Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.004
Luis A. Romero-Cano
The integration of simulation tools into chemical engineering education enhances the understanding of complex transport phenomena. This article presents a mini-workshop that uses MATLAB-Simulink to simulate steady-state one-dimensional heat conduction problems in various geometries. Designed as a learning intervention for undergraduate students enrolled in Heat Transfer courses, the tool allows students to visualize thermal gradients, evaluate heat flux, and explore the influence of physical parameters on conduction. The workshop employs simscape blocks to build models based on Fourier’s law, incorporating temperature-dependent thermal conductivity. The intended learning outcomes focus on fostering conceptual understanding, simulation skills, and engineering decision-making. The pedagogical strategy has been implemented in three Heat Transfer courses, where students responded positively, highlighting their preference for digital tools over traditional learning methods. The interactive and visual nature of the simulations improved their conceptual grasp and increased motivation. This communication provides ready-to-use examples, source code, and instructions, inviting educators to adapt and expand the tool in their own classrooms to collectively assess its pedagogical value.
{"title":"Modular simulation as a teaching tool: Integrating MATLAB-simulink into Heat Transfer courses to promote active learning and conceptual understanding","authors":"Luis A. Romero-Cano","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of simulation tools into chemical engineering education enhances the understanding of complex transport phenomena. This article presents a mini-workshop that uses MATLAB-Simulink to simulate steady-state one-dimensional heat conduction problems in various geometries. Designed as a learning intervention for undergraduate students enrolled in Heat Transfer courses, the tool allows students to visualize thermal gradients, evaluate heat flux, and explore the influence of physical parameters on conduction. The workshop employs simscape blocks to build models based on Fourier’s law, incorporating temperature-dependent thermal conductivity. The intended learning outcomes focus on fostering conceptual understanding, simulation skills, and engineering decision-making. The pedagogical strategy has been implemented in three Heat Transfer courses, where students responded positively, highlighting their preference for digital tools over traditional learning methods. The interactive and visual nature of the simulations improved their conceptual grasp and increased motivation. This communication provides ready-to-use examples, source code, and instructions, inviting educators to adapt and expand the tool in their own classrooms to collectively assess its pedagogical value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 171-177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.004
Thomas L. Rodgers
This article discusses “Modular Simulation as a Teaching Tool: Integrating MATLAB-Simulink into Heat Transfer Courses to Promote Active Learning and Conceptual Understanding”, Luis A. Romero-Cano, Education for Chemical Engineers.
本文讨论了“模块化模拟作为教学工具:将MATLAB-Simulink集成到传热课程中以促进主动学习和概念理解”,Luis a . Romero-Cano,化学工程师教育。
{"title":"Critique – Tools for sharing: MATLAB-Simulink into heat transfer courses","authors":"Thomas L. Rodgers","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article discusses “Modular Simulation as a Teaching Tool: Integrating MATLAB-Simulink into Heat Transfer Courses to Promote Active Learning and Conceptual Understanding”, Luis A. Romero-Cano, <em>Education for Chemical Engineers</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 178-179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.002
Zahara M. de Pedro, Ariadna Alvarez-Montero, Jose A. Casas, Macarena Munoz
This work examines the application of active learning methodologies, including interactive platforms and project-based learning (PBL), in the subject “Bases de la Ingeniería Ambiental” (Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering, FEE) at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Over five academic years (2019/20–2023/24), student response systems (SRSs) such as Kahoot! and Edpuzzle were implemented to foster participation and improve conceptual understanding through gamified quizzes and video-based problem-solving. Additionally, PBL was introduced to promote hands-on learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. The intervention involved approximately 130 students per academic year. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed an increase in average final grades from 4.81 (pre-intervention period) to 5.62 in the two most recent academic years, along with higher scores in continuous assessment activities. Student satisfaction indicators remained consistently high, with institutional surveys showing no negative deviations even during pandemic-related disruptions. Professors reported a positive perception of the methodology, highlighting improved student engagement without loss of control over class dynamics. These findings support the value of combining SRS tools and PBL as a robust framework to enhance motivation and academic achievement in environmental engineering education.
