Chemical and Environmental Engineering Technology

​This course introduces students to essential computer software used in chemical and environmental engineering. Students will learn to use Excel, MATLAB, and Statgraphics (or alternative software) to analyze data, solve problems, and create professional reports and presentations. The course emphasizes practical skills for managing data, creating graphs, performing basic programming, and conducting engineering calculations. Additionally, DWSIM will be used for performing mass and energy balances, while Simulink will be introduced for modeling and simulation of engineering processes.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course will introduce students to environmental science as an interdisciplinary field connecting information and ideas from all fields of science: chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, physics, politics, ethics, philosophy and economics. It includes the study of earth, air, water and living environments, and the effects of technology (humans) upon them. Sustainability will be introduced and discussed in relation to population growth, resource use, nutrient cycling and pollution of the natural world. The course examines in detail the major air, water, sediment and soil contaminants including measurement techniques and control methods. Adaption and mitigation strategies for global climate change will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This hands-on laboratory course teaches a range of chemical laboratory techniques that a lab analyst must master in order to carry out chemical analyses with accuracy and precision. The student will learn the proper laboratory techniques to calibrate and use glassware and dispensers. The student will learn the different weighing methods and proper weighing techniques. The student will learn proper techniques associated with gravity filtration, preparation of a standard solution and carrying out a titration. Through practice of these techniques, the student will develop skills to master these techniques when carrying out chemical analysis of natural samples using spectrophotometric analysis. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

A review will deal with physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, measurements and units, significant figures, stoichiometry, classification of reactions, balancing reactions, calculating limiting reagents and percent yield. The course focuses on the topics of gases, atoms and light, atomic energies, periodic properties, electron configurations, bonding, intermolecular forces, introduction to organic chemistry and special topics. The course topics will be tied in to industrial applications and chemistry used in everyday life. The labs will allow students to develop lab techniques and apply theory.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​Students learn how to write routine emails and letters. They also learn to write job application letters, resumes, and simple technical instructions. They learn how to write clear and concise sentences and paragraphs, organize information, and make documents accessible through headings, lists, and white space. In addition, they learn to give short, informative presentations on a topic in their field. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Graphical linear programming with applications from chemical sciences and industry, exponential/logarithmic theory and transformations, common and natural logarithms, logarithmic and semilogarithmic graphs with application to growth and decay functions, exponential and logarithmic equations with various applications from chemical engineering, trigonometric functions of any angle, vectors, solution of triangles, graphs of trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations with applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This is the first of a pair of one-term calculas-based physics courses designed to acquaint the student with fundamental concepts in physics relating to chemical and environmental technology. PHYS 1181 deals mostly with concepts in classical mechanics, such as linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, energy and power, wave motion and fluid statics and dynamics. The laboratory component which accompanies the lectures is designed to illustrate specific scientific concepts as well as teach proper laboratory technique and methods of data acquisition and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces the mechanical properties of materials and examines the effect of processing on the microstructure and properties of metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics and biomaterials, including paper. These concepts are applied to the classification and selection of materials for practical uses. Heat-treatment procedures and other processing variables allow for properties to be tailored to specific applications but trade-offs are often required. The concept of life cycle analysis is applied to assess the environmental effects of material and production choices, including recycling of materials. Chemical bonding, crystal structures, phase transformations, deformation and fracture mechanisms in materials are discussed. Key relationships between material processing, properties and applications of materials are emphasized. Common causes and prevention of service failures are studied, including overloading, fatigue, embrittlement and corrosion. Laboratory sessions focus on the development of practical technological skills and knowledge in mechanical testing, material processing, non-destructive evaluation, sample preparation, microscopy and interpretation of microstructures.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121 and CENV 1101

The course will introduce students to the discipline of chemical engineering technology and the principles upon which it is based. Terminology used is given. Process flowsheets and their significance are discussed. Mass & energy balances are introduced. Major operations in chemical engineering are visited to prepare students for the second-year courses. These operations are based upon transport phenomena; momentum transport (fluid flow), energy transport (heat transfer), and mass transport/transfer (separation processes).​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course introduces students to air pollution and common control technologies. Students will be introduced to air pollution meteorology and the sources and health effects of primary and secondary air pollutants such as NOx, ozone, and particulate matter. The formation, dispersion and destruction of atmospheric pollutants in relation to meteorological conditions will be discussed. The principles of operation and application of various air pollution control technologies will be evaluated using real world examples. Current measurement techniques and regulatory requirements will be reviewed. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 1119

