CHE 521Process Optimization

Units: 0.50
Faculty: Engineering
Subject: Chemical Engineering

When it runs

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

An introduction to chemical process optimization. Model development and classification of optimization problems. Linear programming techniques, simplex algorithm, goal programming and barrier method, parametric sensitivity analysis and duality theory. Convex optimization, necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality for unconstrained and constrained problems. Mixed-integer programming. Trajectory optimization. Applications include optimization of heat exchanger networks, multistage separation processes, batch operations, process scheduling and chemical reactor networks.

Prerequisites

Complete all of the following
- Students must be in level 3B or higher
- Enrolled in H-Chemical Engineering

Antirequisites

Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
- BME411 - Optimization and Numerical Methods (0.50)
- MSE331 - Introduction to Optimization (0.50)
- SYDE411 - Optimization and Numerical Methods (0.50)

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
Section	Class	Enrolled	Meets
LEC 001	7772	44 / 60	M 11:30–12:50 W 13:30–14:50

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
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