{"title":"Active learning in environmental engineering: Combining interactive platforms and project-based approaches to boost engagement and academic performance","authors":"Zahara M. de Pedro, Ariadna Alvarez-Montero, Jose A. Casas, Macarena Munoz","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work examines the application of active learning methodologies, including interactive platforms and project-based learning (PBL), in the subject “Bases de la Ingeniería Ambiental” (Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering, FEE) at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Over five academic years (2019/20–2023/24), student response systems (SRSs) such as Kahoot! and Edpuzzle were implemented to foster participation and improve conceptual understanding through gamified quizzes and video-based problem-solving. Additionally, PBL was introduced to promote hands-on learning, teamwork, and critical thinking. The intervention involved approximately 130 students per academic year. Comparative analysis of academic performance showed an increase in average final grades from 4.81 (pre-intervention period) to 5.62 in the two most recent academic years, along with higher scores in continuous assessment activities. Student satisfaction indicators remained consistently high, with institutional surveys showing no negative deviations even during pandemic-related disruptions. Professors reported a positive perception of the methodology, highlighting improved student engagement without loss of control over class dynamics. These findings support the value of combining SRS tools and PBL as a robust framework to enhance motivation and academic achievement in environmental engineering education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 161-170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.001
Martín Nieto Bermejo , Alejandro García Zancajo , Antonio Nieto-Márquez
An active learning experience was developed through the UPM MotoStudent competition team, where chemical engineering students tackled challenges related to the cooling of the electric motor. This project led to the development of four chemical engineering-related projects: (i) drying and cooling of air using an adsorption bed and dry ice, (ii) design and construction of a radiator, (iii) development of a testing bench with control systems and information monitoring, and (iv) development and characterization of dielectric oils for the prevention of electroerosion phenomenon. The competition provided a hands-on platform for students to apply their knowledge of heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and process control in a real-world context. Furthermore, soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management were crucially developed, contributing to the overall success of the project. The learning outcomes of this experience pushed students to the highest levels of Bloom's taxonomy—Evaluate and Create—levels seldom reached in undergraduate courses. Participants highlighted the project's strong impact on technical learning, personal growth and teamwork.
{"title":"Fostering chemical engineering competencies through competition teams: The UPM MotoStudent Electric experience","authors":"Martín Nieto Bermejo , Alejandro García Zancajo , Antonio Nieto-Márquez","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An active learning experience was developed through the UPM MotoStudent competition team, where chemical engineering students tackled challenges related to the cooling of the electric motor. This project led to the development of four chemical engineering-related projects: (i) drying and cooling of air using an adsorption bed and dry ice, (ii) design and construction of a radiator, (iii) development of a testing bench with control systems and information monitoring, and (iv) development and characterization of dielectric oils for the prevention of electroerosion phenomenon. The competition provided a hands-on platform for students to apply their knowledge of heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and process control in a real-world context. Furthermore, soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management were crucially developed, contributing to the overall success of the project. The learning outcomes of this experience pushed students to the highest levels of Bloom's taxonomy—Evaluate and Create—levels seldom reached in undergraduate courses. Participants highlighted the project's strong impact on technical learning, personal growth and teamwork.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 149-160"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.004
Fuhai Yu , Jingning Lv , Hong Han , Yongjie Zhang , Jian Zhang
With the development of large language models(LLM) in Artificial Intelligence(AI), AI assistants have been widely applied across various sectors and lead to tremendous enhancing in the work efficiency. However, there is hardly any comprehensive studies on the application of AI assistants to the teaching and evaluation process of Principles of Chemical Engineering course for college education. Therefore, this paper integrates and optimizes the teaching and evaluation processes of Principles of Chemical Engineering course with the assistance of AI technology. By leveraging AI technology for instructional support, the course content is integrating with real-life scenarios and cutting-edge scientific research. In the meanwhile, students' systematic thinking, innovative and entrepreneurial skills as well as the critical thinking can get fostered. Moreover, integration of knowledge across disciplines, majors, and even virtual-real scenarios can get accelerated and expanded with the AI assistant. During the reform, the following modulus, including interactive conversation led by guide words, optional module expansion for practical applications, error-spotting games for figures and literatures, curriculum design and composition of business plans are facilitated by the AI assistant to improve the interest, breadth and depth of the curriculum contents. The implementation of this case effectively advances the reform of college education in the boosting backdrop of AI, equipping students with thoughts and abilities to apply the latest AI technologies to their study and research projects. The implementation of the case has been proven to be practically feasible, and shows great potentials for further applications.
