Course Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR

Prof. Kevin Whitty
kevin.whitty@utah.edu
Office hours:  Open door policy, or by appointment
Office:  MEB 3290

ASSISTANT

MEETING

Lecture MWF 9:40-10:30
Warnock Engineering Building (WEB) Room L102

TEXTBOOKS

Other reading material will be provided throughout the course.

PREREQUISITES

C or better in CH EN 3603 (mass transfer) and 3553 (chemical reaction engineering) 
and full major status in chemical engineering

GRADING

At the end of the semester, all student scores will be normalized to the highest student in the class. For example, if the top student received 93% of the total points available, then all students' scores will be divided by 0.93. Once normalized, grades will be distributed according to the following scale: 

The instructor reserves the right to lower the scale (thus improving student grades) and to reevaluate the scores of students who just miss a grade.  All grades are final and are not open to discussion.  As with all classes, the best way to ensure a good grade is to actively participate in class, learn the material, turn in homework on time, work hard on the project and study for the exams. 

HOMEWORK

There are nine homework assignments, each worth 4% of the overall class score. Homework assignments will be a combination of problems from the textbook, special problems, and design problems requiring Aspen, Promax or other process design software.

Homework must be submitted as a memo, including a cover page with key results identified, as though it were being submitted to a boss or division of a company. A portion of the homework score is based on professionalism in writing and presentation of solutions.

All homework is to be submitted through Canvas, uploaded as a single PDF file. Associated Excel, Aspen or Promax files should be uploaded as appropriate, named clearly and referred to in the main PDF document. However, the grader will base the grade on the PDF document. Homework must be uploaded and submitted by 11:59 PM on the day it is due. The policy for homework turned in late is as follows:

Students should be able to independently set up, solve, and explain solutions all problems. Students are encouraged to discuss with other students about how to approach and solve the homework problems and develop process models. Although collaboration is encouraged, each student must perform his/her own work and submit a unique, individual memo report. No points will be given to students whose assignment submissions mirror those of other students.

A homework discussion session will be held at 4:30 pm approximately two days before the assignment is due. Check the Canvas calendar for more information.

EXAMS

There will be three exams. Exams are closed book. Each student will be allowed to bring to the test a single 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper with notes written on both sides. To receive full credit for solutions to calculation problems, students must explain the approach used, state assumptions and show all work. The instructor reserves the right to fail a student that does not receive at least 50% of the maximum possible score on every test.

Make-up exams are given only in very exceptional circumstances. If a student is not able to be present during exam time, arrangements will be made for the student to take test at the University Testing Center. The Testing Center charges students a nominal fee for this service.

COURSE
DESCRIPTION

Process design and engineering, including process synthesis, mathematical modeling of process equipment units, system calculation strategy, economic evaluation and optimization, process simulation.

OTHER
SUGGESTED
MATERIALS

Although not required for this course, the following books are very useful and would be a good investment for any engineer: 

Taylor, J.R. An Introduction to Error Analysis. The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements, 2^nd ed.; University Science Books: Sausalito, CA, 1997.  ISBN 0-935702-42-3.  (About $45 on Amazon.Com)

The ACS Style Guide.  Effective Communication of Scientific Information; Coghill, A.M., Garson, L.R., Eds.; Oxford University Press: New York, NY, 2006.
ISBN 0-8412-3999-1.  (About $45 on Amazon.Com) 

ADA STATEMENT

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. 

ACADEMIC
MISCONDUCT

All instances of academic misconduct will be handled in accordance with the Student Code (http://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-400.php). 

ADDRESSING
SEXUAL
MISCONDUCT

Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) is a Civil Rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status or genetic information. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 135 Park Building, 801-581-8365, or the Office of the Dean of Students, 270 Union Building, 801-581-7066. For support and confidential consultation, contact the Center for Student Wellness, 426 SSB, 801-581-7776. To report to the police, contact the Department of Public Safety, 801-585-2677(COPS). 

ACCOMMODATIONS
POLICY

Some of the writings, lectures or presentations in this course may include material that conflicts with the core beliefs of individuals. Please review this syllabus carefully to see if this course is one that you are committed to taking. If you have a concern, please discuss it with the instructor at your earliest convenience. 

ACADEMIC
POLICIES
AND DEADLINES

Academic policies and guidelines from the College of Engineering, which include information about withdrawal procedures, are available online at the College of Engineering Academic Affairs web page.