Chemical and Biological Reaction Engineering Fundamentals

Chemical and biological reaction engineering is at the heart of producing everything from clean energy to life-saving pharmaceuticals. Understanding how to model, analyze, and optimize these reactors is essential for solving complex engineering challenges. This text-based course guides you from the fundamental principles of chemical kinetics to the practical design of chemical and biological systems. You will build a strong foundation in reaction rates, reactor types, and mass transport limitations, gaining the skills to analyze real-world chemical systems. What you'll learn: - Understand fundamental chemical kinetics and define rate laws for complex reactions - Design and analyze ideal reactors including batch, plug flow, and continuous stirred-tank systems - Apply mass and energy balances to non-isothermal reactor systems - Model biological reaction pathways and enzyme-catalyzed kinetics using Michaelis-Menten principles - Evaluate the impact of mass transfer limitations and diffusion in heterogeneous catalysis - Analyze reactor stability and optimize performance for maximum yield and selectivity This course begins with essential terminology, basic thermodynamic concepts, and foundational kinetic definitions. You will then progress through systematic written derivations, detailed reactor design equations, and practical engineering scenarios to solidify your analytical skills. This course is designed for beginners in chemical engineering, chemistry students, and professionals seeking a clear, foundational review of reaction engineering principles without any prior reactor design experience. Start reading today to master the core principles of reaction engineering.