A Chemical Engineering Course for Liberal Arts Students—Indigo: A World of Blues

Authors

  • Polly R Piergiovanni Lafayette College

Abstract

Sophomore liberal arts and engineering students enrolled in a course to learn and practice some basic chemical engineering side by side. The course was developed around the theme of indigo dyeing, which has an interesting history, fascinating chemistry and is accessible to all students. The students participated in a variety of active learning exercises in the classroom and laboratory. At the end of the semester, assessments showed that the liberal arts students understood the basic chemical engineering principles as well as the engineering students.

Author Biography

Polly R Piergiovanni, Lafayette College

is an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Lafayette College. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Houston, both in chemical engineering. Currently she is studying how active learning and directed writing activities facilitate critical thinking.

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Published

2012-09-01

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 4 (2012): Fall 2012

Section

Manuscripts