UPDA Chemical study plan

Derive and apply unit conversions and dimensional consistency across 40 mixed-unit practice problems

Construct a systematic material balance (with recycle, bypass, and purge) for 5 process flow diagrams

Solve simultaneous linear balance equations for 3 multi-unit systems without a solver

Build a one-page reference sheet of common conversion factors and basis-selection heuristics

Perform combined material and energy balances with reaction and phase change on 6 problems

Apply the first law to open and closed systems, including enthalpy of reaction and sensible/latent heat

Calculate heats of reaction via formation enthalpies and Hess's law for 4 reaction systems

Identify and set up energy balance around a reactor with recycle

Apply equations of state (ideal gas, van der Waals, and generalized compressibility) to 5 problems

Compute vapor-liquid equilibrium using Raoult's law and modified Raoult's law with activity coefficients

Interpret phase diagrams and identify bubble/dew point conditions for binary mixtures

Solve 3 flash/partial condensation problems using equilibrium ratios

Apply the Bernoulli and mechanical energy equations to 6 pipe and pump problems

Determine friction factors (Moody chart and Colebrook) and compute major/minor losses

Size pumps and compute NPSH available for 3 pumping scenarios

Calculate conduction, convection, and overall heat transfer coefficients for 4 exchanger cases

Use LMTD and effectiveness-NTU methods to size heat exchangers

Apply Fick's law and mass transfer coefficients to 4 diffusion problems

Design distillation columns using McCabe-Thiele for 3 binary systems, including reflux and stage count

Compute minimum reflux, minimum stages, and feed-stage location

Analyze absorption/stripping and extraction problems using operating lines

Compare separation alternatives (distillation, absorption, extraction, membranes) for 3 process scenarios

Derive rate laws and determine reaction orders from experimental data for 4 datasets

Size batch, CSTR, and PFR reactors for first- and second-order kinetics

Analyze multiple-reactor configurations (series/parallel) for conversion and selectivity

Apply Arrhenius kinetics and evaluate temperature effects on conversion

Set up and solve a reactor energy balance for a non-isothermal CSTR

Develop transfer functions and analyze first- and second-order process dynamics for 4 systems

Tune PID controllers using Ziegler-Nichols and Cohen-Coon methods and compare responses

Identify control loop elements and diagnose common control issues (dead time, instability)

Estimate capital and operating costs using scaling (six-tenths rule) and cost indices

Compute NPV, payback, and IRR for 2 project alternatives and recommend one

Apply HAZOP methodology to a simple process node and document deviations and safeguards

Identify applicable safety codes, relief system basics, and hazard classification principles

Apply professional ethics scenarios (conflict of interest, public safety, environmental disclosure) to 5 cases

Complete 2 timed mixed-domain practice exams and review every missed item