Spring 2026 Course Syllabus Course: PTAC-2438 (Section: 50H, CRN: 10369) Process Technology III - Operations

Instructor Information
Instructor	Kenneth Ballou
Email	balloukw@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6367
Office	Umphrey Industrial Technology Center - Room: 201E
Office Hours	By appointment only.
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description	This course emphasizes activities associated with the hands-on operation of process equipment.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Process Operations Second Edition.  Pearson Publishers.  NAPTA.  ISBN-13:  979-0-13-641991-4; ISBN-10:  0-13-641991-7
Additional Materials/Resources	None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	PTAC-2336 Process Instrumentation II PTAC-2420 Process Technology II-Systems
Learning Outcomes	1. Describes the roles, responsibilities, and work environment of a process technician. (PSLO 1); measured by embedded test questions. 2. Demonstrate ability to name basic processes. (PSLO 2); measured by interactive control room lab sessions. 3. Demonstrate ability to identify basic process equipment. (PSLO 2); measured by field lab sessions, class discussions. 4. Demonstrate ability to name basic process equipment systems. (PSO 2); measured by lab using P&ID drawings, class discussions. 5. Describe quality concepts used in process controls in process industries. (PSLO 3); embedded test questions, class discussions. 6. Demonstrate ability to identify all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material. Demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. (PSLO 5); embedded test questions, class discussions.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	1. Use technology to access operator-specific documentation and training. 2. Identify specific equipment and operating parameters to meet industry standards. 3. Describe the principles of quality control. 4. Diagram the process control elements in a control loop. 5. Identify basic processes, equipment, and systems to meet industry standards. 6. Implements standard safety procedures as required in industry.
Lecture Topics Outline	Week 1: Introduction to course, review of syllabus, overview of Process Operations Chapters 1-4 (Introduction to Operations, On-the-Job Training. Reading Process Drawings, SHE Policy Compliance) Chapter 1 Week 2: Chapter 2 - On-the-Job Training Week 3: Chapter 3 - Reading Process Drawings Week 4: Chapter 4 - SHE Policy Compliance.  Exam 1 Week 5: Overview of Chapters 5-8 (Lockout/Tagout, Communication, Procedure Writing, Shift Change/Relief) Chapter 5 Week 6: Chapter 6 - Communication Week 7: Chapter 7 - Procedure Writing Week 8: Chapter 8 - Shift Change/Relief.  Exam 2 ***Spring Break - No Classes*** Week 9: Overview of Chapters 9-12 (Utility and Auxiliary Systems, Unit Commissioning, Unit Startup, Routine Duties)                Chapter 9 Week 10: Chapter 10 - Unit Commissioning Week 11: Chapter 11 - Unit Startup Week 12: Chapter 12 - Routine Duties.  Exam 3 Week 13: Overview of Chapters 13-16 (Sampling, Maintenance, Abnormal and Emergency Operations, Unit Shutdown)                  Chapters 13 and 14 Week 14: Chapters 15 and 16 Week 15: Exam 4; Final Review Week 16: Final
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1: Chapter 1 - Introduction to Operations. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 2: Chapter 2 - On-the-Job Training. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 3: Chapter 3 - Reading Process Drawings. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 4: Chapter 4 - SHE Policy Compliance.   Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Exam 1 Week 5: Chapter 5 - Lockout/Tagout. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 6: Chapter 6 - Communication. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 7: Chapter 7 - Procedure Writing. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 8: Chapter 8 - Shift Change/Relief.  Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Exam 2 ***Spring Break - No Classes*** Week 9: Chapter 9 - Utility and Auxiliary Systems. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 10: Chapter 10 - Unit Commissioning. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 11: Chapter 11 - Unit Startup. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 12: Chapter 12 - Routine Duties. Chapter assignment due by end of the week.  Exam 3 Week 13: Chapters 13 and 14 - Sampling and Maintenance. Chapter assignment due by end of the week. Week 14: Chapters 15 and 16 - Abnormal and Emergency Operations, Unit Shutdown. Chapter assignment due by end of the week Week 15: Exam 4; Final Review Week 16: Final
Final Exam Date	May 11, 2026 - 6:00 AM   Through  May 14, 2026 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale	90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Chapter Tests-30%, Quizzes/homework/-30% Final Exam-30% Labs-10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by e-mail. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office in person. You will have 4 Major Tests and a Final Exam in this class. All tests and the exam are taken on Blackboard on a specified day. There are "NO MAKEUPS OR RETAKES" if instructor is not notified. E-Mail/Voice Mail Etiquette: Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name/course name. Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying students name, course, and any return phone number. Taking the Final Exam is required to complete the course.
Attendance Policy	Poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment. With this factor in mind, the instructor monitors student attendance daily. In addition, attendance on a regular basis is necessary for proper skill development. A tardy is an absence for attendance purposes.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Business and Industrial Technology Chair: Cristina Lawson Email: lawsonac@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6381