Chemical and Energy Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

This forward-thinking Chemical and Energy Engineering program combines traditional energy generation concepts with sustainable processes like geothermal, tide, wind, and solar. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in the energy and chemical industries and can pursue further studies in related fields.

Program Outline

Chemical and Energy Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Degree Overview:

This course is closed to new applicants for September 2024. It offers a forward-thinking approach to the energy balance of the future by combining traditional energy generation concepts with sustainable processes like geothermal, tide, wind, and solar. It explores how oil and gas techniques can be applied to harness geothermal energy, develop carbon dioxide storage concepts, and inform students about various renewable energy technologies.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a total credit value of 360 credits. It consists of 14 standard (20 points) modules and one final year project module of 40 points.

• Engineering mathematics and modelling: This module consolidates knowledge of various mathematical methods and techniques relevant to engineering courses, enabling students to apply them in analyzing and solving engineering problems.
It includes laboratory experiments.
• Design and practice: This module introduces engineering design, develops transferable skills, and involves small engineering design projects, CAD software usage, and Personal Development Planning (PDP).

Year 2:

• Advanced engineering mathematics and modelling: This module builds upon previous knowledge of advanced engineering mathematics and equips students to apply mathematical methods and tools in analyzing and solving various engineering problems.
• Thermodynamics: This module covers the fundamental principles of thermodynamics (heat, energy, and power) and their role in chemical engineering processes and systems.
It includes laboratory experiments. It includes laboratory experiments.
• Chemical engineering processes 1: This module imparts knowledge and understanding of heat, mass, and momentum transfer, covering classical and modern theories and techniques.
It also introduces principles of reaction engineering and includes laboratory experiments.
• Principles of control: This module provides a foundation in control systems, focusing on mathematically modeling dynamical systems, predicting their time and frequency responses, analyzing their stability, and understanding the role of feedback loops in modifying system behavior.
• Process design and simulation: This module introduces process design, flowsheeting, flowsheet calculations, process simulation, process economics, capital and operating costs, heat exchanger design, and pinch analysis concepts.

Year 3:

• Optional placement year: Students are encouraged to undertake a one-year industrial placement, with LSBU providing support in searching for placements through the Careers Hub.

Year 4:

• Design project: This module enhances design skills by providing the opportunity to propose new or innovative processes for a chemical plant.
It improves communication skills, self-esteem, teamwork, and individual work through weekly feedback sessions. It covers knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to analyze the contribution of these systems to meeting future energy requirements. It clarifies the concept of consumable energy and explores energy storage technologies like hydrogen storage, batteries, and capacitors.
• Fluid flow and process control: This module expands on control strategies for complex systems and provides knowledge of compressible fluid flow fundamentals for engineering systems like nozzles, fluidized beds, and two-phase flow in a liquid-gas system.
• Energy Technologies: This module explores the sciences behind energy generation and utilization technologies.
It provides a broad overview of energy engineering and addresses current issues surrounding energy supply and demand.

Assessment:

Most modules are assessed through a combination of examinations (typically 70%) and individual/group coursework (typically 30%). Some modules are based entirely on coursework, focusing on process or product design.

Teaching:

The teaching team in the Division of Chemical and Energy Engineering is enthusiastic about teaching and research. They are a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chemical engineering, energy engineering, and materials engineering, with some members having industrial experience. Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, laboratory practicals, seminars, and group work. External guest lecturers from relevant industries also conduct workshops.

Careers:

Energy and chemical engineering are growth sectors in the UK and globally. Graduates are well-equipped to address current challenges and make a difference in these fields. LSBU has a strong reputation for employability and entrepreneurship, with graduates securing opportunities worldwide. The program prepares students for careers in chemical industries, food and drink industry, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas industries, and particularly the energy sector. Potential roles include project leading, environmental decision-making, energy optimization, retrofitting existing designs, and research and development engineering. This accreditation supports progression towards Chartered Engineer status, an internationally recognized qualification. It also provides a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Accredited degrees are often preferred by employers and are recognized by other countries that are signatories to international accords.