Course coordinator
Associate Professor Liguang Wang
If any students have queries, please first contact me via email.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course introduces the principles of fluid and particle mechanics, focusing on chemical engineering applications. It covers the laws of mass, energy, and momentum conservation, together with rheology and particle properties. Students will use these principles to analyse and design fluid transport systems (e.g. pumps, pipes, flow meters, valves) and unit operations involving fluid and particle phenomena (e.g. settlers, filters, packed beds, fluidized beds). This equips students with the knowledge and skills required to analyse and design a broad range of systems involving fluids and particles in chemical engineering and beyond.
This course introduces students to basic principles of fluid and particle mechanics relevant for industrial practice, and focuses on applied calculations. Most engineering industries rely on effective flow of fluids and particles, as well as efficient contacting between fluids and solids. Therefore, this course is a significant course for chemical, materials, and mineral process engineering disciplines. Learning from this course will be applied in many other courses in all disciplines.
Course requirements
Assumed background
From thermodynamics (or chemistry/physics): fluid properties, systems, forces, forms of energy and energy transfer, energy balances, pump, and compressors. From mathematics: differentiation, integration, ODEs, multi-variable functions, vectors, systems of equations, and geometry.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1500 and MATH1052.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Liguang Wang
Tutor
Mr Daniel More O'Ferrall
Ms Pratyasha Bhardwaj
Miss Poppy Brazier
Miss Katie Meehan
Mr Shuoren Zhang
Mr Samuel McMillan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures, workshops, and tutorials are held each week starting from week 1. The practical only happens in particular weeks and you will be allocated to a time based on preferences.
Aims and outcomes
This course introduces students to the principles and language of fluid and particle mechanics: the laws of mass, energy, and momentum conservation together with rheology and particle properties. Conceptual understanding of these principles provides a framework that can be used in the understanding, modelling, and analysis of related phenomena across chemical engineering and other engineering and science disciplines.
Students will continue to develop their expertise in the modelling and analysis of physical systems. This will use already familiar mathematical and computational methods but will be in a new domain and with more complex phenomena and systems compared with first year. Dimensionless numbers and correlations will be introduced as an important tool used in modelling and analysis.
In addition to modelling and analysis, students will make relatively well-defined design decisions for equipment and unit operations that involve fluids and particles. This will use concepts such as process objectives, operating conditions, and heuristics (rules of thumb). Students will use process engineering drawings and data sheets. This builds literacy in professional documents used in chemical engineering.
Learning in this course is mostly in the context of common processes and equipment for chemical engineers. These include tanks, pumps, compressors, turbines, piping, flow meters, valves, settlers, filters, packed beds, and fluidised beds. The course will include hands-on practical experiences to deepen learning and familiarity with some equipment. This context provides immediate applicability for what is learnt and builds literacy in processes and equipment used in all process industries. Some additional contexts will be used to deepen understanding and demonstrate transferability of principles.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Define, explain, source, and calculate fluid and particle properties and dimensionless numbers.
LO2.
Identify forces and rheological phenomena acting in fluid and particle systems and explain how these result in observable behaviour.
LO3.
Model and analyse process conditions and parameters in fluid and particle transport systems including vessels, pumps/compressors/turbines, pipes, valves, instruments, and other fittings.
LO4.
Explain the role of pumps/compressors, flow instruments, and valves in the control of processes and identify common considerations for safe and reliable operation.
LO5.
Model and analyse process conditions and parameters relevant to fluid and particle phenomena in common unit operations including settlers, filters, packed beds, and fluidised beds.
LO6.
Apply models and heuristics to select and size pumps/compressors, pipes, valves, flow instruments, vessels, and vessel internals to meet process objectives.
LO7.
Recognise key features and information for fluid and particle processes and equipment using common professional process engineering drawings and documents.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration |
Lab practicals
|
10% 5% each. Part of in-semester hurdle |
31/03/2025 - 4/04/2025 12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
In-Class. |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Problem sets
|
25% 5% each with best 5 of 6. Part of in-semester Hurdle |
14/03/2025 2:00 pm 27/03/2025 4:00 pm 10/04/2025 4:00 pm 1/05/2025 4:00 pm 15/05/2025 4:00 pm 29/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam In-Semester Outside Scheduled Class
|
20% Part of in-semester Hurdle |
16/04/2025 6:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
45% Hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Lab practicals
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 10% 5% each. Part of in-semester hurdle
- Due date
31/03/2025 - 4/04/2025
12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
In-Class.
Task description
Conduct practical work on fluid mechanics in Teaching Week 6;
Conduct practical work on fluid-particle interactions in Teaching Week 11.
Submit a short written report at the end of each practical session. The report should include experimental observation, recorded data, conclusions and reflections.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Part of in-semester hurdle with specified hurdles for each grade including to pass the course. Hurdle is based on the weighted average of in-semester assessment. It is not applied to individual assessment items.Submission guidelines
Submission in class at the end of the session.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Only with an approved extension can you attend a different class.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Extensions are limited by available practical sessions. An extension that cannot be accommodated with another practical session will result in an exemption and re-weighting of other in-semester assessment. Submissions are completed in class so late submission is not possible.
Problem sets
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 25% 5% each with best 5 of 6. Part of in-semester Hurdle
- Due date
14/03/2025 2:00 pm
27/03/2025 4:00 pm
10/04/2025 4:00 pm
1/05/2025 4:00 pm
15/05/2025 4:00 pm
29/05/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Problem set sequence with a weight of 5% each. Best 5 of 6.
