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Curriculum Overview

The Chemical Engineering program at NAGAJI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT GWALIOR is structured to provide a progressive, comprehensive education that builds upon foundational knowledge and culminates in advanced specialization. The curriculum integrates theoretical learning with practical application through laboratory work, projects, and industry exposure.

Semester-wise Course Structure

Advanced Departmental Elective Courses

The program offers several advanced departmental electives that allow students to specialize in emerging areas:

Biochemical Engineering (CH-501)

This course explores the application of chemical engineering principles to biological systems. Students learn about enzyme kinetics, fermentation processes, and bioreactor design. The course emphasizes practical applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental biotechnology.

The learning objectives include understanding biochemical reaction mechanisms, designing bioreactors for specific applications, and evaluating process economics for biotechnological products. Students engage in laboratory work involving enzyme assays, fermentation optimization, and product purification techniques.

Bioprocess Optimization (CH-502)

This course focuses on optimizing bioprocesses for maximum yield and efficiency. Students study mathematical modeling of biological systems, process control strategies, and quality assurance in biotechnology manufacturing.

The course covers topics such as statistical design of experiments, response surface methodology, and scale-up considerations in bioprocessing. Practical sessions involve computer simulations using industry-standard software tools and experimental work in laboratory settings.

Nanomaterial Synthesis (CH-503)

This elective introduces students to the synthesis and characterization of nanoscale materials with unique properties. The course covers various synthesis methods including sol-gel, hydrothermal, and chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Students learn about surface modification, particle size control, and applications in electronics, medicine, and environmental remediation. Laboratory sessions involve hands-on experience with specialized equipment for nanomaterial preparation and analysis.

Advanced Characterization Techniques (CH-504)

This course provides comprehensive training in advanced analytical methods used in materials science and chemical engineering. Students learn to operate sophisticated instruments such as scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction systems, and spectroscopic equipment.

The focus is on understanding material properties at the atomic and molecular level, including crystal structure determination, surface analysis, and thermal property evaluation. Practical work involves conducting experiments and interpreting complex data sets using modern software tools.

Smart Materials Development (CH-505)

This course explores the development of materials with responsive properties that change in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, or pH. Students study shape memory alloys, smart polymers, and self-healing materials.

The curriculum includes theoretical foundations, synthesis methods, and practical applications in aerospace, biomedical devices, and adaptive structures. Laboratory work involves fabricating and testing responsive materials under controlled conditions.

Alternative Fuels Development (CH-601)

This course addresses the development of sustainable fuel alternatives to conventional petroleum-based products. Students study biofuels, hydrogen production methods, and synthetic fuel synthesis techniques.

The learning objectives include evaluating environmental impact, economic viability, and technical feasibility of alternative fuels. Practical components involve laboratory experiments in fuel synthesis and testing under various conditions.

Energy Conversion Systems (CH-602)

This course examines the principles and technologies involved in converting energy from one form to another. Topics include thermoelectric conversion, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power generation.

Students learn about energy efficiency optimization, system integration challenges, and renewable energy economics. Laboratory sessions involve testing different conversion technologies and analyzing their performance characteristics.

Hydrogen Production Technologies (CH-603)

This elective focuses specifically on hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Students study various production methods including steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and biomass gasification.

The course covers safety considerations, infrastructure requirements, and market analysis for hydrogen-based energy systems. Practical work involves process simulation and experimental validation of hydrogen production techniques.

Fuel Cell Engineering (CH-604)

This advanced course explores the design and operation of fuel cells for power generation applications. Students learn about different fuel cell types, catalyst development, and system integration challenges.

The curriculum includes theoretical modeling, performance optimization, and commercial viability assessment. Laboratory sessions involve building and testing small-scale fuel cell systems with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CH-605)

This course provides training in numerical methods for analyzing fluid flow and heat transfer problems. Students learn to use computational tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CD, and OpenFOAM for simulating complex engineering scenarios.

The learning objectives include mesh generation, boundary condition specification, and result interpretation for industrial applications. Practical work involves solving real-world engineering problems using advanced software packages.

Drug Delivery Systems (CH-701)

This course explores the design and development of pharmaceutical delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Students study controlled release mechanisms, targeting strategies, and formulation optimization.

The curriculum includes theoretical concepts in pharmacokinetics, practical aspects of drug delivery engineering, and regulatory considerations for pharmaceutical products. Laboratory work involves formulation development and testing of delivery systems using advanced analytical techniques.

Pharmaceutical Process Development (CH-702)

This elective focuses on the translation of laboratory-scale processes to industrial manufacturing. Students learn about scale-up considerations, process validation, and quality assurance in pharmaceutical production.

The course covers Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles, process design optimization, and regulatory compliance requirements. Practical sessions involve case studies from industry and hands-on experience with process development tools.

Biomedical Device Design (CH-703)

This course integrates chemical engineering principles with biomedical applications for device development. Students study biomaterials selection, device fabrication techniques, and biocompatibility testing methods.

The learning objectives include understanding biological systems, designing devices for specific medical applications, and evaluating device performance using standard protocols. Laboratory work involves prototyping and testing biomedical devices in controlled environments.

Regulatory Affairs in Pharma (CH-704)

This course provides insights into the regulatory framework governing pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Students learn about FDA guidelines, ICH regulations, and international drug approval processes.

The curriculum includes application preparation, documentation requirements, and compliance strategies for pharmaceutical companies. Practical components involve reviewing regulatory submissions and understanding the role of regulatory affairs professionals in product development.

Food Processing Technologies (CH-705)

This elective addresses engineering challenges in food production and preservation. Students study unit operations specific to food processing, quality control methods, and safety standards in food manufacturing.

The course covers thermal processing, freezing techniques, packaging technologies, and contamination prevention strategies. Laboratory sessions involve hands-on experience with food processing equipment and quality testing procedures.

Project-Based Learning Approach

The department emphasizes project-based learning as a fundamental component of the educational experience. This approach ensures students develop practical skills while working on real-world challenges:

Mini-Projects (Year 2)

Students engage in small-scale projects during their second year, focusing on specific industrial problems or research questions. These projects typically last 3-4 months and involve:

• Problem identification and scoping
• Literature review and background research
• Experimental design and data collection
• Analysis and interpretation of results
• Technical report writing and presentation skills

Mini-projects are supervised by faculty members and often involve collaboration with industry partners. Students present their findings to peers and faculty in a formal review session.

Final-Year Capstone Project

The capstone project represents the culmination of students' learning experience, spanning the entire final year. This comprehensive endeavor includes:

• Large-scale process design or product development
• Integration of all learned concepts and skills
• Real-world problem solving with industry relevance
• Technical documentation and professional presentation
• Peer evaluation and faculty review processes

Students work in teams to develop innovative solutions for actual engineering challenges. The project typically involves extensive research, design work, experimental validation, and economic analysis.

Project Selection and Mentorship

The project selection process ensures alignment between student interests and departmental expertise:

• Faculty Guidance - Students meet with potential mentors to discuss research interests and project feasibility
• Industry Collaboration - Projects often originate from real industry needs or collaborative agreements
• Research Opportunities - Students can pursue independent research projects under faculty supervision
• Interdisciplinary Approach - Projects may involve collaboration with other departments or research centers