MASTER OF SCIENCE ENERGY AND PETROLEUM CHEMISTRY (MEPC)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MEP5501 | Introduction to Fuel and Energy | This module presents an overview of the way in which energy is generated and distributed globally. It reviews the structure of the international energy industry and discusses the main energy sources of fossil fuels, renewables and nuclear energy. The main energy distribution methods of electrical, chemical and thermal distribution are then considered. Finally, the future of energy (environmental impact, low carbon technologies and energy policy and economics) is discussed as the world moves to a zero carbon emission future. |
| MEP5502 | Energy storage and technologies | This module covers energy storage technologies which comprise a range of different systems that can take up and store energy, holding it securely and making it available for delivery at a later time. Batteries – a range of electrochemical storage solutions, including advanced chemistry batteries, flow batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, and supercapatteries. Thermal– capturing heat and cold to create energy on demand or offset energy needs. Mechanical Storage– other innovative technologies to harness kinetic or gravitational energy to store electricity. Hydrogen– excess electricity generation can be converted into hydrogen via electrolysis and stored. Pumped Hydropower– creating large-scale reservoirs of energy with water. |
| MEP5503 | Low Carbon and Bioenergy Technologies |
Unit 1 – Low carbon technologies Low carbon technologies are an essential requirement if the world’s energy needs are to be met without causing irreversible changes to the planet’s climate. This module will cover the need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world’s energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies that aim to meet this need will be introduced and a select number will then be studied in much more detail. The module will enable the student to make reasoned comparisons between the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages. This module will also give a brief insight into the mainstream renewable and sustainable power technologies and then focus on a small number of specific technologies. This will enable participants to critically assess those technologies studied in depth in a quantifiable manner from an understanding of the fundamental science involved. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Solar power - solar water heaters, photovoltaics and solar concentrators. Water power - hydroelectric, tidal and wave power. Wind power - wind turbines. Unit 2 - Bioenergy Waste disposal, energy production and the minimization of pollution are the key problems that must be addressed for the sustainable cities of the future. The Bioenergy course has two sections – Biomass and Biofuels. Biomass: Modern biomass versus tradition biomass; Biomass thermochemical conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification and liquefaction). Biofuels: types of biofuels (first, second, third and fourth generation biofuels); bioconversion technologies for ethanol production (from cellulosic biomass), biodiesel production, bio-methane production and bio-hydrogen production; strategic importance and the technological challenges (production costs considerations; economic benefits of biofuel industry) of viable large-scale production of these four key biofuels. Biogas generation plant design (mini-project). |
| MEP5504 | Oil and Gas Chemistry |
nit 1 – Oil and gas Chemistry This unit includes key components where chemistry is fundamental to upstream and downstream oil and gas transport and processing. In this course, students will learn about general pipeline flow assurance, risks related to the chemistries of waxes, resins, asphaltenes, gas hydrates and scales and chemical strategies for managing flow assurance. Processes involved in converting oil to valuable fuels and chemicals (these include: distillation, coking, cracking, hydrotreatment and reforming) will also be investigated. Natural gas utilization including transport, processing and conversion to upgraded products is also covered, to give an overview of chemistry in the oil and gas industry. Unit 2 – Enhanced Oil Recovery
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| MEP5505 | Reservoir Engineering | The module provides students with an understanding of the properties of reservoir rocks and fluids. It also examines fluid flow through hydrocarbon reservoirs and the interaction between the fluids and the reservoir. Furthermore, it introduces concepts such as porosity and permeability and combines Darcy’s law with conservation principles to establish the diffusion equation for porous media and the radial flow of compressible and nearly incompressible fluids with the main focus on oil. Material balance equations are developed and used to confirm reserve estimations and drive mechanism assumptions. Secondary drive mechanisms are examined with particular focus on water flooding. |
| MEP5506 | Nuclear Reactor Engineering Studies | The module provides a broad base introduction to the theory and practice of nuclear reactors for power production. Topics include power plant thermodynamics, reactor heat generation and removal (single-phase as well as two-phase coolant flow and heat transfer), structural mechanics, and engineering considerations in reactor design. |
| MEP5507 | Marketable Engineering Solutions | Essential to the module is the concept that the students work in teams to find solutions to a real problem provided by a real customer. The challenge is for the student teams to identify a technical solution to the customer problem (making their lives easier and better) and then develop a business proposition from this. Students are supported by external contributors from a great range of disciplines including business angles, bankers, marketers, business advisors, manufacturers etc. At the end of the course, teams pitch their ideas to an invited audience and judges from a mixed background (technical, commercial and legal). Prizes are then awarded to the best presentations. Through the course, students will appreciate the importance of having a structured business plan in the development of a venture. They will look at components (resources, financial, marketing, IPR, etc.) of the planning process and will apply the tools and techniques of business planning. They will also develop commercial awareness by developing a business plan for the exploitation of a technical solution. |
| MEP5508 | Environmental Protection in Energy Sector | This course teaches the basics of environmental protection and appropriate analytical methods. Relevant industrial case studies are discussed. The students are able to assess the usefulness of the latest developments in environmental protection in fuel-energy sector. Student can perform critical analysis of existing technologies, especially in the field of environmental protection in coal-based energy sector. |
| MEP5570 | Dissertation | The application of scientific and engineering principles to the solution of practical problems of engineering systems and processes is developed throughout the course and demonstrated in particular by the research projects. This is a research project, based on a dissertation on an approved topic. The module consists of project proposal, progress report and the final dissertation, together with oral presentations of each stage. |