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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year Programme codeUFN4ECSECS21
Study mode(s) Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded Foundation year. During the Foundation year, you will develop your academic skills and subject knowledge. In the following year, you will join the first year of a BEng Chemical Engineering degree programme, subject to successful completion of the Foundation year.

At stage zero 0 (the foundation year) of the programme, you can progress to stage 1 of the BEng Chemical Engineering programme once the 120 credits have been passed, and provided that an average of at least 55% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessments for this stage.

  • One of the most multi-disciplinary areas of Engineering, Chemical Engineering is based on the processes of converting raw materials into useful products in a sustainable way.
  • You will gain knowledge across all areas of Engineering and underpinning sciences to help you design these conversion processes to make them safe and effective, from bench-top to industrial scale.
  • With sustainability in mind, you will learn from experts about clean energy generation and storage, waste reduction and water treatment, and smart coatings and nanotechnology.
  • With our emphasis on project-based learning, you will develop a range of transferable skills to complement your core technical skills by taking part in exciting, hands-on group and individual projects.
  • Your future career starts here, where you will gain the necessary technical and practical knowledge to work in a wide range of current and future industries, from food, drink and other consumer goods, through healthcare, towards clean energy.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The Foundation year of the ‘BEng in Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year’ programme aims to help you meet the academic requirements for progression to the first, and subsequent, stages of your degree programme. It is also designed to help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required for successful undergraduate study as well as to introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK Higher Education institution

This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of general engineering and foundational sciences. It encourages critical thinking and develops key problem-solving skills using a systems approach and appropriate tools. Additionally, it fosters an appreciation for social, environmental, legal, ethical, safety, economic, and commercial issues. This broad sector approach equips students with the practical and professional skills necessary to assume key leadership roles within multidisciplinary teams, enabling them to address present and future challenges after graduation.

Students will gain a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering principles through lectures, with opportunities for practice and consolidation in tutorials and workshops. These sessions will cover fundamental concepts and principles, industrially relevant processes at different scales, and modelling and quantitative approaches. Industrially relevant examples of process and product technology will be provided, always with safety and sustainability in the forefront.

Hands-on practical sessions with small-scale equipment will enable students to understand theoretical concepts in practice. Through problem-based learning, students will learn how to apply Chemical Engineering knowledge in real-world scenarios. This will enable them to design complex processes involving multiple steps, equipment sizing, control and performance, and safety and loss prevention, all while dealing with strict technical and business requirements, often limited or uncertain.

Taught sessions are developed with accessibility in mind, embracing the ethos that everyone has different ways of learning and participating. This approach ensures that students of all talents can engage effectively and achieve strong academic outcomes.

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year is a 4-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

Interim / Exit  Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. At stage zero of the programme, if you have achieved 120 credits with an overall average of at least 40% and less than 55% at Level 3, you may be awarded a Foundation year Certificate as an exit award, and if you achieve 120 credits with an overall average of 55% or above, you will progress to stage 1 of the BEng Chemical Engineering programme

If you have achieved 120 credits, where at least 90 credits are at Stage 1 (NQF Level 4) or above you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at Stage 2 (NQF Level 5) or above, you may be awarded a Diploma.

Note: Guidance on Interim and Exit awards (and the difference between than can be viewed here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/pma/introduction/#exit-interim

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Stage 1


120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
MTH0001 Principles of Pure Mathematics 30Yes
MTH0003 Exploring Mathematics 15No
MTH0004 Foundation Statistics 15Yes
MTH0005 Science: Skills and Culture 30No
MTH0006 Applied Mathematics 15Yes
MTH0007 Programming Skills 15Yes

Stage 2


120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30Yes
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30Yes
ENS1000 Fundamentals of Engineering 15No
ENG1007 Fundamentals of Mechanics 15Yes
ENG1008 Fundamentals of Materials 15Yes
ENG1009 Fundamentals of Electronics 15Yes

Stage 3


120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENS2008 Chemical Engineering Challenge Project 30Yes
ENS2003 Principles of Chemical Engineering 15Yes
ENS2009 Reaction and Reactor Engineering 1 15Yes
ENG2007 Introduction to Fluid Dynamics 15Yes
ENG2009 Modelling of Engineering Systems 15Yes
ENG3016 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 15Yes
ENG3016 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 15Yes

