Graduate Bridging and Continuing Education Using the Internet
Resumen
The application of chemical engineering principles has proven valuable in a wide range of nontraditional, science-based industries, including biotechnology and semiconductors. Companies in these industries increasingly need employees with knowledge of both the science underpinning their businesses and chemical engineering concepts. To address this need, Michigan State University has developed two Internet-based courses that provide a summary of chemical engineering fundamentals for scientists and engineers from related disciplines. These courses are intended primarily for two audiences: 1) students with bachelors' degrees in technical disciplines other than chemical engineering who wish to bridge into a graduate chemical engineering program, and 2) professionals seeking continuing-education training in chemical engineering. This paper discusses the strategies used to select course content and the delivery techniques used in these courses and gives perspectives and recommendations on using the Internet for effective instruction of students.