Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

At the end of the module students should be able to: apply their knowledge in route selection and design to select an appropriate process against a well-defined set of criteria. (AHEP4 M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7)

Outline Of Syllabus

This module introduces the techniques used to select an appropriate route to the scaled-up synthesis of a (bio)chemical product. It highlights the fact that such products may be target molecules, formulated mixtures or solids and can be selected in terms of chemistry or performance. The importance of clean, sustainable processing routes is illustrated with case studies.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Process/route selection – product selection, route selection, retrosynthesis, decision making, constraints, optioneering, whole life analysis, risk reduction. Illustrated by case studies from industry (e.g.chemical route/retrosynthesis and risk minimization, downstream biopharmaceutical process development, bioprocess route selection, including formulation)

Performance chemicals – performance targets compared to composition/chemistry targets, blending and formulation. Examples from petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Case study on developing high performance low carbon lubricants for EV engines/gearboxes.

Bioprocess design – bioprocessing PFD and unit operations, design of production strain, sterilisation and downstream processing.

Case study in product engineering
Principles of polymerisation, manufacturing of plastics and plastics recycling

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to: undertake simple process route selection making reasoned decisions against performance sustainability and economic targets. The students will have an appreciation of the major factors affecting process selection, how decision making can be formalised in terms of targets and an in-depth knowledge of the selection processes in two case studies. (AHEP4 M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This will be taught with a mixture of lectures and seminars, reinforced by some online delivery from external lecturers.

The aim is to introduce sufficient new material on practical product engineering which, in combination with what has been learned in other modules, provides the basis for selection of a process route for a given product taking into consideration potential for risk minimization. Material introduced in lectures is reinforced in tutorials. Seminars are used to allow industrial lecturers to deliver case studies to the class to further reinforce learning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Process selection involves drawing conclusions from the synthesis of data from a lot of sources and is assessed by an exam that covers the wide range of the taught material introduced in the course.

The computer assessment is MCQ covering key points from the lectures allowing student to determine their understanding and where more work may be required.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: