Presents a critique of existing methodology used in curriculum updates in academic institutions, suggesting that an integrated approach is more realistic and meaningful to study and to bridging the gap between academic curriculum and industry's needs. Specifically recommends that curriculum-related and job-related data be analyzed simultaneously.…

Discusses direct chemical information that can be obtained from modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, concentrating on the types of problems that can be solved. Shows how selected methods provide information about polymers, bipolymers, biochemistry, small organic molecules, inorganic compounds, and compounds oriented in a magnetic…

First year chemical engineering students are required to take a two-semester sequence in applied mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, with the option of taking a third semester elective course. The content of the courses and the approaches used are discussed. A list of textbooks used is also provided. (JN)

West Virginia University was designated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as the NSF University/Industry Fluidization and Fluid Particle Cooperative Research Center. Background information about the center, its research program (focusing on fundamental problems of reacting systems at elevated temperatures), and future prospects are…

Reports results of two surveys which explored current advising and counseling practices in chemical engineering departments. The first consisted of a short questionnaire sent to all chemical engineering department chairpersons in the United States and Canada. The second was a longer questionnaire sent to students and counselors at two schools. (JN)

Discusses preparation for and problems of electronic publishing applied to text modules for individual/classroom use in undergraduate chemical engineering. Also describes how the modules are authored and evaluated and how text, equations, and figures are entered into the computer for use with a wide variety of computers and terminals. (Author/JN)

Provides background information on Soviet Armenia and the Erevan Polytechnic Institute (EPI) located in this republic of the USSR. Also provides a description of chemical engineering programs and courses and faculty at the EPI. (JN)

Describes a course designed to assist students in writing differential equations to represent chemical processes and to solve these problems on digital computers. Course outline and discussion of computer projects and the simulation and optimization of a continuously stirred tank reactor process are included. (JN)

Provides a definition for creativity and illustrates it with examples from the history of science. Also indicates how the definition suggests some possibly useful procedures for educating creative scientists and engineers. (JN)

Indicates that teaching of mass transfer can be improved by: (1) using a single, simple definition of mass transfer coefficients; (2) altering use of analogies; and (3) repeatedly stressing differences between mathematical models used for chemical reactions and the actual chemistry of these reactions. Examples for undergraduate/graduate courses…

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is committed to a reform process which involves, among others, the curricular axis. The work described in this paper is part of the activities specially concerned with the studies of engineering. Seventy-five professionals were invited to discuss new possible patterns for the perspective of the professional…

Reports results of a 1981 survey on undergraduate curricula in chemical engineering, comparing the results to those of previous surveys (1957, 1961, 1968, 1972, 1976). Results indicate that only minor changes have been made in the chemical engineering curricula since the last survey was taken. (Author/JN)

Presents an imaginary dialogue between: (1) a student in search of a research project and (2) a professor in need of a research assistant. Various issues in engineering, chemical engineering, engineering education, and engineering research are addressed during the hypothetical discussion. (Author/JN)

Describes how thermodynamics has been integrated into various chemical engineering courses at Pennsylvania State University. Also describes "Introductory Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers," a basic textbook which summarizes aspects of thermodynamics necessary to formulate, design, operate, and control chemical processes of the 1980s.…

Discusses a basic equation in thermodynamics (the fundamental property relation), focusing on a logical approach to the development of the relation where effects other than thermal, compression, and exchange of matter with the surroundings are considered. Also demonstrates erroneous treatments of the relation in three well-known textbooks. (JN)