EGB364 Process Modelling
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EGB364 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | EGB263 or EGB262 |
| Equivalent(s): | ENB460, EGH460 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $6,684 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EGB364 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EGB263 or EGB262 |
| Equivalent: | ENB460, EGH460 |
| Coordinator: | Thomas Moore | t34.moore@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit builds technical competence in mass and energy balances for process design. Moving from simple mass and energy balances towards realistic and complex balances requires developing deeper modelling skills involving computer software, bringing together chemical thermodynamics and mathematics. You will learn how to use process simulation software through individual problem solving tasks and how it mimics the chemistry through practical laboratories. The unit builds on introductory concepts learned in EGB263 Process Systems, leading into EGH462 Process Control which focuses on dynamic behaviour. The embedded mathematics content constitutes 30% of the unit and provides intermediate level computational mathematics techniques to support student learning in intermediate level engineering units.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Solve analytical problems in process design that are chemically and mathematically based at a developed level.
- Combine theoretical mathematics and chemistry concepts for process design to process model at a developed level.
- Design an engineering system using process modelling to achieve a specified chemical process at a developed level.
- Conduct experimental investigations in engineering chemistry, including the appraisal of risk, hazards and safety, at a developed level.
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and utilise, correct computational mathematics methods relevant to engineering at a developed level.
Content
The first part of the unit will cover chemical thermodynamics theory and you will perform laboratory practicals to support understanding of the scientific principles that you will model and appraise the safety and hazard risks.
1. Chemical thermodynamics for process modelling:
1.1 State and path functions.
1.2 Spontaneous physical and chemical change.
1.3 Phase Transition
2. The mathematical underpinnings of process modelling will be explored. You will combine the chemistry and mathematical concepts towards building process models. Mathematical content will include:
2.1 Root finding methods for single-variable functions: Bisection, False Position and Newton methods.
2.2 Numerical differentiation and integration for single-variable functions.
2.3 Numerical methods for solving first order, higher order and systems of ordinary differential equations: Euler, Heun and Runge-Kutta methods.
3. Process simulation software will be taught in parallel throughout semester in hands-on computer labs, with content also being available online.
You will solve modelling problems that are both chemical and mathematically based.
Learning Approaches
In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:
- Formal lectures will assist you with framing and solving mass and energy balance problems (process engineering) incorporating chemical thermodynamics (chemistry) and numerical methods (maths) required to perform complex mass and energy balances. You will have the opportunity to ask questions during these lectures. You will have a 2 hour mathematics lecture in weeks 8-13 dedicated to mathematical content and facilitated by mathematics teaching staff.
- Tutorial classes that will give you the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to solve problems. These will be facilitated by tutors and will provide an opportunity to test your understanding and gain feedback on your work. You will also have a 2 hour mathematics workshop in weeks 8-13 dedicated to mathematical content and facilitated by instructors to provide guidance and feedback on your learning.
- Practical classes, in which you will collaboratively plan for and conduct experiments to give you hands on experience with the physical phenomena that you are learning about.
- To complement timetabled activities, you can expect to be provided with learning resources including videos and readings on a unit Canvas site that you can access flexibly to complete your learning in this unit. Success in this unit will require you to manage your time to ensure you have focused time each week (beyond timetabled activities).
At the beginning of the unit, you will be made aware of the ways in which you can ask questions or seek clarification from the Unit Coordinator and Tutors.
You are expected to:
- Engage with timetabled activities on campus and ask questions.
- Manage your time to engage with online resources outside of timetabled activities. These will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding release of these resources.
- Engage with your peers in a learning community to practise problem solving and then work independently to complete your assessment tasks.
- Prepare for timetabled classes and activities and follow up on any work not completed.
- Complete assessment tasks by working consistently across the semester and meeting the due dates that are published via the unit Canvas site.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Summative feedback
Assessment will be based on practical (computer based process simulation) and theory performance. Feedback will be provided on assessment according to marking criteria and standards.
Formative feedback
You are given weekly integrated theory problems in the tutorials, workshops and laboratories, to assist self-assessment of performance.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment comprises both formative and summative elements. Formative assessment and feedback will take the form of provision of model examples (in workshops), and multiple choice questions (computer labs). Summative tasks includes a portfolio of process simulation assignments, laboratory practical books, and a theory exam. Assessment of the mathematics content in Assessment 3 Examination (Written) will contribute 30% to your final result in this unit.
Feedback will be provided on written assignments according to criteria and standards (rubrics).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Tasks
Progressive problem solving using commercial process simulation software and analysis tasks on key aspects of process modelling relating to factory operations.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Practical
You will be required to undertake four 3-hour sessions of supervised chemistry laboratory work that demonstrates practical applications of thermodynamics. During the laboratory sessions you are required to record your observations, results and reflect on what concepts each experiment is demonstrating in a workbook. Prior to your next scheduled workshop, you will be required to include in your workbook any calculations, tables and/or graphs requested in the laboratory manual.
The workbook will be periodically reviewed and feedback provided during laboratory and workshop sessions before final submission of the entire workbook at the end of semester.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (Written)
Questions will be posed for you to demonstrate knowledge, problem solving and analysis of chemical thermodynamics and knowledge and ability in mathematical content. Assessment of the mathematics content in this assessment will contribute 30% to your final result in this unit.
“If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.”
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
You are required to use the following:
- The unit website on QUT's Canvas (learning materials that support timetabled activities and assessment tasks)
- QUT Library Databases
- QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)
There is no required text for the mathematics component of this unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
You will be informed of any requirements pertaining to a safe workplace. In lectures, tutorials and such, the information will include location of fire exits and meeting points in case of fire. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you will be required to leave the session.
You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of members in the teaching team and technical staff. Prior to entry to a laboratory space you must complete the Undergraduate Health, Safety and Environment Induction (annual completion requirement). You will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes, lab coat, and safety glasses). The unit’s Canvas site will provide you with a copy of the risk assessment and will provide you with details on how to perform the laboratory tasks safely.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
1: Knowledge and Skill Base
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Practical, Examination (Written)
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Practical, Examination (Written)
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Examination (Written)
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
2: Engineering Application Ability
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Practical, Examination (Written)
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Tasks - Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO4, Practical - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Tasks, Practical, Examination (Written) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Problem Solving Tasks, Examination (Written)
EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks - Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Practical - Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Practical, Examination (Written) - Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
Relates to: Problem Solving Tasks, Examination (Written)