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
Various first principles encountered in various engineering areas. Examples cover momentum, heat & mass transfer demonstrating utility of first principles.
Transport phenomena involves learning about the transfer of momentum, mass and energy in a unified and fundamental manner. It includes study on the transport of momentum (or "Fluid Mechanics"), the transport of energy (or "Heat Transfer"), and the transport of chemical species (or "Mass Transfer").
Any physical or chemical process involves transport phenomenon. It is not only fundamental to many chemical engineering subjects with an enormous range of practical applications and interesting phenomena, it is also important to biomedical engineering and processes within human anatomical systems, the design and evaluation of foods and pharmaceutical products, and to biology and nature generally. The ubiquitous nature of phenomena associated with transport processes is demonstrated by them being commonly used to fascinate and engage children in science and engineering throughout primary and secondary school. Here, we seek to provide the mathematical and engineering interpretation of this fascinating topic.
A comprehensive understanding of the subject is made possible by the different processes being described by a limited set of rules, facilitated by each transport property being described mathematically in the same way. Of particular importance are the transport coefficients - the viscosity (describing the transport of momentum), the thermal conductivity (describing the transport of energy), and the diffusivity (describing the transport of chemical species). This course seeks to provide students with the basic principles and "conservation laws" that apply to the three entities being transported, which provide the fundamental toolbox for describing transport phenomena encountered within chemical engineering and many other applications and nature. One of the unique aspects of this course is it seeks to solve complex problems by reducing them to much more simple solvable ones that provide meaningful relationships and insights.
Principles in transport phenomena taught in this course are fundamental to the practice of chemical engineering and its application. They are also the basis for many modern engineering design tools, including those based on finite element methods (FEM), which are needed for addressing challenging problems faced by industry.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Knowledge on fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer obtained from undergraduate level courses, as well as mathematical techniques for solving algebraic and differential equations.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEE2003 and (CHEE3002 or CHEE2040) and CHEE3005 and MATH1052
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Jason Stokes
Dr Yuan Xu
Tutor
Mr Eiffel Leong
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The goal of this course is to provide students with basic principles of the three transfers encountered in chemical engineering: momentum, heat and mass transfers; and enable them to apply these to practical problems. The analyses of these transfers can be unified within the same framework. This is called the first principles. Examples are taken from simple to complex applications to illustrate the first principles of analysis.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
identify, describe and apply the common framework in analyzing momentum, heat and mass transfer
LO2.
break complex problems into composite of simpler problems and solve
LO3.
apply first principles to solve problem of different complexity in fluid flow (momentum), heat and mass transfer applications
LO4.
apply the Navier-Stokes equations and Equations of Motion in solving complex flow problems
LO5.
formulate and solve equations of algebraic and differential form
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Problem Sets - Portfolio Assignments
|
35% Formative |
24/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
17:00 submissions throughout the semester. |
| Examination |
Exam In-semester Outside Scheduled Class
|
15% Summative |
8/05/2025 6:00 pm
Week 10 (Thursday Evening) 18:00-19:55. |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
50% Summative |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Problem Sets - Portfolio Assignments
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 35% Formative
- Due date
24/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
17:00 submissions throughout the semester.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Portfolio Assignment 1 Due Week 5 Fri 28 Mar Weight: 15%
Formative problem sets will be worked on through the semester and submitted as part of a portfolio of questions.
This portfolio will consist of:
Part A - Selected questions from weekly tutorial problem sets (week 1 - 5)
Part B - Concept question(s), contextualised question(s) and/or advanced question(s)
Whilst collaboration is encouraged during tutorials, students are required to submit their own unique work.
Portfolio 1 will focus on Questions from Module 0 - Overview and Module 1 - Momentum Transfer (week 1-5).
Portfolio Assignment 2 Due Week 9 Fri 02 May Weight: 10%
Formative problem sets will be worked on through the semester and submitted as part of a portfolio of questions.
This portfolio will consist of:
Part A - Selected questions from weekly tutorial problem sets (week 5- 9)
Part B - Concept question(s), contextualised question(s) and/or advanced question(s)
Whilst collaboration is encouraged during tutorials, students are required to submit their own unique work.
Portfolio 2 will mainly focus on Questions from Module 2 - Mass Transport.
Portfolio Assignment 3 Due Week 13 Fri 30 May Weight: 10%
Formative problem sets will be worked on through the semester and submitted as part of a portfolio of questions.
This portfolio will consist of:
Part A - Selected questions from weekly tutorial problem sets (week 9 - 12)
Part B - Concept question(s), contextualised question(s) and/or advanced question(s)
Whilst collaboration and discussion is encouraged during tutorials, students are required to submit their own unique work.
Portfolio 3 will mainly focus on Questions from Module 3 - Energy Transport. However, it may include question(s) involving a combination of momentum, energy and mass transport.
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
Submit online through 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.
Exam In-semester Outside Scheduled Class
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15% Summative
- Due date
8/05/2025 6:00 pm
Week 10 (Thursday Evening) 18:00-19:55.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Delivery Mode: Non-invigilated. Document Upload. Exam questions are downloaded from Blackboard as a single PDF and answers uploaded as a single PDF to Blackboard.
Timing: Set start and completion time for all students just like a regular exam. Students will have an extra 15 minutes in addition to the working time to deal with things like downloading / uploading files.
Contents: the in-semester exam will cover Module 1 (momentum transport) and Module 2 (mass transport).
This is an open book exam, but supporting resources will be provided (e.g. equation sheets) in "Exam Resources - mid-semester" document available on Blackboard.
