Chemical and Environmental Technology (Process Engineering Option)

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of safety in laboratory, plant and field environments. A basic introduction to the safe use of hand tools as well as procedures for simple repair or troubleshooting tasks related to maintenance of instruments and equipment is also included. Key topics include WHMIS practices; safe handling and storage of chemicals; electrical safety and lockout procedures; care and use of safety equipment. There will be an emphasis on the correct use of personal protective equipment. The safe use of small tools for tasks such as cutting, drilling, sheet bending, soldering, gluing, disassembly and assembly of small components will also be covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course introduces environmental science through contemporary and interrelated themes: human population growth and impacts on resources and the environment, sustainability of resource utilization and all of nature, human activities and the environment, the chemical cycles, environmental chemistry, and global perspectives and solutions to environmental issues. The course examines in detail the major air, water, sediment and soil contaminants including measurement techniques and control methods. Laboratory sessions cover sampling techniques and analytical methods now used by industry.
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 letters, memos, and routine email messages. They learn to write clear and concise sentences and paragraphs and to make documents easily accessible through headings, lists and white space. They learn how to avoid some common grammatical errors in their writing. They also learn to give an oral report based on library and online research on a new development in their technology. In addition, they learn how to prepare a resume and job application letter and fill out a job application form. Students also learn how to collaborate as part of a team to accomplish work related communication tasks.
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 course covers basic techniques required to communicate technical information in graphic form. It emphasizes the application of these techniques to actual engineering drawings. Students will be required to produce a number of drawings and draftsmanship will be of a secondary importance to the understanding of this form of communication. Orthographics, isometrics, sections, architectural and process piping are the principle topics.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This is the first of a pair of one-term algebra-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.

​Bioprocessing Fundamentals introduces students to the major groups of chemicals involved in microbiology, their structure and function within the living cell. Metabolism of complex organics into energy and by-products is covered, along with the mechanisms whereby energy is derived from substrates. The nature of enzymes, their structure and function in the context of cell metabolism is studied. Students will also select an applied process involving microbiology and prepare a project report on the topic. The theoretical portion of this course is accompanied by laboratory sessions in which practical applications of basic principles are explored; for example, tests for important chemicals, enzyme activity and demonstrations of cell respiration.
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 is intended to introduce the first year students to the discipline of chemical engineering technology and the principles upon which it is based. It also prepares students for second year courses which will revisit chemical and biochemical engineering technology in greater depth. It covers the whole field of chemical engineering at a very introductory level and teaches students how to analyze and solve engineering problems.
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 by using methods such as moisture and ashing, gravimetric separations and analysis, volumetric separation and analysis, acid-base, redox and complexometric determinations, ion exchange separation and analysis, spectrophotometric analysis, and various solvent extractions.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 1121

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

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.

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 algebra-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

The course is intended to give students an overview of bioprocessing and how it is related to biotechnology. The course will describe 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):

• CENV 2200 and CENV 2248

Surveys suitable methods of examining many types of water, waste water and materials related to control of water quality. Typical industrial pollution problems related to local industry are discussed during laboratory periods and special attention is given to proper sampling techniques. A selection is made from the following analysis of field samples: cyanide, pesticides, arsenic, mercury, nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate, organic), oxygen (D.O., B.O.D., C.O.D.), surfactants, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, proteins, carbohydrates, lignins, phenols and heavy metals.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 1119

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

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 laboratory sessions illustrating the kraft pulping process, papermaking and the conversion of cellulose to ethanol.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 2248 and CHEM 2409

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 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

In this course the student works with computer simulations of chemical processes to develop an understanding of the impact of manipulating process variables on the products from the process. Through tutorials, the student learns how to use a dynamic process simulator to draw process flowsheets, specify process variables, create control loops and run process simulations. The student builds models of specific unit operations found in the chemical processing industries and from these, constructs models of process streams found in the pulp and paper mill and oil refinery. Using the dynamic simulator the student runs the models, tunes the control loops and investigates the impact of changing process variables and conditions. The student is challenged to interpret the results using their understanding of chemical processes gained in previous courses. The students are required to review the relevant processes prior to creating each simulation.
Prerequisite(s):

• CENV 3341 and CENV 3346 and ELEX 2830

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 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

In this course, students will be introduced to common industrial processes involving the use of water. Initially, the properties of water that are important in its utilization will be covered. The natural water cycle, with implications for surface waters, ground waters, and naturally occurring contaminants, will be examined. The role of water from treatment to final utilization will be dealt with for such items as water-cooling towers, industrial boilers, steam turbines, potable water supply, and wastewater treatment. The kinetics of microbial growth in secondary treatment plants will be studied. The range of advanced wastewater treatment will be examined in terms of their objectives and technology applied. Treatment and disposal of solid wastes generated as a consequence of treating wastewater will be studied. Throughout the course, common physical and chemical principles will be emphasized. The study of various physical assets at BCIT will illustrate the broad scope of industrial applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is a continuation of CENV 3341, Chemical Engineering Technology 1, and deals with the chemical engineering topics of psychrometry, heat transfer, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, gas absorption and evaporation.
Prerequisite(s):

• 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)

Solve elementary differential equations involving separation of variables and first and second order equations with constant coefficients. Determine solutions by numerical methods and perform system modeling with applications to mixing and dilution, heat and pressure changes. Use of computer software to solve relevant chemical sciences applications using optimization (simplex), curve fitting, systems of linear equations, algebraic and transcendental equations and numerical integration.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 2416