{"title":"Application of AI teaching assistant to college education of principles of chemical engineering","authors":"Fuhai Yu , Jingning Lv , Hong Han , Yongjie Zhang , Jian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the development of large language models(LLM) in Artificial Intelligence(AI), AI assistants have been widely applied across various sectors and lead to tremendous enhancing in the work efficiency. However, there is hardly any comprehensive studies on the application of AI assistants to the teaching and evaluation process of Principles of Chemical Engineering course for college education. Therefore, this paper integrates and optimizes the teaching and evaluation processes of Principles of Chemical Engineering course with the assistance of AI technology. By leveraging AI technology for instructional support, the course content is integrating with real-life scenarios and cutting-edge scientific research. In the meanwhile, students' systematic thinking, innovative and entrepreneurial skills as well as the critical thinking can get fostered. Moreover, integration of knowledge across disciplines, majors, and even virtual-real scenarios can get accelerated and expanded with the AI assistant. During the reform, the following modulus, including interactive conversation led by guide words, optional module expansion for practical applications, error-spotting games for figures and literatures, curriculum design and composition of business plans are facilitated by the AI assistant to improve the interest, breadth and depth of the curriculum contents. The implementation of this case effectively advances the reform of college education in the boosting backdrop of AI, equipping students with thoughts and abilities to apply the latest AI technologies to their study and research projects. The implementation of the case has been proven to be practically feasible, and shows great potentials for further applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 138-148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.003
Cristian J. Calderón, Dumar Andres Camacho Luengas, Juan Manuel Reyna-González
This study explored the perceptions of fourth-semester Chemical Engineering students at Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), State of Mexico Campus, regarding their use of Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) software. The university’s Tec21 Educational Model requires students to resolve real-world challenges posed by professors and external training partners. In the study, students in the fourth semester of Chemical Engineering were required to design a shell and tube heat exchanger for an amine absorption system in two consecutive learning blocks. Block I focused on heat transfer systems, combining theoretical and practical knowledge with manual and Excel calculations. In Block II, students used Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS for shortcut calculations and Aspen EDR for rigorous calculations to validate their proposals in Block I. At the end of Block II, study indicators revealed that the students valued the engagement of training partners and real-world challenges, considering these to have significantly contributed to their academic experience. They emphasized the importance of learning simulation software early in their academic careers, as it validates manual calculations and produces optimal designs. They described the challenge as intellectually stimulating and believed it strengthened transversal competencies such as critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience.
