(134d) A Review of Alternatives to Physical Chemical Engineering Laboratories

The authors present a summary of a literature review examining evidence of effectiveness and the range of availability of alternatives to on-site laboratory instruction in chemical engineering. Recent events have raised concerns over the ability of chemical engineering programs to adapt their laboratory courses to a scenario where on-site work is disallowed. While work over the end of the Spring 2020 terms have focused on "making it through", it is appropriate to thoughtfully consider how key learning objectives targeted by typical chemical engineering laboratory courses can be addressed by alternative means. Three key categories of off-site laboratories are considered: simulated laboratory exercises, take-home laboratory where program provide supplies and equipment, and at-home laboratories using commonly found household items are considered. Available evidence of effectiveness in the context of common course outcomes (as categorized by Feisel and Rosa, JEE, 2005) provides the framework for consideration.