Outline

Overview

In the overall design process, chemical engineers must clearly understand the (often complex) interactions and trade-offs that occur between technical, economic, social and environmental considerations. This unit of study builds on concepts in each of these areas introduced in previous years but with an emphasis on their successful integration within a comprehensive design activity. This design activity is spread over two units (Chemical Engineering Design A and B) run in first and second semester. The primary aim in the first unit is to consider the technical issues- with an emphasis on creating and evaluating a range of alternative options that exist at both the unit operation and complete flowsheet levels. The primary emphasis in this unit is on evaluating how non-technical considerations affect the final process design and its operation. Students joining this course from the Major Industrial Placement Project (MIPPs CHNG 4203) or as overseas students (with approval) do the same assignment but on a different schedule.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	CHNG4802 or CHNG4203
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Enrolment in this unit of study assumes that all core 3000 level chemical engineering units of study have been successfully completed, as well as the related first semester UoS CHNG4802 or CHNG4203
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gordon Weiss, g.weiss@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Various seminar-based activities Reports, Excel workbooks, Videos	18%	Multiple weeks	Two to ten pages	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Various seminar-based activities Excel workbooks, presentation	15%	Multiple weeks	Two to ten pages	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Selection of the process and unit operations Summary of the process selection	5%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2026 at 23:59	20 page report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Design of the process Report, Excel workbook, drawings, ASPEN model	18%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59	20 page report, 10 drawings	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Preliminary design of the unit operations Report, Excel workbook, ASPEN models	12%	Week 09 Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:59	20-page report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Review and testing of the process Report plus drawings, ASPEN model, Excel workbooks	14%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 23:59	30-page report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Final unit operation design Report, drawings	18%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2026 at 23:59	20-page report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Planning your project
Selection of the process and unit operations
Design of the process
Design of the unit operations
Review and optimisation of the process
Final Board Presentation
Reflection on team work

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	Mobilisation and the planning of the design project Developing an understanding of the process that is to be designed.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Process selection Development of the flowsheet. Preparation of summary presentation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Development of the flowsheet Risk register (rapid ranking) Site layout Mass and energy balance workbook	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Completion of the mass and energy balance workbook ASPEN model PFDs	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Progressing the ASPEN model Utility requirements	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Control system design Safety system design P&IDs of the whole process Finalisation of the Design of the process report	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Preliminary design of the unit operations	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Preliminary design of the unit operations Incorporation of unit operation designs into the ASPEN model	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Incorporation of unit operation designs into the ASPEN model Testing and revising individual designs	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	HAZOPS Sensitivity studies	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	HAZOPS Debottlenecking exercise	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	P&IDs Engineering drawings Specification sheets	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Presentation of results	Seminar (2 hr)

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 on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Plant Design and Economics for Chemical Engineers. Peters, Timmerhaus and West. Fifth edition. McGraw Hill. 2003.

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. work effectively within a team to deliver a common objective
LO2. identify knowledge gaps and evaluate the technical literature to close the knowledge gaps as it applies to the design of the proposed process flowsheet
LO3. evaluate and optimise alternative process flowsheet designs to ensure compliance with the specified performance requirements
LO4. construct a complex process flowsheet with reference to the specified performance requirements, while dealing with competing objectives and constraints
LO5. apply prior knowledge of unit operations to design a unit operation within a proposed process flowsheet, including the application of chemical engineering design tools
LO6. undertake hazard assessments, hazard operability studies and comprehensive environmental impact assessments on a proposed process flowsheet.
LO7. communicate complex technical information to a broad audience

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.

Better guidelines on the requirements will be provided. Additional learning activities will be added to tutorials. Coordination between supervisors will be improved.

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

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

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

CHNG4806: Chemical Engineering Design B

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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