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Core modules:

Introduction to Process Safety and Loss Prevention

This module provides the background to understanding the importance of Process Safety. It sets out the structure and describes the elements of a modern approach to Process Safety. It provides the basis of how Process Safety should be approached and implemented across the lifecycle of a project, illustrated with practical examples and workshops.

15 credits

Leadership and Management of Process Safety

This module provides an overview of Process Safety Management systems. As an exemplar, the twenty element CCPS Process Safety Management model is used as a framework to explore important aspects of process safety such as the commitment to process safety (via leadership and culture), understanding and managing risks and learning from experience. Beyond this, topics such as corrosion and mechanical failure will be introduced to inform decisions around asset integrity.

15 credits

Hazards & Protections

The theme of this module is hazard and risk. The interaction between process design and hazard identification is explored. A number of hazard study techniques are introduced and the concepts underlying risk and risk criteria are analysed. Protective systems such as pressure relief and fire protection are reviewed.

15 credits

Human Behaviour and Human Error

The theoretical background and practical skills are given for assessing and reducing human error. Features considered include human factors and psychological mechanisms. Human reliability is considered in industry and its impact on major hazard systems and quality assurance. Human-machine interfaces are examined. Approaches are given for improving human reliability and error reduction. Key features include task analysis and its application, the quantification of human error for risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis and the use of data collection systems. Studies identify the underlying reasons for human caused accidents and quality lapses. The module aims to give: an understanding of the importance of humans in the chain of actions leading to accidents in chemical plants, an understanding of the ways in which human error can be described in the operation of a task sequence, an appreciation of the ways in which data can be collected and used in incident investigation and an understanding of the numerical representation of human behaviour in the assessment of risk.

15 credits

Process Safety in the Chemical, Pharma and Fine Chemicals Industry

This module addresses process safety in the chemical, pharma and fine chemical industry. It is one of a series of modules which address hazards and risks in specific industries. A wide range of chemical hazards are examined including flammability, toxicity, chemical reactivity and environmental impact. Tools and techniques for identifying hazards and reducing risk are described and practical experience in their use is provided in the form of workshop activities. The module will describe how to prepare a 'basis for safety' for a process.

15 credits

Process Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry

The module describes how techniques covered on the rest of the course are applied to process safety issues specific to the oil and gas industry. Within the oil industry it will cover process safety in exploration, production, refining, distribution, marketing and retail operations. Within the gas industry it will address areas such as production, storage, liquefaction and transportation. It will provide the above through the use of a number of discrete case studies.

15 credits

Major Hazards and Emergency Planning

The module sets out to provide the methodology for the quantification of the effects of major chemical plant incidents and includes hands-on experience with consequence modelling software. This includes a first principles look at different events and models used to describe events. These range from models of the source of any loss of containment, dispersion of chemicals, fires and explosions. Furthermore, through the use of probits, the effects and consequences of any incidents can be estimated. The module also includes hands-on experience with consequence modelling software. This methodology is placed in the context of the legal requirements for the preparation of safety cases by plant operators. The preparation of Emergency Response Plans is also introduced.

15 credits

Instrumented Systems and Functional Safety

The use of computers in control process has resulted in some serious problems in the design and maintenance of safe process systems. An introduction is given to computer architecture. Requirements analysis and systems analysis with supporting tools are described followed by software concepts and tools. Training is given in software and system testing and validation, software maintenance and redesign and the development of fault tolerant systems. The standards required for safety critical instrument systems are examined. Other topics include design, operation and maintenance and safety critical systems. The above material is amplified by appropriate case studies.

15 credits

Research Project

The application of scientific and engineering principles to a solution of practical problems of engineering systems and processes is developed throughout the course and demonstrated in particular by the research project. Each student registered for the Masters degree in Process Safety and Loss Prevention is required to complete a research based portfolio. The research project is worth 60 credits. This is the most important individual module in the course, assessing the student's ability to conduct research on an individual level, also including group aspects when applicable. The topic for study is selected in consultation with appropriate members of the teaching staff, from a list of projects offered alongside the research interests of academic supervisors in the department. You will choose a research project which best fits your own interests and conduct unique and original research in that area. Projects vary from industrially-based problem solving to laboratory- or computational-based research and development of new processes or ideas. The research portfolio is a major part of the degree and you will be allocated an academic supervisor who provides advice and guidance throughout the period of study. Opportunities exist for research studies to be carried out in collaboration with other university research centres as well as industrial organisations. Furthermore, you will have the chance to conduct your research project as part of a team of other students on your course, where each student will focus on different aspects of the project. You will present your project as a portfolio consisting of a Technical Review (submitted individually or as a team if working on a team project) and a Dissertation (submitted individually in every case). The dissertation will include a lay summary to communicate to a variety of audiences. You will also be required to present your research work as a poster presentation during the academic year.

60 credits