# Introduction {-}

Important course information is listed below:

- The course description is available [here](https://ipese-lectures.epfl.ch/che-459/lecture/). During the semester, you will join a group of three people and be assigned one project from the list to address. For each group, one TAs working closely with you.

- Your **final grade** will be a combination of four components:
    - Project report (50% of the grade)
    - Final oral exam (20% of the grade)
    - Review (20% of the grade)
    - Quiz during classes (10% of the grade)

- The schedule of the course is already available on [Moodle](https://moodle.epfl.ch/course/view.php?id=15153). Read it so that you can have a general feeling of the timeline. The course happens every monday and will be divided in four sections:
    - *Quiz*, on the previous class topics, from 8h30 to 9h. The two *worst* quiz grades won't be accounted. 
    - *Lectures*, where you learn the theorical concepts needed to handle the problems in the project. It happens from 9h to 10h.
    - *Tutorials*, where you will learn about Aspen, ROsmose and the theoretical concepts associated to process development. It happens from 10h15 to 12h.
    - *Project session*, where you will work on your project and interact with Prof. Maréchal and TAs if you have any questions. It happens in the afternoon, from 13h to 16h. 

- There is a [mattermost group](https://ipese-mattermost.epfl.ch/che-459-2024/channels/town-square) for all the students enrolling in the course. Important messages will be distributed via both mattermost and email from Moodle forum. Check them regularly.

- Don't be frustrated when you encounter difficulties in the project. It is not an easy task. Remember that you have a team and assistance from the professor and TAs. When you finish the project and look back, you will realize that you have made significant progress.

- The main objectives of the course are: 
    - Understand and apply the principles of process development and chemical plant design;
    - Learn ASPEN Plus and ROsmose simulation tools;
    - Understand and apply process integration and utility optimization;
    - Assess techno-economic and environmental performances of processes;
    - Assess the HAZOP conditions of a process.
