Chemical and Biological Reaction Engineering Fundamentals

Chemical and biological reaction engineering sits at the heart of modern industrial processes, from clean energy production to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Navigating the complex mathematics of kinetics and reactor design can feel overwhelming without a structured approach. This text-based course breaks down these advanced systems into clear, manageable principles, guiding you from basic molecular collisions to full-scale reactor optimization. You will transition from understanding simple reaction rates to confidently modeling complex chemical and biological systems. By analyzing step-by-step solutions and working through structured design problems, you will develop the analytical skills required to predict performance, optimize yields, and design efficient reactors. What you'll learn: - Understand fundamental chemical kinetics, reaction mechanisms, and rate laws - Design and analyze ideal reactors including batch, continuous stirred-tank (CSTR), and plug flow reactors (PFR) - Evaluate biological reaction kinetics, enzyme-catalyzed pathways, and bioreactor design principles - Apply mass and energy balances to non-isothermal reactor systems - Analyze catalyst deactivation, mass transfer limitations, and multiphase reactions - Practice solving complex engineering problems using modern numerical methods and structured workflows This course begins with a thorough introduction to foundational terminology, stoichiometry, and basic kinetic theories. You will then progress through detailed modules covering reactor design equations, heat integration, biological systems, and practical engineering problem-solving methodologies. This course is designed for beginners in reaction engineering, including undergraduate engineering students, chemistry majors, and professionals looking to refresh their foundational knowledge. No advanced prior background in reactor design is required, though a basic understanding of general chemistry and introductory calculus is helpful. Start mastering the fundamentals of chemical and biological reaction engineering today.