{"title":"Using a process simulator to enhance the learning of heat exchanger design in fourth-semester chemical engineering students","authors":"Cristian J. Calderón, Dumar Andres Camacho Luengas, Juan Manuel Reyna-González","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explored the perceptions of fourth-semester Chemical Engineering students at Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), State of Mexico Campus, regarding their use of Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) software. The university’s Tec21 Educational Model requires students to resolve real-world challenges posed by professors and external training partners. In the study, students in the fourth semester of Chemical Engineering were required to design a shell and tube heat exchanger for an amine absorption system in two consecutive learning blocks. Block I focused on heat transfer systems, combining theoretical and practical knowledge with manual and Excel calculations. In Block II, students used Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS for shortcut calculations and Aspen EDR for rigorous calculations to validate their proposals in Block I. At the end of Block II, study indicators revealed that the students valued the engagement of training partners and real-world challenges, considering these to have significantly contributed to their academic experience. They emphasized the importance of learning simulation software early in their academic careers, as it validates manual calculations and produces optimal designs. They described the challenge as intellectually stimulating and believed it strengthened transversal competencies such as critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 113-122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144841732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.002
Alicia Ronda, Esmeralda Portillo, Luz M. Gallego Fernández, Carmen Arnaiz, Yolanda Luna-Galiano, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Custodia Fernández-Baco, Rosario Villegas, Fernando Vega, Carlos Leiva, Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo
University teaching must be continuously evaluated to identify weaknesses and propose the improvement actions to avoid the lack of motivation by the students and to encouraged them to participate into the learning process. The analysis is not always carried out efficiently due to its complexity. For this reason, this study evaluates the application of a SWOT analysis in the teaching of the Environmental Engineering Master (EEM) and Chemical Engineering Master (CEM) at the University of Seville (US). The SWOT methodology consisted of identifying weaknesses and suggesting ways to improve, which were implemented through various teaching innovation projects. Several weaknesses were identified such as difficulties with the initial adaptation process, high academic workload and poor academic performance. A portfolio of improvement actions was designed and applied in the CEM and EEM. It was observed that the duration of studies decreased 0.85 and 0.13 years for EEM and CEM, respectively and that the number of students presenting their Master's theses in the same year of enrolment increased by 27 %. The main results were the high level of student satisfaction - 4.21/5.00 in the last survey and the significant improvement of key learning aspects such as interdisciplinarity, learning outcomes and student/professor engagement.
{"title":"Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis to improve teaching of the chemical and environmental engineering department in master's studies","authors":"Alicia Ronda, Esmeralda Portillo, Luz M. Gallego Fernández, Carmen Arnaiz, Yolanda Luna-Galiano, Mónica Rodríguez-Galán, Custodia Fernández-Baco, Rosario Villegas, Fernando Vega, Carlos Leiva, Fátima Arroyo-Torralvo","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>University teaching must be continuously evaluated to identify weaknesses and propose the improvement actions to avoid the lack of motivation by the students and to encouraged them to participate into the learning process. The analysis is not always carried out efficiently due to its complexity. For this reason, this study evaluates the application of a SWOT analysis in the teaching of the Environmental Engineering Master (EEM) and Chemical Engineering Master (CEM) at the University of Seville (US). The SWOT methodology consisted of identifying weaknesses and suggesting ways to improve, which were implemented through various teaching innovation projects. Several weaknesses were identified such as difficulties with the initial adaptation process, high academic workload and poor academic performance. A portfolio of improvement actions was designed and applied in the CEM and EEM. It was observed that the duration of studies decreased 0.85 and 0.13 years for EEM and CEM, respectively and that the number of students presenting their Master's theses in the same year of enrolment increased by 27 %. The main results were the high level of student satisfaction - 4.21/5.00 in the last survey and the significant improvement of key learning aspects such as interdisciplinarity, learning outcomes and student/professor engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 123-137"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144841733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The effective transformation of organic chemistry education necessitates the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches that actively promote student engagement and motivation throughout the learning process. Thus, this study investigates the impact of a multimedia-supported flipped classroom approach (MSFCA) on student engagement and motivation in learning organic chemistry in Rwandan secondary schools. The study involved 73 senior five students (fifth year of upper secondary school) and two chemistry teachers, employing an explanatory sequential research design. Quantitative data were gathered using a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data from structured interviews were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed high levels of student engagement and motivation in learning through MSFCA, as evidenced by their positive survey responses. Additionally, qualitative insights highlighted students’ eagerness for organic chemistry when taught using this innovative method. However, rural students reported lower motivation levels compared to their urban counterparts primarily due to challenges with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, such as limited internet access and insufficient computers. The statistically significant disparity in mean scores (rural: 49.58, urban: 68.47, P < 0.001, df =72) underscores how limited resources in rural areas hinder effective engagement in multimedia-supported flipped classrooms. Based on these findings, the study recommends integrating MSFCA more broadly to enhance student interest and motivation in organic chemistry. It also emphasizes the need to expand ICT resources, including reliable internet connectivity and adequate computer availability, particularly in rural schools.
