USING CDIO TO REVAMP THE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM

This paper discusses how the CDIO framework is used to reengineer a curriculum revamp for the Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic. A brief introduction to the “traditional” way chemical engineering program is being taught is presented followed by a discussion on rising importance of including general transferable skills and chemical product design skills in the educational landscape and its impact on the chemical engineering curriculum. The shortcoming of the present course in its coverage in terms of the requirements of CDIO Standards and Syllabus were discussed. The approach taken to revamp the curriculum, which resulted in a new course structure, is presented, followed by brief descriptions on work done for selected modules, namely Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Plant Design Project, Chemical Product Design and Chemical Reaction Engineering. Key learning points from the revamp exercise were discussed, how some of the challenges were being overcome, followed by discussion on plans formulated to continue the curriculum revamping effort. Lastly an overview was given on how recent development on education for sustainable development as well as the integration of process and product designs can affect the education of chemical engineers, and how the CDIO framework can be utilized to continue to drive the reform in chemical engineering education.