Syllabus

Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering

Summer 2008

Table of Contents

Instructor:

Nam Sun Wang
Class Hour: TuTh 9:00am-12:30pm
Location: TuTh, Rm 2136 Chemical Engineering Bldg.
(or computer lab: Rm2143 Chemical Engineering Bldg.)
Office Hours: TuTh 12:30pm-1:30pm, Rm 1208 Chemical Engineering Bldg.
Other Hours: By appointment or email nsw@umd.edu
Phone: 301-405-1910

Required Textbook:

None, but there will be reading assignments from many different sources. including on-line internet sources.

Recommended Books (Useful References):

Other Books/References:

Software Covered/Needed:

Biological Materials Needed:

Prerequisites:

ENCH215 and ENES100. Some knowledge of computers, operating systems, and preferably a structured programming language -- not strictly required -- we will take you through a crash course. Some experience with algebraic equations, differential equations, and preferably linear algebra.

Contents:

Coverage may include operating systems, text editing or word processing, graphics, structured programming, numerical methods, subroutine libraries, spread sheets, commercial mathematical packages (Mathcad), and numerical and symbolic computation. The overall goal of the course is to provide a general introduction to the use of microcomputers and to familiarize a student with various computer tools that can aid in the numerical solution of chemical engineering problems. Examples will be drawn from chemical engineering. The actual coverage will be partially determined by student preference and background. Give me input at any time to modify the topics to be covered.

Objectives:

The primary objective of the course, as implied by the course content above, is to introduce computer methods to sophomore students in a hands-on approach. Half of the lectures are devoted to the specifics of major computational tools introduced sequentially: The other half of the lectures cover the numerical methods. Examples drawn from the chemical engineering field are solved with each of the three computational tools by applying appropriate numerical methods or by calling build-in functions. The course assumes only minimal computer background and does not assume any prior programming experience, although it certainly is advantageous to have prior exposure. The classes are conducted in a computer lab, which is perhaps more conducive to hands-on learning. The www provides a convenient means of disseminating programs, worksheets, and homework/examination solutions. It also provides a valuable source of current information not found in the textbook.

We will touch upon the issues of ethics in software piracy, the monopolistic practices of some computer software/hardware giants, the proliferation of copycat software, the fair use and copyright of materials found in the internet, and protecting the freedom of speech.

This is a required course for all chemical engineering students. Other engineering students who wish to be computer literate in the practical application of numerical methods will also benefit from the course. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to recognize and solve, manually or with the help of a computer tool, most of the engineering problems involving:

The student will also become a proficient user of the latest Windows operating system and the internet (including telnet, file transfer, email, and www).

Grading:

On the first day of class, students voted to be graded on the following scheme.

Homework 25%
Quizzes (7/24/08, 8/14/08) 30%
Final Exam (8/21/08) 45%

Students are guaranteed the following letter grades. That means the instructor will not raise the cut-off points. However, the instructor shall reserve the right to lower the cut-off points at the end of the semester. Students study according to the grades they wish to receive.

Fraction of Points Earned Letter Grade
0.80- A
0.67-0.80 B
0.50-0.67 C
0.40-0.50 D
0.00-0.40 F
For example, if you earn a total of 250 regular points out of a possible 300 points plus another 30 extra-credit points on the homework assignments, a total of 100 points out of a possible 200 points on the two mid-term exams, and a total of 100 points out of a possible 200 points on the final examination, your fractional grade at the end of the semester is: 
  (250+30)/300*0.25 + 100/200*0.30 + 100/200*0.45 = 0.608
       Homework        Quizzes     Final Exam
The above lookup table shows that 0.608 translates to a semester letter grade of "C".

Homework is due at the beginning of the class on the specified date; no late homework will be accepted unless individually arranged with the instructor before the due date with a valid excuse. Discussion among classmates is allowed (and encouraged) in solving homework assignments, but each student must ultimately do his/her own work (i.e., absolutely no copying). Quizzes, each lasting ~20 minutes will be given periodically; absolutely no collaboration is allowed in quizzes.

Plagiarism and academic dishonesty absolutely will NOT be tolerated, and suspected incidence will be referred to the Student Honor Council of the Judiciary Programs. I subscribe to the zero-tolerance principle. It is your responsibility to consult the instructor whenever there is any doubt on the definitions of these terms or on the allowable materials on each specific homework assignments or quizzes/exams. See Policy on Academic Integrity.

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations with the instructor, please do so as soon as possible.

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Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering -- Syllabus
Forward comments to:
Nam Sun Wang
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-2111
301-405-1910 (voice)
301-314-9126 (FAX)
e-mail: nsw@umd.edu ©1996-2008 by Nam Sun Wang
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