for different applications, and an overview of the downstream processes involved in obtaining an acceptable product quality. The general characteristics and fundamental principles of unit operations encountered in each of the major section of a downstream train are then discussed in detail: removal of insolubles, product isolation, high resolution techniques and product polishing. The current state of the research in some unit operations is also highlighted. The concepts covered are finally applied to a term paper. This module is targeted at graduate students who are interested in biopharmaceuticals production