Explore UCD

UCD Home >

CHEN20080

Academic Year 2025/2026

Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory 1 (CHEN20080)

Subject:
Chemical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Chem & Bioprocess Engineering
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Roderick Jones
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This laboratory and project-based module will introduce students to safety, instrumentation, laboratory techniques and data analysis principles which are of importance in the chemical, bioprocess and allied industries. It will develop students' knowledge and understanding of these topics, their analytical abilities and problem-solving methodologies, and initiate the development of skills in technical reporting, communication and effective team-work. This module is designed to complement the accompanying lecture-based module, CHEN20020 (Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Measurement). Emphasis will be placed on the development of a practical and informed appreciation of safety, health and environmental issues of working in a laboratory and industrial environment through conducting experimentation and testing in the laboratory, projects along with the completion of selected online AIChE SACHE safety certificates.

A alternative numeric scale (40% pass linear) mark-to-grade conversion system is used in this module for grades (i.e. C-: 55.00-59.99; C: 60.00-64.99; C+: 65.00-69.99; B-: 70.00-74.99; B: 75.00-79.99; B+: 80.00-84.99; A-: 85.00-89.99; A: 90.00-94.99; A+:95.00-100.00).
For the group-based activity, there will be both peer assessment and assessment by the Module Coordinator/unit lecturer.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Apply key laboratory and process techniques important in the chemical, bioprocess and allied industries (The techniques, equipment and process principles encountered through these laboratories are designed to support and stimulate student learning in related, lecture-based modules, including CHEN20020, CHEN20030, and CHEN20060).
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of good laboratory practice, particularly with regard to safety, health and the environment.
3. Work effectively, with an assigned partner, in undertaking Chemical/Bioprocess Engineering experiments.
4. Analyse experimental data, critically evaluate experimental results and understand data science, analytics and the ethical usage of technology and data. Compare obtained results with expected results and effectively communicate the results in written reports.
5. Read, construct and explain to others simple Process Flow Diagrams (PFD) and Process/Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
6. Work as a member of a team in designing, constructing, testing, evaluating and reporting on a simple piece of process equipment.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

79

Lectures

16

Computer Aided Lab

30

Laboratories

64

Online Learning

12

Total

201


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this course student learn through carry out experimentation and investigation using simple process equipment and laboratory apparatus. Students can also apply what they have learned to design, test and evaluate Process equipment in a group environment.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
CHEN20040 - Chem & Bioproc Eng Lab 1


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Practical Skills Assessment: Students will be required to complete 6 individual laboratory reports, based on experiments completed through the trimester. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No
Group Work Assignment: A problem based learning exercise-where students work to solve process engineering challenges together. Assessment will consist of two group reports (10%) and an individual interview (15%) Week 6, Week 12, Week 14 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
35
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Completion of SACHE safety certificates - three online safety courses awarding of relevant safety certificate and data/problem solving exercise based upon computer labs completed in class and at home Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
5
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided to each student after the assessment of each of the individual Lab reports or PBL submissions online and in person (if needed for reports). Feedback will be available to the PBL groups during lab sessions

Name Role
Dr Roderick Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Eoin Syron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2 Tues 09:00 - 11:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 09:00 - 11:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Tues 14:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 14:00 - 16:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2 Wed 09:00 - 11:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 09:00 - 11:50