CHNG5603: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

CHNG5603: Advanced Industrial Modelling and Analysis

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The chemical manufacturing industry is currently witnessing the fourth industrial revolution, better known as Industry 4.0, where the 'real' and the 'virtual' world are connected, giving rise to smart factories. This unit of study prepares students for the digital transformation of chemical factories and the analysis of a large set of numbers from the machines and to turn them into a competitive advantage. The unit comprises three main components: (1) Manufacturing using smart systems (2) Industrial internet of things, and (3) processing big-data through sophisticated data-driven approaches. Various materials and techniques within the discipline of cyber-physical production systems are covered. For example, the industrial internet of things (IoT), communications, interfaces, machine learning, neural network, and deep learning. Students will also learn how to transfer real-time data from a unit operation to a system of software and hardware elements and understand the basics of security of open communications in order to ensure the safe operations of a smart factory.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

It is assumed that students have a general knowledge of mathematics typical of an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. This unit is for postgraduate students and also is offered as an elective for fourth year undergraduate students

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gobinath Rajarathnam, gobinath.rajarathnam@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Aoni Xu, aoni.xu@sydney.edu.au
Gobinath Rajarathnam, gobinath.rajarathnam@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Project 1
Group project
30% Week 07
Due date: 08 Apr 2025 at 23:59
7 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Supervised test
? 
In-semester test
In-semester test
25% Week 08
Due date: 22 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment AI Allowed Project 2
Individual project
20% Week 10
Due date: 06 May 2025 at 23:59
3 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Project 3
Group project
25% Week 13
Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59
3 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

  • Assignment: The assignments will involve a self-study module and the aims are to encourage revision during the course, allow students to determine their progress in different subjects, and to gain an understanding of the learning expectations of the course.
  • Mid-sem exam: There will be a mid-semester quiz.
  • Project: Real-life projects will be given to each group of 2 to 4 students to promote analytical, modeling and computer skills acquired during the course.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date: *Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. **After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Industry 4.0, Smart Chemical Systems, Flow modelling of chemical infrastructure: Project 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Operation 4.0, digital twin, Augmented Reality (AR) for smart factories, wearables and localisation devices, intelligent health and safety devices for operators: Project 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Sensors, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cybersecurity, Optimisation Modelling in Engineering Systems: Project 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Introduction to Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Failure Risk & Climate Impact on Engineering Infrastructure: Project 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 05 Scientific Writing & Research Methods for Engineering: Project 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 06 Introduction to Deep Learning (in Python/R) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 07 Applications of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) in chemical process design Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 08 Mid-semester Quiz Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Advanced Modelling Techniques in Engineering & Scientific Fields (I): Project 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 09 Advanced Modelling Techniques in Engineering & Scientific Fields (II): Project 2 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 10 Advanced Modelling Techniques in Engineering & Scientific Fields (III): Project 2 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Applications and Building of Digital Twins for Chemical and Biochemical Processes (I) - Project 3 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Applications and Building of Digital Twins for Chemical and Biochemical Processes (II) - Project 3 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Applications and Building of Digital Twins for Chemical and Biochemical Processes (III) - Project 3 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

- Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials, and engage actively in group discussions.
- Active participation in group projects is required, with peer assessments contributing to final grades.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Employ smart devices, technologies, and data acquisition systems to capture data from chemical engineering units
  • LO2. Demonstrate the use of big data in smart factory applications
  • LO3. Apply advanced analytical methods and modelling techniques to analyse real-time information from production processes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This course has been updated this year to setup projects in a way which empowers students with strong technical and scientific communication skills: - Project 1: Addresses international water transport issues via advanced modeling techniques and introduces research thinking. - Project 2: Develops critical analysis skills through a structured mini-review, reinforcing research writing. - Project 3: Applies AR/VR modeling to chemical engineering education, enhancing visualisation of unit operations for engineers. The course aims to guide students in solving real challenges in their communities and the wider world, using cutting-edge technology, best practice and forefront knowledge.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 07 Feb 2025.

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