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Records with Subject: Education
Interactive Computing Activities as Chemical Engineering Educational Tools in University and Informal Learning Environments
Ashlee N. Ford Versypt
December 20, 2022 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: computational science, faculty development, graphical user interface, Numerical Methods, STEM outreach, undergraduate curriculum
The central theme of this webinar is computer-based tools made broadly accessible to students, educators, researchers, and lay people. Major platforms discussed include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), interactive notebooks (e.g., Jupyter Notebooks and MATLAB Live Scripts), and GitHub repositories. These tools have been used in instructing and engaging undergraduate chemical engineering students, preparing faculty for using these tools, training undergraduate and graduate students for computational research in science and engineering, and introducing lay audiences to chemical engineering concepts in informal learning environments outside of the classroom. These and other resources are available in a collection of open-source materials available at http://github.com/ashleefv. Also in this collection is an open-source learning module that the presenter created and packaged (with support from CACHE) for an upper division/graduate elective course, focused on practical computational scienc... [more]
Teaching Conceptual Process Flowsheeting and Simulation: 3rd Year Undergraduate Level and Earlier
Thomas A. Adams II
February 14, 2022 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Aspen Plus, Conceptual Process Design, Process Modelling, Process Synthesis, Undergraduate Curriculum
Advice and best practices for teaching conceptual process flowsheeting, simulation, and design at the third year undergraduate level. Discusses setting course goals, integration with the rest of the curriculum, and delivery techniques. Practical strategies for tutorials, exams, lectures, and projects. Training TAs for experiential learning workshops. Best practices in teaching distillation design. This is the Award Lecture for AIChE's David Himmelblau Award for Innovations in Computer-Based Chemical Engineering Education. Live lecture given via APMonitor.com as a part of the AIChE's Computing and Systems Technology division webinar series.
Rethinking Computing Education with Vocareum and Canvas
Alexander Dowling
November 18, 2021 (v4)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Canvas, Colab, computer, data science, education, Jupyter, Learning Management System, Python, statistics, Vocareum
Presentation of Prof. Alexander Dowling's experience integrating Jupyter notebooks and computing into classes at the University of Notre Dame. Presented to ND faculty.
Integrating the Concept of Industry 4.0 by Teaching Methodology in Industrial Engineering Curriculum
Bashir Salah, Sajjad Khan, Muawia Ramadan, Nikola Gjeldum
December 28, 2020 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: engineering education, Industry 4.0, reconfigurable manufacturing systems, smart factory, smart product
The movement to digitally transform Saudi Arabia in all sectors has already begun under the “Vision 2030” program. Consequently, renovating and standardizing production and manufacturing industries to compete with global challenges is essential. The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) triggered by the development of information and communications technologies (ICT) provides a baseline for smart automation, using decentralized control and smart connectivity (e.g., Internet of Things). Industrial engineering graduates need to have acquaintance with this industrial digital revolution. Several industries where the spirit of Industry 4.0 has been embraced and have already implemented these ideas yielded gains. In this paper, a roadmap containing an academic term course based on the concept of Industry 4.0, which our engineering graduates passed through, is presented. At first, an orientation program to students elaborating on the Industry 4.0 concept, its main pillars, the importanc... [more]
Journey Making: Applying PSE Principles to Complex Curriculum Designs
Ian Cameron, Greg Birkett
May 22, 2020 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: curricula, design, higher education, process systems engineering, visualization
Since the 1950s, Process Systems Engineering (PSE) concepts have traditionally been applied to the process industries, with great effect and with significant benefit. However, the same general approaches and principles in designing complex process designs can be applied to the design of higher education (HE) curricula. Curricula represent intended learning journeys, these being similar to the design of process flowsheets. In this paper, we set out the formal framework and concepts that underlie the challenges in design of curricula. The approaches use generic and fundamental concepts that can be applied by any discipline to curriculum design. We show how integration of discipline-specific concepts, across time and space, can be combined through design choices, to create learning journeys for students. These concepts are captured within a web-based design tool that permits wide choices for designers to build innovative curricula. The importance of visualization of curricula is discussed... [more]
Data Science in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum
Thomas A. Duever
December 16, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Big Data, chemical engineering curriculum, data science, statistics
With the increasing availability of large amounts of data, methods that fall under the term data science are becoming important assets for chemical engineers to use. Methods, broadly speaking, are needed to carry out three tasks, namely data management, statistical and machine learning and data visualization. While claims have been made that data science is essentially statistics, consideration of the three tasks previously mentioned make it clear that it is really broader than just statistics alone and furthermore, statistical methods from a data-poor era are likely insufficient. While there have been many successful applications of data science methodologies, there are still many challenges that must be addressed. For example, just because a dataset is large, does not necessarily mean it is meaningful or information rich. From an organizational point of view, a lack of domain knowledge and a lack of a trained workforce among other issues are cited as barriers for the successful imple... [more]
Rethinking Computing and Statistics Instruction with Vocareum and Gradescope
Alexander Dowling
November 22, 2019 (v2)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Active Learning, Classroom Technology, Education, Jupyter Notebooks, Multivariate Statistics, Numerical Methods, Python
I will share ongoing efforts to retool CBE 20258 Numerical and Statistical Analysis (required) to provide a scaffolding for all chemical engineering undergraduates to develop core competencies in computing, applied statistics, and mathematical modeling. Key aspects of the course redesign include i) modernizing content including the adoption of the Python programming language and Jupyter notebooks, ii) moving initial exposure to outside of the classroom, and iii) incorporating active learning in all class sessions. I will share how classroom technologies Vocareum and Gradescope have been critical to the success of the redesign by reducing grading time, giving students fast feedback, and enabling regular accountability.
Training All Chemical Engineers in Computing and Data Science
Alexander Dowling
November 11, 2019 (v3)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Active Learning, Multivariate Statistics, Numerical Methods, Python, Undergraduate Education
In this contribution, I will discuss ongoing efforts to retool the sophomore-level “Numerical and Statistical Analysis” course (required) to provide a scaffolding for all students to develop core competencies in computing, applied statistics, and mathematical modeling throughout their undergraduate experience and profession careers. Beginning in Spring 2019, we are transitioning from MATLAB to Python for several reasons including consistency with “Chemical Process Control” (junior, required) and college-wide electives in data science and statistical computing that already use Python. I will also share experiences using Jupyter notebooks and cloud-based computing platforms such as Colaboratory to incorporate active learning into lectures and tutorials and to remove technical barriers for students. Content and assignments have been reorganized to emphasize mastery of foundational skills in preference over content breadth. For example, students are now required to submit hand-written pseu... [more]
Program enhancement: Faculty reflections on the graduate attribute process five years on
Jonathan Verrett
October 21, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: accreditation, faculty engagement, graduate attributes, program improvement
In response to the outcomes-based accreditation model, the Chemical Engineering and Chemical and Biological programs at the University of British Columbia identified 60 indicators to evaluate the 12 graduate attributes outlined by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). These indicators are evaluated in each of years 2, 3 and 4 of the program in order to track student progress. Indicator data collection began to be implemented in the 2014/2015 academic year. Indicator data has been collected each year and trends in this data have been analyzed.
These indicators are now undergoing a broad review by the programs to assess their effectiveness. As part of this process, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each faculty member involved in instructing both programs. These interviews focused on a number of topics including:

