Computer aided delivery of case-based learning activities in EBL within chemical engineering curriculum

Abstract

Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) in chemical engineering education provides an opportunity to develop important professional attributes of innovative problem solving, team work, initiative and communication skills within the subject-specific content. Computer aided learning packages play an important role in this process, as they enable students to explore and gain experience of new software environments in subject specific context. The development of case studies delivered in Stages 1 and 2 and utilising a number of different software packages is described. The Stage 1 case study develops fundamental principles of chemical engineering (mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, heat transfer, sustainability) whilst Stage 2 case studies concentrate on separation processes and the reactor engineering aspect at the same time requiring the application of the knowledge of statistics and design of experiments, respectively. Student evaluation via questionnaires, focus groups and comments from individual reflective reports, submitted as part of the evaluation of the Stage 1 case study activity, demonstrate the impact of these case studies on student learning and their behaviour. Students consider these case studies very useful in strengthening their knowledge of the relevant areas of chemical engineering curriculum as well as helping them develop skills they consider important from employability point of view. Their suggestions for further improvements have been implemented during summer 2011 and a new, student-centred self-help tutorial on HYSYS will be available for the new academic year.