Chemical Engineering Fundamentals Course | Material & Energy Balances | IIT Guwahati
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 50 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 1 in Chemical, Minor 2 in Chemical, Minor 3 in Chemical |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Your Gateway to Chemical Engineering Mastery
Welcome to the foundational pillar of chemical engineering. The course Basic Principles And Calculations In Chemical Engineering, instructed by the esteemed Prof. Subrata Kumar Majumder of IIT Guwahati, is designed to build the unshakable core knowledge every successful chemical engineer needs. Over 12 intensive weeks, this undergraduate-level program demystifies the essential calculations and principles that govern chemical processes, from simple material accounting to complex energy balances.
Whether you're a student embarking on your chemical engineering journey, a professional in a related field seeking to solidify your fundamentals, or a researcher in industrial R&D, this course provides the critical toolkit for solving real-world process problems.
Course Instructor: Prof. Subrata Kumar Majumder
Learning from an expert matters. This course is led by Prof. Subrata Kumar Majumder, a distinguished professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at IIT Guwahati. His extensive research in multiphase flow, reactor development, mineral processing, and pioneering work in micro-nano bubble technology brings a wealth of practical insight to the theoretical foundations.
An accomplished author and editor for numerous international journals, Prof. Majumder is a Fellow of the International Society for Research and Development and a recipient of several awards, including the IIME Award on beneficiation. His expertise ensures the course content is both academically rigorous and industry-relevant.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Undergraduate students in Chemical, Biochemical, or Petroleum Engineering.
- Graduate students in Chemical Science & Technology.
- Diploma holders in Chemical Engineering.
- Professionals in industrial research and development sectors seeking to refresh core principles.
Prerequisite: A 10+2 level background in Science is required to fully engage with the course material.
What You Will Learn: A 12-Week Journey
The course is structured to gradually build your competency from basic concepts to advanced applications and case studies.
Weeks 1-3: The Foundation
The journey begins with an introduction to the role of chemical engineers, process variables, and the all-important fundamentals of material balance. You'll learn to apply the general material balance equation to non-reactive and reactive processes, including combustion systems.
Weeks 4-6: Understanding Systems
Dive into the behavior of compressible systems (ideal & non-ideal gases) and multiphase systems. Key concepts covered include phase equilibrium, Raoult's Law, Henry's Law, and humidity principles. The module also introduces the forms of energy, laws of thermodynamics, and key properties like enthalpy and entropy.
Weeks 7-9: Mastering Energy Balances
Learn to apply energy conservation. This section covers mechanical and enthalpy balances for both non-reactive and reactive systems, including processes involving heat of reaction and combustion. It also tackles the dynamics of unsteady-state processes.
Weeks 10-12: Computation & Real-World Application
Transition into problem-solving techniques with computational methods like least squares fitting and numerical integration. The course culminates with computer-aided calculations, degree of freedom analysis, and practical case studies on chemical processes, bridging the gap between theory and industry application.
Detailed Course Layout
| Week | Core Topic | Key Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Role of Chemical Engineers, Unit Operations, Unit Systems & Dimensions |
| 2 | Process Variables & Rate | Material Properties, Pressure & Temperature, Rates of Transfer (Mass, Heat, Momentum) |
| 3 | Material Balance Fundamentals | Balances on Non-Reactive/Reactive Processes, Combustion, Recycle & Bypass |
| 4 | Compressible Systems | Ideal & Non-Ideal Gas Laws, Equations of State |
| 5 | Multiphase Systems | Phase Equilibrium, Vapor Pressure, Raoult's & Henry's Law, Humidity |
| 6 | Energy & Its Forms | Laws of Thermodynamics, Enthalpy, Entropy, Heat of Reaction & Formation |
| 7 | Energy Balances (Non-Reactive) | Mechanical & Enthalpy Balances, Processes with Multiple Streams |
| 8 | Energy Balances (Reactive) | Balances Involving Heat of Reaction and Combustion |
| 9 | Unsteady-State Balances | Material & Energy Balances for Dynamic Processes |
| 10 | Computational Techniques | Least Squares Method, Non-Linear Equations, Numerical Integration |
| 11 | Computer-Aided Calculations | Degree of Freedom Analysis, Process Flow Sheeting |
| 12 | Case Studies | Analysis of Real-World Chemical Processes |
Recommended Textbooks
To complement the lectures, the following authoritative texts are recommended:
Primary Textbooks:
- Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes by Felder, Rousseau, and Bullard (4th Ed.).
- Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering by Himmelblau and Riggs (7th/8th Ed.).
Reference Books:
- Handbook of Chemical Engineering Calculations by Chopey (4th Ed.).
- Chemical Process Principles: Part 1 by Hougen, Watson, and Ragatz.
Build Your Chemical Engineering Career on a Solid Foundation
Basic Principles And Calculations In Chemical Engineering is more than just a course; it's the bedrock upon which advanced process design, optimization, and innovation are built. By mastering material and energy balances, you gain the ability to model, analyze, and improve any chemical process—a skill highly valued across industries from pharmaceuticals to energy to materials manufacturing.
Under the expert guidance of Prof. Majumder, you will not only learn to solve problems but also develop the analytical mindset of a successful chemical engineer. Enroll today and take the first definitive step towards mastering the language and logic of chemical processes.
Enroll Now →