Units / CHE2873
CHE2873 · Introduction to chemical processes
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit introduces the chemical processes that form the basis of the petrochemical and oleochemical industries. It gives you a flavour of how these chemical processes are developed by combining the knowledge of "chemistry" and "process". You will develop knowledge and skills in synthesising chemical processes through a mix of lectures, case studies and hands-on experience in operating a pilot plant.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Test 1: Oleochemical processing | Written | 15% | Competency |
| 2 | Test 2: Petrochemical processing | Written | 15% | — |
| 3 | Open-ended project: Proposal | Project | 20% | — |
| 4 | Open-ended project: Process design and operation competency review | Project | 10% | Competency |
| 5 | Open-ended project: Final report | Project | 25% | — |
| 6 | Open-ended project: Oral presentation | Presentation | 10% | — |
| 7 | Engagement | Project | 5% | — |
Continuous assessment: 100% Assessment in this unit includes competency hurdle assessment tasks. The consequence of not achieving a competency hurdle is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the major chemical processes in the petrochemical and oleochemical industry.
- Synthesise chemical processes by taking into consideration product quality, process safety, process economics, and sustainability.
- Address an open-ended problem by designing a solution and validate the solution using lab-scale equipment.
- Function effectively as an individual and as a team member, and demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics and norms of engineering practice.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Applied sessions | 24 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Laboratories | 8 hours |
Ask about CHE2873
Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.
Community discussions about CHE2873
CommunityStudent experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.