The exam format will involve problem solving and conceptual type questions, similar to those in the tutorial problem sets, portfolios and past exams.
Marks for this exam can be partially upgraded by the final exam. If the end-of-semester exam mark is greater than the mark for the in-semester exam, the mark for the in-semester exam will become the average of the two.
If the end-of-semester exam mark is equal to, or less than, the in-semester exam mark, the mark for the in-semester exam will stay the same (i.e. no lose situation!).
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 | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50% Summative
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This is a closed book exam with no written or printed materials permitted, but key resources (e.g. equations for consideration) will be provided with the exam and made available prior to the exam on Blackboard (see "Exam Resources"). Material from all weeks will be covered. i.e. Questions will be on a range of topics and questions covered in the course material (modules 0, 1, 2, 3), textbook* (Ch 0, 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, 18), problem sets, portfolios and past exams.
Note - The exam format may be different to previous years.
The exam is on campus invigilated.
A grade exceeding In-Semester exam mark will partially upgrade that mark.
University approved and labelled calculators ONLY.
*Textbook chapters refer to those in both "Introductory Transport Phenomena" (BSLK) and "Transport Phenomena (Rev. 2nd Ed)(BSL)"
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 | 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 < 20% overall. Fails to understand the basic principles. Fail: Essentially no evidence of effort or understanding. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically > 20% overall. Lack of understanding and failure in setting up balance equations. 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 > 44% overall with > 34% in summative assessment. Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. 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 > 44% in summative assessment. Fair understanding of the problem and being able to set up the required balance equation. 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 > 64 % overall with > 54% in summative assessment. Good analysis of the problem. Able to formulate and set up the balance equations. 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 > 74 % overall with > 64% in summative assessment. Very good understanding of the subject. 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 > 84% overall with >74% in summative assessment. 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
The assessment is split into two parts: formative assessment (assignments) and summative assessment (exams).
The formative assessment includes assignments with 50% being questions from tutorials with available solutions, while the other half requires application to new problem, usually with industry or practical relevance. This form of formative assessment is used to help you learn and apply, including getting regular feedback in tutorials. Learning should be your focus in the formative tasks, and good marks in the summative assessment should follow.
There are % requirements in the summative assessment for each grade band.
To pass, you must get at least 50% overall and at least 44% on the summative assessment.
The summative assessment % is calculated based on the weighted average of all summative assessment.
The in-semester exam can be partially upgraded by End-of-Semester Exam. See in-semester exam for details.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of Calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators ﾠfor 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
There is very little to no difference between BSLK (Introductory Transport Phenomena) and BSL (Transport Phenomena), including section numbers and questions, so either text can be used.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Lecture 1: Intro and Module 1 - Momentum Transport (week 1) Introduction and overview of Transport Phenomena (BSLK Ch.0) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 (week 1) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 1 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 2: Module 1 - Momentum Transport (week 2) 1B.continued Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 (week 2) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 2 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Help can be sought for Assignment 1A Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 3: Module 1 - Momentum Transport (week 3) 1B. Continued Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 (week 3) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 3 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 4: Module 1 - Momentum Transport (week 4) 1B, 1C. continued Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 (week 4) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 4 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 5: Module 1 (week 5) 1C completion and Module 1 summary Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 5: Module 2 (week 5) May start "Module 2 - Mass Transport" Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 (week 5) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 5 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Help can be sought for Assignment 1B Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Problem-based learning |
Assignment 1 (15%) (Due End of Week 5) Assignment 1 due that is focused on Module 1 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 6 - Module 2 - Mass Transport (week 6) 2A. Diffusivity and the Mechanisms of Mass Transport Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 (week 6) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 6 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 7: Module 2 - Mass Transport (week 7) 2A. continued; and Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 (week 7) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 7 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 8: Module 2 - Mass Transfer (week 8) 2B. Continued Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 (clashes with Good Friday Public Holiday) - this may get rescheduled to another day Friday 18th April is a Public Holiday, and there are no classes on this day. Therefore, we aim to reschedule Tutorial 8 to an alternative day this week if we can. As advised by our administrative team, this is to be reviewed and arranged during the semester. Students will be notified via Blackboard. ---- Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 8 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Module 2 continued (week 9) Completion of module 2 and revision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Module 3 (week 9) May start Module 3 (if Module 2 completed) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Problem-based learning |
Assignment 2 (10%) (Due end of week 9) Problems focused on Module 2 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 10: Module 3 - Energy Transport (Week 10) Module 3A. Thermal conductivity and Mechanisms of Energy Transport (BSLK Ch 9) 3B. Shell Energy Balance and Temperature Distributions (BSLK Ch 10) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 (week 10) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 10 (Energy transport) Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Students can also ask for help in preparation for in-semester exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 11: Module 3 - Energy Transport (week 11) 3B. Shell Energy Balance and Temperature Distributions (BSLK Ch 10) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 (week 11) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 11 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 12: Module 3 - Energy Transport (week 12) 3C continued, Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 (week 12) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 12 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 13: Module 3 (week 13) Completion of Module 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 13: Revision (Module 1-2) Revision of course (including Modules 1 & 2) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 13 (week 13) Weekly problem sheet building on Lecture 13 Tutor and lecturer support to assist students complete problems and understand course content Help can be sought for Assignment 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Problem-based learning |
Assignment 3 (10%) (Due end of week 13) Problems focused on Module 3 |
|
Tutorial |
Swot Vac (Optional) If requested by students, we may provide an optional tutorial-like session, overview or workshop during swot vac Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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.