(69b) It’s All By Design: Incorporating Design Early in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum

In the early years of their Chemical Engineering education, students can feel overwhelmed by the difficult topics being introduced. Simultaneously, a general lack of understanding of how some early courses tie in with their ultimate career goals can discourage students from continuing with the major. U.C. San Diego has incorporated a design-based group project early in its Chemical Engineering program to facilitate learning and promote interest in the curriculum as a whole. The students are introduced to a detailed chemical process and analyze the system while making various design considerations. In this talk, an example of the project is highlighted and is discussed in terms of promoting groupwork and improving student understanding. Likewise, how these projects satisfy several ABET Student Outcomes will also be addressed.