A Project-Based, Spiral Curriculum for Introductory Courses in ChE: Part 1. Curriculum Design

Authors

  • William M. Clark Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • David DiBiasio Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Anthony G. Dixon Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract

In this series of papers we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a new curriculum for the beginning core course sequence of chemical engineering.  We completely reorganized our material and energy balances, thermodynamics, and stage-wise separation processes courses into an integrated year-long course wherein learning of chemical engineering fundamentals is facilitated by completing a series of laboratory and design projects.  The new curriculum features a spiral approach that reinforces key topics by revisiting them in different context with increasing sophistication throughout the year.

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Author Biographies

William M. Clark, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

William M. Clark is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at WPI. He holds BS and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from Clemson University and Rice University, respectively, and has 13 years of experience teaching thermodynamics, unit operations, and separation processes. His educational research focuses on developing and evaluating computer-aided learning tools.

David DiBiasio, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

David DiBiasio is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at WPI. He received his BS, MS, and PhD degres in chemical engineering from Purdue University. His educational work focuses on active and cooperative learning and educational assessment. His other research interests are in biochemical engineering, specifically biological reactor analysis.

Anthony G. Dixon, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Anthony G. Dixon is Professor of Chemical Engineering at WPI. He holds a BSc degree in mathematics and a PhD degree in chemical engineering from the University of Edinburgh. His research has included development of interactive graphics software to aid in teaching process design and mathematics to engineers.

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Published

2020-06-26

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 3 (2000): Summer 2000

Section

Manuscripts