Problem solving, analysis, and concept questions covering key concepts for the exams.
Submitted via Gradescope as a single PDF. The PDF must be clear and legible. Use a PDF scanning app on your phone for hand written pages.
If you don't have a suitable phone, you can scan to PDF in the library. Do NOT take photos and paste into a word document.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Part of in-semester hurdle with specified hurdles for each grade including to pass the course. Hurdle is based on the weighted average of in-semester assessment. It is not applied to individual assessment items.Submission guidelines
Gradescope through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Results and feedback are released after 7 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Exam In-Semester Outside Scheduled Class
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20% Part of in-semester Hurdle
- Due date
16/04/2025 6:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Mid Semester Exam covering weeks 1 - 6.
On campus invigilated exam.
Closed book with formula sheet provided.
Casio FX-82 or UQ approved (with sticker) calculator required.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Part of in-semester hurdle with specified hurdles for each grade including to pass the course. Hurdle is based on the weighted average of in-semester assessment. It is not applied to individual assessment items.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
In person.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45% Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Final Exam covering all weeks.
On campus invigilated exam.
Closed book with formula sheet provided.
Casio FX-82 or UQ approved (with sticker) calculator required.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
There are hurdles based on the final exam to attain each grade from 4 and above.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: < 20% overall. Very limited evidence of attaining course outcomes due to largely incomplete or incorrect work. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.9 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: >= 20% overall. Unable to consistently apply the key concepts of the course. Will often start solutions on the wrong track and/or using methods/ calculations/ assumptions that contradict each other. May also fail to identify obvious sign and magnitude errors in erroneous calculations. Designs are significantly incomplete or incorrect with regards to meeting design requirements, concepts applied, or data used. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: >= 45% overall with >= 25% for the final exam AND >= 40% for the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. Demonstrates a poor understanding of some key concepts. Starts some solutions on the wrong track and/or using methods/calculations/assumptions that contradict each other. May also fail to identify obvious sign and magnitude errors. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: >= 50% overall with >= 40% for the final exam AND >= 45% for the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. Demonstrates a functional understanding of key concepts. Able to use these concepts to solve straight forward problems. Can start most complex problems with the correct concept and assumptions, but may not be able to complete the majority of these problems. Some contradictions are evident but should not be common. Able to identify most magnitude and sign errors. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: >= 65% overall with >= 55% for the final exam AND >= 55% for the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. Demonstrates a good understanding of all concepts in the course with perhaps a very good understanding of some. Simple problems are (essentially) correctly solved with more complex problems solved (or more progress in these problems) than for a 4 but with some significant errors still. Essentially no contradictions in concepts/ calculations/ assumptions are evident. Able to identify essentially all magnitude and sign errors in erroneous calculations (i.e. unrealistic solutions). |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: >= 75% overall with >= 65% for the final exam AND >= 65% for the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. Demonstrates a very good understanding of concepts in the course that is unwavering when faced with unfamiliar problems. Simple problems are (essentially) correctly solved with most complex problems solved or with small errors. Errors (or incomplete solutions) are due to lack of attention to detail, not accounting for a subtlety of a problem or not being able to integrate several concepts in the one problem. Essentially no contradictions in concepts/ calculations/ assumptions are evident. Able to identify essentially all magnitude and sign errors in erroneous calculations (i.e. unrealistic solutions). |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: >= 85% overall with >= 75% for the final exam AND >= 75% for the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. Demonstrates a deep and robust understanding of all concepts in the course and an ability to transfer and use these concepts in a variety of contexts. Simple and complex problems are solved with the correct concepts/ calculations/ assumptions with only minor errors. Able to identify essentially all magnitude and sign errors in erroneous calculations (i.e. unrealistic solutions). |
Additional course grading information
The overall mark is the weighted average of all assessment.
There are hurdles to pass, and for each grade, based on the final exam and the weighted average of the in-semester assessment. The in-semester assessment is all assessment except the final exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
ONLY Casio FX-82AU and university approved calculators (with a label) can be used in exams for this course. Please consult my.UQ https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
Students must retain their assessment items. Without the original assessment item, it is not possible for a mark to be changed if the mark is contested.
Marks for a piece of assessment can only be changed within 4 weeks of assessment being released to students (as opposed to when you view your assessment). Marks will not be changed after 4 weeks has elapsed.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Lab PPE | Lab PPE required: lab coat, safety glasses, closed shoes, long pants. | own item needed |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Introduces the key concepts and skills for the week. Lecture notes will be available on Blackboard before the lecture to be able to annotate during the lecture. A recording of the lecture will be available if you cannot attend. |
Workshop |
Workshop Active learning workshop where students will work on guided activities. It is expected you will have attended/watched/read the lecture before the workshop. Documents used in the Workshop will be available in advance on Blackboard. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial Tutorial sessions for students to work at own pace on problem sets and other preparatory and revision activities for assessment. Students will be able to work with peers and will be supported by tutors. Completing the lecture and the workshop before the tutorial will mean you are best prepared to make progress. This session is not recorded and is very important to attend each week. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Practical |
Practical 1 Practical session dealing with key concepts in the course in a hands on practical. There will be assessment associated with this session so attendance is compulsory to be able to complete the assessment. If you are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances, you will need to apply for an assessment extension to have your practical rescheduled. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Practical |
Practical 2 Practical session dealing with key concepts in the course in a hands on practical. There will be assessment associated with this session so attendance is compulsory to be able to complete the assessment. If you are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances, you will need to apply for an assessment extension to have your practical rescheduled. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.