Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course is replaced by METL4220 Physical Separations and Interfacial Engineering from Semester 2, 2025.
Welcome to Physical Separations and Interfacial Engineering.ﾠ In this course, we will analyse various separation techniques such as froth flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, and solid-liquid separation. We will examine these processes in details, focusing on identifying their efficiency and exploring ways to improve them.
Additionally, we will explore the field of interfacial engineering and its application in quantifying interfacial properties. We will study phenomena such as adsorption, dispersion, aggregation, coagulation, and flocculation in slurries of fine particles, which are directly relevant to the separation processes we discuss.
Understanding these separation processes and interfacial engineering is essential, as they have critical applications in numerous industries. Although we will primarily focus on industries such as mineral processing and wastewater processing, it is important to note that the knowledge gained in this course can be applied to various other sectors as well.
Throughout this course, we aim to provide you with a clear understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications involved in engineering for physical separation processes and interfacial engineering.
Course requirements
Assumed background
METL2201, METL3219 or equivalent
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM2056
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
METL3219 and CHEE2010 and (METL2201 or MINE2201)
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
If students have completed both METL3208 and METL4203, then METL3220 will be incompatible
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Ngoc Nguyen
Tutor
Miss Thao Nguyen
Mr Ahmad Rahmanian
Miss Anran Niu
Laboratory coordinator
Dr Chris Plackowski
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note that timetables may be subject to changes at the beginning of the semester. To stay updated with the latest timetable information, please check my SI-Net regularly. ﾠAny additional timetables will be communicated well in advance, ensuring you have ample notice.
Class Formats and Attendance: Classes in this course are conducted in a combination of lecture, workshop, and laboratory formats. Attendance is expected for all classes.
Workshops: Workshops are designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge necessary for the course. It is important to actively participate in these sessions. Your notes taken during workshops will be collected and assessed for marking.
Group-based Activities: Practical classes, including reports and presentations, will be conducted in groups. It is essential to collaborate effectively within your group for successful completion of these activities.
Please note that there are no opportunities for repeating practical classes. Therefore, it is crucial to attend and actively engage in all scheduled practical sessions.
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the timetable or course requirements, please do not hesitate to reach out for clarification.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is for students to extend greatly their understanding of the physical separation processes and their ability in analyzing physical separation and interfacial engineering, and to provide the technical skills necessary to perform such tasks in an industrial setting.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Perform mass balances for solid, minerals, and water to enable the design of individual separation steps and show the ability to design these steps using commercially available equipment.
LO2.
Demonstrate knowledge of the working principles and fundamentals of physical separation devices.
LO3.
Demonstrate and apply engineering knowledge of size and density-based separation methods.
LO4.
Demonstrate and apply engineering knowledge of froth flotation separation and related interface-based separation methods.
LO5.
Demonstrate and apply engineering knowledge of solid-liquid separation and dewatering methods.
LO6.
Demonstrate engineering knowledge of magnetic and electrical separation methods.
LO7.
Design and analyze simple separation networks or circuits by combining and linking individual separation methods and steps.
LO8.
Carry out test works of physical separation methods on ores and analyze the results to determine grades, mass yields, and recoveries of products and tailings.
LO9.
Demonstrate safe conduct and work practices in minerals processing laboratories.
LO10.
Strengthen team work skills through conducting practical classes, presenting outcomes of group-based experiments, completing group reports, reflection and feedback.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Workshops, meta learning, and external lab visit
|
10% |
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Workshop notes and visit reports due by the end of the teaching week (Friday) after the activity. |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Safety inductions (individual)
|
Pass/Fail |
22/07/2024 - 29/07/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Translation/ Interpretation |
Practical Group reports and presentations
|
26% |
30/08/2024 - 13/09/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Individual Assignment
|
10% |
11/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
54% Hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Workshops, meta learning, and external lab visit
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024
Workshop notes and visit reports due by the end of the teaching week (Friday) after the activity.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Participation in prac prep workshops and external lab visit is required. Sets of topics critical to practical classes and guiding questions will be provided, analysed, discussed, and answered within groups. Notes taken by individual students will be submitted for marking. Readable PDF file of hand-written or typed notes can be submitted for assessment. Working in pairs is encouraged but not mandatory. Assessment is also required for individual submissions for meta learning activities and short report for external lab visit.
Students will be awarded for active participation in lectures, e.g., answering and asking questions.
A maximum of 10% will be awarded for these activities.
The specific deadlines are as follows:
- Workshop 1 Notes (Individual Submission): Friday (Week 1), 26 July 2024 16:00
- Workshop 2 Notes (Individual Submission): Friday (Week 3), 9 August 2024 16:00
- Meta learning 1 - Reflection on practical classes: Friday (Week 7), 6 September 2024 16:00
- Meta learning 2 - Reflection on METL3220: Friday (Week 13), 25 October 2024 16:00.
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
Online submission via the course Blackboard site.
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.
Workshop notes and visit reports due by the end of the teaching week (Friday) after the activity, and the feedback is returned to students within 7 days.
