Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To prepare graduates for professional careers in the process industries, primarily as process engineers.
• To enable them to understand, solve, and manage technical problems in general, and to be able to take advantage of further education, research and experience throughout their careers.
• To develop incoming students’ knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes to those of competent professional chemical engineers.
• To impart a knowledge of chemical engineering principles through the underlying mathematics, science and associated technologies.
• To develop the ability to reason critically, collect, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data, gather and use information, apply concepts and methodologies.
• To develop skills, especially in (a) drawing rational conclusions from experimental investigations, (b) information technology, including the use of calculation and design packages, computer graphics and word processing, and (c) communication, both oral and written.
• To deepen understanding of process principles through problem solving, projects and assignments, particularly process design exercises.
• To encourage professional attitudes through the study of the human, environmental and economic implications of technology, through team work, and through working with established professionals.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

• Accreditation of Chemical Engineeering Degrees: A guide for university departments and assessors, IChemE

• UK-SPEC

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate threshold to good (as defined in the QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering) knowledge and understanding of: 

1. Mathematics, science and engineering principles (including IT) relevant to the Process Industries.
2. Economic evaluation principles relevant to engineering and engineers.
3. The essential concepts, principles and theories in subjects of the student's own choice.
4. The role of the engineer in society and as a team player, and the constraints within which their engineering judgement will be exercised.
5. The professional and ethical responsibilities of engineers.
6. The international role of the engineer and the impact of engineering solutions in a global context.
7. The principles of process selection and design.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

8. Demonstrate competence in identifying, defining and solving engineering problems using mathematical and modelling techniques with due cognisance of science and engineering principles.

9. Show competence in the selection and design of process engineering systems and processes.

10. Recognise how to ensure safe operation of apparatus and plant.

11. Evaluate and integrate information and processes through individual and team project work.

12. Show an ability to plan an experiment (or project), analyse and interpret data recorded in the laboratory and on processes.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

13. Use laboratory and pilot equipment competently and safely.

14. Observe and record data in the laboratory and on processes.

15. Use computer packages appropriate to process engineering and utilise them to good effect in project, laboratory and design work.

16. Prepare technical reports, technical research papers and reviews. Research the material(s) required to produce these.

17. Give technical presentations, with IT multimedia whenever possible.

18. Understand technical drawings. Prepare block, flow, piping and instrumentation, and mechanical drawings.

19. Apply knowledge and skills in a professional environment through projects and training in industry (DIS students only).

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

20. Communicate effectively using written, oral, graphical and presentational skills – sorting data in an appropriate manner.

21. Use IT effectively (e.g. process simulator, word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, CAD, email, www and specialist software).

22. Use mathematical skills appropriate to an engineer.

23. Work independently.

24. Work in a team environment.

25. Manage workloads and time effectively.

26. Work with limited or contradictory information.

4. Programme structure

4.1       PART A - Introductory Modules

            (i)  Compulsory modules - total modular weight 110

             (ii)  Optional Modules - total modular weight 10

One from

4.2       PART B - Degree Modules

            (i)  Compulsory modules - total modular weight 110

             (ii)  Optional Modules - total modular weight 10

One from

4.3         PART I – Optional Placement Year

One from

4.4       PART C - Degree Modules

            (i)  Compulsory modules - total modular weight 110 

             (ii)  Optional Modules - total modular weight 10      

One from                              

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

Provision will be made for candidates who have the right of reassessment in Parts A, B and C of the programme to undergo reassessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

The candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level module assessments in Parts B and C in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 30 : Part C 70 to determine the final degree classification.