7B067E - Catalysis for Sustainable Processes 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 7B067E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Catalysis for Sustainable Processes | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Gareth Owen | ||
| Module Team: | Nildo Costa, James Reed | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 101038 - applied chemistry | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To develop an advanced understanding of sustainable catalytic technologies – to enable students to deepen their knowledge of heterogeneous, homogeneous, and emerging catalytic systems, and to understand how these technologies contribute to cleaner, more energy-efficient industrial processes aligned with circular-economy and sustainable-chemistry principles.
To evaluate sustainability challenges and catalytic solutions in modern industry – to equip students with the ability to critically assess current environmental and resource-based challenges within chemical and manufacturing sectors, and to appraise the role of catalytic processes in reducing pollution, lowering carbon intensity, and enabling sustainable production of chemicals, materials, and energy.
To build competencies in interrogation and analysis of catalyst performance and development – to develop students’ ability to interrogate, analyse, and integrate information from diverse scientific, technical, and industrial sources, and to combine these insights with primary experimental data to make informed, evidence-based evaluations of catalyst performance, sustainability impacts, and industrial relevance.
Content Summary
This module builds on core concepts in catalysis and examines how modern catalytic technologies are driving sustainability across chemical, energy and manufacturing industries. Students will explore how heterogeneous, homogeneous and emerging catalytic systems enable cleaner, more energy efficient and lower carbon processes aligned with circular economy and green-chemistry principles. The module introduces current sustainability challenges facing industrial sectors and evaluates how catalysts are developed and optimised to reduce pollution, minimise waste, lower resource intensity and improve overall environmental performance.
A particular emphasis is placed on the transition to renewable and sustainable feedstocks, including biomass-derived intermediates, waste-valorisation pathways and alternatives to petroleum-based resources. Students will also investigate contemporary approaches to catalyst discovery, mechanistic understanding and performance optimisation.
Alongside theoretical perspectives, the module includes practical and analytical components through which learners will characterise catalytic materials, interpret mechanistic data and evaluate catalyst efficiency and selectivity using real or simulated experimental datasets. This integrated approach develops students’ ability to critically assess catalytic processes from technical, environmental and industrial standpoints, supporting the development of advanced skills essential for research, innovation and professional practice in sustainable chemical technologies.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 56 |
| Guided independent learning | 10.5 |
| Independent / self-directed study | 173.5 |
| Summative assessment and preparation | 60 |
| Apprenticeship hours | 0 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically evaluate heterogeneous, homogeneous and emerging catalytic systems, explaining how their structural, mechanistic and performance characteristics enable low-carbon, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible industrial processes. |
| LO2 | Interrogate, synthesise and critically integrate information from experimental data, mechanistic studies and technical literature to draw robust, evidence-based conclusions on catalyst performance, sustainability impacts and industrial applicability |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment | Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 | The in class, time constrained test is designed to assess students’ ability to apply advanced catalytic concepts, mechanistic understanding, and sustainability principles under controlled conditions appropriate for Level 7 study. This format provides a valid and reliable measure of individual knowledge acquisition, critical reasoning, and data interpretation skills without the influence of external support tools. | 180 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work | The practical report enables students to undertake a more comprehensive, hands-on and evidence based- evaluation of catalyst performance, sustainability impacts and industrial relevance, drawing on experimental, mechanistic and literature based- data. | 0 | 3000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Written Work | ✔ | ✔ | |