Level 1 Award in Basics of Chemical Engineering
Level 1 Award in Basics of Chemical Engineering
- Foundational Knowledge: Gain a strong understanding of the basics of chemical engineering, preparing you for further studies in the field.
- Practical Application: Learn how basic chemical engineering concepts are applied in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, energy, petrochemicals, and food processing.
- Career Pathways: This qualification opens doors to entry-level roles in chemical engineering and related industries, setting a pathway for professional growth.
- Industry Relevance: Develop knowledge of core chemical engineering concepts that are crucial for working in chemical and process-based industries.
- Accessible Learning: Tailored for beginners, this qualification provides an accessible entry point into the world of chemical engineering.
- Understand the basic principles of chemical engineering and its role in industrial processes.
- Be familiar with the engineering terminology used in the field of chemical engineering.
- Gain insight into fundamental concepts such as material balances, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
- Understand the application of basic chemical engineering principles in real-world scenarios, including manufacturing processes and energy systems.
- Develop an awareness of safety protocols and ethical considerations within the chemical engineering industry.
- Be prepared for further study or entry-level roles in chemical and process industries.
- Introduction to Chemical Engineering
- Overview of chemical engineering and its role in industrial processes.
- Key concepts: unit operations, unit processes, and chemical reactions.
- The history and development of chemical engineering as a discipline.
- The role of chemical engineers in society, from designing processes to improving efficiency and sustainability.
- Basic Chemical Engineering Principles
- Material Balances: Introduction to mass balance calculations in chemical processes.
- Basic principles of energy balance and thermodynamics in chemical systems.
- Introduction to the concept of process flow diagrams (PFDs).
- Understanding reaction kinetics and their application in chemical processes.
- Fluid Mechanics in Chemical Engineering
- Basic principles of fluid flow, including fluid properties (viscosity, density, pressure).
- Types of flow: laminar flow, turbulent flow, and transitional flow.
- Pumps, valves, and piping systems used in chemical engineering processes.
- Application of fluid dynamics in process systems such as heat exchangers and distillation columns.
- Introduction to Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering
- Fundamental thermodynamic concepts such as energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy.
- The first and second laws of thermodynamics and their application in chemical processes.
- Basic thermodynamic cycles used in chemical engineering (e.g., Rankine cycle, Carnot cycle).
- Thermodynamic charts and tables for process calculations.
- Process Control and Safety Basics
- Introduction to process control systems and their role in chemical engineering.
- Overview of control loops, feedback, and PID controllers.
- Basic principles of process safety and the importance of hazard analysis.
- Understanding safety data sheets (SDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Environmental and Ethical Considerations
- Introduction to sustainability and the environmental impact of chemical processes.
- Basic concepts in waste management, pollution control, and energy efficiency.
- Ethical considerations in the chemical engineering industry, including corporate responsibility and public health.
- Junior Chemical Engineer
- Process Technician
- Production Assistant
- Quality Control Technician
- Laboratory Assistant
- Research and Development Assistant
- Chemical Plant Operator
- Industrial Engineer (Entry-Level)
- Beginner-Friendly: The course is designed for those with little or no prior experience in chemical engineering, making it an ideal entry-level qualification.
- Expert-Led Learning: Learn from experienced professionals with a background in the chemical engineering industry.
- Real-World Relevance: Apply fundamental principles to practical scenarios in the chemical, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries.
- Career-Focused: Provides the foundational knowledge needed for entry-level roles in the field or further specialized study.
- Global Recognition: The award is recognized by employers in the chemical engineering and process industries, providing a solid platform for career advancement.
Study Units
- Introduction to Chemical Engineering
- Overview of chemical engineering and its role in industrial processes.
- Key concepts: unit operations, unit processes, and chemical reactions.
- The history and development of chemical engineering as a discipline.
- The role of chemical engineers in society, from designing processes to improving efficiency and sustainability.
- Basic Chemical Engineering Principles
- Material Balances: Introduction to mass balance calculations in chemical processes.
