Course coordinator
Ms Beverly Coulter
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 covers the selection, sizing and control of equipment for a range of chemical engineering unit operations for heat transfer, separation, transportation, storage, and non-reactive transformation.
Unit operations are the building blocks or sub-systems within a process operation and include the following main classifications: Heat transfer (heat exchangers); Transportation (pumps, compressors and conveyors); Separation (distillation columns, gas absorption columns, crystallisers, dryers, filters and many more); Storage (tanks, hoppers); and Transformation (crushers, pelletisers, reactors, and many more).
This course covers many of the unit operations commonly found in chemical process plants. The course content includes establishing the process objective, selecting the unit type, examining the scientific principles that underlie the unit operation, sizing the unit, and examining performance-related issues including process control. While the course does not cover all process unit operations, the course will give students the skills and confidence to approach the design and operation of a wide range of different unit operations.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Assumed knowledge from 2nd year chemical engineering courses including chemical process principles, engineering process diagrams, fluid and particle mechanics, process control and process safety, chemical thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEE2001 and CHEE2003 and (CHEE2030 or CHEE3003) and (CHEE2040 or CHEE3002)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Ms Beverly Coulter
Professor Tom Rufford
Tutor
Mr Albie Gan
Mr Mohamed Ibrahim
Miss Sharon Di
Mr Didula Dias
Ms Jane To
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are subject to change during the beginning of semester. For up to date timetable information please check mySI-Net. One more prac slot will be added to the timetable to accommodate the student numbers.
Aims and outcomes
In CHEE3004, we study a range of non-reactive unit operation equipment commonly found in chemical process plants. Students will learn how to select and design a range of unit operation equipment for transportation, storage, separation, heat exchange, and transformation. In this course, students will also develop a range of professional engineering skills and mindsets including process design, teamwork, critical thinking, decision making, and effective communication.
The course applies learnings from previous courses including CHEE2001, CHEE2020, CHEE2030, CHEE2040 and CHEE2003.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply material and energy balances to analyse non-reactive unit operations commonly used in chemical processing systems.
LO2.
Apply scientific principles to select and size non-reactive unit operation equipment to achieve defined process objectives.
LO3.
Source, filter, and critically analyse information to select and design non-reactive unit operation equipment.
LO4.
Develop process control systems for non-reactive unit operation equipment to achieve safe and stable operation.
LO5.
Generate engineering process drawings related to unit operations including block flow diagrams, process flow diagrams, and process control diagrams.
LO6.
Work in teams to scope, plan, and execute an industry-based design project.
LO7.
Communicate assignment and project outcomes clearly and concisely in written and oral formats.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Assignments
|
20% Individual |
26/03/2025 2:00 pm 16/04/2025 2:00 pm
Two assignment submissions, each worth 10%. |
| Presentation, Project |
Project Report and Presentation
|
40% Group - Hurdle |
22/05/2025 8:00 am 23/05/2025 2:00 pm 28/05/2025 2:00 pm
Project Presentations will take place in the Week 12 tutorials (Thurs 22 May and Friday 23 May). The Project Report is due via online submission to Blackboard on Wed 28 May 2pm. |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
40% Individual - 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
Assignments
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20% Individual
- Due date
26/03/2025 2:00 pm
16/04/2025 2:00 pm
Two assignment submissions, each worth 10%.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Assignment 1: Heat Exchanger Design, Weight 10%, Due 26/03 14:00
In Assignment 1, students will complete a number of tasks relating to heat exchanger operating performance, control, and equipment sizing. To complete this assignment, students need to draw on knowledge and understanding from lectures, workshops and tutorials.
Assignment 2: Distillation Column Design, Weight 10%, Due 16/04 14:00
In Assignment 2, students will complete a number of tasks relating to distillation column operating performance, control and equipment sizing. To complete this assignment, students need to draw on knowledge and understanding from lectures, workshops, tutorials and the Pilot Distillation Column Practical.
