CHE3161 Chemistry and chemical thermodynamics
Faculty of Engineering
CHE3161 Chemistry and chemical thermodynamics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs CHE2164.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 5 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review CHE3161.
Requisites
Before CHE3161
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After CHE3161
No unit lists CHE3161 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
This unit covers thermodynamics from a chemical engineering viewpoint. Content will cover basic concepts and the use of: thermodynamic functions such as free energy, enthalpy, and entropy; estimation of properties of pure compounds and mixtures; description of solution thermodynamics and its applications, equilibrium phase diagrams and chemical reaction equilibria.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Homework assignmentsExerciseThreshold hurdle8%
- Quiz 1Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle6%
- Mid-semester testQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle30%
- Chemical reaction labWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Quiz 2Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle6%
- 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 mass, energy and entropy balances to flow processes.
- 2
Determine the properties of ideal and real mixtures based on thermodynamic principles.
- 3
Assess changes in the properties of gases, fluids and solids undergoing changes in temperature and volume.
- 4
Interpret the underlying principles of phase equilibrium in binary and multi-component systems.
- 5
Analyse the extent to which chemical reactions proceed, and determine the composition attained at equilibrium.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops48 hours
- Laboratories3 hours
- Practical activities20 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.
Learning resources
Technology resources
Aspen Plus
Where it fits
CHE3161 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Assoc Professor Timothy Scott
- Professor Wu Ta Yeong
- Chief Examiners
- Assoc Professor Timothy Scott
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHE3161?
You need CHE2164 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
When is CHE3161 offered?
In 2026, CHE3161 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is CHE3161?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does CHE3161 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHE3161?
CHE3161 is part of Chemical engineering and Environmental engineering.