​ This course gives a comprehensive overview of the process of environmental sampling and analysis. Students will learn how to plan sampling protocols, how to ensure sample representativeness and reliability, together with the appropriate techniques to sample and preserve samples of air, water, wastewater and soil. Students will be introduced to the importance of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), with respect to good laboratory practice (GLP). During laboratory sessions, students will practice sampling techniques at industrial, commercial and residential sites. These samples will then be subject to a range of analysis techniques focusing on detection of common pollutants including heavy metals, nutrients, pesticides and organic compounds. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course will explore the fundamental principles of water and wastewater treatment, examining the methods used to remove contaminants from raw water sources, making it safe for drinking and other domestic uses. Students will be introduced to water quality parameters, different physical, chemical and biological treatment processes including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and their applications depending on water source characteristics​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 1119

This course covers the classification, structure and bonding of organic compounds, naming using IUPAC, common and trade names of many industrial chemicals, factors affecting boiling point and solubility, and theory of extractions. Stereochemistry, the preparations and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, aromatic compounds and alcohols, and structure determination using IR and NMR spectroscopy will also be examined. Laboratory exercises include the isolation and identification of natural products, qualitative tests for the identification of functional groups, preparation of samples for infrared analysis, and qualitative analysis by gas chromatography.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121

Differential calculus with emphasis on rates of change in problems concerning chemical and environmental technology. Applied maxima and minima problems. Indefinite integrals. The definite integral as a tool to find area under a curve and mean values.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 1412

This is the second of a pair of one-term calculus-based physics courses designed to acquaint the student with fundamental concepts in physics relating to chemical and environmental technology. PHYS 2181 deals with concepts in thermal physics, electromagnetism and waves. The laboratory component which accompanies the lectures is designed to illustrate specific scientific concepts as well as teach proper laboratory technique and methods of data acquisition and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• PHYS 1181

​This course consists of a 12-week full time co-operative placement at participating companies which will provide students with the opportunity to work in industries related to chemical and environmental engineering technology. Potential industries include assaying, laboratory analysis, chemical processing, environmental consulting and testing, material sciences, metallurgy, mineral processing, research and development, technical sales and waste treatment. Placements will be awarded based on availability and student academic standing. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course is designed as an introduction to CENV 4400 Applied Research Project. Students will select their research projects through discussion with faculty and develop a project plan. Students will form teams and assign team roles and responsibilities in a team charter. Students will have the opportunity to identify the required materials e.g. chemicals and equipment and will be encouraged to place orders for any materials they may need. Students will prepare a project plan including scope and objectives. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​The course is intended to give students an overview of bioprocessing and how it is related to biotechnology. A brief overview of relevant bioprocessing fundamentals will be given, including the role of enzymes and enzyme kinetics in governing reactions. The course will describe the application of chemical engineering principles to biological systems. Examples of bioprocessing in the fields of alternative energy systems, environmental engineering, fermentation and medicine will be introduced.​​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 2205

This course introduces methods for the determination of a wide variety of elements in ores, concentrates, and industrial process streams. Both theoretical and practical aspects of chemical techniques are covered in several components: sampling, basic statistics, quality assurance & quality control, classical analysis and fire assaying.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1101 and CHEM 1121 and CHEM 2204

Through a combination of lectures, problem-solving tutorials, and practical laboratory sessions, the course introduces incompressible fluid pumping and flow measurement requirements in piping systems. Thermodynamic principles are used to solve practical and theoretical problems in steam/water system, gas compression and expansion. Multistage gas compression is also introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 2248

The course teaches students to apply laws of thermodynamics and the principles of chemical kinetics used to predict the feasibility of chemical reactions and processes. Presents the first and second laws of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, catalysis and kinetic theory of gases. Lab work consolidates lecture material and gives experience in practical physicochemical measurements.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 2204

This is an orientation course for the Process Engineering option of the Chemical and Environmental Technology program. The course will cover the principles and practices of automatic control systems with emphasis on process measurements. The student will learn the terminology and symbology necessary to communicate with engineers and technologists specializing in this field. Operation and application of common measurement systems for pressure, strain, level and temperature are described in detail. The principles of negative feedback and closed loop control are developed and the basic control strategies of On/Off, proportional, integral and derivative are introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course continues from CHEM 2409. The nomenclature, properties, preparations, and reactions of phenols, ethers, epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides will be examined. Organohalogens in the environment, mass spectrometry, lipids, amino acids and peptides, and carbohydrates will also be covered. Laboratory work includes the synthesis of organic compounds, isolation and purification techniques, and qualitative analysis using IR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, and GC/MS.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 2409

