Commencing chemical engineering students often have difficulties
understanding a range of concepts. Some of their
misconceptions arise from their incomplete understanding
of the physical laws of our universe. Other misconceptions
arise because the correct concepts are counter-intuitive. The
material and energy balance concept inventory is aimed
at measuring important concepts and common misconceptions
that are encountered in early year chemical engineering
programs. These concepts and their associated common misconceptions
have been identified over almost twenty years
of teaching the material and energy balance subject at the
University of Melbourne by the author.