• appropriateness of current indicator assignments to courses
• confidence as to whether the data gathered in the course measures the indicator... [more]
Synergy Through Sharing: Open Resources and Technological Innovation in Chemical Engineering Education
Jonathan Verrett
October 21, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: computational notebooks, online homework, open education
Open educational resources (OER) can be defined as freely-accessible openly licensed works that can be used for teaching, learning and research. Studies have shown OER to be equally as effective or better than conventional resources (1). The University of British Columbia’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Department has developed a number of OER over the past few years in collaboration with a variety of partners within and outside of the university. This poster will present two of the OER developed for use in a variety of departmental core courses.

One OER developed was open online homework problems on the WeBWorK system. This online homework system, commonly used by many math departments, issues each student a unique set of numbers for a problem. The system provides students with instant feedback and can interpret a variety of mathematical operations, allowing solutions to be formatted in a number of ways. This allows students to collaborate in solving the problem without havin... [more]
POSTER: Lessons Learned from Renovation of NJIT’s Chemical Engineering Curriculum through an Infusion of Computation and Multiphysics Modeling
Roman Voronov
October 6, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: chemical engineering, computation, Computational science, comsol, Curriculum, Education, Graphical user interface, multiphysics, STEM Outreach, survey
This poster was presented by me at the CACHE 50th Anniversary meeting on the Future of Cyber Assisted Chemical Engineering Education: http://cache50th.org/?page=youngfaculty