{"title":"Examining students’ engagement and motivation in organic chemistry through the use of a multimedia-supported flipped classroom approach","authors":"Ezechiel Nsabayezu , Olivier Habimana , Wenceslas Nzabalirwa , Francois Niyongabo Niyonzima","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The effective transformation of organic chemistry education necessitates the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches that actively promote student engagement and motivation throughout the learning process. Thus, this study investigates the impact of a multimedia-supported flipped classroom approach (MSFCA) on student engagement and motivation in learning organic chemistry in Rwandan secondary schools. The study involved 73 senior five students (fifth year of upper secondary school) and two chemistry teachers, employing an explanatory sequential research design. Quantitative data were gathered using a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data from structured interviews were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed high levels of student engagement and motivation in learning through MSFCA, as evidenced by their positive survey responses. Additionally, qualitative insights highlighted students’ eagerness for organic chemistry when taught using this innovative method. However, rural students reported lower motivation levels compared to their urban counterparts primarily due to challenges with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, such as limited internet access and insufficient computers. The statistically significant disparity in mean scores (rural: 49.58, urban: 68.47, P < 0.001, df =72) underscores how limited resources in rural areas hinder effective engagement in multimedia-supported flipped classrooms. Based on these findings, the study recommends integrating MSFCA more broadly to enhance student interest and motivation in organic chemistry. It also emphasizes the need to expand ICT resources, including reliable internet connectivity and adequate computer availability, particularly in rural schools.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 102-112"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144813885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.001
A. Rodríguez-Gómez , R. Granados-Fernández , E. Lacasa , C.M. Fernández-Marchante , M.A. Rodrigo
One of the most controversial points for teachers of Process Dynamics in Chemical Engineering is related to the extension and methodology for the frequency-response tools. In chemical processes, time constants typically range from seconds to days, i.e. several orders of magnitude different from those faced by other engineering professionals (e.g. electrical engineers, where time constants are in the milli-microsecond range). This means that the approach used for the teaching of frequency-response techniques for Chemical Engineers must be very different from that of other degrees, fact that is not always considered in the study programs. This contribution describes the Simulation Case Study-Based Learning (SCSBL) methodology, which has been successfully employed at the University of Castilla-La Mancha for over two decades using simulation tools developed in Visual Basic for Excel. Through this tool, the student acquires the necessary skills to build a simulator in a practical way from which the frequency-response of a system is evaluated in a time considerably less compared with other traditional methodologies. This allows the student to have a clear understanding not only of the main concepts of frequency response, but also to be able to perform a frequency response study of any system and draw relevant conclusions.
