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Unit outline_

CHNG5604: Advanced Membrane Engineering

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is a practical unit of study where students apply the theoretical concepts of membrane science to engineering practice via a series of laboratory experiments. The students will gain practical insights into mass transport processes through various membranes. Students will understand the construction and functional properties of synthetic separation membranes and also will explore experimentally the various factors affecting the performance of membranes.

Unit details and rules

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

The physics and electrochemistry of synthetic and cellular membranes. Knowledge of membrane manufacture, membrane separation processes and membrane characterisation and monitoring. Assumed knowledge is equivalent to CHNG5601

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator David Wang, david.wang1@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) David Wang, david.wang1@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Pre-Lab Quiz
Pre-Laboratory Quizzes
20% Multiple weeks 13 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
Assignment hurdle task Lab report 1
1. Membrane manufacturing and flux/pore size characterization
25% Week 07
Due date: 16 Sep 2022 at 23:59
20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Lab report 2
2. Microplastic membrane separation and chemico-physical characterizations
25% Week 12
Due date: 28 Oct 2022 at 23:59
20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation hurdle task group assignment Lab result presentation
Group presentation of lab findings and summary
20% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2022 at 14:00
20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6
Assignment Lecture Quizzes
Weekly Lecture Quizzes
10% Weekly 13 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Group assignment with individually assessed component = group assignment with individually assessed component ?

Assessment summary

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.

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.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Membrane introduction and course overview Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Set up group, communication and data management Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 02 Membrane science and applications Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Building and Laboratory Safety Inductions Tutorial (3 hr) LO4
Week 03 Application of membranes for molecular separation (MF/UF) Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Application of membranes for dialysis, electrodialysis and protein purification Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 1 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 05 Application of membranes for biological reactor (MBR) Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Week 06 Application of membranes for desalination (RO/NF) Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 2 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 07 Application of membranes for desalination (FO/PRO) Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 2 Science laboratory (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 08 Next generation of membranes for water treatment and recovery Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 3 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Biofouling in RO membranes: an in-situ monitoring analysis Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Laboratory Module 3 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Gas separation membranes I Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 4 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Gas separation membranes II Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Laboratory Module 4 Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Application of membranes for energy generation and storage (fuel cell/supercapacitor) Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Presentation Briefing Tutorial (6 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Revision Lecture (2 hr)  
Laboratory Report Presentation Presentation (3 hr) LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Laboratory attendance (in-person/online) is compulsory.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Baker, Richard W. Membrane Technology and Applications. 3rd ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
  • Leos, J. Zeman, and Andrew L Zydney. Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration: Principles and Applications. 1st ed. New York: CRC Press, 1996.
  • H.G. L. Coster and T. C. Chilcott, Fundamentals of Membrane Science
  • R. K. Hobbie, Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology. John Wiley, 
  • W. Ho and K. K. Sirkar, Membrane Handbook Part VIII Microfiltration. Chapman Hall, 
  • B. Nölting, Methods in Modern Biophysics. Springer

 

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. apply concepts learned in the theoretical courses to practical problems
  • LO2. assess and correct problems encountered in membrane based processes
  • LO3. develop membrane-based devices for water purification or waste water management
  • LO4. demonstrate an enhanced appreciation of the science and technology of membranes.
  • LO5. develop group, communication and data management skills
  • LO6. develop presentation skills using PowerPoint

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.

The course has been redesigned based on the contemporary challenges of membrane applications and laboratory needs of hybrid teaching.

Work, health and safety

In-person laboratory attendance requires to have building safety and laboratory safety inductions and trainings prior starting lab modules.

Disclaimer

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

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.