Unit outline_

CHNG9203: Heat and Mass Transfer

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

CHNG2803/9203 is a practically and theoretically-based course, where students will be introduced to types of problems that the modern chemical engineer may be asked to solve. The material is contemporary in nature, and the projects link with the key concepts taught in CHNG2801/9201 and CHNG2802/9202 and across the curriculum. The objectives in this unit are to provide an interesting, enjoyable, and challenging introduction to fundamental aspects of chemical engineering, particularly conservation and transport processes involving fluids and energy, as well as to the application of mathematical techniques in typical engineering problems. In this course there is one overall project. The overall goal of the project work throughout this semester is to build a small cooling tower. This cooling tower may be used to cool water from processes that make the water hot, to humidify air that is cold and dry (as in a Sydney winter) or to dehumidify warm wet air (as in a Sydney summer). The overall project will be split into two sub-projects: Fluid mechanics- 4 weeks; Heat and mass transfer- 8 weeks. The project in CHNG9203 addresses transport processes, including the movement of momentum (fluid mechanics), thermal energy (heat transfer) and components with mass. The projects are underpinned by a critical and constructive analysis and best practice in learning and teaching. In addition to the basic knowledge and skills required to pass this unit, the development of an understanding sufficient to enable you to tackle new and unfamiliar problems will be emphasized. You will learn to work in largely unsupervised groups and to be responsible for managing your individual and group performance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CHNG2803 or CHNG5703
Assumed knowledge
? 

Ability to understand basic principles of physical chemistry, physics and mechanics. Ability to use mathematics of calculus (including vector calculus) and linear algebra, and carry out computations with MATLAB and MS EXCEL. Ability to read widely outside of the technical literature, and to synthesise arguments based on such literature. Ability to write coherent reports and essays based on qualitative and quantitative information

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gobinath Rajarathnam, gobinath.rajarathnam@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Gobinath Rajarathnam, gobinath.rajarathnam@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Formal final exam covers all course contents
30% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small continuous assessment group assignment AI Allowed Thermal Imaging Project
Visualising heat transfer and influence of materials on heat transfer modes.
25% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Heat & Mass Transfer Lab Report(s)
Submit lab report(s) for heat and mass transfer experiments using unit operations (heat exchangers, etc.).
25% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Supervised test
? 
In-class quiz
In-class quiz
20% Week 08
Due date: 21 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Modes of heat transfer, heat diffusion equation; 2. Boundary and initial conditions Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Thermal resistances, conduction with heat generation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Extended surface (fins), 2D conduction Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Transient conduction, lumped capacity analysis, semi-infinite solid Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Convection boundary layer, dimensionless equations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Internal forced convection, natural convection Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Condensation, boiling Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Radiation, blackbody exchange Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Heat transfer equipment and heat exchanger calculations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Introduction of tube-shell heat exchangers, design of heat exchangers Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Introduction to mass transfer, diffusion mass transfer Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 12 Transient diffusion, convective mass transfer Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8
Week 13 Interphase mass transfer, simultaneous heat and mass transfer Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO8

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 on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

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

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.

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

  • LO1. design heat exchange equipment design using overall heat transfer coefficient, fouling factors, LMTD, F-factor, equipment selection, insulation
  • LO2. 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
  • LO3. understand the mechanisms of heat transfer with phase change, including latent heat, boiling and condensation
  • LO4. understand the mechanisms of mass transfer, including diffusion mass transfer, transient diffusion, interphase mass transfer
  • LO5. compute heat transfer rate and/or temperature distribution for processes involving heat transfer
  • LO6. develop representative models of real processes and draw conclusion from analysis of pressure drop, fouling effects, performance evaluation (NTU), and changes in parameters
  • LO7. work creatively and systematically with others in ensuring correct procedures and accurate results
  • LO8. report findings and synthesise conclusions accurately and informatively.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This course has been updated to empower students via: - more hands-on lab experience: including multiple chemical engineering unit operations. - new project: 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.

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.