化学工程过程动力学教师最具争议的问题之一是频率响应工具的扩展和方法。在化学过程中,时间常数通常从秒到天不等,即与其他工程专业人员(例如电气工程师,其时间常数在毫微秒范围内)所面临的几个数量级不同。这意味着用于化学工程师的频率响应技术教学的方法必须与其他学位的教学方法非常不同,这一事实在学习计划中并不总是被考虑到。这篇文章描述了基于案例研究的模拟学习(SCSBL)方法,该方法已经在卡斯蒂利亚-拉曼查大学成功应用了二十多年,使用Visual Basic for Excel开发的模拟工具。通过这个工具,学生获得必要的技能,以一种实用的方式建立一个模拟器,从这个模拟器中,与其他传统方法相比,系统的频率响应在相当短的时间内得到评估。这使学生不仅对频率响应的主要概念有一个清晰的认识,而且能够对任何系统进行频率响应研究并得出相关结论。
{"title":"How to teach frequency response easily to chemical engineers using spreadsheets","authors":"A. Rodríguez-Gómez , R. Granados-Fernández , E. Lacasa , C.M. Fernández-Marchante , M.A. Rodrigo","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One of the most controversial points for teachers of Process Dynamics in Chemical Engineering is related to the extension and methodology for the frequency-response tools. In chemical processes, time constants typically range from seconds to days, i.e. several orders of magnitude different from those faced by other engineering professionals (e.g. electrical engineers, where time constants are in the milli-microsecond range). This means that the approach used for the teaching of frequency-response techniques for Chemical Engineers must be very different from that of other degrees, fact that is not always considered in the study programs. This contribution describes the Simulation Case Study-Based Learning (SCSBL) methodology, which has been successfully employed at the University of Castilla-La Mancha for over two decades using simulation tools developed in Visual Basic for Excel. Through this tool, the student acquires the necessary skills to build a simulator in a practical way from which the frequency-response of a system is evaluated in a time considerably less compared with other traditional methodologies. This allows the student to have a clear understanding not only of the main concepts of frequency response, but also to be able to perform a frequency response study of any system and draw relevant conclusions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 91-101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.006
J.D. Badia-Valiente, O. Gil-Castell
This study presents a gamification-driven project-based learning (PBL) approach to enhance formative learning in chemical engineering education for biotechnology students. The core methodology, ChEngBoost, consists of the incardination of five progressively challenging in-class problem-solving sessions on mass and energy balances under steady and non-steady conditions. Gamification principles such as exclusivity, opportunity, surprise, and competition were incorporated to boost intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. A pass/fail grading criterion for each submission, at limited times, was focused on efficacy and efficiency. A structured scoring system to vitaminize the challenges, awarded individual 5 % bonuses, up to a maximum 20 %, to be assigned to either exam or task marks, with no penalty for non-delivery or incorrect solutions. Grade inflation was controlled by capping improvements within 10 % of students’ individual marks. The actual grade increases were therefore modest, although, remarkably, engagement and motivation significantly improved, as over 90 % of students rated their experience at levels 4 or 5 on Likert-scale evaluations. Beyond academic engagement, the methodology contributed to foster key transversal skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making under uncertainty. These findings support the potential of gamified PBL to enhance not only learning outcomes but also future professional performance. The positive reception and willingness to adopt this methodology in other subjects highlighted its potential for broader application in engineering education.
{"title":"ChEngBoost: Vitaminised and gamified problem-based learning of chemical engineering bases in biotechnology","authors":"J.D. Badia-Valiente, O. Gil-Castell","doi":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ece.2025.07.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a gamification-driven project-based learning (PBL) approach to enhance formative learning in chemical engineering education for biotechnology students. The core methodology, <em>ChEngBoost</em>, consists of the incardination of five progressively challenging in-class problem-solving sessions on mass and energy balances under steady and non-steady conditions. Gamification principles such as exclusivity, opportunity, surprise, and competition were incorporated to boost intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. A pass/fail grading criterion for each submission, at limited times, was focused on efficacy and efficiency. A structured scoring system to vitaminize the challenges, awarded individual 5 % bonuses, up to a maximum 20 %, to be assigned to either exam or task marks, with no penalty for non-delivery or incorrect solutions. Grade inflation was controlled by capping improvements within 10 % of students’ individual marks. The actual grade increases were therefore modest, although, remarkably, engagement and motivation significantly improved, as over 90 % of students rated their experience at levels 4 or 5 on Likert-scale evaluations. Beyond academic engagement, the methodology contributed to foster key transversal skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making under uncertainty. These findings support the potential of gamified PBL to enhance not only learning outcomes but also future professional performance. The positive reception and willingness to adopt this methodology in other subjects highlighted its potential for broader application in engineering education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48509,"journal":{"name":"Education for Chemical Engineers","volume":"53 ","pages":"Pages 62-70"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144723571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}