Chemical engineers must learn to connect concepts across vastly different scales, spanning from molecular structures to industrial processes. Here, we explore the use of a virtual-reality simulation with a companion video of an experiment to help undergraduate students connect nanoscale fundamentals to macroscale engineering observations.

Virtual reality has become a significant asset to diversify the existing toolkit supporting engineering education and training. The cognitive and behavioral advantages of virtual reality (VR) can help lecturers reduce entry barriers to concepts that students struggle with. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are imperative tools…

In this paper we demonstrate that using mixed reality (MR) technology can innovate our chemical engineering laboratory curriculum at Prairie View A&M University, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Particularly, we describe the development of a MR proof of concept to carry out a traditional fluid mechanics lab -- pressure drop as a…

Examples of applications of equilibrium-based methods for multicomponent separations usually require the use of simulation packages, which do not allow students to follow the involved algorithms step by step. Excel spreadsheets with examples of six such rigorous methods have been used with MSc students of Chemical Engineering of the University of…

The overall performance of a chemical plant goes beyond engineering design and optimization. Operational factors such as teamwork, communication, human oversight, and process troubleshooting are crucial in determining the plant's safety and profitability. This paper proposes the integration of simulation-based teaching into the chemical…

A chemical engineering student's knowledge of theory, experimental design, and real-world processes is tested and enforced in the Unit Operations laboratory courses. However, instructors are facing challenges of delivering high-quality, hands-on laboratory content with limited resources and increasingly large class sizes. Limited in-lab time is…

The authors develop an educational simulation game for basic vapour-liquid equilibrium (VLE) to use in chemical engineering education, basing the design on educational guidelines from the active learning literature. The game is tested in three cohorts totalling 84 students, showing significant increase in a knowledge test of VLE, and positive…

The transformation of the chemical engineering profession is occurring in response to the industry needs of the rapidly-developing bioeconomy and biosector across Europe. To meet these requirements, a new Biotechnology and Bioprocessing module has been designed and offered to Chemical Engineering undergraduates at Aston University, UK. This module…

Computer-mediated communication tools facilitate international collaboration projects between foreign language learners and peers abroad (O'Dowd, 2018). Social Virtual Reality (VR) applications allow for synchronous interactions and task-based communication in which learners can experience telepresence and immersion and conversate in a foreign…