Course coordinator
Professor Evgueni Jak
In class or by email. Refer to the Help section of Blackboard.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics for steady and unsteady systems. Exergy analysis. Equations of state. Gibbs free energy, fugacity and activity. Phase equilibria, electrochemical equilibria. Pure components and solutions. Chemical reaction equilibria.
The main ideas covered in this course are:
1. Energy is conserved (1st Law).ﾠ Keeping track of energy is critically important in many processes and we will apply this to a range of processes.ﾠ
2. Energy always spreads (2nd Law). This imposes limits on what can and cannot be done.ﾠ
3. Phase and chemical equilibrium, regardless of the number of components, phases or reactions, is attained when the free energy of a system is minimised. This point is critical in solving a large number of Chemical Engineering problems and to scoping potential chemical processes.
4. Reliable data and/or equations are required to utilise points 1, 2, and 3 ﾠabove. There is a large amount of data and a large number of property equations (e.g. the various equations of state). The emphasis will be on using the data and equations and critically analysing if the data and/or equations used are suitable for the process you want to investigate.
You will have touched on these points before. This course will help you look at a range of problems to which these principles apply. Naturally this cannot be exhaustive, as Chemical Thermodynamics applies to many areas of engineering and science, but is rather aimed at equipping you with the tools and confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems using these principles.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course expands upon concepts and knowledge from first year thermodynamics (ENGG1500) and ﾠfirst year ﾠchemistry (CHEM1100). Concepts such as enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity, the ideal gas law and the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics, heats of reaction, and phase equilibrium should already be familiar to students.ﾠ Mathematics to a first year engineering level is required for ﾠthe manipulation of thermodynamic functions (e.g. derivatives, partial derivatives and integration).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1500. CHEE2001 to be completed prior to or concurrently with this course.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
CHEE2001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE3003
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
- There are normally two scheduled activities a week. First is a ﾠworkshop (WKS). There is one of these that everyone attends at the same time. Later in the week there is Applied Class (APP) session.ﾠ
- There is a computer ICT class in week 1 (only) to cover Python skills used in the course ﾠ(ICT1-01-04). You will need to attend one of the sessions.ﾠ This is a ﾠclass to get students up to speed with what they need to know about solving stuff numerically for this course.ﾠ
- There will be a Practical ﾠin Week 9. You will need to attend one of the sessions.ﾠ
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Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to integrate concepts from chemistry and thermodynamics and extend them so students can apply them to realistic, as opposed to idealised, processes. With an understanding of these concepts, students will be able to critically analyse, formulate and solve diverse problems relating to energy and equilibrium.
The main ideas covered in this course are:
1. Energy is conserved (1st Law). Keeping track of energy is critically important in many processes and we will apply this to a range of processes.ﾠ
2. Energy always spreads (2nd Law). This imposes limits on what can and cannot be done.ﾠ
3. Phase and chemical equilibrium, regardless of the number of components, phases or reactions, is attained when the free energy of a system is minimised. This point is critical in solving a large number of Chemical Engineering problems and to scoping potential chemical processes.
4.ﾠReliable data and/or equations are required to utilise points 1, 2, and 3 above. There is a large amount of data and a large number of property equations (e.g. the various equations of state). The emphasis will be on using the data and equations and critically analysing if the data and/or equations used are suitable for the process you want to investigate.
You will have touched on these points before. This course will help you look at a range of problems to which these principles apply. Naturally this cannot be exhaustive, as Chemical Thermodynamics applies to many areas of engineering and science, but is rather aimed at equipping you with the tools and confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems using these principles.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and explain the underlying thermodynamic principles of real processes: the first law, second law, and free energy minimisation.
LO2.
Source, and use, a wide range of thermodynamic data and charts.
LO3.
Explain the basis of ideal and non-ideal models for fluid and solution thermodynamic properties and apply them to process calculations.
LO4.
Identify and solve complex thermodynamic problems involving mass and energy balances, phase, and reaction equilibria.
LO5.
Use Matlab, Excel, and specialist thermodynamic software to perform complex thermodynamic calculations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Problem Sets
|
26% Problem Set (Hurdle) |
weeks 1 and 2 components 11/08/2025 4:00 pm weeks 3 and 4 components 25/08/2025 4:00 pm weeks 5 and 6 components 8/09/2025 4:00 pm weeks 7 and 8 components 22/09/2025 4:00 pm weeks 9 and 10 components 13/10/2025 4:00 pm weeks 11 and 12 components 27/10/2025 4:00 pm
Every second Monday at 4pm Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 |
| Examination |
Exam – In-Semester Outside Scheduled Class
|
20% In-Semester Examination |
15/09/2025
18:00-20:00 |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Phase Diagram
|
4% |
24/09/2025 - 26/09/2025
Attend your signed-on session. |
| Examination |
Exam – during Exam Period (Central)
|
50% Final Examination (Hurdle) |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
Problem Sets
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 26% Problem Set (Hurdle)
- Due date
weeks 1 and 2 components 11/08/2025 4:00 pm
weeks 3 and 4 components 25/08/2025 4:00 pm
weeks 5 and 6 components 8/09/2025 4:00 pm
weeks 7 and 8 components 22/09/2025 4:00 pm
weeks 9 and 10 components 13/10/2025 4:00 pm
weeks 11 and 12 components 27/10/2025 4:00 pm
Every second Monday at 4pm Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Fortnightly problem sets (combined from two weekly components) will be worked on through the semester and submitted every second week.