Stage 4


120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENS3006 Chemical Engineering Design: 1 - Research 15Yes
ENS3007 Chemical Engineering Design: 2 - Development 15Yes
ENS3019 ENS3019 Reaction and Reactor Engineering 2 15No
ENS3020 Energy Storage 15No
ENS3021 Separation Processes and Particle Technology 1 15No
ENS3022 Separation Processes and Particle Technology 2 15No
ENS3023 Transport Phenomena 15No
ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD 15No
ENG3022 Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing 15No
ECM3160 Materials 15No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Stage 0 of this programme aims to?lay foundations of skills in mathematics, engineering, and sciences for more advanced studies, by bringing students to a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to pre-requisites for Stage 1 of their chosen degree. It provides students with skills bridging the gap between the material covered prior to a university level and that of a first-year degree programme.? By the end of Stage 0 of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of: (a) a selection of topics in?pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics,?and the connections between them. (b) fundamental concepts and techniques in mathematics that can be used in a range of applicable areas. (c)how to perform research-based studies in sciences, engineering and mathematics. (d) how to implement theoretical concepts to describe and predict real-world problems.? ? (e) the current research and pedagogical activities presented in sciences, mathematics and engineering disciplines at the university and beyond.????? On successfully completing the subsequent stages of the programme, a graduate will:
2. Have a knowledge and understanding of science and associated engineering disciplines and apply them to problems related to Chemical Engineering. That should include relevant scientific principles (physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology and materials science).

At Stage 0 of the programme, knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own.?Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups.?Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given.?Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment.?

At subsequent stages:

A variety of teaching methods will be used to deliver the programme, with sessions ranging from lectures, tutorials, laboratory and workshop practical sessions, problem-based and computer-aided learning. External contributions, including from Industry, are also included in the final years, alongside project supervision.

At Stage 0 of the programme, most knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including?class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

At subsequent stages:

A variety of assessment methods aligned with the intended learning outcomes are used throughout the programme in the form of, for example, written examination papers and marked coursework (e.g. problem sheets, laboratory reports, computer exercises, group or individual reports and presentations with visual aids). Where possible, group assessments will have an individual component. All assessments will be based on clearly stated criteria, with a robust quality assurance process to ensure consistency and fairness in outcomes, and safeguards against academic misconduct.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. By the end of Stage 0 of the programme the students will be able to: (a) demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for progression to further studies in mathematics or in other quantitative degree pathways. (b) Develop skills to reason and solve problems using abstract ideas. (c) Organise tasks into a structured plan (d) Critically assess and summarise research studies in mathematics, engineering, and sciences. (e) Demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments, provide a sound justification, interpret, and communicate outcomes.? In subsequent stages: The learning outcomes listed here are based on the IChemE accreditation guide.
3. Foundation and Core Chemical Engineering Principles, including: 3.1. Fundamentals: materials and energy balances, momentum, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics and transport properties, and reaction/reactor engineering. 3.2. Mathematical modelling and quantitative methods, including commercial software, to solve chemical engineering problems. 3.3. Process and product technology: unit operations, separation and particle technology, equipment sizing and processing steps. 3.4. Systems: batch and continuous operation, interdependence, multi-step processes and system dynamics. 3.5. Process safety: identify and prevent hazards, risk assessment and specialist aspects of safety and environment.
4. Foundation and Core Chemical Engineering Practice, namely the context of engineering processes, relevant legal requirements, codes of practice and quality assurance, and laboratory practice (from bench to plant).
5. Foundation and Core (and Advanced for M-level) Chemical Engineering Design, in an integrated approach, from business requirements to technical requirements and sustainability.

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme, and those skills are reinforced through individual and group project work and presentations as well as through guided reading and seminar sessions.

In subsequent stages:

See above.

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme, and those skills are reinforced through individual and group project work and presentations as well as through formative and summative coursework, online quizzes and class-tests.

In subsequent stages:

See above.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. By the end of Stage 0 f the programme the students will be able to: (a) formulate and solve problems and communicate reasoning and solutions effectively in writing. (b) communicate ideas and plans concisely, both orally, through presentations and in writing. (c) use the library and a range of online resources to research topics taught/a topic of interest. (d) Operate effectively within a team.? (e) Exhibit self-management and time management skills.? ?At subsequent stages the students will be able to:
6. Understand the need for high ethical and professional standards and how they are applied, including an inclusive approach to engineering practice, an effective ethics culture, and safety, health and environment.
7. Work in a team and recognise the importance of project planning, time management, and leadership skills, being able to reflect on their work and implement strategies for personal improvement and professional development.
8. Communicate effectively and present outcomes clearly, including written reports and presentations.

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme.

In subsequent stages:

See above.

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme.

In subsequent stages:

See above.

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy, a system of Academic Tutors and a Pastoral Mentor is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme, you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Academic Tutor. You may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. The departmental Pastoral Mentor is also there to help you and refer you to specialist support. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for on the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Coursework is also submitted through ELE, with marks and feedback available through the system as well. Each module page is linked to the Library, with easy access to reading lists. Our Library is a digital-first library, with most items accessible online, and an Engineering-specific subject guide and liaison librarian.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study rooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the University has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Faculty and an extensive range of web-based information is available.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland)

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year

19. UCAS Code

H122

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

Level 1

23. Dates

Origin Date

02/10/2024

Date of last revision

02/10/2024