Overview

Many countries throughout the world have or are developing a strong manufacturing base, producing a range of products including household goods, electrical, do-it yourself, and automobile components. They are considered as the most rapidly growing sector of the materials industry consequently increasing the number of people who work in this field. Plastic and rubber, together with adhesives, resin and fibres, form a group material called polymers. Polymers have special properties which make them very useful in the modern world. The majority of polymers are derived from oil chemicals, although there are some naturally occurring polymers such as natural rubber and cellulose.

The manufacture of products from polymers requires a knowledge and understanding of a broad range of principles and technologies. For example, to make a product from plastic, one must choose which plastic to use from a very large range of plastics available, and then decide which processing method is suitable to produce the desired shaped product. Once these have been decided, it will often be necessary to design and make a mould for the products, and then ensure this mould functions effectively. This does not include the considerable expertise required to design the product in the first place to ensure maximum strength, ease of function and an aesthetic shape.

These engineers need to apply the traditional skills of chemical engineers, such as plant design, process design, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena, to the various problems involving the production and use of polymers. Many of the engineers currently working in the industry trying to solve these problems have the background in either chemical engineering or polymers. The Polymer Engineering Option in Chemical Engineering is designed to produce engineers with both sets of skills.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)

• PEO 1
  UniKL graduates who are knowledgeable, competent and innovative which will contribute towards the requirement of the human capital in chemical and/or polymer engineering technology related industry.
• PEO 2
  UniKL graduates who are effective leaders with teamworks, skills as well as verbal and non-verbal interpersonal communications skill;
• PEO 3
  UniKL graduates who are committed towards the importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvements;
• PEO 4
  UniKL graduates who are professional, ethical, and socially responsible; AND
• PEO 5
  UniKL graduates who are capable of embarking on business and technopreneurial activities.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

• PLO 1
  Knowledge: Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering technology fundamentals and an engineering specialisation to defined and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems or methodologies in chemical and polymer engineering technology.
• PLO 2
  Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, research literature and analyse broadly-defined chemical and polymer engineering technology problems reaching substantiated conclusions using analytical tools appropriate to their discipline or area of specialisation.
• PLO 3
  Design/development of solutions: Design solutions for broadly-defined chemical and polymer engineering technology problems and contribute to the design of systems, components or processes to meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
• PLO 4
  Investigation: Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems; locate, search and select relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, design and conduct experiments to provide valid conclusions.
• PLO 5
  Modern Tool Usage: Select and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modelling, to broadly-defined engineering activities, with an understanding of the limitations.
• PLO 6
  The Engineer and Society: Demonstrate understanding of the societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to chemical and polymer engineering technology practice.
• PLO 7
  Environment and Sustainability: Understand the impact of chemical and polymer engineering technology solutions in societal and environmental context and demonstrate knowledge of and need for sustainable development.
• PLO 8
  Ethics: Understand and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of chemical and polymer engineering technology practice.
• PLO 9
  Individual and Team Work: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse technical teams.
• PLO 10
  Communications: Communicate effectively on broadly-defined engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, by being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
• PLO 11
  Project Management and Finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles, business practices, and technopreneurial competencies, as well as identify business opportunities, and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects in multidisciplinary environments.
• PLO 12
  Life Long Learning: Recognize the need for, and have the ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in specialist technologies.