Lab visits cannot be extended due to organisations' restricted availability.
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)
Safety inductions (individual)
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
22/07/2024 - 29/07/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L09
Task description
Completion of the safety induction is compulsory.
You will not be allowed to attend or receive credit for laboratory component without completion of this induction.
Occupational Health and Safety:
Students should be familiar with University policy 2.30.14 Laboratory Safety in Teaching Laboratories (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=427). Pertinent information is in the mandatory online module and assessment, UGRD01. UGRD01 can be found on Blackboard in the Training courses Tab > UQ Workplace Inductions and OHS Training > UG Lab Students. UGRD01 only needs to be completed once.
The Minimum PPE required across all School of Chemical Engineering undergraduate laboratories is, safety spectacles or over glasses, lab coat, long trousers that cover the ankles and fully enclosed shoes.
Laboratory and practical specific information is given at the beginning of each practical. It is important you arrive on time, or you may not be allowed into the laboratory.
Submission guidelines
Online Blackboard Training.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extension available, as submission is required before pracs commence.
Practical Group reports and presentations
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration, Presentation, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 26%
- Due date
30/08/2024 - 13/09/2024
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed, Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Laboratory work must be completed in the assigned groups, followed by giving a presentation to students and staff, and submitting a group report and peer assessments. Students will be required to mark and respond to presentations by other groups, as well as present their own work. Details of group members, activities, dates, and locations will be provided on Blackboard.
Students are required to complete the pre-described experiments under the guidance and supervision of teaching staff. They must complete Safety Induction before they can participate in the lab. Personal Protective equipment, safety glasses and laboratory coat, long trousers, and closed shoes, must be worn for all lab sessions.
Students are to prepare and present their experimental results and findings in a professional way, as if the audience was the industry personnel. Each team will be given total 20 minutes for oral presentations. 10 minutes will be used for questions (and IT preparation). Practicing before the presentation is recommended to ensure correct timing and presentation standard. Presentations must not be in the form of reading the materials from a written text.
Group reports will be completed for submission and assessment after oral presentation. Details will be available on Blackboard.
Laboratory work on prac 1 will focus on the flotation separation of coal and minerals.
Laboratory work on prac 2 will focus on either the dense-medium cyclone separation or solid-liquid separation of tailings suspensions.
The specific deadlines are as follows:
- Practical 1 Group report (Group Submission): Friday (Week 6), 30 August 2024 16:00
- Practical 2 Group report (Group Submission): Friday (Week 8), 13 September 2024 16:00
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
Submitted through Turnitin, via the course Blackboard site.
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
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)
Individual Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
11/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L07
Task description
This individual assignment focuses on flotation circuit design, based on fundamental separation theories and nominated individual case studies and set tasks.
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
Submitted through Turnitin, via the course Blackboard site.
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
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)
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 54% Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Students complete on campus as an invigilated closed-book exam. No written materials permitted. Any calculator permitted - unrestricted.
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
A minimum of 45% is required for the final examination to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| 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: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. Typically <20 %. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 20-44 %. Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. Grade scores below 3 indicate lack of professional competence in the course material and/or students have failed to complete sufficient assessment items for these requirements to be assessed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass, due to not demonstrating required competence in assessment and/or failure to complete sufficient assessment for competence to be reasonably assessed. Overall grade typically 45-49% AND/OR grade <50 % across the individual assignments AND/OR grade <50 % on individual oral defence. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 4 or higher in this course, students require an overall grade >=50 % AND an average grade across the individual assignments >=50 % AND grade >=50 % on individual oral defence. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 5 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of 65-74% AND overall grade >60 % across individual assessment items. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 6 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of 75-84% AND overall grade >70 % across individual assessment items. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 7 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of at least 85% AND overall grade >80 % across individual assessment items. |
Additional course grading information
For an overall grade of 4 or higher in this course, students require an overall grade >=50 % AND an average grade across the individual assignmentsﾠ>=50 % ﾠAND grade >=50 % on individual oral defence.
NOTE:
Individual grades are derived from the reports and an individual correction based upon: peer assessment, participation and team meetings with course staff.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Laboratory Induction and Risk Assessments:
Studentsﾠ must successfully complete the undergraduate laboratory induction and the risk assessment before conducting each of the practical classes. If a student fails to do so, he/she is not ﾠallowed to enter the laboratory and attend the practical class.ﾠ
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
See Blackboard site for METL3220.
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 |
Not Timetabled |
Activities Please see "Course Outline.pdf" on the METL3220 Blackboard. Sub-activity: Lectures/tutorials/workshops/lab visits: Engage in lectures, tutorials, workshops, and visits to commercial labs throughout the course Practicals: Participate in two open-ended group practicals. Each group will present their activities and outcomes to the class for feedback. Submit reports and peer assessments by the deadline. Problem-Based Learning: Complete an assignment on equipment and circuit design for physical separation fundamentals. Submit individual work for assessment by the deadline. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
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.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
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.