C2.

1 Programme Aims and Objectives

C2.1.1 Introduction

Chemical engineering involves the systematic design, development and

operation of process systems for the extraction, transformation and recovery
of materials into useful commercial products for society. It is a key
engineering discipline, which combines knowledge of science and
mathematics and real world economic considerations. The scale of
operation varies from small to very large, and a principal feature of chemical
engineering is the translation of laboratory-scale research results to large-
scale commercial production. Chemical engineering is the discipline that
sustains and improves the Chemical Process Industries (CPI) and Allied
Industries which include among others manufacturing and related industries:
fertilizer, food and beverage processing, petroleum refining and
petrochemicals, ceramics, textiles, plastics and rubber, biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals, coal and mined mineral ore processing, acid plants, water
and wastewater and sewerage treatment works, air pollution control
technology, research and consultancy.

C2.1.2 Rationale

The CPI and Allied Industries covering all manufacturing operations are of
strategic importance to the sustainable economic and social development
of a nation. The CPI and Allied Industries develop and monitor fundamental
chemical processes used to transform raw materials into useful commercial
products for society. However, the fully balanced national development is
only possible with the effective and efficient functioning of the CPI and Allied
industries.
The main motivation for developing the Bachelor of Engineering degree in
Chemical Engineering Learning Programme is to attend to the shortage and
Process Engineering skills gap at the high management (Engineers) level in
CPI and Allied industries in Zambia. The further basis of the Learning
Programme (LP) is to enhance the attractiveness to employers of highly
capable Chemical Engineers. The LP makes alumni highly appealing to
industry, government, non-governmental organization, financial institutions
and academia.
The curriculum review process of the Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical
Engineering LP will be undertaken every ten (10) years and implemented
after diligent consideration of recommendations from Stakeholders’ Needs
Assessment
 C2.1.3 Aims of the programme

The aim of the Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering LP is to

develop graduates who will work as Process Engineers equipped with
appropriate skills, abilities and competences that include knowledge and
application of basic sciences and engineering, supporting production and
process related parameters, communication, technical investigations
(process/equipment operation and trouble shooting), analytical and
problem solving, quality control, instrumentation and process control, plant
optimization and modification, project and process design, safety and
environment, regulatory and standard requirements, personal and team
management, and work planning which are significant to the efficient
operation and management of CPI and Allied Industries. The LP also aims to
innovate educational programmes and fundamental and applied research
that will attract a diverse population of excellent students, and contribute
highly skilled graduates to industry, government and academia.

C2.1.4 Learning Programme Objectives

The Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering Learning

Programme objectives are to:

1. Provide students with technical skills in Chemical Engineering that will

enable them to (a) Translate fundamental discoveries in chemical
processes, materials and other technology areas to commercial
exploitation, and
(b) Adapt readily to the challenges presented in a diverse range of
industrial sectors that can benefit from process engineering
approaches;
2. Provide students with professional understanding and appreciation of
ethical behaviour, social responsibility and diversity both as an
individual and in a team environment.
3. Provide training in research, such that students are able to define,
organize and undertake research projects within a specified period of
time and to report it in an acceptable manner.

C2.2 Curriculum

C2.2.1 Learning Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering degree

in Chemical Engineering LP will be able to:

(a) Apply the engineering concept of mass and energy

balances, engineering and chemical thermodynamics, heat
and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics that underlie the
 operation of engineering process/equipment
(b) Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret experimental data for solution of engineering
problems
(c) Design a project or process to meet desired needs within
realistic constraints such as safety, manufacturability, and
sustainability
(d) Perform plant optimization and modification
(e) Demonstrate commercial and business awareness
(f) Apply basic resource and project management principles
(g) Work on multi-disciplinary teams
(h) Demonstrate personal and team management
(i) Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
(j) Apply professional and ethical responsibility
(k) Communicate effectively
(l) Evaluate the economic and environmental impacts on
society of engineering solutions at global, regional, national
and local context
(m) Evaluate the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long
learning
(n) Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues
(o) Apply the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools
necessary for engineering practice in providing practical
solutions to industries and society problems.

C2.2.2 Level of Qualification and Articulation in the Zambia Qualifications

Framework

ZQF level: 7

At this level, it is expected that the graduate shall:

(a) Have knowledge and critical understanding of well-established

chemical engineering principles of and emerging issues in chemical
engineering, and of the way in which those principles have
developed.
(b) Develop the ability to apply underlying chemical engineering
concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first
studied, including, where appropriate, the application of these
principles in varied contexts.
(c) Possess systematic, extensive and comparative knowledge and
understanding of chemical engineering as a whole and its links to
related subject(s).
(d) Have knowledge of the main areas of enquiry in chemical
engineering and ability to critically evaluate the appropriateness of
 different approaches to solving technical problems.
(e) Understand the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences
analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.
(f) Apply a range of established chemical process techniques to
initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to
propose solutions to problems in the field of Chemical Engineering.
(g) Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis, in a
variety of forms, to various audiences.
(h) Present information and transfer knowledge, skills and values to
others through delegation and practice.
(i) Acquire skills needed to study further with a high level of autonomy.
(j) Systematically establish and address personal learning needs.
(k) Develop existing skills and acquire new competencies to enable
assumption of significant responsibility within the organizations.
(l) Exercise personal responsibility, initiative and decision-making in
complex and unpredictable contexts.
(m) Autonomy of well-developed judgment, adaptability and
responsibility as a Chemical Engineer practitioner.