CHNG2803: Semester 1, 2026

Units CHNG2803 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

CHNG2803: Heat and Mass Transfer

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit of study teaches principles of heat and mass transfer required for chemical and biomolecular engineering. It covers steady and transient conduction and diffusion, convective transport of heat and mass, and radiative heat transfer. It runs concurrently with CHNG2801 (Fluid Mechanics) to provide students with the tools and know-how to tackle engineering problems related to transport phenomena. This unit of study also includes project-based study components including a research project on heat transfer phenomena in biological systems and a lab session on mass transfer. Students will develop a physical understanding of the underlying phenomena and gain the ability to solve real heat and mass transfer problems of engineering significance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	{(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) or [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} and {(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) or [(MATH1X23 or MATH1933) and (MATH1X05 or BUSS1020)]} and (ENGG1801 or ENGG1810 or INFO1110 or INFO1910) and CHNG1103
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	It is assumed that students will be concurrently enrolled in or have already completed: CHNG2801 or equivalent, and (CHNG2802 or MATH2XXX)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gobinath Rajarathnam, gobinath.rajarathnam@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Formal final exam covers all course contents	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Heat & Mass Transfer Lab Report(s) Submit lab report(s) for heat and mass transfer experiments using unit operations (heat exchangers, etc.).	10%	Multiple weeks	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early feedback task #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03	30 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In-semester test Secure	20%	Week 07	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	HT Design Project Combining CAD/CFD + Thermal Cams for HT Design	30%	Week 12	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Panel Interview Interview of project groups	10%	Week 13	20-30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Conduction 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Conduction 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Conduction 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Conduction 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Conduction 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Conduction 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Conduction 4	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Conduction 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Convection 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Convection 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Convection 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Convection 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Mid-Sem Quiz	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 07	Convection 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Condensation, Boiling	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Condensation, Boiling	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Radiation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Radiation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	HX Design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	HX Design	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Mass Transfer 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Mass Transfer 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Mass Transfer 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Mass Transfer 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Panel Interview (Parallel Support Sessions)	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 13	Panel Interview (Parallel Support Sessions)	Assessment (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend lectures, tutorials and lab sessions. Attendance may be taken regularly.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, Author: Frank P. Incropera and David P. DeWitt Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Fundamentals of Momentum, Heat, and Mass Transfer. Author: J. R. Welty, C. E. Wicks, R. E. Wilson, and G. Rorrer. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. report findings and synthesise conclusions accurately and informatively
LO2. work creatively and systematically with others in ensuring correct procedures and accurate results
LO3. design heat exchange equipment using overall heat transfer coefficient, fouling factors, LMTD, F-factor, equipment selection, insulation
LO4. compute heat transfer rate and/or temperature distribution for processes involving heat transfer
LO5. develop representative models of real processes and draw conclusion from analysis of pressure drop, fouling effects, performance evaluation (NTU), and changes in parameters
LO6. understand the mechanisms of heat transfer without phase change, including thermal conductivity, heat capacity, conduction, convection, free/force heat transfer coefficients/correlations, radiation, and combinations thereof
LO7. understand the mechanisms of heat transfer with phase change, including latent heat, boiling and condensation
LO8. understand the mechanisms of mass transfer, including diffusion mass transfer, transient diffusion, interphase mass transfer.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This course has been updated to continue empowering students via: - more hands-on lab experience: including multiple chemical engineering unit operations. - new hands-on skills: thermal imaging and heat transfer visualisation. - introducing students to engineering research methods and reporting. - new use of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) to visualise unit operations and gain better understanding of processes. - new interdisciplinary skills:CAD + CFD - access to bespoke lab videos for pre-class revision.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Students must wear lab coat and safety goggle for lab sessions.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links