It summarizes my experiences with rennovating the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Chemical Engineering Curriculum through an Infusion of Computation and Multiphysics Modeling. It also proposes the use of COMSOL Multiphysics Apps as a teaching visual aide.
Illustrating Molecular-Level Phenomena and Molecular Simulation Techniques with Commonly Used Software
Rachel Getman
August 24, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Chemical Reaction Engineering, Intermolecular Forces, Matlab, Microsoft Excel, Molecular simulations, Molecular-level phenomena, Monte Carlo, Python, Quantum Simulations, WebMO
While topics in the chemical engineering curriculum generally involve the macroscale, e.g., focusing on process design and optimizations, many of the grand challenges facing chemical engineers today involve molecular level chemistry. Having an appreciation for molecular-level phenomena will better prepare chemical engineers to handle problems in energy, water, food, catalysis, advanced materials, and other fields. In this presentation, we discuss homework/project problems that we have developed for use in the Material and Energy Balances, Separations, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics courses that explore molecular level phenomena and molecular-level simulation approaches. Specifically, these problems focus on intermolecular interactions, connections between molecular configurations and macroscopic observables, how molecular level properties control material performance, and simulation strategies that enable exploration of the molecular level. An aim of the assignments is to demonstrate sim... [more]
Poster: Graphical User Interfaces as Chemical Engineering Educational Tools in University and Informal Learning Environments
Ashlee N. Ford Versypt
July 30, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Computational science, Curriculum, Education, Graphical user interface, Modelling, STEM Outreach
This presentation discusses the development and use of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as cyber-assisted educational tools for instructing and engaging undergraduate chemical engineering students, training graduate students for computational research in science and engineering, and introducing lay audiences to chemical engineering concepts in informal learning environments outside of the classroom. A GUI encapsulates computational software within a visual environment where users can provide interactive input through brief text or point-and-click controls and display query or simulation results through an automated process without needing to learn a programming language or specific commands. MATLAB and Python are two popular software environments for science and engineering used in many university chemical engineering programs worldwide. Both provide excellent user support for rapid development of professional-quality GUIs by engineering educators, academic researchers, and science and... [more]
Toward Integrating Python Throughout the Chemical Engineering Curriculum: Using Google Colaboratory in the Classroom
Alexander Dowling
July 21, 2019 (v2)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Active Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis, Numerical Methods, Python, Statistics, Undergraduate
Computing and data science skills are without doubt extremely valuable for modern (chemical) engineers. Big data, machine learning, predictive modeling, decision science and similar terms are ever-present in job posting, scientific literature, funding announcements, and popular news. Yet, many chemical engineers lack a background in the fundamentals of computer programming, applied statistics, and mathematical modeling for problem solving. Often, student excitement in data-centric topics manifest through self-study with tutorials, extracurricular projects, and online classes whereby students assemble a toolbox of skills but do not learn the fundamentals that transcend each technique.

In this contribution, I will discuss our ongoing efforts at the University of Notre Dame to create a coherent, integrated strategy for computing and data analysis in the undergraduate curriculum. A key focus is retooling the sophomore-level “Numerical and Statistical Analysis” course (required) to provi... [more]
Modernizing the Undergraduate Process Design Curriculum
Thomas Alan Adams II
July 20, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Curriculum, Education, Modelling, Process Design, Process Synthesis, Simulation
In this talk, I give an overview of the chemical engineering curriculum at McMaster University as it relates to the 1.5 year process design sequence. The courses outside the design sequence were recently restructured and redesigned to create an environment with more modelling and algorithmic thinking/algorithmic problem solving. This includes a statistics course and a big data / machine learning course. The end result is that the design sequence is able to focus on state of the art tools and methods for process design because students receive many fundamental principles before the design sequence begins.
Announcing the 2019 Processes Travel Awards for Post-Doctoral Fellows and Ph.D. Students
Michael A. Henson, Juergen Hahn, Martha A. Grover, John D. Hedengren, Processes Editorial Office
April 15, 2019 (v1)
Subject: Education
In order to support the development of early career researchers involved in chemical and biological process/systems engineering, Processes launched the second Travel Awards for Post-doctoral Fellows and Ph. [...]
Transforming Instruction to Chemical Product Design
Ka M Ng, Warren D Seider
July 11, 2018 (v1)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Innovation, Product Design, Teaching Assessment, Technology Platforms
This paper describes the progress of our efforts to lead the CACHE (Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Education) Task Force in transforming from chemical process design toward chemical product design. Through CACHE, we are coordinating the development of a library of product-design case studies. Beginning with preliminary product designs created previously over several semesters, we are arranging for faculty experts, knowledgeable in the underlying technology platforms, to work with student groups to enrich the product designs. Over a 3-year period, a collection of approximately 25 case studies is being prepared. This article describes the research envisioned as innovative product designs are created, both egarding applications of new technologies, and product design evolution/evaluation; and in advancing strategies for teaching product design. The anticipated use of these case studies in departments worldwide for design courses taught by similar technology experts, just a few in... [more]
Blackout! Classroom Edition
Jake Nease, Thomas A. Adams II
December 12, 2019 (v2)
Subject: Education
Keywords: Classroom Workshop, Electricity Grid, Energy Markets, Game Theory, Open Source, Video Game
Blackout! Is a classroom game (suitable for middle school and up to and including university students) which simulates open electricity markets. Up to eight players compete on the open market to build power plants, bid on sale prices, and deliver the most electricity to their customers. Demand changes each turn (one simulation hour) over the course of a day. The game helps to teach about the trade-offs between different kinds of power plants, such as cost (capital cost vs. operating cost), reliability (thermal vs. renewables), flexibilty (such as base-load vs. peaking power), and so on. The current version includes wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas based power plants. Also included in this submission are sample workshop materials (i.e. instructional slides) useful in a classroom setting. Please see also the linked academic research article discussing the statistical outcomes of using the game with middle and high school students.

An article in Chemical Engineering Educatio... [more]
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