Chemical Engineering Syllabus

The curriculum follows a logical path from science and mathematics to process analysis, equipment, control and design. The precise semester order differs by university.

Indicative semester-wise syllabus

Engineering Mathematics

Mathematics supports differential balances, heat and mass transfer, reactor models, optimisation and control. Students study calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability and numerical methods.

Engineering Chemistry

Chemistry develops knowledge of bonding, reactions, equilibrium, electrochemistry, polymers and industrial substances. It is a foundation but does not dominate the complete degree.

Process Calculations

Process Calculations, also called Stoichiometry or Material and Energy Balances, is one of the earliest core subjects. Students calculate stream flow, composition, conversion, recycle and energy.

They learn to select a basis, draw a flow diagram and check degrees of freedom. Clear systematic work prevents errors.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Students study laws of thermodynamics, properties, equations of state, fugacity, activity and phase equilibrium. These concepts support distillation, extraction, refrigeration and reactor equilibrium.

Fluid Mechanics

Topics include hydrostatics, continuity, momentum, laminar and turbulent flow, pipe networks, pumps, compressors and flow meters. Laboratory work compares theory with real pressure and flow data.

Mechanical Operations

Mechanical Operations covers size reduction, screening, filtration, sedimentation, centrifugation, mixing and solids handling. These steps are used in minerals, food, pharmaceuticals, cement and chemicals.

Particle Technology

Particle Technology examines size distributions, shape, flow, fluidisation and powder processing. Fine powders can create dust and explosion hazards, so safety is important.

Heat Transfer

Students study conduction, convection, radiation, boiling and condensation. They design or analyse heat exchangers and evaporators and account for fouling.

Mass Transfer

Mass Transfer covers diffusion and separation operations. Students study distillation, gas absorption, extraction, humidification, drying, adsorption, crystallisation and membranes.

Distillation

Distillation separates components through differences in volatility. Students use vapour-liquid equilibrium, stage calculations and reflux concepts. Industrial columns require substantial energy and careful control.

Absorption and stripping

Absorption transfers a gas component into a liquid, while stripping removes a volatile component. Applications include gas purification, pollution control and solvent recovery.

Liquid-liquid extraction

Extraction separates a solute between immiscible liquids. Solvent selection considers equilibrium, selectivity, safety and recovery.

Drying

Drying removes moisture using heat and mass transfer. Students study drying rates and equipment. Product sensitivity matters in food and pharmaceuticals.

Crystallisation

Crystallisation produces solid particles with controlled purity and size. Supersaturation, nucleation and growth affect product quality.

Membrane separation

Membranes separate species through selective barriers. Applications include water purification, gas separation and bioprocessing. Fouling and selectivity are important limitations.

Chemical Reaction Engineering

Students combine reaction kinetics with reactor flow and heat effects. They design ideal batch, mixed-flow and plug-flow reactors and examine non-ideal systems.

Catalysis

Catalysts increase reaction rates without being consumed overall. Students study heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, adsorption, diffusion and deactivation.

Process Dynamics and Control

Students model how processes respond over time. They study feedback, stability and controllers. Laboratory systems may control temperature, level, pressure or flow.

Process Instrumentation

Instrumentation covers measurement principles, sensors, transmitters, control valves and data acquisition. Engineers should understand accuracy, calibration and failure modes.

Chemical Technology

Chemical Technology surveys industrial manufacture of acids, alkalis, fertilisers, petrochemicals, polymers, oils, soaps, pulp, paper and other products. It connects core principles with real processes.

Petroleum Refining

Refining electives cover crude characterisation, distillation, cracking, reforming, hydrotreating and blending. Environmental specifications and energy use are important.

Petrochemical Technology

Students study conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks into olefins, aromatics, polymers and intermediates. Integrated material and energy systems are emphasised.

Polymer Engineering

Polymer courses cover polymerisation, structure, properties, processing and applications. Students may study extrusion, moulding and recycling.

Biochemical Engineering

Biochemical Engineering covers microbial growth, enzyme kinetics, fermentation, bioreactors and downstream processing. Sterility and biological variability distinguish it from many conventional processes.

Environmental Engineering

Students learn water, wastewater, air pollution and waste treatment. Topics may include biological treatment, adsorption, membranes and environmental assessment.

Materials of Construction

Equipment materials must resist corrosion, temperature and pressure. Students study metals, polymers, ceramics, linings and selection. Corrosion can create both economic and safety risks.

Equipment Design

Students apply process and mechanical principles to vessels, heat exchangers, columns and reactors. They consider pressure, temperature, materials, fabrication and codes.

Undergraduate design is educational and does not replace detailed professional engineering under applicable standards.

Plant Design

Plant Design integrates flowsheets, equipment, utilities, layout, safety and economics. Teams may design a complete process from feed to product and waste treatment.

Process Simulation

Simulation software calculates flows, properties, equipment and energy. Students should understand model assumptions and validate results rather than accept software output blindly.

Process Optimisation

Optimisation selects operating or design conditions that maximise value or minimise cost, energy or waste under constraints. A mathematically optimum result must still be safe and practical.

Process Economics

Economics covers capital cost, operating cost, depreciation, cash flow, profitability and uncertainty. Engineers compare alternatives and understand business consequences.

Process Safety

Safety subjects cover fire, explosion, toxicity, relief, hazard studies, inherently safer design and emergency planning. Case studies teach how technical and organisational failures combine.

HAZOP

Hazard and Operability Study is a structured team method for identifying deviations, causes and consequences. Students may learn guide words and safeguards. Competent industrial facilitation requires experience.

Relief and flare systems

Relief devices protect equipment from overpressure. Flares and treatment systems dispose of emergency releases. Design requires scenario analysis and applicable standards.

Plant utilities

Utilities include steam, cooling water, refrigeration, electricity, compressed air, nitrogen and water treatment. They support every process and can represent a major energy cost.

Energy integration

Pinch analysis and heat-exchanger-network concepts help recover heat between streams. Integration reduces utilities but must consider operability and safety.

Renewable energy

Electives may cover biofuels, hydrogen, solar thermal processing, batteries and carbon management. Chemical Engineering principles help design energy-conversion systems.

Food Process Engineering

Food electives apply transport, reaction and separation principles to edible products. Hygiene, texture, nutrition and sensory quality matter.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

Students may study batch processing, crystallisation, filtration, drying, clean systems and validation. Good manufacturing practice and documentation are essential.

Nanotechnology and advanced materials

Courses introduce nanoparticles, surface effects, synthesis and applications. Safe handling and scale-up are major considerations.

Computational methods

Students use numerical methods, programming, spreadsheets and simulation. Data analysis and basic Python can strengthen modern engineering work.

Laboratory courses

Typical laboratories include fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, reaction engineering, process control and chemical technology. Experiments develop measurement, analysis and safety skills.

Industrial training

Training exposes students to real equipment, procedures, shift systems, quality and safety. They should ask questions, maintain a learning record and respect confidentiality.

Final-year project

Projects may involve simulation, reaction kinetics, adsorption, wastewater, heat recovery, process optimisation, materials or experimental work. The project should have clear objectives, method and limitations.

Supplementary learning

Students can strengthen process simulation, spreadsheets, Python, technical drawing, statistics and report writing. Safety certifications can add value when credible and relevant.