They can be completed in self-formed pairs. No peer assessment will be applied. It is expected pairs will make an equal contribution. If your partner is not pulling their weight, form another pair! If this causes issues, discuss with coordinator. Individual submissions are allowed if you want or cannot find a partner that week.
The practice of the ICT - Python skills (Computer Exercise) class is not assessed, however it is critical for the completion of the subsequent problem sets.
The problem sets are evenly weighted. Your best 5 of 6 fortnightly problem sets will count towards determining your average mark for the problem sets.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course you must achieve a minimum of 45% for the average (best 5 of 6) of your problem sets and there are specific hurdles for each grade level.Submission guidelines
Submit online through Gradescope.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 2 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time.
Late submission
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Problem sets
Max Extension Period
48 hrs
Late Penalty (Submitted after due date without an approved extension)
10% late penalties up to 2 days [100% after]
Rationale
This policy is so we can return graded problem sets within days of submission and make solutions available so you get frequent feedback throughout the semester.
How assessment will be modified for a student with a valid reason for an extension longer than the Maximum Extension Period but less than or equal to 4 weeks
An approved extension for a problem set will result in an exemption (not an extension) and a reduction in your "best of" count for your problem sets.
Exam – In-Semester Outside Scheduled Class
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20% In-Semester Examination
- Due date
15/09/2025
18:00-20:00
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Closed book invigilated In-Semester Exam will cover materials of weeks 1 to 6. This exam may cover any material covered in those weeks except for calculations using Python/Excel/Factsage which are not part of the exam.
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.
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
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Practical Phase Diagram
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 4%
- Due date
24/09/2025 - 26/09/2025
Attend your signed-on session.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Lab session where students work in groups to construct a ternary phase diagram for a liquid-liquid equlibrium system from experimental observation.
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.
Lab sessions 46-542 Wet Lab - attend signed-on session 24-26 September 2025
Submission guidelines
Calculations and diagram submitted at the end of class (one set per group).
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.
An extension request is not considered late until 24 hours after the assessment due date & time. Virtual laboratory option is available for the approved extension cases.
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.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Exam – during Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50% Final Examination (Hurdle)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Exam is closed book. Material from all weeks will be covered.
Students will be provided with a copy of the equation and data booklet.
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
To pass the course you must achieve a minimum of 40% on the final examination and there are specific hurdles for each grade level.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 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 | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 0 - 19.9% overall Fail: Essentially no evidence of effort or understanding. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 20 - 44.9% overall OR with >=45% overall with < 35% in problem sets and < 25% of the final examination Fail: Demonstrates little understanding of 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. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Typically 45 - 49.9% overall with >= 35 % in problem sets and >= 25% examination OR with >=50% overall with < 45% in problem sets and < 40% of the final examination Fail: 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) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically >= 50% overall with >= 45 % in problem sets and >= 40% of the final examination Pass: Demonstrates a functional understanding of all 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) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically >= 65% overall with >= 60% in problem sets and >= 55% of the final examination Credit: 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) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically >= 75% overall with >= 70% in problem sets and >= 65% of the final examination Distinction: 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) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically >= 85% overall with >= 80% in problem sets and >= 75% of the final examination High Distinction: 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
There are % hurdle requirements for both the problem sets (average of the best 5 of 6) and the final examination for each grade band, including to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Marks for a piece of assessment can only be changed within 4 weeks of assessment being returned to students (as opposed to when you check your assessment). Marks will not be changed after 4 weeks has elapsed. It is your responsibility to check that your mark on Grade Centre in Blackboard is correct.
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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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Course Blackboard site: https://learn.uq.edu.au. The Blackboard site will contain a variety of information related to the course including lecture and assessment material. Information will be sent to students through Blackboard.
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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 |
Lecture |
Online lectures and readings Students are required to review the week's material before and complete the related online quizzes before the Workshop. Online quizzes are not assessed, however completion of online quizzes is strongly recommended as an essential component for effective learning of the course material. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Workshop |
Workshop (WKS) Active learning workshop targeting key concepts and skills for the week. This will help address common misconceptions and give you a head start for the Problem Sets that week. A combination of concept and clicker questions will be used. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Applied Class |
Applied Class (Tutorial) Class where students work on problem sets. This is a classroom learning environment where students get to ask questions related to how they are going. It is highly recommended that problem sets are started BEFORE the Applied Class (Tutorial). You will get a lot more out of the Applied Class (Tutorial) if you do this and you will finish problem sets faster. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
IT Computing |
ICT - Python skills This will cover the functions and capabilities of Python that you will be required to use to solve some problems in this course. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Practical |
Practical Practical based on key concepts of the course. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
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 for 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
Safety Induction for Practicals
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.