UCD School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering

Core Modules

 

CHEN30010 Chemical & Bioprocess Reaction Engineering

The aim of this module is to develop the skills needed in the design of batch, semi-batch and continuous chemical and biochemical reactors for homogenous and heterogeneous systems under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The course of study includes: the design of batch, semi-batch, stirred reactors, continuous stirred tank and plug-flow reactors, thermal safety of reactor systems with selected case studies from industrial experience, non-ideal reactor design with residence time distribution characterisation of real reactors and heterogeneous and catalytic reactor design.

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CHEN30140 Process Instrumentation & Control

 This module will introduce students to a variety of process control strategies including feedback, cascade, feedforward and ratio control. The methods required for linear systems analysis, in particular, will be covered in detail (transfer functions, characteristic equations, root locus, Routh stability test, and frequency response). Controller tuning and synthesis will be introduced and the students will develop skills needed to solve problems involved in chemical and mechanical engineering process control. Particular emphasis will be directed towards placing process control within the context of impact on a control system design's safety, maintenance, sustainability and legal/regulatory impact.

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CHEN40150 Advanced Separation Processes

This module will provide an advanced presentation of the techniques for the analysis, optimisation and design of separation processes. Topics will include equilibrium cascades, distillation, crystallisation and various rate-controlled processes. Emphasis is placed on industrially relevant aspects of these processes.

CHEN40160 Advanced Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics

This module will introduce students to advanced topics in heat transfer and fluid mechanics with particular emphasis on applications in chemical and process engineering systems. The material covered will build upon the treatment of both topics in first cycle degrees and is intended to increase awareness of design strategies and methods in selected applications.

CHEN40170 Process Design, Safety and Economics

The aim of this course is to develop in students the ability to synthesise design solutions for the chemical engineering sector that take into account consideration of good design practice, that are inherently safe and that are most economically viable. On completion of this module students should be able to: elucidate the legal framework in which process design and development takes place; to analyse and synthesise a design in terms of safety and provide measures for its safe operation; to analyse and synthesise a design using best-practice economic principles and to analyse and synthesise a design with due regard to its environmental impact.

CHEN40210 Advanced Experimental Design

This module will addresses techniques and strategies of relevance to Chemical Engineers, preparing for a Research and/or Design Project. It introduces the principles of critical review of prior research in an appointed research topic and of experimental design in the context of a research project. The module will introduce students to the process of information mining, using resources and technology databases available in hardcopy format (Library) and electronically (WOS, Internet). During the course of the module the student will complete a full review of a specified research topic. The student will also be introduced to the statistical principles of experimental design, planning and safety assessment. This will require a high level of analysis and application of a range of engineering skills and techniques to arrive at a satisfactory experimental design.

CHEN40190 Chemical Engineering Design Project

 As part of this module, a student will be required to work in a team to design a process to meet a specified need. The integrated design solution presented should address all major aspects of chemical engineering design, including process synthesis, equipment specification and design, safety and loss prevention, economic assessment and environmental impact.

CHEN40450 Chemical Engineering Research Project

 The students will undertake full-time work on a research topic in a specific field of Chemical Engineering, either in modelling, laboratory work or both, and they will be expected to present a mini-thesis at the conclusion of their studies. The content of the mini-thesis should demonstrate a technical mastery by the students in their chosen field of research supported by demonstrable analytical and communication skills, both oral and written.

Option Modules:
Semester 1:

 

CHEN40010 Environmental Engineering

To (1) apply engineering principles to the design and specification of pollution control processes and (2) to use quantitative methods to understand the impact of anthropogenic activity on the environment.

CHEN40230 Formulation and Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals

The aim of this module is to provide an overview on advanced drug delivery of biopharmaceuticals. This includes both the development and characterization of novel drug delivery systems as well as alternative routes of systemic (and topical) application.

GEOL40310 Fossil fuels, Carbon Capture and Storage

Most of the World's energy requirements are currently provided from fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal). This module will examine the geological setting of fossil fuels, both conventional and non-conventional, together with techniques for exploration and production. It will also deal with the chemistry and engineering of crude oil refining and examine current and likely developments in this field in the light of increasing global concern over carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage/sequestration (CCS) is increasing becoming a potentially important method of moderating emissions while of maintaining carbon-based energy systems. The range of current and potential methods of capture and of sequestration will be examined.

MEEN40090 Energy Systems and Climate Change

The finite nature of the fossil-fuel resource, coupled with growing awareness of the impact their consumption has on the global environment, presents a practical and ethical dilemma: how can current and future energy demands be met in an equitable and sustainable manner? This module begins with a review of historic and projected energy demand, by region and by fuel. The connections between energy use and economic growth are explored, and the assumptions on which demand projections are predicated are considered. The potential impact of combustion emissions on local and regional air quality is also examined, and mitigation technologies are described and analysed..The module then proceeds to a review of existing and emerging alternatives to fossil fuels, including renewables (biomass, wind, solar, marine, hydro), hydrogen, and nuclear power.

Semester 2:

CHEN40440 Chemical Processes of Sustainable & Renewable Energy

 From an energy conversion point of view, natural photosynthesis and the artificial mimicking of photosynthesis will be taught. The course will cover thermodynamic principles of energy conversion, technical processes involving biomass, biogas and liquid bio-fuels, natural gas usage, various types of solar energy conversion methods and principles, low carbon fuels, hydrogen economy, waste recycling to energy, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis of water, and fuel cells. The students will familiarise with different types of solar cells and fuel cells. Specific topics covered will include: Production of hydrogen; CO2 chemistry: Environmental issues and CO2 neutral fuels; Energetic of photosynthesis; Thermodynamics of Energy conversion processes; Solar cells; Low carbon fuels; Bio-fuels; Chemistry of natural gas; Various types of solar energy conversion methods and principles; Hydrogen economy; Electrolysis and photoelectrolysis of water; Fuel cells. Principles of sustainable use of energy will be taught.

CHEN40060 Bioreactor Modelling and Control

Despite the commercial success of bioprocessing, the bases for bioreaction scale-up are poorly defined and loss of productivity associated with scale-up to pilot- or production-scale reactors is a common feature of bioprocess development. Overcoming these scale-up obstacles is strongly dependent upon understanding the interrelationship between physiological determinants of cell growth and product synthesis and also the physical determinants of culture performance in the intensified bioreactor environment. This module will introduce key concepts in Bioreaction Engineering and apply them to the analysis of data from typical bioreactor operations. Fundamentals of process control applied to bioreactors will also be introduced.

ECON41710 Energy Economics

 This module covers the economics of the principal primary energy markets, with particular emphasis on the economic issues involved in the restructuring of gas and electricity markets. The economics of regulation as applied to energy markets is covered, and also the economics of global warming, and the role of economic instruments in combating climate change.

MEEN40180 Nanomaterials

 This module is designed to give a broad introduction to micro and nano-engineering. Amongst the topics covered are: Nanotechnology, nanoparticles, nanotubes, surface engineering, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), micro-fabrication techniques and nano-bio interactions. Included also are characterisation techniques for the evaluation of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of nanoparticles and surfaces. There is a particular emphasis on topics relevant to current research areas within the School, these include surface engineering, photovoltaic cells, biomedical device engineering and bio-nano interactions. The module has a strong focus on industrial applications of Nano / micro technology. Examples of applications in the microelectronics, medical device, packaging, solar energy device and micro tool industries will be demonstrated.