​In this course the student is introduced to the processes that are used to manufacture a wide range of products from renewable resources. The focus is on the processes used to convert wood into paper and chemicals. Chemical and mechanical pulping processes and production of printing papers, packaging materials and absorbent products will be examined. The concept of the "biorefinery" will be covered with emphasis on the range of chemical products that can be produced from renewable resources. The chemical products discussed will include fuels such as ethanol, polymers derived from cellulose such as rayon and CMC, lignin sulfonates and products from wood extractives including soaps, terpenes and phenols. The potential of replacing petroleum-based polymers and chemicals with those based on renewable resources will be discussed. The lectures will be supported by hands-on laboratory sessions and process simulations illustrating the kraft pulping, papermaking and the conversion of cellulose to ethanol.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 2205 and 50% in CHEM 2409

This course introduces the ASTTBC Code of Ethics & Practice Guidelines and will familiarize the student with the principles of professional conduct in the field of applied science technology. The course consists of mandatory seminars accompanied by on-line review and testing. This course is a requirement for graduation.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341
• CENV 4400^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

The course is an applied research project course where students, in consultation with the faculty advisor and industry sponsor when applicable, design, manage and execute an industrially significant research project involving both a research and laboratory component. The student group conducts a literature search, generates the program content, assigns duties to team members, and develops milestones, a timeline and budget. A project proposal is submitted and a class presentation is given which covers the project plans. The students manage the project through weekly team meetings, assessment of the progress towards milestones, consultations with their project advisor(s) and the development of progress reports. The results are presented in a final written technical report and oral presentation of the findings. Project planning, management and effective teamwork are emphasized throughout.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341
• COMM 2135^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

This course consists of two week full-time practicums at participating companies which will provide students with the opportunity to work in industries related to chemical and environmental technology. Potential industries include: assaying, laboratory analysis, chemical processing, environmental consulting and testing, material sciences, metallurgy, mineral processing, research and development, technical sales and waste treatment. In the unlikely event that a suitable industry placement cannot be made for a student, the student will be given the opportunity to undertake an equivalent assignment under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CENV 3341

​This course will provide students with an overview of the available and emerging technologies in the field of sustainable energy. Topics covered include: solar PV, hydro power, wind, energy storage, batteries, hydrogen, fuel cells, heat pumps and geothermal energy. Life cycle assessment will be used to evaluate various technologies and their environmental impact. Lecture sessions will be accompanied by hands-on laboratory sessions to enhance learning opportunities. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 3341

This course gives a general overview on instrumental analytical techniques and with a focus on their application for meeting analytical needs related to chemical engineering processes. Emphasis is placed on the selection of suitable instrumental techniques, optimization of analytical performance and resolution of analytical challenges pertaining to sample types from extractive metallurgy, pulp & paper processes, bio-processes, engineering materials testing, industrial chemical processing, environmental control and mining related processes. Both theoretical and practical principles involved in the operation of instruments are covered, which are reinforced through extensive hands-on experiments, in order for students to achieve competency in instrumental analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318

​The course covers separation processes commonly employed in chemical engineering. These are distillation, evaporation, liquid-liquid extraction and gas absorption. Basic concepts in chemical reaction engineering are also given​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in CENV 3341

This course teaches the communication skills students need to plan, manage, and complete their Term-4 project reports in Chemical and Environmental Technology. Students learn how to prepare a variety of project-related documents, including project proposals and work plans, progress reports, and written and oral final project reports. They also acquire the teamwork, meeting, and interpersonal communication skills they need to collaborate effectively on a team project. Students also write job application letters and resumes and practice job interviews.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1135
• CENV 4400^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

Descriptive statistics including measures of central tendency and dispersion, and graphical presentation of data using software, concepts of probability, parametric inferential statistics and regression, all with relevant real-data chemical and environmental applications. The rudiments of quality control including an introduction to statistical process control charts will be incorporated. The emphasis will be on interpretation including suitability of method of analysis
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces the theory and practice of mineral processing. Minerals and ores are defined along with mineral processing methods. Mass balancing methods, preparing and interpretation of mineral processing flowsheets are discussed. Particle size measurement methods, size distribution analysis, size reduction by crushing & grinding, comminution theory, sedimentation theory and applications, screening, classification and concentration by gravity methods, froth flotation and de-watering processes are introduced. Design of mineral processing circuits and design criteria for mills are also covered. Students will carry out laboratory work and produce reports in the above areas.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 2248

This course covers the principles and practice of modern instrumental methods of organic chemical analysis. Major topics include ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectroscopy; chromatography (gas, liquid and supercritical fluid) and electrophoresis. Hyphenated techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) will also be covered in detail. Extraction techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, headspace sampling, solid phase extraction and solid phase microextraction that are commonly used in instrumental organic analysis will be discussed. Specific emphasis will be given to the correct operation and troubleshooting of all instruments used in this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3318 and CHEM 3409