Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering MSc

Program Overview

This MSc program in Advanced Chemical Engineering with Process Systems Engineering equips students with expertise in systems engineering principles, process modeling, and optimization. It offers a blend of core modules and optional electives, including business modules, culminating in a research project. Graduates gain a deep understanding of process systems engineering and are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including chemical engineering, consulting, and energy.

Program Outline

It aims to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills in process systems engineering, particularly in the areas of control theory, modeling, and their applications. The program offers a blend of theoretical modules and a research project, allowing students to delve into specific areas of interest within process systems engineering.

Outline:

The program is structured around core modules, optional modules, and a research project.

Core Modules:

• Advanced Process Design: This module explores advanced topics in process design, emphasizing process modeling, optimization theory, and associated software packages.
• Advanced Process Optimization: This module delves into state-of-the-art optimization techniques for process synthesis, design, and molecular design, with a focus on mathematical modeling.
• Dynamic Behaviour in Process Systems: Students learn to develop models of transient behavior in process equipment using advanced modeling tools.

Optional Modules:

Students choose a range of optional modules, including the opportunity to study one business module. Some optional modules are Level 6 or Level 7.

• Advanced Environmental Engineering: Students analyze the impact of chemical discharges on the planet and explore the causes of greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, smog formation, and acid rain.
• Applied Spectroscopy: This module covers analytical techniques used to address industrial challenges and explores leading spectroscopic methods.
• Biochemical Engineering: Students gain insights into biotechnology techniques, which often differ from chemical engineering methods.
• Colloid and Interface Science: This module delves into the fundamentals of colloid and interface science and analyzes interparticle forces.
• Dynamical Systems in Chemical Engineering: Students develop a fundamental understanding of nonlinear dynamical systems to better appreciate complex phenomena in nature and various chemical and biological engineering processes.
• Machine Learning for Chemical Engineering: This module focuses on advanced statistical learning and machine learning to solve real-life chemical engineering problems.
• Modelling of Biological Systems: Students link biological principles of cellular physiology with mathematical tools for analysis and modeling.
• Molecular Modelling of Fluids: This module covers the application of molecular theory and simulation in modeling fluids and fluid mixtures.
• Pharmaceutical Process Development: Students apply their scientific knowledge in a pharmaceutical development context, guided by industry partners.
• Practical Process Engineering in the Oil and Gas Industry: This module covers the workflows of facilities engineering teams and teaches process and pipeline hydraulics hand calculations.
• Product Characterisation: Students develop knowledge and experience in experimental techniques and learn to analyze and apply them to products.
• Transport Processes in Biological Systems: This module assesses fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer principles relevant to physiological and biological systems, as well as advanced mathematical models.

Level 6 Optional Modules:

• Advanced Fluid Mechanics: Students learn to apply mathematical techniques to derive and solve equations of motion for Newtonian or non-Newtonian, compressible or incompressible fluids.
• Carbon Capture and Clean Fossil Fuels: This module covers the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and explores technologies for minimizing CO2 avoidance costs.
• Membrane Science and Membrane Separation Processes: Students develop skills in formulating and solving engineering problems related to membrane and module design for gas separation, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and more.
• Process Heat Transfer: This module covers process heat transfer calculations, basic principles, procedures, and critical assessment of commercial codes in industry.
• Sustainable Energy Technologies: This module explores tools for applying new and renewable energy systems to address climate change and global energy security while transitioning to a zero-emissions economy.

Business School (Level 6) Optional Modules:

• Accounting Online: This module develops accounting-related skills and examines their relevance to financial decision-making and management control in organizations.
• Business Economics: Students analyze economic tools and explore microeconomic and macroeconomic topics, problems, and policies.
• Business Strategy: This module examines the relevance of financial and management accounting techniques in financial decision-making and management control of organizations.
• Corporate Finance Online: This module introduces financial markets, their role in the macroeconomy, and how business risk is transferred and priced in equity and debt securities.
• Entrepreneurship: This module introduces entrepreneurship methods, knowledge, skills, and tools used in starting a new business, along with challenges and issues encountered.
• Entrepreneurship Online: This self-guided module introduces entrepreneurship methods, knowledge, skills, and tools used in starting a new business, along with challenges and issues encountered.
• Finance and Financial Management: This module enhances accounting-related skills and provides a basic understanding of business performance measurement.
• Managing Innovation: This module equips students with skills for organizing and shaping the innovation process in firms and evaluating managerial strategies.
• Managerial Economics Online: This module explores the value of understanding economics, concepts, tools, and analytical frameworks for businesses, as well as the role of monetary and fiscal policy on business cycles.
• Leading Teams and Organisations: This module develops and practices skills for identifying, diagnosing, and evaluating key organizational issues and working productively as a team.

Research Project:

Students complete a research project examining a topic relevant to process systems engineering. These projects are typically conducted at Imperial but can be undertaken in industry or at an approved institution. The thesis comprises 80% of the assessment, with 10% each awarded for a presentation and literature review.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a balanced assessment approach, combining coursework, exams, and practical assessments.

• Coursework: 45%
• Exams: 40%
• Practical: 15%
Assessment methods include coursework, exams, practical assessments, in-class tests, individual and group reports, and presentations.

Teaching:

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, presentations, guest lectures, lab work, flipped teaching, virtual learning environment, team-based activities, independent study, and skills workshops.

Careers:

The program equips students with transferable skills relevant to careers in chemical engineering or related fields. Graduates are highly sought after in various sectors, including banking, finance, civil service, government, consulting, data science, energy, financial services, IT, and technology.

Other:

The program is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). Accreditation aims to raise standards and foster good practice. It provides a pathway to qualify as a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council. Accreditation for this course is due for renewal in late 2024.

Home fee:

£17,600

Overseas fee:

£40,900