Module: Transport Processes

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Transport Processes
Module Code	BTE1004 (ITS: BE223)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This modules gives the student an introduction to the basic principles and applications of fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer in the context of modern bioprocessing technology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform simple calculations involving flows and pressures.
2. Apply the continuity and Bernoulli equations to simple fluid flow problems.
3. Understand the principles of flow measurement and the pumping of fluids
4. Compute the friction factor using the Colbrook-White equation and Excel Solver
5. Formulate and solve simple problems involving heat conduction in planar and cylindrical geometries.
6. Formulate simple conductive heat transfer problems in terms of single-phase and overall heat transfer coefficients.
7. Design a double pipe heat exchanger using the log-mean temperature difference.
8. Formulate and solve simple problems involving mass diffusion in planar geometry.
9. Formulate and apply the equations for gas-liquid mass transfer in bioreactors

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	12	Online Asynchronous Lectures and Viewing of Online Resources
Independent Study	12	Completion of Problem Sets
Online activity	6	Online synchronous tutorials (solutions to problem sets)
Independent Study	6	Completion of revision problem set
Independent Study	3	Study of solutions to revision problems
Independent Study	86	Independent revision and practice
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20091	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jenny Lawler	Module Teacher	Alexander Eustace

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Challenge based group assessment	30%	n/a
In Class Test	Heat and Mass Transfer Test	20%	n/a
Formal Examination	Written exam on coursework	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Flows, pressures, units and dimensions, Reynolds number

Problem solving using the continuity and Bernoulli equations

Flow measurement, friction losses and pumps

Principles and applications of conduction

Problem-solving using single phase and overall heat transfer coefficients

Design of Heat Exchangers

Diffusion in planar geometry

Overall and single phase mass transfer coefficients

Mass transfer in gas-liquid systems and dialysis.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

John H. Lienhard IV and John H. Lienhard V: 2020, A Heat Transfer Textbook, 5th, Phlogiston Press Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A, USA, 978-048683735
Jaime Benitez: 2022, Principles and Applications of Mass Transfer, 4th, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 978-111978524

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None