This paper describes the combination of problem-based learning (PBL) and simulation tools in the chemical engineering unit operation laboratory course, focusing on heat transfer concepts using a shell-and-tube heat exchanger experiment. This approach has significantly enhanced student learning outcomes by bridging theory with practice, fostering a…

There is widespread concern that students are increasingly becoming passive consumers of education who primarily attend university to obtain the credentials they need for the labour market. To interrogate this view, a longitudinal qualitative study examined what 47 students in three countries wanted to get out of studying for their degree (their…

The article provides a resource to help faculty cultivate their education research ideas and place those ideas within a framework suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal such as "Chemical Engineering Education." The six-element publication framework is supported by two metaphors, a funnel and a house, to illustrate how to…

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…

An elective course on chemical process separations has been developed to provide upper-level undergraduate students the opportunity to develop expertise in evaluating and potentially improving energy consumption in distillation operations. This paper presents examples of the work submitted to illustrate the pedagogy of the class. These examples…

This study assesses the current landscape of teaching-focused faculty (TFF) in ChE through a combination of departmental surveys, individual faculty surveys, and manual data collection from institutional websites. We identify key factors influencing TFF salaries. Open-ended responses show that student interactions are the most rewarding aspect of…

The effect of digital tools (pre-lab videos and 3D models of experimental equipment) on student's performance of a typical lab assignment was studied quantitatively; for some students, these digital tools replaced physical access to the equipment. These students also participated in focus groups and gave good suggestions to make the digital tools…

High structure course design involves scaffolding students' learning via pre-class content acquisition and assessment, in-class active learning exercises, after-class review and assessment, and frequent summative assessments. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of high structure courses including improved student performance, reduced…

This dissertation is split into two objectives: (1) to better understand the effect of relative humidity (RH) on charge transfer between metal electrodes and water droplets and (2) to assess the impact of The Design of Coffee, a general education, introductory chemical engineering course, on non-STEM students' ability to understand fundamental…

Surveys over a 12-year period of graduating chemical engineers at a major non-regional university were used to evaluate key associations between undergraduate activities and obtaining a job offer. The undergraduate activities include working toward a high GPA, club participation, multicultural experiences, working as an intern, and research…

Purpose: This article presents our experience in implementing the assessment for learning process (AfL) to enhance the teaching-learning quality, which has faced numerous challenges impacting educational quality. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through a case study conducted in a core course of chemical engineering.…

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…

Debates about the employability of graduates in policy and research have increasingly focused on graduates' employment outcomes and the development of generic employability skills. This suggests that the knowledge that students engage with in their degrees is far less important than the generic attributes they develop, which promotes a…

A teaching module for HAZOPs is presented here that was included in the capstone subject. The module included a lecture, class exercise and an advisors' led workshop. Some students undertake HAZOPs individually, representing academic misconduct. A verification strategy, based on Zipf's law, is presented that analyses word frequency and key words…

Breadth subjects enable students to explore topics that are outside their core degree discipline and can be used to promote chemical engineering to non-engineering students. A breadth subject was created to be welcoming to all students, that presented energy issues through a chemical engineering context. Contact was through lectures, flipped…