Spring 2010

January 11, 2010 - May 7, 2010
3 Semester Credit Hours

Click here for the academic calendar

Carl Lira
Department of Chemical Engineering
2527 Engineering Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
(517) 355-9731 FAX (517) 432-1105 E-mail: lira@egr.msu.edu

Math through integral calculus, physics, physical chemistry. Multivariable calculus is not required, but is helpful. Another engineering thermodynamics course can substitute for physical chemistry. Organic chemistry is recommended to help with nomenclature of molecules.

Click for an overview of calculus used in ChE804 (pdf format).

Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, R. M. Felder, R. W. Rousseau, Wiley, 2005 version of 3rd edition, ISBN-10: 047168757X or ISBN-13: 978-0471687573, or 2000 3rd ed. ISBN 0471534781.(The only difference between the 2000 and 2005 version of the printed text is fixed typos and margin notes to indicate where the accompanying CD has related material.) The available workbook is not used in the course.
Introductory Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, J. R. Elliott, C. T. Lira, Prentice-Hall, 1999, ISBN 0130113867;
Chemical Reaction Engineering, O. Levenspiel, 3rd., Wiley, 1999, ISBN 047125424X

To provide chemical engineering training for students whose backgrounds do not include a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. To develop competence to analyze and design chemical engineering systems based on principles of thermodynamics and kinetics.

ChE804 is part of a two-course sequence designed to teach chemical engineering principles to non-chemical engineers or to assist practicing chemical engineers to review fundamentals. The other course is ChE805, Foundations of Chemical Engineering II.  The order in which these courses are taken is not important.  The sequence is intended for continuing education, as well as for students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering.

Principles of Chemical Engineering. Mass and energy balances in batch, continuous, and open systems. Process thermodynamics. Cryogenics. Properties of substances and mixtures. Phase equilibria. Chemical reaction equilibria. Chemical reactor kinetics. Process design orientation.

General: The course is through a 15 week semester. A course calendar is followed.

Homework: Daily assignments are given. Homework is collected approximately weekly.

Examinations: Biweekly quizzes. In addition, one final exam.

Percentage of grade in parentheses
CREDIT STUDENTS: All homework(20%), quizzes(55%), and final exam(25%) required.
AUDIT STUDENTS: Attend only, access to homework solutions at all times, no homework, quizzes, or final exam collected or graded.
CONTINUING ED CERTIFICATE STUDENTS (non-credit): No homework collected, access to homework solutions at all times. Quizzes(67%) and final exam(33%) required. Performance criteria must be met for certificate. Contact the instructor for details of performance criteria.

Computer Facilities: Requires MS-Excel 7.0 or greater. Requirements for the Internet are listed on the course setup page.

Topical Outline and Lesson List: This link provides a detailed listing of the course lessons.

Sample Calendar: This link provides an example of the course calandar and the book sections covered.

Example Lesson: This link provides an example lesson, so that you can see how the lecture notes are downloaded, and how the lecture is provided. You can also watch the lecture at a time when you are likely to view the lectures to be sure your internet connection and computer are suitable.

Introductory Movie: This introductory movie gives you some perspective on the course content and how it fits into the "normal" chemical engineering curriculum.

Part A, (7min:36sec) (requiring Quick Time, Free Version), provides on overview of the types of material that will be covered in the course and how to use the course outline and course calendar. Some perspective is also provided on the topics covered in Foundations of Chemical Engineering II and how this course will prepare you.

Part B (17min:35sec) (requiring FlashPlayer, Free Version) provides an overview of the course policy, and an introduction to the course website.  

If you encounter problems viewing, check the troubleshooting page.

Additional Information: This link provides information on the course philosophy, methods to enroll in the course, and the costs.