CHE2162 Material and energy balances
Faculty of Engineering
CHE2162 Material and energy balances is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ENG1012 or ENG1002 and unlocks 4 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CHE2162
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After CHE2162
4 units list CHE2162 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit introduces the fundamentals of material and energy balances through a structured exploration of chemical process systems. Topics include steady-state and transient processes, single- and multiple-unit operations, reactive and non-reactive processes, recycle and bypass operations, extent of reaction, equations of state, vapour–liquid and solid–liquid phase equilibria, and internal energy and enthalpy changes associated with variations in temperature, pressure, phase, reaction, and chemical composition. Computer-aided process simulation is incorporated to support the analysis of material and energy balances for more complex chemical processes.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- AssignmentsWrittenThreshold hurdle33%
- Lab reportWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- QuizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Practical engagementExerciseThreshold hurdle7%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply the basic concepts of conservation of mass and energy, including phase equilibrium, reaction equilibrium and non-ideal gas behaviour to mass and energy balances.
- 2
Apply the concepts of unit operations to combine them into a block flow diagram and process flow diagram of a chemical process.
- 3
Interpret physical property charts and diagrams to solve problems based on phase equilibrium, refrigeration and heat pump cycles.
- 4
Analyse the mass and energy balances of any chemical process, for both steady and unsteady state situations.
- 5
Simulate processes using a process simulation software to analyse the mass and energy balance of complex chemical processes and report the results in a technical report.
- 6
Interpret experimental measurements of mass, energy and chemical composition and report the results in a lab report.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Workshops48 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
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.
This unit is delivered through a combination of recorded pre-workshop videos, workshop classes, computer laboratory sessions, and wet/digital laboratory sessions. Learning occurs primarily through active and collaborative learning activities incorporated into workshops, computer laboratory sessions, weekly quizzes, assignments, laboratory assessments, and a final assessment.
Prior to each workshop, you are expected to watch the recorded pre-workshop videos, complete recommended readings, and complete an online quiz. These pre-workshop activities introduce key concepts and provide foundational knowledge required for effective participation in the workshops.
Workshops are designed to promote active learning through group work, problem-solving activities, critical thinking exercises, and peer discussion. Computer‑based process simulation using Aspen Plus is integrated into the unit to reinforce concepts and enable you to analyse more complex material and energy balance problems. Group assignments provide you with opportunities to further develop teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Laboratory assessments provide opportunities for you to apply material and energy balance principles by analysing and interpreting process data, thereby supporting the development of practical problem‑solving and engineering judgement skills.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Basic Principles & Calculations in Chemical Engineering 8th Edition
Himmelblau D & Riggs J
Technology resources
Access to a web-connected device to access MoVE in order to use Aspen Plus, especially during computer labs and assignment work. Also required to access Moodle for unit information, reference material etc.
Where it fits
CHE2162 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Wail Gourich
- Professor Akshat Tanksale
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Akshat Tanksale
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHE2162?
You need ENG1012 or ENG1002 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after CHE2162?
CHE2162 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including CHE3163, CHE3165, CHE4170 and CHE4173.
When is CHE2162 offered?
In 2026, CHE2162 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is CHE2162?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does CHE2162 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHE2162?
CHE2162 is part of Chemical engineering.