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.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Project Report and Presentation
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 40% Group - Hurdle
- Due date
22/05/2025 8:00 am
23/05/2025 2:00 pm
28/05/2025 2:00 pm
Project Presentations will take place in the Week 12 tutorials (Thurs 22 May and Friday 23 May). The Project Report is due via online submission to Blackboard on Wed 28 May 2pm.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Peer assessed, Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
This Project is a team-based design study for an industrial plant. The deliverables are a Project Report and a Project Presentation. This Project is a hurdle assessment, meaning that students must pass the Project to pass the course. Peer assessment will be used to determine Project marks for each student. More details on the Project are available on Blackboard.
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.
Hurdle requirements
Students must score >= 50% on the Project to pass the course. Peer assessment will be used to determine individual Project marks; details of the marking will be available on Blackboard.Submission guidelines
Project Report submission online via Blackboard. Project Presentation via in-person tutorials.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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 During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% Individual - Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
Final written examination. This is a closed book exam. Students must pass the exam to be eligible to pass the course.
Exam questions are aligned with tutorial exercises and will assess learning from those areas. Whilst reflecting closely with the work carried out in tutorial exercises, due to the duration of the exam, students can expect tasks to be less lengthy than those in the tutorials.
Students complete on campus as an invigilated exam. No written materials permitted. No electronic aids are permitted (e.g. laptops, phones).
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 receive >= 50% on the Final Exam AND >= 50% for your overall project mark. Each grade band has its own hurdles based on the final exam and your overall project mark.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 | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work is of an extremely low standard or incomplete and the student has not achieved the minimum standard required to pass the course. Overall course mark typically less than 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Falls short of requirements for a Grade of 3. Overall course mark typically ranges from 20% - 45%. Even with a course mark greater than 45%, a student will receive a 2 if they receive a very low score for the final exam (<40%) OR a very low score for the project (<40%). |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Work falls below the minimum standard required to pass the course. Overall course mark typically ranges from 45% - 50%. Even with a course mark greater than 50%, a student will receive a 3 if they fail the final exam (40% - 49%) OR fail the project (40% - 49%). |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfactory performance across the course assessment. Overall course mark typically ranges from 50% - 65%. In addition, to receive a grade of 4, a student must achieve at least 50% for the project AND at least 50% for the final exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Sound level of performance across the course assessment. Overall course mark typically ranges from 65% - 75%. In addition, to receive a grade of 5, a student must achieve at least 60% for the project AND at least 60% for the final exam. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: High performance in all forms of assessment. Overall course mark typically ranges from 75% - 85%. In addition, to receive a grade of 6, a student must achieve at least 70% for the project AND at least 70% for the final exam. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Very high performance in all forms of assessment. Overall course mark typically exceeds 85%. In addition, to receive a grade of 7, a student must achieve at least 80% for the project AND at least 80% for the final exam. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment is not available if you receive a 3 on the basis of the Project mark.ﾠ
Additional assessment information
Use of calculators:ﾠ Unless specified elsewhere in the Course Profile, ONLY University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all exams for this course. Please consult https://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
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.
Additional learning resources information
The School and Faculty EAIT computer labs have available software tools that may be useful for study of Unit Operations, including the process flowsheeting tool Visio.
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 |
Workshop |
Workshops In the weekly workshop, teachers will introduce the key concepts for the week and demonstrate some worked examples. Students will then work on some problems relevant to the Assignments and the Project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials In the weekly tutorials, students will work on individual Assignments and the group Project, with the support of tutors and teachers. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Pre-recorded lectures At the start of each week, some pre-recorded lectures will be available on Blackboard covering principles, design approaches, and other practical information on non-reactive chemical unit operations. Students need to view the recorded lectures before attending the workshop and tutorials. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Practical |
Distillation Pilot Plant Practical In Week 6, students will attend a practical demonstration on the Distillation Pilot Plant in Level 1 Liveris Building. This demonstration will provide practical context to the course content. Students will need to complete some questions on the demonstration in Assignment 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L07 |
Additional learning activity information
Students are expected to attend weekly workshops and tutorials and to view pre-recorded lecture material before attending weekly classes.
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.