- Basic principles of energy balance and thermodynamics in chemical systems.
- Introduction to the concept of process flow diagrams (PFDs).
- Understanding reaction kinetics and their application in chemical processes.
- Fluid Mechanics in Chemical Engineering
- Basic principles of fluid flow, including fluid properties (viscosity, density, pressure).
- Types of flow: laminar flow, turbulent flow, and transitional flow.
- Pumps, valves, and piping systems used in chemical engineering processes.
- Application of fluid dynamics in process systems such as heat exchangers and distillation columns.
- Introduction to Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering
- Fundamental thermodynamic concepts such as energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy.
- The first and second laws of thermodynamics and their application in chemical processes.
- Basic thermodynamic cycles used in chemical engineering (e.g., Rankine cycle, Carnot cycle).
- Thermodynamic charts and tables for process calculations.
- Process Control and Safety Basics
- Introduction to process control systems and their role in chemical engineering.
- Overview of control loops, feedback, and PID controllers.
- Basic principles of process safety and the importance of hazard analysis.
- Understanding safety data sheets (SDS) and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Environmental and Ethical Considerations
- Introduction to sustainability and the environmental impact of chemical processes.
- Basic concepts in waste management, pollution control, and energy efficiency.
- Ethical considerations in the chemical engineering industry, including corporate responsibility and public health.
Upon completing this award, learners will:
- Understand the basic principles of chemical engineering and its role in industrial processes.
- Be familiar with the engineering terminology used in the field of chemical engineering.
- Gain insight into fundamental concepts such as material balances, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
- Understand the application of basic chemical engineering principles in real-world scenarios, including manufacturing processes and energy systems.
- Develop an awareness of safety protocols and ethical considerations within the chemical engineering industry.
- Be prepared for further study or entry-level roles in chemical and process industries.
This introductory qualification is ideal for individuals who are curious about chemical engineering and eager to explore opportunities in the field. It is specifically designed for:
Students and Recent Graduates
School leavers, college students, or recent graduates in science or technical subjects who are exploring a future in chemical or process engineering.
Career Starters
Individuals seeking to enter the workforce in chemical, petrochemical, or manufacturing industries with a basic understanding of engineering principles.
Entry-Level Technicians and Plant Workers
Professionals working in laboratories, factories, or chemical plants who want to formalize their knowledge and enhance their career prospects.
Aspiring Engineers
Those who plan to pursue further qualifications in chemical engineering and want to build a strong foundation before advancing to Level 2 or Level 3 programs.
STEM Educators and Trainers
Teachers and vocational trainers looking to gain insight into chemical engineering concepts to better guide students and trainees.
Career Switchers
Individuals from unrelated fields who are considering a shift into the chemical, process, or manufacturing sectors and need a stepping stone into the discipline.
International Learners
Students or professionals from countries where access to structured chemical engineering education is limited and are looking for globally recognized entry-level qualifications.
Our assessment process is designed to ensure every learner achieves the required level of knowledge, skills, and understanding outlined in each course unit.
Purpose of Assessment
Assessment helps measure how well a learner has met the learning outcomes. It ensures consistency, quality, and fairness across all learners.
What Learners Need to Do
Learners must provide clear evidence that shows they have met all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. This evidence can take different forms depending on the course and type of learning.
Types of Acceptable Evidence
Assignments, reports, or projects
Worksheets or written tasks
Portfolios of practical work
Answers to oral or written questions
Test or exam papers
Understanding the Structure
Learning outcomes explain what learners should know, understand, or be able to do.
Assessment criteria set the standard learners must meet to achieve each learning outcome.
Assessment Guidelines
All assessment must be authentic, current, and relevant to the unit.
Evidence must match each assessment criterion clearly.
Plagiarism or copied work is not accepted.
All learners must complete assessments within the given timelines.
Where applicable, assessments may be reviewed or verified by internal or external quality assurers.
Full learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each qualification are available from page 8 of the course handbook.
