Integrating Biological Systems in the Process Dynamics and Control Curriculum

Authors

  • Robert S. Parker University of Pittsburgh
  • Francis J. Doyle III University of California at Santa Barbara
  • Michael A. Henson University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Abstract

The evolution of the chemical engineering discipline motivates a re-evaluation of the process dynamics and control curriculum. A key requirement of future courses will be the introduction of theoretical concepts and application examples relevant to emerging areas, notably complex biological systems. We outline the critical concepts required to integrate biological content within the traditional framework of process dynamics and control. This paper also details open issues and our experience with three courses on three different campuses to demonstrate alternative approaches to achieve this integration.

Author Biographies

Robert S. Parker, University of Pittsburgh

Robert S. Parker is an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. His educational interests focus on the area of dynamical systems analysis and control. He is currently involved with the implementation of an integrated curriculum and the development of cross-cutting biological problems to assist students with integrating material across courses.

Francis J. Doyle III, University of California at Santa Barbara

Francis J. Doyle III holds the Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp Chair in process control in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He holds joint appointments in Electrical Engineering as well as in the Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program. His educational interests are in process dynamics and control, systems biology, and the Introduction to Chemical Engineering course.

Michael A. Henson, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Michael A. Henson is a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His educational interests are in the areas of process modeling and control. He is involved in a variety of educational initiatives including development of a cross-disciplinary biological-systemsengineering curriculum and participation in a CACHE task force on systems-biology education.

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Published

2006-07-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 3 (2006): Summer 2006

Section

Manuscripts