Pillars of Chemical Engineering: A Block-Scheduled Curriculum

Authors

  • Joseph J. McCarthy University of Pittsburgh
  • Robert S. Parker University of Pittsburgh

Abstract

Chemical engineers have begun calling for change in the curriculum. It is generally agreed that there is a need for a stronger molecular-level focus, more integrated or systems insight, and that biological processes are gaining rapidly in importance within the discipline. Despite this agreement, there remains an open question regarding exactly how these changes are to be accomplished. This paper outlines a suggested method of restructuring that combines ideas from integrated freshman and sophomore programs with a successful pedagogical technique from K-12 education called block scheduling. While these ideas are currently being incorporated into a novel curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh, this paper is intended as a theoretical argument in favor of chemical engineering "pillar courses" rather than a progress report of the exact curriculum being developed.

Author Biographies

Joseph J. McCarthy, University of Pittsburgh

Joseph J. McCarthy is associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. His educational interests focus on technology-enhanced teaching/learning and integration of core knowledge early in the curriculum. His disciplinary research is focused on transport phenomena in particulate and multiphase flow.

Robert S. Parker, University of Pittsburgh

Robert S. Parker is assistant professor and the Fulton C. Noss faculty fellow in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. His educational interests focus on the area of dynamical systems analysis and control. He is currently involved with the implementation of an integrated curriculum and development of cross-cutting problems to assist students with integrating material across courses.

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Published

2004-09-01

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 4 (2004): Fall 2004

Section

Manuscripts