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PROJ-H422

Research project on sustainable chemical processes and materials

academic year
2025-2026

Course teacher(s)

Michel VERBANCK (Coordinator), Sander Deridder, Stéphane GODET and Hubert RAHIER

ECTS credits

5

Language(s) of instruction

english

Course content

Gathering original results through research on actual topics on sustainable chemical processes and materials.

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

Developing critical evaluation of results, written and oral reporting. Scientific discussion of results. Team work, preparation for master thesis.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Choice of subject: a list of subjects on either Multi-functional Materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, biomaterials) or Process Technology (including or not a numerical simulation aspect) is provided to the students in advance. Each student provides a list of 3 subjects (ranked by interest). From these desiderata, the coordinators will designate the groups. The students elaborate the project together with PhD students and postdoc researchers of either the materials research groups or the process technology research groups.

Additional info

Organization:

individual projects or groups of max 3 students (mixed origin, ULB, VUB, international) designated by the coordinators
- the project takes place in the second quadrimester
- by default, there is no second session - but see exceptions foreseen below, under evaluation content-box

Structure of the project and specific requirements:

must include a literature survey that is synthesized in the written report

for the Process Technology topics, as a function of the topic addressed, the coordinators MAY allow the development of a work taking predominantly the form of numerical simulations. Please note this option does NOT exist for the Multifunctional materials-themed projects, for which a significant experimental part is always required under all circumstances.

Contribution to the teaching profile

This course contributes to reaching the following learning objectives.

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of

MA_1 exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering

MA_3 the advanced methods and theories to schematize and model complex problems or processes

MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology

MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can

MA_4 reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)

MA_5 conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorization in industry and society

MA_6 correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper

MA_7 present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience

MA_8 collaborate in a (multidisciplinary) team

MA_10 develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional

MA_11 think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has

MA_12 a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society

MA_13 a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others

MA_14 consciousness of the ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality assurance aspects

MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context

MA_16 an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career

Other information

Contacts

michel.verbanck@ulb.be (more particularly for Process Technology-themed projects)
stephane.godet@ulb.be (for Multifunctional Materials-themed projects)

Campus

Other campus

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

  • Project
  • Group work
  • Oral presentation
  • Written report

Project

Group work

Oral presentation

Written report

evaluation:

o lab work

o written report : 15 to 25 pages everything included with minimun font of 12 point. To be provided by email and printed form.

o oral presentation: power point, 15 min presentation, 15 min questions.

 

second session:

Only if certain requirements are met.
In case the lab work produced was evaluated as sufficient, a second chance can be granted for the report and/or presentation.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)


Marks are divided in: 1/3 individual lab work (given by promotor) + 1/3 written report + 1/3 oral presentation (including answers to the questions)

Language(s) of evaluation

  • english

Programmes