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Unit of study_
CHNG9204: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
2025 unit information
Chemical Engineering requires an understanding of material and energy transformations and how these are driven by molecular interactions. The rate of such transformations is dependent on driving forces and resistances, and these need to be defined in terms of fundamental physical and chemical properties of systems. This course seeks to provide students with a sound basis of the thermodynamics of chemical and biological systems, and how these, in turn, define limits of behaviour for such real systems. The thermodynamic basis for rate processes is explored, and the role of energy transfer processes in these highlighted, along with criteria for equilibrium and stability. Emphasis is placed on the prediction of physical properties of chemical and biological systems in terms of state variables. The course delivery mechanism is problem-based, and examples from thermal, chemical and biological processes will be considered, covering molecular to macro-systems scale. In addition, there will be considerable time spent during the semester on advanced topics related to the analysis of the behaviour of chemical and biological systems, and recent associated technological developments.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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CHNG2804 or CHNG5704 or AMME9262 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, computational tools (Matlab, Excel), basic mass and energy balances, heat transfer, mass transfer, momentum (from fluid mechanics), reaction balances |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate the ability to prepare a scientific report and deliver an oral presentation focused on an engineering process of your choice, incorporating advanced fundamental principles of thermodynamics.
- LO2. Estimate thermodynamic properties of non-reactive fluids by carrying out energy, entropy and exergy balances under steady, and non-steady conditions
- LO3. Apply the concept of property interrelation of thermodynamic variables to predict state variables of chemical systems under ideal and non-ideal conditions
- LO4. Employ the concepts of mass, energy and entropy balance and property interrelations to predict state variables in turbine and refrigeration systems
- LO5. Characterise systems that include a mixture of phases and different component species using equilibrium principles in engineering thermodynamics.
- LO6. Conduct experiments to measure and interpret engineering properties and processes, applying thermodynamic principles to real-world systems.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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