(233h) Developing a Project-Based Elective Course on Membrane Separations

Undergraduate chemical engineering curricula rarely offer courses spotlighting membrane separations (1). Courses that include hands-on project-based learning benefit students yet can create a challenge for faculty as they can require additional preparation to develop, implement, and assess. This presentation describes a project-based elective course on membrane separations geared toward junior- and senior-level students in chemical engineering or related fields, and it's evolution over three iterations. We will share a five-unit framework for introducing membrane topics that resolves challenges associated with interweaving membrane applications with their separation and fabrication principles. We will also discuss how the course has evolved to integrate and align laboratory activities with lecture content, include scaffolded open-ended projects and opportunities for peer-instruction, and leverage the expertise of multiple instructors. Additional information on the novel membrane systems used in this elective course will be provided in another talk, "3D-Printed Modular Membrane Frames for Student Projects & Class Demonstrations".

1. Vigeant, M. A., & Silverstein, D. L. (2014, June), Results from the AIChE Education Annual Survey: Chemical Engineering Electives Paper presented at 2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Indianapolis, Indiana. 10.18260/1-2--22983