Outline

Overview

This is a core unit within the curriculum. Chemical Engineering requires an understanding of material and energy transformations and how these are driven by molecular interactions. The rate of such transformations is dependent on driving forces and resistances, and these need to be defined in terms of fundamental physical and chemical properties of systems. This course seeks to provide students with a sound basis of the thermodynamics of chemical systems, and how these, in turn, define limits of behaviour for such real systems. The thermodynamic basis for rate processes is explored, and the role of energy transfer processes in these highlighted, along with criteria for equilibrium and stability. Emphasis is placed on the prediction of physical properties of chemicalsystems in terms of state variables. The course delivery mechanism is problem-based, and examples from thermal and chemical processes will be considered, covering molecular to macro-systems scale. The course builds naturally from the second year first semester course in heat and mass transfer, and prepares students fundamentally for the third year course in design of chemical and biological processes, which deals fundamentally with reaction/separation systems, and considers phase and chemical equilibria.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CHNG1103 and (CHEM1101 or CHEM1111 or CHEM1901 or CHEM1911)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, computational tools (Matlab, Excel), basic mass and energy balances, heat transfer, mass transfer, momentum (from fluid mechanics), reaction balances
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alejandro Montoya, alejandro.montoya@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alejandro Montoya, alejandro.montoya@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam Individual exam	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Regular online assessment Individual canvas quiz. Special consideration is required to resit quiz.	3%	Multiple weeks	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Laboratory Conduct a laboratory experiment on the Rankine cycle	10%	Multiple weeks	3h	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Online Quiz #Earlyfeedbacktask	1%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	40 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Quiz 1 Individual written quiz. Request for Special Consideration to Resit the Quiz.	20%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 11 Sep 2025	2 hours max	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Submission Report Submission of research report.	11%	Week 09 Due date: 10 Oct 2025 at 23:00 Closing date: 10 Oct 2025	12 pages maximum	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Seminar Presentation Oral presentation of a selected topic	5%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2025 at 09:00 Closing date: 09 Oct 2025	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Quiz 2 Individual written quiz, Special consideration is required to resit quiz.	20%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 30 Oct 2025	2 hours max	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

The assessment for the course will consist of online examinations, two quizzes, a final written assessment, and the submission of a written report. Its purpose is to evaluate your performance and encourage reflection on your learning. Seventy-four percent of the assessments will be individual work, while 26% will involve group work.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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
Multiple weeks	6 hours of independent study required per week to ensure that the student is up to speed with lecture materials and completing tutorial work	Independent study (78 hr)
Week 01	Basic concepts of energy balance	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	The energy balance in engineering unit operations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Basic concepts of entropy and entropy balance in engineering unit operations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Concepts of Energy Availability (exergy)	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Thermodynamic properties of pure fluids under ideal conditions	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Thermodynamic properties of pure fluids under real conditions	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Basic concepts of power production	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Basic concepts of refrigeration	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Basic concepts of binary phase equilibrium	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Energy conference	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 10	Rankine Cycle	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Phase equilibria of binary systems under ideal conditions	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Phase equilibria of binary systems under real conditions	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Basic concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium of reactive systems	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Self learning: Students are expected to spend at least 3-4 hours per week of 'self learning' outside the specified contact periods in order to progress in the unit of study concepts.

Attendance: The lectures will be delivered face-to-face. Each lecture will be recorded and available in the Canvas site whithin the first 24 hours after the lecture. You are highly encouraged to attend in person each session. Tutors and lecturers will be available to provide feedback on tutorial sessions.

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

Lecture slides, tutorial exercises, electronic applications are available in the canvas site before each lecture. Also, I reccomend students to study from the following primary books:

Modern Engineering Thermodynamics, Robert T. Balmer, Academic Press, 2011

Library online link to book:

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/1c0ug48/alma991031515792005106

Library online link to appendices

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/1c0ug48/alma991031741206705106

Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Kevin D. Dham and Donald P. Visco, Jr. 2015

Library online link to book:

https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/2rsddf/proquest1651727673

Optional text:

Thermodynamics: An Engineering approach, 6E, Yunus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles, Mc Graw Hill, 2007
Chemical, Biochemical, and Engineering Thermodynamics, 4E, Stanley I. Sandler, John Wiley, 2006
Jack Winnick, "Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: an introduction to thermodynamics for undergraduate engineering students" John Wiley, 1997.

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. Demonstrate the ability to prepare a scientific report and deliver an oral presentation focused on an engineering process of your choice, incorporating the fundamental principles of thermodynamics.
LO2. Estimate thermodynamic properties of non-reactive fluids by carrying out energy, entropy and exergy balances under steady, and non-steady conditions
LO3. Apply the concept of property interrelation of thermodynamic variables to predict state variables of chemical systems under ideal, and non-ideal conditions
LO4. Employ the concepts of mass, energy, and entropy balance, and property interrelations to predict state variables in turbine and refrigeration systems
LO5. Characterise systems that include a mixture of phases and different component species using equilibrium principles in engineering thermodynamics.
LO6. Conduct experiments to measure and interpret engineering properties and processes, applying thermodynamic principles to real-world systems.

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.

The assessment tasks are adjusted following previous feedback to increase the weight of the final exam.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CHNG2804: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links