A method is presented which can be used to obtain analytical solutions for boundary value problems (BVPs) using the matrix exponential and Maple. Systems of second order, linear differential equations are expressed as two or more first order equations in matrix form, and their solutions are obtained using the matrix exponential, matrix…

Strategies are proposed that promote use of an Integrated Applied Mathematics (IAM) approach to enhance teaching of advanced problem-solving and analysis skills. Three scenarios of 1-dimensional transport processes are presented that support using Error Function analyses when considering short time/small penetration depths in finite geometries.…

Problem solving in chemical kinetics poses substantial challenges for university students since it often involves significant use of mathematics as a tool and language, with challenging translations and transitions between chemical phenomena and mathematical representations. In this paper, we present key findings from a study investigating…

This study explores the effects of a computer algebra system on students' mathematical thinking. Mathematical thinking is identified with mathematical thinking powers and structures. We define mathematical thinking as students' capacity to specialize and generalize their previous knowledge to solve new mathematical problems. The study was…

We have developed an assessment of authentic problem-solving in chemical engineering, which we used to measure students' problem-solving at the beginning and end of a cornerstone design course. We measured how much problem-solving students learned, and how these students compared with data collected from seniors at the beginning of the capstone…

How is it possible to create and continuously improve a quality learning environment for our students? We present our one-year course on engineering thermodynamics as a case study in which we investigate the learning environment based on a competency model from the students' perspective. Based on the analysis of our course structure and exam…

The COVID-19 epidemic adversely impacted chemical engineering experiments(CEEs). Students underwent online learning, i.e., software simulation of the CEE course, instead of laboratory learning. A questionnaire survey revealed that students exhibited low enthusiasm for online learning, showing that online courses cannot ensure learning quality.…

The impact of solving novel video-inspired homework problems on learning attitudes toward chemical engineering was examined at beginning and end of an undergraduate material and energy balances course using a modified Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey instrument. Mean overall attitude of participants improved by a normalized gain…

The present short paper is an attempt in the direction of understanding the learning problems of undergraduate students. Sample of chemical engineering students was selected to perform a simple exam test. The test was divided into four steps. Closed book - individual student, Closed book - cooperative students, Open book - cooperative students,…

Engineering curriculum often fails to connect content and decisions to impacts on diverse, particularly marginalized, communities. Given that integration of social justice ideas into curriculum is currently uncommon among most faculty, we provide resources in the form of a workshop to help catalyze these efforts by teaching faculty how to…

As more chemical engineering students enter careers beyond the field, students need more guidance in applying their problem solving skills to a challenges beyond the plant or refinery. Since Fall 2019, we have implemented case-based learning across our Material and Energy Balances course to help students practice chemical engineering thinking as a…

This study explores talent-development trajectories of early-career chemical engineers to identify key components for success in the field using the talent development megamodel as a theoretical framework. Interviews with 12 recent PhD graduates reveal a trajectory across four developmental stages: (a) math ability and science ability, (b)…

Students' epistemological beliefs are beliefs centred on one's own learning and knowledge. Such beliefs play a major role in the way one approaches problem solving in physics. The intention of this study is to evaluate such beliefs amongst undergraduate physics students. An analytical tool developed by Hammer has been used as a criterion for…

Membrane separation processes, from reverse osmosis to ultrafiltration to microfiltration, are gradually receiving more and more emphasis in undergraduate chemical engineering curricula. Of these processes, ultrafiltration tends to be the most amenable to the standard chemical engineering approach of theory development, mass and/or energy…

Project-Enhanced learning is an excellent way to facilitate student-centered learning along with traditional lecture-based learning. In this Class and Home problem, an example of Project-Enhanced learning is provided that can be used in the Mass and Energy Balances (MEB) course. The students solve this problem as part of a group while receiving…