CME8120 : Advanced Design Project
CME8120 : Advanced Design Project
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Willis
- Lecturer: Professor Katarina Novakovic, Dr Dana Ofiteru, Dr Wenting Hu, Dr Colin Hare, Dr Chris O'Malley
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CME3039 | Plant Design |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To carry out an in-depth design study of selected unit operations through dynamic modelling and simulation and then to apply this knowledge to an advanced design project. The study will involve the modelling of reactor systems. In conjunction with model development, corresponding software will be developed for the purpose of simulation. At the end of the course, the student’s attitude should move away from: ‘Dynamic model development and coding is too complex’ towards: ‘It is possible to describe systems using dynamic models. However, all models have limitations. It is an engineer’s responsibility to be aware of these limitations and to choose a model which is of sufficient complexity to give an answer of the required accuracy’.
Outline Of Syllabus
The course will start by developing the necessary background skills for dynamic modelling: dynamic mass and energy balances; model conceptualisation; model data requirements; model construction; model solution; model validation; model application. In parallel with modelling, the software development skills of the students will be enhanced. Work will be done on an individual basis.
Students will then undertake an advanced design study of the dynamics of a unit operation. This study could include for example the start-up of the unit, the control of the unit, or shut-down.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students should be able to:
Acquire a deeper understanding of the dynamic behaviour of unit operations (M1, M3, M4)
Understand and apply this knowledge to more advanced process design (M1, M2, M3, M6, M12)
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students should be able to:
Construct dynamic models of unit operations and simulate their performance (M1,M3,M12)
Write computer code for the purpose of simulation (M3, M12)
Identify issues within process design that that could be enhanced through dynamics (M2,M6)
Understand the dynamic interaction between chemical and physical systems (M6, M12)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 3:00 | 30:00 | Activity modules (Canvas). Detailed notes supported by videos, quizzes, 1 formative assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Lectures covering the core material |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation and completion of design project report |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 3:00 | 24:00 | Scheduled computing laboratories |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 112:00 | 112:00 | Extensive study of complex dynamic system. Comprises individual dynamic scenario testing. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Sessions (1:1 or sub-group) with project supervisor are available for support. To be scheduled by the supervisors. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide theoretical background to conceptual design and programming.
The Canvas activity modules support this through illustration and problem solving while the computing laboratories will assist with the practical implementation of these theoretical concepts.
Guided independent project work study will include individual model development and dynamic testing supported through video examples and discussion boards.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design/Creative proj | 1 | M | 100 | Assessment of individual design report that considers development and testing of a dynamic model. |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | M | MCQ Assessment (1 hour) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The design report and the completed programme provide the opportunity for the student to demonstrate the achievement of all the intended learning outcomes. Students will work individually developing code which will be tested under specific dynamic scenarios.
The design report will comprise discussion, explanation and analysis with the remainder dedicated to figures, graphs and tables generated from mathematical models. The project assesses the following AHEP 4 learning outcomes: M1-4, M6, M12.
The module includes a formative MCQ which is pass/fail and if a student fails this they will have to resit.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CME8120's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CME8120's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.