Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Low Carbon Chemical and Energy Processes
School	Chemical Engineering
Department	Chemical Engineering
Module Code	04 40405
Module Lead	Prof Chenggong (Brian) Sun (c.sun.2@bham.ac.uk)
Level	Honours Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Tutorial-6 hours Guided independent study-70 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	The low-carbon transition of chemical and energy industry – either by modifying existing products or expanding their operations to include low-carbon technologies – are seen as crucial to achieving net zero targets, and this requires future engineers to be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to drive the transition and innovation. This module aims to (1) enable the students to gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a breadth of low-carbon chemical/energy process technologies and underlying low-carbon engineering principles and process chemistry and catalysis, and (2) develop students' key conceptual skills needed in assessing related sustainability, economic, societal and ethical aspects. Highlights of some thematic module topics include: Technology pathways for low carbon transitioning of chemical/energy industry Bio-refinery platforms for chemicals, sustainable energy and materials Green syngas platforms for speciality chemicals and advanced fuels Power-to-X processes (e-fuels, e-chemicals and their applications) CO2 utilisation as feedstock in chemical and energy industry Hydrogen and hydrogen carrier as fuel for low-carbon heat & power generation Lifecycle assessment of low-carbon chemicals/energy production Techno-, socio- and economic considerations
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Acquire core knowledge and understanding of a breadth of zero or low-carbon chemical and energy process technologies/concepts and underlying low-carbon engineering principles Have knowledge of process chemistry & catalysis in low carbon production Understand limits of low-carbon chemical/energy processes and of the potential of new and emerging technologies/concepts. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and critical awareness of developments at the forefront of low-carbon chemical/energy engineering Understand and be able to apply the principles of sustainability, economics and ethics for analysing the interaction of process, product and plant with the environment and minimising adverse impacts
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: This module is assessed by a combination of in-class test and formal exam Coursework (In-class test): 20% (1 hour) Written unseen exam: 80% (2 hours) Reassessment: 100% written unseen exam 2hrs (centrally timetabled)
Other
Reading List