T3-E: Novel Experimental Component of Introductory Chemical Engineering Course
Location
Dolphin
Start Date
5-3-2018 3:45 PM
Description
To enhance practical understanding in the introductory chemical engineering course at the University of Florida, an experimental component has been incorporated into the course curriculum that provides a hands-on approach to fundamental concepts. Students analyze and predict transient processes in two separate experiments. Each begin with a pre-lab assignment in which students are introduced to the problem and make theoretical predictions. Groups of three test their predictions while an instructor asks questions to test their conceptual understanding. After the laboratory activities, an evaluation was performed to determine effectiveness. We discuss how this experimental component and its evaluation 1) reinforced understanding of fundamental course concepts, 2) allowed students to make and test predictions, and 3) elucidated issues that need improvement in the future. Through this and future efforts, students will be able to enhance problem-solving skills over and above conventional coursework.
T3-E: Novel Experimental Component of Introductory Chemical Engineering Course
Dolphin
To enhance practical understanding in the introductory chemical engineering course at the University of Florida, an experimental component has been incorporated into the course curriculum that provides a hands-on approach to fundamental concepts. Students analyze and predict transient processes in two separate experiments. Each begin with a pre-lab assignment in which students are introduced to the problem and make theoretical predictions. Groups of three test their predictions while an instructor asks questions to test their conceptual understanding. After the laboratory activities, an evaluation was performed to determine effectiveness. We discuss how this experimental component and its evaluation 1) reinforced understanding of fundamental course concepts, 2) allowed students to make and test predictions, and 3) elucidated issues that need improvement in the future. Through this and future efforts, students will be able to enhance problem-solving skills over and above conventional coursework.